Lid assembly with actuator to raise drinking member

Abstract

A lid assembly (50) for a beverage container (20) includes an actuator element that rotates a drinking spout. In one aspect, the drinking spout rotates upward from the lid body (100) to a drinking position by the user squeezing the handle (300).

Description

Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid assembly with an actuator element to raise a drinking member.Summary

[0002] Certain aspects of a lid assembly with an actuator element to raise a drinking member are described. In one aspect, the drinking member is a portion of a lid assembly for a beverage container. The drinking member is raised upward from the lid assembly to a drinking position by a user activating an actuator element such as a handle, knob, button, crank arm, or lever. Such activation may include pushing, pulling, rotating, or other movement.

[0003] In one aspect, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a drinking member, and a handle. The drinking member is rotatably engaged to the lid body. The user moves the handle, such as by a squeezing motion, which causes the drinking member to rotate upward to a drinking position. The lid assembly is configured to engage or connect to an upper portion or neck region of a beverage container.

[0004] In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a handle, and a drinking member. The drinking member is rotatably engaged to the lid body. The handle actuates the lid body to rotate the drinking member to a drinking position.

[0005] In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a handle, and a drinking member. The drinking member is rotatably engaged to the lid body. The handle is configured to drive a slide link, which drives the drinking member to a drinking position.

[0006] In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a handle, a drinking member, and a slide link. The handle is configured to drive the slide link in a linear movement relative to the lid body, and the slide link drives the drinking member upward in rotational movement relative to the lid body. The lid assembly converts the linear movement of the slide link to the rotational movement of the drinking member.

[0007] In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a handle, and a drinking member with a first geared surface, and a slide link with a second geared surface. The handle is configured to drive the slide link relative to the lid body, which causes the second geared surface to drive the first geared surface and rotate the drinking member upward to a drinking position from a closed position. In the closed position, the drinking member is at least partially flush with the lid assembly or at least partially in or against the lid assembly. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a gear; a slide link, the slide link configured to move relative to the lid body; the slide link including a first end and a second end, the slide link including a gear rack; and a lever, the lever comprising an engaging member, the engaging member configured to press against the first end of the slide link to move the slide link relative to the lid body and to drive the gear rack against the gear of the drinking member to provide rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and a second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a first gear and a second gear; a slide link, the slide link configured to move in a linear motion relative to the lid body, the slide link including a first end and a second end joined by a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall; a lower surface of the first lateral wall forms or includes a first gear rack; a lower surface of the second lateral wall forms or include a second gear rack; a handle, the handle comprising an engaging member, the engaging member configured to press against the first end of the slide link to move the slide link in the linear motion relative to the lid body; and the first gear rack and the second gear rack of the slide link configured to drive the first gear and the second gear of the drinking member in a rotational movement relative to the lid body which raises the drinking member. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a gear; a slide link including a first end and a second end, the slide link including a gear rack; and a push button configured to move relative to the lid body, the push button configured to press against the first end of the slide link to move the slide link relative to the lid body and to drive the gear rack against the gear of the drinking member to provide rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a gear; and a push button configured to move relative to the lid body, the push button including a gear rack, the push button configured to drive the gear rack against the gear of the drinking member to provide rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a ball valve rotatably engaged to the lid body, the ball valve include an inlet and an outlet, the ball valve including a gear; and a push button configured to move relative to the lid body, the push button including a gear rack, the push body configured to drive the gear rack against the gear of the ball valve to provide rotational movement of the ball valve relative to the lid body in order to open and close the ball valve. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member; an actuator element, the actuator element configured as a crank arm, the crank arm configured to rotate; a slide link, the slide link configured as a connecting rod and a piston, the connecting rod attached to the crank arm such that when the crank arm is rotated, the connecting rod also rotates, thereby causing linear movement of the piston; and the piston interacting with the drinking member such that the linear movement of the piston causes the drinking member to move away from the lid body toward an open position or move closer to the lid body toward a closed position. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; an actuator element and a slide link, the actuator element configured to activate the slide link; a drinking member configured to permit a user to access liquid from the beverage container; the drinking member including an axle for positioning the drinking member relative to the lid body; a protrusion positioned on or in a bottom portion of the drinking member, the protrusion distanced from the axle and the bottom portion of the drinking member configured as a cam; and the slide link configured to include a protrusion-receiving opening such that the activation of the actuator element moves the slide link thereby moving the protrusion along a rotation path of the bottom portion of the drinking member, which causes an upper portion of the drinking member to move to an open position or a closed position. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body; and a slide link, the slide link configured to move relative to the lid body; and the slide link configured to drive the drinking member in a rotational movement relative to the lid body. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member, the drinking member having a drinking interface and a base portion, wherein the base portion includes a catch portion offset from an axis of rotation of the base portion, an actuator element is configured to move a slide link in a generally linear path, and the slide link having an end, the end of the slide link configured to drive against the catch portion of the drinking member when the actuator element is activated, thereby rotating the base portion, which causes the drinking interface of the drinking member to rotate to an open position. The drinking member may be biased to a closed position such that release of the actuator element causes the drinking member to return to the closed position. Alternatively, the drinking member may remains in the open position after release of the actuator element until a user manually pushes the drinking member to a closed position.Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the beverage container system. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the beverage container system. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the lid assembly. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the lid assembly. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lid assembly with the handle raised. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid assembly. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member lowered. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member lowered. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member partially raised. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member partially raised. FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member fully raised. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member fully raised. FIG. 13 is an upper view of the lid assembly with the drinking member down. FIG. 14 is an upper view of the lid assembly with the drinking member fully raised. FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the lid assembly showing the slide link retaining the cover. FIG. 16 shows the movement of the handle. FIG. 17A shows a push button version of the lid assembly. FIG. 17B shows the push button version of the lid assembly. FIG. 18A shows a cam version of the lid assembly. FIG. 18B shows the cam version of the lid assembly. FIGS. 18C1-18C6 show the opening and closing of the cam version of the lid assembly. FIG. 18D1 shows the slide link of the cam version of the lid assembly. FIG. 18D2 shows the slide link engaged to the drinking member of the cam version of the lid assembly. FIG. 18D3 shows the drinking member of the cam version of the lid assembly. FIG. 19A shows a second push button version of the lid assembly. FIG. 19B shows the second push button version of the lid assembly. FIGS. 19C1-19C4 show the opening of the second push button version of the lid assembly. FIG. 19D1 shows the slide link and push open actuator of the second push button version of the lid assembly. FIG. 19D2 shows the slide link of the second push button version of the lid assembly. FIG. 20A shows a mug version of the lid assembly. FIG. 20B shows the mug version of the lid assembly. Detailed Description of Invention

[0009] For purposes of this application, any terms that describe relative position (e.g., "upper", "middle" "lower", "outer", "inner", "above", "below", "bottom", "top", etc.) refer to an aspect of the invention as illustrated, but those terms do not limit the orientation in which the embodiments can be used.

[0010] A beverage container system 10 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-16. The beverage container system 10 includes a container 20 to hold a beverage and a lid assembly 50 to selectively close the beverage container 20. The lid assembly 50 may engage with the beverage container 20 to form the beverage container system 10. The lid assembly 50 is configured to engage or connect to an upper portion or neck region of the beverage container 20.

[0011] The lid assembly 50 includes a lid body 100, a drinking member 200 and a handle 300. In this aspect, the handle 300 provides the actuator element. The drinking member 200 is rotatably engaged to the lid body 100. The user moves the handle 300, such as by a squeezing motion, which causes the drinking member 200 to rotate upward to a drinking position. In a closed position, the drinking member is at least partially flush with the lid assembly 50 or at least partially in or against the lid assembly 50.

[0012] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lid body 100 will now be described. The lid body 100 includes a sidewall 105 with inner threads 107 to threadably engage exterior threads of a rim of the beverage container 20. An upper side 110 of the lid body 100 includes opposing axle retainers 113 and a bearing surface 116 which are configured to receive the drinking member 200.

