Closure and lid and method of forming closure and lid

Abstract

To provide an openable / closable lid assembly for a beverage container.SOLUTION: A lid assembly comprises an edge for engaging with an opening of a container, an intermediate wall extending below the edge, and a slider mechanism slid manually. The slider mechanism includes an upper thread, a lower thread and a gasket. The upper thread is magnetically coupled to the lower thread by a magnetic attraction between an upper thread magnet and a lower thread magnet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 749,443, filed on October 23, 2018, with the title "CLOSURE AND LID AND METHOD OF FORMING CLOSURE AND LID", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all and every non - limiting purpose. Further, this application is a divisional application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021 - 522098, filed on October 22, 2019, and is also a divisional application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023 - 115792, filed on July 14, 2023.

[0002] The present disclosure herein generally relates to lids for beverages, and more specifically to closable lids for beverage containers used for drinking beverages or foods.

Background Art

[0003] Beverage containers can hold warm or cold drinking liquids such as water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages such as beer. These beverage containers can be made of a variety of materials such as stainless steel, glass, plastic, cardboard, or paper materials. A lid can be provided on the beverage container to provide an opening for pouring the contents of the beverage container. In certain instances, it may be desirable to selectively close and store the container so that the contents of the container do not spill.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary provides an introduction to some general concepts related to the present invention in a simplified form that is further described in the following modes for carrying out the invention. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the present invention.

[0005] Aspects of the disclosure herein may relate to a lid assembly that is openable and closable for a beverage. In one example, the lid assembly can include a manually movable slider that may include a tab or a handle. In certain examples, the slider can be configured to perform one or more of the following: sliding between a closed position where the slider covers an opening to assist in preventing the contents of the container from spilling, and an open position where the slider removes the cover of the opening so that the contents of the container can be consumed, and being removable from the lid so that the lid and the slider can be cleaned while remaining fixed to the lid during movement between the closed position and the open position.

[0006] The foregoing summary and the following detailed description of the invention will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements throughout the various figures in which reference numerals appear. **Brief Description of the Drawings**

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3

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Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14A

Figure 14B

Figure 14C

Figure 14D

Figure 14E

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] In the following various examples and descriptions of the components of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof and which illustrate various exemplary structures and environments in which aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented. It should be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional changes may be made from the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] Also, terms such as "front side", "back side", "top", "base", "bottom", "side", "front", "rear", etc. may be used herein to describe various exemplary features and elements, and these terms are used herein for convenience based on, for example, the exemplary orientations shown in the figures and / or typical usage orientations. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a particular three-dimensional or spatial orientation of the structure for inclusion within the scope of the claims.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a lid assembly 100 removably coupled to a container 105, according to one or more aspects described herein. The container 105 is an example of a container that may be configured such that the lid assembly 100 is removably coupled thereto. Thus, the container 105 may be configured to store a volume of liquid, and the lid assembly 100 may be configured to seal an opening of the container 105.

[0011] Figures 2A and 2B respectively show isometric views of the lid assembly 100 in the closed configuration and the open configuration. The lid assembly 100 generally includes a slider mechanism 102 configured to move between a closed position (shown in Figure 2A) and an open position (shown in Figure 2B) to selectively close or open a first opening 104 configured such that liquid stored within the container 105 can flow. Further details regarding the slider mechanism 102 are considered in relation to the preceding drawings. The lid assembly 100 may additionally include a sidewall 106, which can define a groove 108 for placement of a gasket 110. Accordingly, the gasket 110 can provide a seal between the lid assembly 100 and the container 105. However, other sealing methods for sealing the lid assembly 100 to the container 105 are also contemplated. The lid assembly 100 may also include an edge 112 for engaging the opening of the container 105. The edge 112 may also include a top wall 114 and a gripping element 116 and / or an optional lid tab (not shown) extending from the top wall 114 to assist the user in removing the lid assembly 100 from the container 105.

[0012] The lid assembly 100 may also include an intermediate wall 118 extending under the edge 112. The upper surface 120 of the intermediate wall 118 can define a recess 122 for receiving the slider mechanism 102. In one embodiment, the recess 122 can define a guide channel as the slider mechanism 102 moves between the closed position shown in Figure 2A and the open position shown in Figure 2B. As shown in Figure 2B, the first opening 104 for drinking or pouring liquid from the container can also be formed within the recess 122. The recess 122 can also include a second opening 124, which is described in further detail with respect to Figure 5A. A detent 126 can extend from the upper surface 120 of the intermediate wall 118 into the recess 122. This detent 126 can be configured to abut the slider mechanism 102 when in the open position shown in Figure 2B to prevent liquid from being compressed between the slider mechanism 102 and the end wall 128 of the recess 122 (otherwise, as a result of the user drinking from or pouring through the first opening 104, it could cause splashing of liquid that could accumulate within the recess 122).