[0013] The upper side 110 of the lid body 100 further forms or includes a compartment 120 configured to hold and / or receive a slide link 400. In this aspect, the compartment 120 is defined by opposing lateral walls 122 and 124. The slide link 400 is configured to move between the opposing lateral walls 122 and 124. Forward positioners 126 and rear positioners 128 extend from the opposing lateral walls 122 and 124 and may prevent upward movement of the slide link 400. The slide link 400 is configured to move or slide relative to the lid body 100. The slide link 400 is configured to move linearly in the compartment 120.

[0014] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the slide link 400 will now be described. The slide link 400 includes a first end 410 and a second end 420. The first end 410 includes a contact surface 412 that receives an engaging member 330 of the handle 300. In this aspect, the second end 420 includes a groove 422 configured to receiving a biasing member 150. In the aspect of FIGS. 1-16, the slide link 400 includes a generally rectangular shape. The first end 410 and the second end 420 are joined by a first lateral wall 430 and a second lateral wall 440. Flange portions 432 and 442 extend outward, respectively, from the first lateral wall 430 and the second lateral wall 440.

[0015] In this aspect, the biasing member 150 includes a first end 152 with a first retainer 154 and a second end 156 with a second retainer 158. The first retainer 154 and the second retainer 158 affix to knobs 125 on the opposing lateral walls 122 and 124 of the lid body 100. In this aspect, the biasing member 150 include a resiliently flexible linear member that attaches to opposing sides of the lid body 100 and stretches around the second end 420 of the slide link 400. The biasing member 150 urges the slide link 400 toward the handle 300.

[0016] A lower surface 434 of the first lateral wall 430 forms or includes a gear rack 436. Similarly, a lower surface 444 of the second lateral wall 440 forms or include a gear rack 446. As described below in greater detail, the movement of the slide link 400 and its gear racks 436 and 446 drive a gear or pinion 500 of the drinking member 200, which causes the drinking member 200 to rotate.

[0017] The gear 500 of the drinking member 200 includes a gear body 510. The gear body 510 includes a first axle end 520 with first gear teeth 524. The gear body 510 incudes a second axle end 530 with second gear teeth 534. In others aspect, only a single set of gear teeth or a single pinion may be employed. The first axle end 520 and the second axle end 530 are configured to rotatably engage the opposing axle retainers 113 on the upper side 110 of the lid body 100.

[0018] The handle 300 is moved by the user to actuate the movement of the slide link 400. The user may squeeze the handle 300 to cause the movement of the slide link 400. The user may press or pull the handle 300 toward the lid assembly 50 to cause the movement of the slide link 400. In this aspect, the handle 300 includes a first arm 310 and a second arm 320. In this aspect, a lateral support 325 joins the first arm 310 and the second arm 320. In this aspect, and engaging member 330 extends inward from the lateral support 325. When the handle 300 is moved inward with sufficient force, the engaging member 330 presses against the contact surface 412 of the first end 410 of the slide link 400 and causes the slide link 400 to move. This contact drives the slide link 400 causing the drinking member 200 to raise.

[0019] In this aspect, the handle 300 is free to move upward or swing upward as shown in FIG. 5. This provides a convenient way for the user to carry the beverage container system 10. In this aspect, when the handle 300 is moved upward, the drinking member 200 is not raised. In this aspect, the handle 300 and its engaging member 330 are not permanently affixed to the slide link 400.

[0020] In this aspect, the handle 300 provides lever action for engaging the slide link 400. A length of the first arm 310 and the second arm 320 provide for mechanical advantage that assists in pressing the slide link 400. In other aspects, the handle 300 may replaced with a single member handle or a lever. In other aspects, the handle 300 may be replaced with a push button that moves the slide link 400.

[0021] The drinking member 200 include a first end 205 and a second end 225. The first end 205 includes an outlet 210 to dispense the beverage. The second end 225 is rotatably engaged to the lid body 100. The second end 225 includes an outer bearing surface 230. The second end 225 further includes an inlet 250 that is in fluidic communication with the outlet 210. The outlet 210 and the inlet 250 are joined by a first fluid passage 253. A lower surface 255 of the drinking member 200 includes a plug 260, which is configured to close a vent passage 370 of the lid body 100.

[0022] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the drinking member 200 in the closed or relaxed position. FIGS. 9 and 10 show the drinking member 200 in a partially raised position. FIGS. 11 and 12 show the drinking member 200 in the open or biased position. In the open or biased position, the force applied by the user overcomes the biasing force from the biasing member 150. Once the user stops applying force, then the biasing force from the biasing member 150 will lower the drinking member 200 as the biasing member 150 drives the slide link 400 in the lowering direction.

[0023] In the closed or relaxed position of FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer bearing surface 230 of the drinking member 200 blocks or closes the upper fluid opening 357 in the upper bearing surface 355. In this aspect, the outer bearing surface 230 of the drinking member 200 includes a convex shape that nests into the upper bearing surface 355 of the drinking member gasket 350, which includes a concave shape. This provides leak resistance for the lid assembly 50.

[0024] The inlet 250 is configured to fluidly connect to an interior volume of the beverage container 20. The vent passage 370 may help minimize or reduce pressure from building up when the drinking member 200 is in the closed position, and the vent passage 370 may also help prevent the liquid from coming out upon raising the drinking member 200.

[0025] The second end 225 of the drinking member 200 is configured to rotate against a drinking member gasket 350. In the aspect of FIGS. 1-16, the outer bearing surface 230 of the second end 225 of the drinking member 200 is configured to rotate against an upper bearing surface 355 of the drinking member gasket 350. The upper bearing surface 355 includes an upper fluid opening 357 of a second fluid passage 360. The second fluid passage 360 further includes a lower fluid opening 363 in a lower portion 365 of the drinking member gasket 350. The drinking member gasket 350 further include a vent passage 370 with an upper vent opening 373 and a lower vent opening 376. In this aspect, the lower portion 365 is configured to engage a straw 380. In other aspects, the lower portion 365 may be lengthened such that no additional straw is needed.

[0026] In the open or biased position of FIGS. 11 and 12, the inlet 250 of the second end 225 of the drinking member 200 is aligned with the upper fluid opening 357 of the drinking member gasket 350. The provides for fluidic communication from the lower fluid opening 363, through the second fluid passage 360, to the upper fluid opening 357, to the inlet 250, through the first fluid passage 253, and to the outlet 210.

[0027] The drinking member 200 may include a number of different versions, configurations or varieties, depending on drinking style or preference of the user. The drinking member may include a spout shape (as shown in FIGS. 1-16), a straw, gulp opening, a sip opening, a nozzle, other opening, or another opening configured to receive an additional straw.

[0028] The lid assembly 50 includes an optional cover 280. In the aspect of FIGS. 1-16, the optional cover 280 includes an upper opening 283, a lateral opening 286, and knobs 289. The drinking member 200 is configured to rotate upward through the upper opening 283. The engaging member 330 of the handle 300 is configured to pass through the lateral opening 286 in order to reach the slide link 400. The first arm 310 and the second arm 320 rotatably engage to the knobs 289 of the optional cover 280. In the aspect of FIG. 15, in the closed position, the slide link 400 may slide over wedge into the optional cover 280 such that the slide link 400 may assist in holding the optional cover 280 to the lid body 100. In FIG. 15, the edge of the slide link 400 moves over a catch 290 of the optional cover 280, which assist in holding the optional cover 280 to the lid body 100.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 16, the movement of the handle 300 is illustrated. FIG. 16 shows a resting position of the lid assembly 50. FIG. 16 then shows that the handle 300 has been squeezed or moved toward the remainder of the lid assembly 50, which has raised the drinking member 200. FIG. 16 finally shows that the force on the handle 300 has been released and the handle 300 has moved away from the remainder of the lid assembly 50 by the bias from the biasing member 150.

[0030] In this aspect, the biasing member 150 provides for the automatic lowering of the drinking member 200 when the handle 300 has been released. When the drinking member 200 is lowered to the closed or the storage position, the drinking member 200 is partially protected, which helps to reduce dirt, contamination, germs etc. from contacting the drinking member 200. In other aspects, the user may easily disconnect the biasing member 150 and manually lower the drinking member 200. Further, the biasing member 150 may be replaced with different biasing member 150 having a different spring tension to best suit user preference. Other aspects may have no biasing member at all.

[0031] The lid assembly 50 may be disassembled for cleaning. The drinking member 200 may be disengaged from the lid body 100 for cleaning. The optional cover 280 and the biasing member 150 are removed. The slide link 400 is moved forward until its flange portions 432 and 442 are approximately centered between the forward positioners 126 and the rear positioners 128. In this aspect, the optional cover 280 prevents the slide link 400 from moving forward enough to become centered between the forward positioners 126 and the rear positioners 128, and thus the optional cover 280 should be removed before disassembly.

[0032] The drinking member 200 may be formed from a softer material than the gear 500 such as silicone or other suitable plastic. The gear 500 may be formed from a harder or more durable plastic material suitable for use in the gearing arrangement.

[0033] The lid assembly 50 removably connects or engages to the beverage container 20. In order to fill the container 20 with a beverage, the lid assembly 50 may be unscrewed from the beverage container 20. In this aspect, the container 20 has a thermally insulated, double wall construction. In other aspects, the container 20 includes a non-insulated single-layer or multilayer construction or other insulated constructions. The container 20 may be formed from moldable food-grade plastics, thermoplastics, stainless steel, other metals and metal alloys, other plastics, or any combination thereof.

[0034] In other aspects, the lid assembly 50 may engage to the beverage container 20 in other manners than a threaded engagement, including a snap-fit engagement, frictional engagement, bayonet engagement, or other engagements configured to selectively attach the lid assembly 50 to the beverage container 20.

[0035] In other aspects, such as shown in FIGS. 17A-17B, a lid assembly 550 includes a push open actuator 560. In this aspect, the user presses on the push open actuator 560 to drive a slide link 570, which through a gear and gear rack, as described herein, causes a drinking member 580 to rotate upward. An inner portion of the push open actuator 560 may be in direct contact with the slide link 570 in order to push on the slide link 570 as the user pushes on the push open actuator 560. The lid assembly 550 converts the linear movement of the push open actuator 560 and the slide link 570 to the rotational movement of the drinking member 580. The push open actuator 560 may be incorporated into a lateral side of the lid assembly 550. A loop or a lever may further be incorporated into the lid assembly 550 to assist in pressing or pushing on the push open actuator 560 or otherwise causing the push open actuator 560 to move toward and push the slide link 570.

[0036] In other aspects, such as shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C1-C6, and 18D1-18D3, a lid assembly 600 includes a push open actuator 610 along with a cam assembly 615. In this aspect, the user presses on the push open actuator 610 to drive a slide link 620. A drinking member 630 includes a protrusion 635 (possibly configured as a pin, rod, bump, or other) that is captured in an opening 640 in the slide link 620. The protrusion 635 is positioned in or on a lateral side 637 of a drinking member bottom element 632. In this aspect, the drinking member bottom element 632 is configured as or includes a cam. The protrusion 635 is positioned on the lateral side 637 of the drinking member 630 and is distanced from an axle 639 of the drinking member 630. As the slide link 620 moves in a linear fashion, the slide link 620 drives the protrusion 635 in rotational movement, which causes the drinking member 630 to rotate upward. The lid assembly 600 converts the linear movement of the push open actuator 610 and the slide link 620 to the rotational movement of the drinking member 630. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the handle 300 or other type of actuator element herein described may be incorporated into the lid assembly 600 with the cam assembly 615 to drive the slide link 620. With respect to FIG. 18D1, the protrusion 635 is shown configured as a pin.

[0037] In other aspects, such as shown in FIGS. 19A-19B, a lid assembly 650 includes a push open actuator 660. In this aspect, the user presses on the push open actuator 660 to drive a slide link 670. A drinking member 680 includes a base portion 682 rotatably engaged to the lid assembly 650. A side 684 of the base portion 682 includes a catch portion 686 offset from an axis of rotation of the base portion 682. An end 672 of the slide link 670 drives against the catch portion 686 and causes the base portion 682 to rotate. As the slide link 670 moves in a linear fashion, the slide link 670 drives the base portion 682 in rotational movement, which causes the drinking member 680 to rotate upward. The lid assembly 650 converts the linear movement of the push open actuator 660 and the slide link 670 to the rotational movement of the drinking member 680. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the handle 300 or other type of actuator element herein described may be incorporated into the lid assembly 650 to drive the slide link 670. FIGS. 19C1-19C4 show the progression of the drinking member 680 moving from a lowered position to a raised position. FIGS. 19D1 and 19D2 show the drinking member 680 and the slide link 670.

[0038] In other aspects, such as shown in FIGS. 20A-20B, a lid assembly 700 includes a push actuator 710 for use with a mug or other drinking container where drinking is by the lips of the user. In this aspect, the push actuator 710 is positioned below a lid 715 with an opening 718. The push open actuator 710 includes a first push end 712 and a second push end 717. A lower surface of the push open actuator 710 includes a gear rack 720 configured to drive a gear or pinion 730 engaged to a ball valve 735. The ball valve 735 includes an inlet 737 and an outlet 739, which are connected by a fluidic passage 742. When the user pushes on the first push end 712, the push actuator 710 via its gear rack 720 drives the pinion 730, which rotates the ball valve 735 such that the outlet 739 is in fluidic communication with the opening 718 of the lid 715 and the inlet 737 is in fluidic communication with a lower fluid opening 740 that leads to an interior of a beverage container. In order to close the lid assembly 700, the user pushes on the second push end 717, and the push actuator 710 via its gear rack 720 drives the pinion 730, which rotates the ball valve 735 such that the outlet 739 is closed against a wall 750 of a housing 752 for the ball valve 735.

[0039] The lid assembly 700 converts the linear movement of the push actuator 710 to the rotational movement of the ball valve 735. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the handle 300 herein described may be incorporated into the lid assembly 650 to drive the push actuator 710 along with the biasing member 150 to close the lid assembly 700.

[0040] In other aspects, the actuator element may be configured as a crank arm, and the slide link may be configured as a connecting rod and piston. In such an aspect, the connecting rod rotates in response to rotation of the crank arm, and the piston would be connected (directly or indirectly) to the drinking member such that as the crank arm is rotated, the drinking member is moved toward the open position or (in other parts of the rotational movement), moved toward the closed position. For example, the crank arm may rotate.

[0041] As such, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the particular aspects described herein, but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this novel concept as defined by the following claims. Further, many other advantages of applicant's disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the claims below.