[0013] Figure 3 schematically shows an exploded isometric view of the lid assembly 100 according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, FIG. 3 schematically shows a plurality of elements that make up the slider mechanism 102, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B. Thus, the slider mechanism 102 may include an upper thread 130 configured to be positioned within the recess 122 on the upper surface 120 of the intermediate wall 118. The upper thread 130 may include an upper thread magnet 132 sealed therein. In one embodiment, the upper thread magnet 132 may be sealed within a cavity in the upper thread 130 and overmolded with a polymer overmold plug element 134. Without departing from the scope of these disclosures, additional and alternative sealing methods may be used to secure the upper thread magnet 132 within the upper thread 130. Additionally, the upper thread magnet 132 may be formed of any suitable ferromagnetic material, or a magnetic material if not. The upper thread 130 is discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0014] The slider mechanism 102 may additionally include a lower thread 136 configured to be positioned adjacent to the bottom surface 138 of the intermediate wall 118 (shown in FIG. 5B). The lower thread 136 may include a lower thread magnet 140 sealed therein. In one embodiment, the lower thread magnet 140 may be sealed within a cavity in the lower thread 136 and overmolded with a polymer overmold plug element 142. Additionally, the slider mechanism 102 may include a lower gasket 144 configured to extend around the outer periphery of the lower thread 136. The lower thread 136 is described in further detail with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0015] In one embodiment, the magnetic attraction between the upper thread magnet 132 and the lower thread magnet 140 magnetically couples the upper thread 130 to the lower thread 136 across the intermediate wall 118. Thus, manual operation of the upper thread 130 on top of the upper surface 6 of the intermediate wall 118 results in a sliding movement of the upper thread 130 and the lower thread 136.

[0016] Figure 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly 100 according to one or more aspects described herein. As shown, the slider mechanism 102 is in a closed configuration such that the first opening 104 is sealed by the slider mechanism 102. In one embodiment, the lower threaded magnet 140 may have a cylindrical geometry with a hollow center. Thus, the lower threaded magnet 140 is described as a ring magnet that extends around the central tube 146 through the overmolded plug element 142 and the lower thread 136, where otherwise. In another embodiment, the lower threaded magnet 140 may have a three-dimensional cylindrical geometry.

[0017] Figures 5A and 5B show isometric views of the lid assembly 100 without the slider mechanism 102. In particular, Figure 5A shows a view of the upper surface 120 of the intermediate wall 118, and Figure 5B shows a view of the bottom surface 138 of the intermediate wall 118. As shown, the lid mechanism 100 includes a first opening 104 and a second opening 124. In one embodiment, when the upper thread 130 is magnetically coupled to the lower thread 136, a portion of the slider mechanism 102 is configured to extend through the second opening 124.

[0018] The second opening 124 may include detents 148 that extend from the intermediate wall 118 to the second opening 124. When the slider mechanism 102 is in the closed position shown in Figure 2A, these detents 148 are configured to be received in channels 150 (see Figure 6A) that extend along a portion of the central tube 146 of the lower thread 136. Thus, the detents 148 are configured to provide an interference fit to prevent the slider mechanism 102 from being inadvertently moved and thereby inadvertently opening the first opening 104. In one embodiment, the slider mechanism 102 may be configured to lock in the open and / or closed configurations shown in Figures 2A and 2B. It is further contemplated that a locking mechanism may be used in addition to the detents 148 to further prevent the slider mechanism 102 from being inadvertently moved.

[0019] FIG. 5B shows the bottom surface 138 of the intermediate wall 118. Thus, as shown, the bottom surface 138 defines a first inclined feature 152 on a first side of the second opening 124. The first inclined feature 152 has a peak surface 154 spaced between two valley recesses 156. Similarly, a second inclined feature 158 is positioned on a second side of the second opening 124. The second inclined feature 158 includes a peak surface 160 spaced between two valley recesses 162.

[0020] The lid assembly 100 additionally includes a recessed pocket 161 that extends to an inner surface 163 of a sidewall that extends under the bottom surface 138 of the intermediate wall 118. Thus, when the slider mechanism 102 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 2A, the recessed pocket 161 receives a portion of the lower thread 136. When liquid is being poured from the first opening 104, the lid assembly 100 also includes a recessed vent pocket 165 such that the geometry of the recessed vent pocket 165 allows air to flow into the container 105.

[0021] Figures 6A and 6B show an isometric view of the lower thread 136 according to one or more aspects described herein. Accordingly, the lower thread 136 includes an inner surface 164 configured to be positioned adjacent to the bottom surface 138 of the intermediate wall 118. The inner surface 164 includes a lower thread ramp 166. The lower thread ramp 166 is configured to be received in one of the valley recesses of each of the first ramp feature 152 and the second ramp feature 158. Thus, when the slider mechanism 102 slides between the open configuration and the closed configuration, the lower thread ramp 166 is configured to slide across the first ramp feature 152 and the second ramp feature 158. When the slider mechanism 102 transitions between the open configuration and the closed configuration, the lower thread ramp 166 will abut the peak surfaces 154 and 160. Further, the peak surfaces 154 and 160 are raised with respect to the valley recesses on both sides of the peak surfaces 154 and 160, which will urge the upper thread 130 and the lower thread 136 to be further separated from each other. Thus, since the magnetic force between the upper thread magnet 132 and the lower thread magnet 140 is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them, when the lower thread ramp 166 abuts the peak surfaces 154 and 160, the magnetic attraction force will be reduced. In one embodiment, this reduction in magnetic force will provide smooth movement of the slider mechanism 102 between the open position and the closed position. Further, when the lower thread ramp 166 is positioned within the valley recesses of the first ramp feature 152 and the second ramp feature 158, the relatively shorter distance between the upper thread magnet 132 and the lower thread magnet 140 will result in a relatively stronger magnetic attraction force that helps to fix the slider mechanism 102 in the open configuration or the closed configuration.