[0042] For completeness and to further illustrate possible embodiments of the present invention, the following clauses, which are not claims, are provided: 1. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body; a slide link, the slide link configured to move relative to the lid body; an actuator element, the actuator element configured to drive the slide link relative to the lid body; and the slide link configured to drive the drinking member in a rotational movement relative to the lid body. 2. The lid assembly according to clause 1, wherein the drinking member is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. 3. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the actuator element is a handle, knob, button, crank arm, or lever. 4. The lid assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 2, wherein the actuator element is a handle, and the handle includes an engaging member, and the engaging member is configured to press against a first end of the slide link. 5. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the slide link includes a gear rack, the drinking member includes a gear, and the gear rack is configured to drive the gear in a rotational movement. 6. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the lid body forms or defines a compartment configured to direct the movement of the slide link. 7. The lid assembly according to clause 6, wherein the slide link is configured to move in a linear direction relative to the compartment. 8. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the actuator element is configured to move toward the lid body in order to drive the slide link. 9. The lid assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 7, wherein the actuator element is configured to pull away from the lid body to drive the slide link. 10. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein lid assembly converts a linear movement of the slide link to the rotational movement of the drinking member. 11. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, further comprising a drinking member gasket that includes an upper fluid opening in an upper bearing surface and a lower fluid opening, wherein the upper fluid opening and the lower fluid opening are joined by a fluid passage. 12. The lid assembly according to clause 11, wherein the drinking member includes a first end and a second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including an outer bearing surface, and the outer bearing surface is configured to rotate against the upper bearing surface of the drinking member gasket. 13. The lid assembly according to clause 12, wherein, in a closed or relaxed position of the drinking member, the outer bearing surface of the drinking member blocks or closes the upper fluid opening of the upper bearing surface of the drinking member gasket. 14. The lid assembly according to clause 12, wherein the outer bearing surface of the drinking member includes a convex shape, and the upper bearing surface of the drinking member gasket includes a concave shape, and the outer bearing surface nests into the upper bearing surface. 15. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein further comprising a biasing member, wherein the biasing member urges the drinking member to a closed position. 16. The lid assembly according to clause 15, wherein the biasing member is configured to automatically lower the drinking member to a closed position when the actuator element is released. 17. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein, when the actuator element is moved toward the lid body, the actuator element drives the slide link relative to the lid body, which raises the drinking member, and upon full activation of the actuator element, the drinking member reaches an open position. 18. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, further comprising a drinking member gasket, wherein the drinking member includes a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including an inlet, a first fluidic passage joining the inlet and the outlet, the drinking member gasket including an upper fluid opening and a lower fluid opening joined by a second fluid passage, wherein the drinking member is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position of the drinking member, the inlet of the second end is aligned with the upper fluid opening of the drinking member gasket and fluidic communication is provided from the lower fluid opening, through the second fluid passage, to the upper fluid opening, to the inlet, through the second fluid passage, and to the outlet. 19. The lid assembly according to clause 18, wherein in the closed position, the second end of the drinking member blocks or closes the upper fluid opening. 20. A beverage container system, comprising the lid assembly according to any proceeding clause, and further comprising a beverage container, wherein the lid assembly engages the beverage container. 21. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a gear; a slide link, the slide link configured to move relative to the lid body; the slide link including a first end and a second end, the slide link including a gear rack; and a lever, the lever comprising an engaging member, the engaging member configured to press against the first end of the slide link to move the slide link relative to the lid body and to drive the gear rack against the gear of the drinking member to provide rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body. 22. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and a second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a first gear and a second gear; a slide link, the slide link configured to move in a linear motion relative to the lid body, the slide link including a first end and a second end joined by a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall; a lower surface of the first lateral wall forms or includes a first gear rack; a lower surface of the second lateral wall forms or include a second gear rack; a handle, the handle comprising an engaging member, the engaging member configured to press against the first end of the slide link to move the slide link in the linear motion relative to the lid body; and the first gear rack and the second gear rack of the slide link configured to drive the first gear and the second gear of the drinking member in a rotational movement relative to the lid body which raises the drinking member. 23. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a gear; a slide link including a first end and a second end, the slide link including a gear rack; and a push button configured to move relative to the lid body, the push button configured to press against the first end of the slide link to move the slide link relative to the lid body and to drive the gear rack against the gear of the drinking member to provide rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body. 24. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a gear; and a push button configured to move relative to the lid body, the push button including a gear rack, the push button configured to drive the gear rack against the gear of the drinking member to provide rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body. 25. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a ball valve rotatably engaged to the lid body, the ball valve include an inlet and an outlet, the ball valve including a gear; and a push button configured to move relative to the lid body, the push button including a gear rack, the push body configured to drive the gear rack against the gear of the ball valve to provide rotational movement of the ball valve relative to the lid body in order to open and close the ball valve. 26. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member; an actuator element, the actuator element configured as a crank arm, the crank arm configured to rotate; a slide link, the slide link configured as a connecting rod and a piston, the connecting rod attached to the crank arm such that when the crank arm is rotated, the connecting rod also rotates, thereby causing linear movement of the piston; and the piston interacting with the drinking member such that the linear movement of the piston causes the drinking member to move away from the lid body toward an open position or move closer to the lid body toward a closed position. 27. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; an actuator element and a slide link, the actuator element configured to activate the slide link; a drinking member configured to permit a user to access liquid from the beverage container; the drinking member including an axle for positioning the drinking member relative to the lid body; a protrusion positioned on or in a bottom portion of the drinking member, the protrusion distanced from the axle and the bottom portion of the drinking member configured as a cam; and the slide link configured to include a protrusion-receiving opening such that the activation of the actuator element moves the slide link thereby moving the protrusion along a rotation path of the bottom portion of the drinking member, which causes an upper portion of the drinking member to move to an open position or a closed position. 28. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body; and a slide link, the slide link configured to move relative to the lid body; and the slide link configured to drive the drinking member in a rotational movement relative to the lid body. 29. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member, the drinking member having a drinking interface and a base portion, wherein the base portion includes a catch portion offset from an axis of rotation of the base portion, an actuator element is configured to move a slide link in a generally linear path, and the slide link having an end, the end of the slide link configured to drive against the catch portion of the drinking member when the actuator element is activated, thereby rotating the base portion, which causes the drinking interface of the drinking member to rotate to an open position. 30. The lid assembly for a beverage container of clause 29, wherein the drinking member is biased to a closed position such that release of the actuator element causes the drinking member to return to the closed position. 31. The lid assembly for a beverage container of clause 29, wherein the drinking member remains in the open position after release of the actuator element until a user manually pushes the drinking member to a closed position.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]For purposes of this application, any terms that describe relative position (e.g., "upper", "middle" "lower", "outer", "inner", "above", "below", "bottom", "top", etc.) refer to an aspect of the invention as illustrated, but those terms do not limit the orientation in which the embodiments can be used.

[0010]A beverage container system 10 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-16. The beverage container system 10 includes a container 20 to hold a beverage and a lid assembly 50 to selectively close the beverage container 20. The lid assembly 50 may engage with the beverage container 20 to form the beverage container system 10. The lid assembly 50 is configured to engage or connect to an upper portion or neck region of the beverage container 20.

[0011]The lid assembly 50 includes a lid body 100, a drinking member 200 and a handle 300. In this aspect, the handle 300 provides the actuator element. The drinking member 200 is rotatably engaged to the lid body 100. The user mo...

Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid assembly with an actuator element to raise a drinking member.Summary

[0002] Certain aspects of a lid assembly with an actuator element to raise a drinking member are described. In one aspect, the drinking member is a portion of a lid assembly for a beverage container. The drinking member is raised upward from the lid assembly to a drinking position by a user activating an actuator element such as a handle, knob, button, crank arm, or lever. Such activation may include pushing, pulling, rotating, or other movement.

[0003] In one aspect, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a drinking member, and a handle. The drinking member is rotatably engaged to the lid body. The user moves the handle, such as by a squeezing motion, which causes the drinking member to rotate upward to a drinking position. The lid assembly is configured to engage or connect to an upper portion or neck region of a beverage container.

[0004] In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a handle, and a drinking member. The drinking member is rotatably engaged to the lid body. The handle actuates the lid body to rotate the drinking member to a drinking position.

[0005] In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a handle, and a drinking member. The drinking member is rotatably engaged to the lid body. The handle is configured to drive a slide link, which drives the drinking member to a drinking position.

[0006] In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a handle, a drinking member, and a slide link. The handle is configured to drive the slide link in a linear movement relative to the lid body, and the slide link drives the drinking member upward in rotational movement relative to the lid body. The lid assembly converts the linear movement of the slide link to the rotational movement of the drinking member.

[0007] In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a handle, and a drinking member with a first geared surface, and a slide link with a second geared surface. The handle is configured to drive the slide link relative to the lid body, which causes the second geared surface to drive the first geared surface and rotate the drinking member upward to a drinking position from a closed position. In the closed position, the drinking member is at least partially flush with the lid assembly or at least partially in or against the lid assembly. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a gear; a slide link, the slide link configured to move relative to the lid body; the slide link including a first end and a second end, the slide link including a gear rack; and a lever, the lever comprising an engaging member, the engaging member configured to press against the first end of the slide link to move the slide link relative to the lid body and to drive the gear rack against the gear of the drinking member to provide rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and a second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a first gear and a second gear; a slide link, the slide link configured to move in a linear motion relative to the lid body, the slide link including a first end and a second end joined by a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall; a lower surface of the first lateral wall forms or includes a first gear rack; a lower surface of the second lateral wall forms or include a second gear rack; a handle, the handle comprising an engaging member, the engaging member configured to press against the first end of the slide link to move the slide link in the linear motion relative to the lid body; and the first gear rack and the second gear rack of the slide link configured to drive the first gear and the second gear of the drinking member in a rotational movement relative to the lid body which raises the drinking member. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a gear; a slide link including a first end and a second end, the slide link including a gear rack; and a push button configured to move relative to the lid body, the push button configured to press against the first end of the slide link to move the slide link relative to the lid body and to drive the gear rack against the gear of the drinking member to provide rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a gear; and a push button configured to move relative to the lid body, the push button including a gear rack, the push button configured to drive the gear rack against the gear of the drinking member to provide rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a ball valve rotatably engaged to the lid body, the ball valve include an inlet and an outlet, the ball valve including a gear; and a push button configured to move relative to the lid body, the push button including a gear rack, the push body configured to drive the gear rack against the gear of the ball valve to provide rotational movement of the ball valve relative to the lid body in order to open and close the ball valve. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member; an actuator element, the actuator element configured as a crank arm, the crank arm configured to rotate; a slide link, the slide link configured as a connecting rod and a piston, the connecting rod attached to the crank arm such that when the crank arm is rotated, the connecting rod also rotates, thereby causing linear movement of the piston; and the piston interacting with the drinking member such that the linear movement of the piston causes the drinking member to move away from the lid body toward an open position or move closer to the lid body toward a closed position. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; an actuator element and a slide link, the actuator element configured to activate the slide link; a drinking member configured to permit a user to access liquid from the beverage container; the drinking member including an axle for positioning the drinking member relative to the lid body; a protrusion positioned on or in a bottom portion of the drinking member, the protrusion distanced from the axle and the bottom portion of the drinking member configured as a cam; and the slide link configured to include a protrusion-receiving opening such that the activation of the actuator element moves the slide link thereby moving the protrusion along a rotation path of the bottom portion of the drinking member, which causes an upper portion of the drinking member to move to an open position or a closed position. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body; and a slide link, the slide link configured to move relative to the lid body; and the slide link configured to drive the drinking member in a rotational movement relative to the lid body. In other aspects, the lid assembly includes a lid body; a drinking member, the drinking member having a drinking interface and a base portion, wherein the base portion includes a catch portion offset from an axis of rotation of the base portion, an actuator element is configured to move a slide link in a generally linear path, and the slide link having an end, the end of the slide link configured to drive against the catch portion of the drinking member when the actuator element is activated, thereby rotating the base portion, which causes the drinking interface of the drinking member to rotate to an open position. The drinking member may be biased to a closed position such that release of the actuator element causes the drinking member to return to the closed position. Alternatively, the drinking member may remains in the open position after release of the actuator element until a user manually pushes the drinking member to a closed position.Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the beverage container system. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the beverage container system. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the lid assembly. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the lid assembly. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lid assembly with the handle raised. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid assembly. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member lowered. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member lowered. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member partially raised. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member partially raised. FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member fully raised. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member fully raised. FIG. 13 is an upper view of the lid assembly with the drinking member down. FIG. 14 is an upper view of the lid assembly with the drinking member fully raised. FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the lid assembly showing the slide link retaining the cover. FIG. 16 shows the movement of the handle. FIG. 17A shows a push button version of the lid assembly. FIG. 17B shows the push button version of the lid assembly. FIG. 18A shows a cam version of the lid assembly. FIG. 18B shows the cam version of the lid assembly. FIGS. 18C1-18C6 show the opening and closing of the cam version of the lid assembly. FIG. 18D1 shows the slide link of the cam version of the lid assembly. FIG. 18D2 shows the slide link engaged to the drinking member of the cam version of the lid assembly. FIG. 18D3 shows the drinking member of the cam version of the lid assembly. FIG. 19A shows a second push button version of the lid assembly. FIG. 19B shows the second push button version of the lid assembly. FIGS. 19C1-19C4 show the opening of the second push button version of the lid assembly. FIG. 19D1 shows the slide link and push open actuator of the second push button version of the lid assembly. FIG. 19D2 shows the slide link of the second push button version of the lid assembly. FIG. 20A shows a mug version of the lid assembly. FIG. 20B shows the mug version of the lid assembly. Detailed Description of Invention

[0009] For purposes of this application, any terms that describe relative position (e.g., "upper", "middle" "lower", "outer", "inner", "above", "below", "bottom", "top", etc.) refer to an aspect of the invention as illustrated, but those terms do not limit the orientation in which the embodiments can be used.

[0010] A beverage container system 10 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-16. The beverage container system 10 includes a container 20 to hold a beverage and a lid assembly 50 to selectively close the beverage container 20. The lid assembly 50 may engage with the beverage container 20 to form the beverage container system 10. The lid assembly 50 is configured to engage or connect to an upper portion or neck region of the beverage container 20.

[0011] The lid assembly 50 includes a lid body 100, a drinking member 200 and a handle 300. In this aspect, the handle 300 provides the actuator element. The drinking member 200 is rotatably engaged to the lid body 100. The user moves the handle 300, such as by a squeezing motion, which causes the drinking member 200 to rotate upward to a drinking position. In a closed position, the drinking member is at least partially flush with the lid assembly 50 or at least partially in or against the lid assembly 50.

[0012] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lid body 100 will now be described. The lid body 100 includes a sidewall 105 with inner threads 107 to threadably engage exterior threads of a rim of the beverage container 20. An upper side 110 of the lid body 100 includes opposing axle retainers 113 and a bearing surface 116 which are configured to receive the drinking member 200.

[0013] The upper side 110 of the lid body 100 further forms or includes a compartment 120 configured to hold and / or receive a slide link 400. In this aspect, the compartment 120 is defined by opposing lateral walls 122 and 124. The slide link 400 is configured to move between the opposing lateral walls 122 and 124. Forward positioners 126 and rear positioners 128 extend from the opposing lateral walls 122 and 124 and may prevent upward movement of the slide link 400. The slide link 400 is configured to move or slide relative to the lid body 100. The slide link 400 is configured to move linearly in the compartment 120.

[0014] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the slide link 400 will now be described. The slide link 400 includes a first end 410 and a second end 420. The first end 410 includes a contact surface 412 that receives an engaging member 330 of the handle 300. In this aspect, the second end 420 includes a groove 422 configured to receiving a biasing member 150. In the aspect of FIGS. 1-16, the slide link 400 includes a generally rectangular shape. The first end 410 and the second end 420 are joined by a first lateral wall 430 and a second lateral wall 440. Flange portions 432 and 442 extend outward, respectively, from the first lateral wall 430 and the second lateral wall 440.

[0015] In this aspect, the biasing member 150 includes a first end 152 with a first retainer 154 and a second end 156 with a second retainer 158. The first retainer 154 and the second retainer 158 affix to knobs 125 on the opposing lateral walls 122 and 124 of the lid body 100. In this aspect, the biasing member 150 include a resiliently flexible linear member that attaches to opposing sides of the lid body 100 and stretches around the second end 420 of the slide link 400. The biasing member 150 urges the slide link 400 toward the handle 300.

[0016] A lower surface 434 of the first lateral wall 430 forms or includes a gear rack 436. Similarly, a lower surface 444 of the second lateral wall 440 forms or include a gear rack 446. As described below in greater detail, the movement of the slide link 400 and its gear racks 436 and 446 drive a gear or pinion 500 of the drinking member 200, which causes the drinking member 200 to rotate.

[0017] The gear 500 of the drinking member 200 includes a gear body 510. The gear body 510 includes a first axle end 520 with first gear teeth 524. The gear body 510 incudes a second axle end 530 with second gear teeth 534. In others aspect, only a single set of gear teeth or a single pinion may be employed. The first axle end 520 and the second axle end 530 are configured to rotatably engage the opposing axle retainers 113 on the upper side 110 of the lid body 100.

[0018] The handle 300 is moved by the user to actuate the movement of the slide link 400. The user may squeeze the handle 300 to cause the movement of the slide link 400. The user may press or pull the handle 300 toward the lid assembly 50 to cause the movement of the slide link 400. In this aspect, the handle 300 includes a first arm 310 and a second arm 320. In this aspect, a lateral support 325 joins the first arm 310 and the second arm 320. In this aspect, and engaging member 330 extends inward from the lateral support 325. When the handle 300 is moved inward with sufficient force, the engaging member 330 presses against the contact surface 412 of the first end 410 of the slide link 400 and causes the slide link 400 to move. This contact drives the slide link 400 causing the drinking member 200 to raise.

[0019] In this aspect, the handle 300 is free to move upward or swing upward as shown in FIG. 5. This provides a convenient way for the user to carry the beverage container system 10. In this aspect, when the handle 300 is moved upward, the drinking member 200 is not raised. In this aspect, the handle 300 and its engaging member 330 are not permanently affixed to the slide link 400.

[0020] In this aspect, the handle 300 provides lever action for engaging the slide link 400. A length of the first arm 310 and the second arm 320 provide for mechanical advantage that assists in pressing the slide link 400. In other aspects, the handle 300 may replaced with a single member handle or a lever. In other aspects, the handle 300 may be replaced with a push button that moves the slide link 400.

[0021] The drinking member 200 include a first end 205 and a second end 225. The first end 205 includes an outlet 210 to dispense the beverage. The second end 225 is rotatably engaged to the lid body 100. The second end 225 includes an outer bearing surface 230. The second end 225 further includes an inlet 250 that is in fluidic communication with the outlet 210. The outlet 210 and the inlet 250 are joined by a first fluid passage 253. A lower surface 255 of the drinking member 200 includes a plug 260, which is configured to close a vent passage 370 of the lid body 100.

[0022] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the drinking member 200 in the closed or relaxed position. FIGS. 9 and 10 show the drinking member 200 in a partially raised position. FIGS. 11 and 12 show the drinking member 200 in the open or biased position. In the open or biased position, the force applied by the user overcomes the biasing force from the biasing member 150. Once the user stops applying force, then the biasing force from the biasing member 150 will lower the drinking member 200 as the biasing member 150 drives the slide link 400 in the lowering direction.

[0023] In the closed or relaxed position of FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer bearing surface 230 of the drinking member 200 blocks or closes the upper fluid opening 357 in the upper bearing surface 355. In this aspect, the outer bearing surface 230 of the drinking member 200 includes a convex shape that nests into the upper bearing surface 355 of the drinking member gasket 350, which includes a concave shape. This provides leak resistance for the lid assembly 50.

[0024] The inlet 250 is configured to fluidly connect to an interior volume of the beverage container 20. The vent passage 370 may help minimize or reduce pressure from building up when the drinking member 200 is in the closed position, and the vent passage 370 may also help prevent the liquid from coming out upon raising the drinking member 200.

[0025] The second end 225 of the drinking member 200 is configured to rotate against a drinking member gasket 350. In the aspect of FIGS. 1-16, the outer bearing surface 230 of the second end 225 of the drinking member 200 is configured to rotate against an upper bearing surface 355 of the drinking member gasket 350. The upper bearing surface 355 includes an upper fluid opening 357 of a second fluid passage 360. The second fluid passage 360 further includes a lower fluid opening 363 in a lower portion 365 of the drinking member gasket 350. The drinking member gasket 350 further include a vent passage 370 with an upper vent opening 373 and a lower vent opening 376. In this aspect, the lower portion 365 is configured to engage a straw 380. In other aspects, the lower portion 365 may be lengthened such that no additional straw is needed.

[0026] In the open or biased position of FIGS. 11 and 12, the inlet 250 of the second end 225 of the drinking member 200 is aligned with the upper fluid opening 357 of the drinking member gasket 350. The provides for fluidic communication from the lower fluid opening 363, through the second fluid passage 360, to the upper fluid opening 357, to the inlet 250, through the first fluid passage 253, and to the outlet 210.

[0027] The drinking member 200 may include a number of different versions, configurations or varieties, depending on drinking style or preference of the user. The drinking member may include a spout shape (as shown in FIGS. 1-16), a straw, gulp opening, a sip opening, a nozzle, other opening, or another opening configured to receive an additional straw.

[0028] The lid assembly 50 includes an optional cover 280. In the aspect of FIGS. 1-16, the optional cover 280 includes an upper opening 283, a lateral opening 286, and knobs 289. The drinking member 200 is configured to rotate upward through the upper opening 283. The engaging member 330 of the handle 300 is configured to pass through the lateral opening 286 in order to reach the slide link 400. The first arm 310 and the second arm 320 rotatably engage to the knobs 289 of the optional cover 280. In the aspect of FIG. 15, in the closed position, the slide link 400 may slide over wedge into the optional cover 280 such that the slide link 400 may assist in holding the optional cover 280 to the lid body 100. In FIG. 15, the edge of the slide link 400 moves over a catch 290 of the optional cover 280, which assist in holding the optional cover 280 to the lid body 100.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 16, the movement of the handle 300 is illustrated. FIG. 16 shows a resting position of the lid assembly 50. FIG. 16 then shows that the handle 300 has been squeezed or moved toward the remainder of the lid assembly 50, which has raised the drinking member 200. FIG. 16 finally shows that the force on the handle 300 has been released and the handle 300 has moved away from the remainder of the lid assembly 50 by the bias from the biasing member 150.

[0030] In this aspect, the biasing member 150 provides for the automatic lowering of the drinking member 200 when the handle 300 has been released. When the drinking member 200 is lowered to the closed or the storage position, the drinking member 200 is partially protected, which helps to reduce dirt, contamination, germs etc. from contacting the drinking member 200. In other aspects, the user may easily disconnect the biasing member 150 and manually lower the drinking member 200. Further, the biasing member 150 may be replaced with different biasing member 150 having a different spring tension to best suit user preference. Other aspects may have no biasing member at all.

[0031] The lid assembly 50 may be disassembled for cleaning. The drinking member 200 may be disengaged from the lid body 100 for cleaning. The optional cover 280 and the biasing member 150 are removed. The slide link 400 is moved forward until its flange portions 432 and 442 are approximately centered between the forward positioners 126 and the rear positioners 128. In this aspect, the optional cover 280 prevents the slide link 400 from moving forward enough to become centered between the forward positioners 126 and the rear positioners 128, and thus the optional cover 280 should be removed before disassembly.

[0032] The drinking member 200 may be formed from a softer material than the gear 500 such as silicone or other suitable plastic. The gear 500 may be formed from a harder or more durable plastic material suitable for use in the gearing arrangement.

[0033] The lid assembly 50 removably connects or engages to the beverage container 20. In order to fill the container 20 with a beverage, the lid assembly 50 may be unscrewed from the beverage container 20. In this aspect, the container 20 has a thermally insulated, double wall construction. In other aspects, the container 20 includes a non-insulated single-layer or multilayer construction or other insulated constructions. The container 20 may be formed from moldable food-grade plastics, thermoplastics, stainless steel, other metals and metal alloys, other plastics, or any combination thereof.

[0034] In other aspects, the lid assembly 50 may engage to the beverage container 20 in other manners than a threaded engagement, including a snap-fit engagement, frictional engagement, bayonet engagement, or other engagements configured to selectively attach the lid assembly 50 to the beverage container 20.

[0035] In other aspects, such as shown in FIGS. 17A-17B, a lid assembly 550 includes a push open actuator 560. In this aspect, the user presses on the push open actuator 560 to drive a slide link 570, which through a gear and gear rack, as described herein, causes a drinking member 580 to rotate upward. An inner portion of the push open actuator 560 may be in direct contact with the slide link 570 in order to push on the slide link 570 as the user pushes on the push open actuator 560. The lid assembly 550 converts the linear movement of the push open actuator 560 and the slide link 570 to the rotational movement of the drinking member 580. The push open actuator 560 may be incorporated into a lateral side of the lid assembly 550. A loop or a lever may further be incorporated into the lid assembly 550 to assist in pressing or pushing on the push open actuator 560 or otherwise causing the push open actuator 560 to move toward and push the slide link 570.

[0036] In other aspects, such as shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C1-C6, and 18D1-18D3, a lid assembly 600 includes a push open actuator 610 along with a cam assembly 615. In this aspect, the user presses on the push open actuator 610 to drive a slide link 620. A drinking member 630 includes a protrusion 635 (possibly configured as a pin, rod, bump, or other) that is captured in an opening 640 in the slide link 620. The protrusion 635 is positioned in or on a lateral side 637 of a drinking member bottom element 632. In this aspect, the drinking member bottom element 632 is configured as or includes a cam. The protrusion 635 is positioned on the lateral side 637 of the drinking member 630 and is distanced from an axle 639 of the drinking member 630. As the slide link 620 moves in a linear fashion, the slide link 620 drives the protrusion 635 in rotational movement, which causes the drinking member 630 to rotate upward. The lid assembly 600 converts the linear movement of the push open actuator 610 and the slide link 620 to the rotational movement of the drinking member 630. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the handle 300 or other type of actuator element herein described may be incorporated into the lid assembly 600 with the cam assembly 615 to drive the slide link 620. With respect to FIG. 18D1, the protrusion 635 is shown configured as a pin.

[0037] In other aspects, such as shown in FIGS. 19A-19B, a lid assembly 650 includes a push open actuator 660. In this aspect, the user presses on the push open actuator 660 to drive a slide link 670. A drinking member 680 includes a base portion 682 rotatably engaged to the lid assembly 650. A side 684 of the base portion 682 includes a catch portion 686 offset from an axis of rotation of the base portion 682. An end 672 of the slide link 670 drives against the catch portion 686 and causes the base portion 682 to rotate. As the slide link 670 moves in a linear fashion, the slide link 670 drives the base portion 682 in rotational movement, which causes the drinking member 680 to rotate upward. The lid assembly 650 converts the linear movement of the push open actuator 660 and the slide link 670 to the rotational movement of the drinking member 680. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the handle 300 or other type of actuator element herein described may be incorporated into the lid assembly 650 to drive the slide link 670. FIGS. 19C1-19C4 show the progression of the drinking member 680 moving from a lowered position to a raised position. FIGS. 19D1 and 19D2 show the drinking member 680 and the slide link 670.

[0038] In other aspects, such as shown in FIGS. 20A-20B, a lid assembly 700 includes a push actuator 710 for use with a mug or other drinking container where drinking is by the lips of the user. In this aspect, the push actuator 710 is positioned below a lid 715 with an opening 718. The push open actuator 710 includes a first push end 712 and a second push end 717. A lower surface of the push open actuator 710 includes a gear rack 720 configured to drive a gear or pinion 730 engaged to a ball valve 735. The ball valve 735 includes an inlet 737 and an outlet 739, which are connected by a fluidic passage 742. When the user pushes on the first push end 712, the push actuator 710 via its gear rack 720 drives the pinion 730, which rotates the ball valve 735 such that the outlet 739 is in fluidic communication with the opening 718 of the lid 715 and the inlet 737 is in fluidic communication with a lower fluid opening 740 that leads to an interior of a beverage container. In order to close the lid assembly 700, the user pushes on the second push end 717, and the push actuator 710 via its gear rack 720 drives the pinion 730, which rotates the ball valve 735 such that the outlet 739 is closed against a wall 750 of a housing 752 for the ball valve 735.

[0039] The lid assembly 700 converts the linear movement of the push actuator 710 to the rotational movement of the ball valve 735. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the handle 300 herein described may be incorporated into the lid assembly 650 to drive the push actuator 710 along with the biasing member 150 to close the lid assembly 700.

[0040] In other aspects, the actuator element may be configured as a crank arm, and the slide link may be configured as a connecting rod and piston. In such an aspect, the connecting rod rotates in response to rotation of the crank arm, and the piston would be connected (directly or indirectly) to the drinking member such that as the crank arm is rotated, the drinking member is moved toward the open position or (in other parts of the rotational movement), moved toward the closed position. For example, the crank arm may rotate.

[0041] As such, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the particular aspects described herein, but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this novel concept as defined by the following claims. Further, many other advantages of applicant's disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the claims below.

[0042] For completeness and to further illustrate possible embodiments of the present invention, the following clauses, which are not claims, are provided: 1. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body; a slide link, the slide link configured to move relative to the lid body; an actuator element, the actuator element configured to drive the slide link relative to the lid body; and the slide link configured to drive the drinking member in a rotational movement relative to the lid body. 2. The lid assembly according to clause 1, wherein the drinking member is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. 3. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the actuator element is a handle, knob, button, crank arm, or lever. 4. The lid assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 2, wherein the actuator element is a handle, and the handle includes an engaging member, and the engaging member is configured to press against a first end of the slide link. 5. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the slide link includes a gear rack, the drinking member includes a gear, and the gear rack is configured to drive the gear in a rotational movement. 6. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the lid body forms or defines a compartment configured to direct the movement of the slide link. 7. The lid assembly according to clause 6, wherein the slide link is configured to move in a linear direction relative to the compartment. 8. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein the actuator element is configured to move toward the lid body in order to drive the slide link. 9. The lid assembly according to any of clauses 1 - 7, wherein the actuator element is configured to pull away from the lid body to drive the slide link. 10. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein lid assembly converts a linear movement of the slide link to the rotational movement of the drinking member. 11. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, further comprising a drinking member gasket that includes an upper fluid opening in an upper bearing surface and a lower fluid opening, wherein the upper fluid opening and the lower fluid opening are joined by a fluid passage. 12. The lid assembly according to clause 11, wherein the drinking member includes a first end and a second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including an outer bearing surface, and the outer bearing surface is configured to rotate against the upper bearing surface of the drinking member gasket. 13. The lid assembly according to clause 12, wherein, in a closed or relaxed position of the drinking member, the outer bearing surface of the drinking member blocks or closes the upper fluid opening of the upper bearing surface of the drinking member gasket. 14. The lid assembly according to clause 12, wherein the outer bearing surface of the drinking member includes a convex shape, and the upper bearing surface of the drinking member gasket includes a concave shape, and the outer bearing surface nests into the upper bearing surface. 15. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein further comprising a biasing member, wherein the biasing member urges the drinking member to a closed position. 16. The lid assembly according to clause 15, wherein the biasing member is configured to automatically lower the drinking member to a closed position when the actuator element is released. 17. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, wherein, when the actuator element is moved toward the lid body, the actuator element drives the slide link relative to the lid body, which raises the drinking member, and upon full activation of the actuator element, the drinking member reaches an open position. 18. The lid assembly according to any preceding clause, further comprising a drinking member gasket, wherein the drinking member includes a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including an inlet, a first fluidic passage joining the inlet and the outlet, the drinking member gasket including an upper fluid opening and a lower fluid opening joined by a second fluid passage, wherein the drinking member is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position of the drinking member, the inlet of the second end is aligned with the upper fluid opening of the drinking member gasket and fluidic communication is provided from the lower fluid opening, through the second fluid passage, to the upper fluid opening, to the inlet, through the second fluid passage, and to the outlet. 19. The lid assembly according to clause 18, wherein in the closed position, the second end of the drinking member blocks or closes the upper fluid opening. 20. A beverage container system, comprising the lid assembly according to any proceeding clause, and further comprising a beverage container, wherein the lid assembly engages the beverage container. 21. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a gear; a slide link, the slide link configured to move relative to the lid body; the slide link including a first end and a second end, the slide link including a gear rack; and a lever, the lever comprising an engaging member, the engaging member configured to press against the first end of the slide link to move the slide link relative to the lid body and to drive the gear rack against the gear of the drinking member to provide rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body. 22. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and a second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a first gear and a second gear; a slide link, the slide link configured to move in a linear motion relative to the lid body, the slide link including a first end and a second end joined by a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall; a lower surface of the first lateral wall forms or includes a first gear rack; a lower surface of the second lateral wall forms or include a second gear rack; a handle, the handle comprising an engaging member, the engaging member configured to press against the first end of the slide link to move the slide link in the linear motion relative to the lid body; and the first gear rack and the second gear rack of the slide link configured to drive the first gear and the second gear of the drinking member in a rotational movement relative to the lid body which raises the drinking member. 23. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a gear; a slide link including a first end and a second end, the slide link including a gear rack; and a push button configured to move relative to the lid body, the push button configured to press against the first end of the slide link to move the slide link relative to the lid body and to drive the gear rack against the gear of the drinking member to provide rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body. 24. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body, the drinking member including a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including a gear; and a push button configured to move relative to the lid body, the push button including a gear rack, the push button configured to drive the gear rack against the gear of the drinking member to provide rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body. 25. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a ball valve rotatably engaged to the lid body, the ball valve include an inlet and an outlet, the ball valve including a gear; and a push button configured to move relative to the lid body, the push button including a gear rack, the push body configured to drive the gear rack against the gear of the ball valve to provide rotational movement of the ball valve relative to the lid body in order to open and close the ball valve. 26. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member; an actuator element, the actuator element configured as a crank arm, the crank arm configured to rotate; a slide link, the slide link configured as a connecting rod and a piston, the connecting rod attached to the crank arm such that when the crank arm is rotated, the connecting rod also rotates, thereby causing linear movement of the piston; and the piston interacting with the drinking member such that the linear movement of the piston causes the drinking member to move away from the lid body toward an open position or move closer to the lid body toward a closed position. 27. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; an actuator element and a slide link, the actuator element configured to activate the slide link; a drinking member configured to permit a user to access liquid from the beverage container; the drinking member including an axle for positioning the drinking member relative to the lid body; a protrusion positioned on or in a bottom portion of the drinking member, the protrusion distanced from the axle and the bottom portion of the drinking member configured as a cam; and the slide link configured to include a protrusion-receiving opening such that the activation of the actuator element moves the slide link thereby moving the protrusion along a rotation path of the bottom portion of the drinking member, which causes an upper portion of the drinking member to move to an open position or a closed position. 28. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body; and a slide link, the slide link configured to move relative to the lid body; and the slide link configured to drive the drinking member in a rotational movement relative to the lid body. 29. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member, the drinking member having a drinking interface and a base portion, wherein the base portion includes a catch portion offset from an axis of rotation of the base portion, an actuator element is configured to move a slide link in a generally linear path, and the slide link having an end, the end of the slide link configured to drive against the catch portion of the drinking member when the actuator element is activated, thereby rotating the base portion, which causes the drinking interface of the drinking member to rotate to an open position. 30. The lid assembly for a beverage container of clause 29, wherein the drinking member is biased to a closed position such that release of the actuator element causes the drinking member to return to the closed position. 31. The lid assembly for a beverage container of clause 29, wherein the drinking member remains in the open position after release of the actuator element until a user manually pushes the drinking member to a closed position.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]For purposes of this application, any terms that describe relative position (e.g., "upper", "middle" "lower", "outer", "inner", "above", "below", "bottom", "top", etc.) refer to an aspect of the invention as illustrated, but those terms do not limit the orientation in which the embodiments can be used.

[0010]A beverage container system 10 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-16. The beverage container system 10 includes a container 20 to hold a beverage and a lid assembly 50 to selectively close the beverage container 20. The lid assembly 50 may engage with the beverage container 20 to form the beverage container system 10. The lid assembly 50 is configured to engage or connect to an upper portion or neck region of the beverage container 20.

[0011]The lid assembly 50 includes a lid body 100, a drinking member 200 and a handle 300. In this aspect, the handle 300 provides the actuator element. The drinking member 200 is rotatably engaged to the lid body 100. The user mo...

Claims

1. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid body; a drinking member rotatably engaged to the lid body; a slide link, the slide link configured to move relative to the lid body; an actuator element, the actuator element configured to drive the slide link relative to the lid body; and the slide link configured to drive the drinking member in a rotational movement relative to the lid body.

2. The lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the drinking member is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position.

3. The lid assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the actuator element is a handle, knob, button, crank arm, or lever.

4. The lid assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the actuator element is a handle, and the handle includes an engaging member, and the engaging member is configured to press against a first end of the slide link.

5. The lid assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the slide link includes a gear rack, the drinking member includes a gear, and the gear rack is configured to drive the gear in a rotational movement.

6. The lid assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the lid body forms or defines a compartment configured to direct the movement of the slide link; and optionally the slide link is configured to move in a linear direction relative to the compartment.

7. The lid assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator element is configured to move toward the lid body in order to drive the slide link.

8. The lid assembly according to any preceding claim 1, wherein the actuator element is configured to pull away from the lid body to drive the slide link.

9. The lid assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein lid assembly converts a linear movement of the slide link to the rotational movement of the drinking member.

10. The lid assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a drinking member gasket that includes an upper fluid opening in an upper bearing surface and a lower fluid opening, wherein the upper fluid opening and the lower fluid opening are joined by a fluid passage; and optionally the drinking member includes a first end and a second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including an outer bearing surface, and the outer bearing surface is configured to rotate against the upper bearing surface of the drinking member gasket; and further optionally: (i) in a closed or relaxed position of the drinking member, the outer bearing surface of the drinking member blocks or closes the upper fluid opening of the upper bearing surface of the drinking member gasket; and / or (ii) the outer bearing surface of the drinking member includes a convex shape, and the upper bearing surface includes a concave shape, and the outer bearing surface nests into the upper bearing surface.

11. The lid assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein further comprising a biasing member, wherein the biasing member urges the drinking member to a closed position; and optionally the biasing member is configured to automatically lower the drinking member to a closed position when the actuator element is released.

12. The lid assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein, when the actuator element is moved toward the lid body, the actuator element drives the slide link relative to the lid body, which raises the drinking member, and upon full activation of the actuator element, the drinking member reaches an open position.

13. The lid assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a drinking member gasket, wherein the drinking member includes a first end and second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, the second end including an inlet, a first fluidic passage joining the inlet and the outlet, the drinking member gasket including an upper fluid opening and a lower fluid opening joined by a second fluid passage, wherein the drinking member is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position of the drinking member, the inlet of the second end is aligned with the upper fluid opening of the drinking member gasket and fluidic communication is provided from the lower fluid opening, through the second fluid passage, to the upper fluid opening, to the inlet, through the second fluid passage, and to the outlet; and optionally wherein in the closed position, the second end of the drinking member blocks or closes the upper fluid opening.

14. A beverage container system, comprising the lid assembly according to any preceding claim, and further comprising a beverage container, wherein the lid assembly engages the beverage container.

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