[0022] Note that the lower thread 136 and the upper thread 130 are symmetric about a vertical axis to enable the slider mechanism to be installed in the lid assembly 100 in any of four different directions. The lower thread 136 additionally includes a central tube 146 extending from the inner surface 164. Further, the central tube 146 includes tab ears 168 configured to extend through the second opening 124. The lower thread 136 further includes a channel 170 configured to receive a portion of the lower gasket 144. Additionally, the lower thread 136 includes lower vent channels 171a and 171b. Thus, when the slider mechanism 102 is in the open configuration, a portion of the lower thread 136 extends over a portion of the recessed vent pocket 165. Further, one of the lower vent channels 171a or 171b is positioned over the recessed vent pocket 165, thereby establishing a channel through which air can pass from the slider mechanism 102 to the interior cavity of the container 105.

[0023] FIG. 6B shows an isometric view of the outer surface 172 of the lower thread 136. In one embodiment, a knob 174 (also referred to as a finger tab 174) extends from the outer surface 172. This knob 174 is configured to be gripped by a user to install the slider mechanism 102 within the lid assembly 100. This installation process is described in further detail with respect to FIG. 12.

[0024] Figures 7A and 7B show an isometric view of the upper thread 130. The upper thread 130 can include two symmetrical flanges 176a and 176b, both of which are configured to selectively cover and seal a first opening 104 for pouring liquid from a second opening 124 in the container and the recess 122 (also referred to as the guide channel 122). A tab or handle 178 is configured to be gripped by a user to selectively move the upper thread 130, whereby the slider mechanism 102 is in an open position for removing the cover of the first opening 104 on the lid assembly 100, or in a closed position for covering the first opening 104 on the lid assembly 100. The tab or handle 178 can include two inwardly tapered portions 180a and 180b for gripping purposes.

[0025] Figure 7B shows a view of the inside 182 of the upper thread 130. Thus, the upper thread 130 includes upper vent channels 184a and 184b. Thus, when the slider mechanism 102 is in the open configuration, the vent path is partially formed by a portion of the lower thread 136 that extends over a portion of the recess vent pocket 165. Additionally, one of the lower vent channels 171a or 171b is positioned over the recess vent pocket 165, thereby establishing a channel through which air can pass from the slider mechanism 102 to the interior cavity of the container 105. This vent path between the external environment and the interior cavity of the container 105 is completed when the upper vent channels 184a and 184b allow air to pass from the external environment to the slider mechanism 102. The upper thread recesses 186a and 186b are configured to receive a portion of the tab ears 168 of the lower thread 136.

[0026] Figures 8A and 8B show an isometric view and a partial cross-sectional view of the lower gasket 144, according to one or more aspects described herein. Thus, when the slider mechanism 102 is in the closed configuration shown in FIG. 2A, the lower gasket 144 is configured to seal the first opening 104. Additionally, the lower gasket 144 is configured to seal the second opening 124. In one embodiment, the inner surface 188 of the lower gasket 144 is configured to be positioned on the outer surface 172 of the lower thread 136. The opening 190 within the lower gasket 144 is configured to allow the knob 174 of the lower thread 136 to extend therethrough. In one limitation, the lower gasket 144 may be composed of silicone. However, additional or alternative polymeric materials may be used without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0027] The cross-sectional view of FIG. 8B shows the spring feature 192 of the lower gasket 144. Thus, the spring feature 192 allows the seal formed by the gasket 144 to move and remain in contact with the bottom surface 138 of the intermediate wall 118. Thus, when in the open and closed configurations, the relatively high magnetic force biasing the lower thread 136 toward the bottom surface 138 of the intermediate wall 118 compresses the spring feature 192 of the lower gasket 144. Further, when the lower thread ramp 166 is positioned on the peak surfaces 154 and 160 and the magnetic force is relatively lower and the lower thread 136 is moved away from the bottom surface 138, the spring feature 192 extends outwardly toward the bottom surface 138 and maintains contact with the bottom surface 138 to maintain the seal of the lower gasket 144 at the bottom surface 138.

[0028] Figures 9A and 9B schematically show cross-sectional views of the lid assembly 100 in the closed configuration. As shown, the slider mechanism 102, including the upper thread 130 and the lower thread 136, seals the first opening 104. FIG. 9B shows a more detailed view of a portion of the cross-section of FIG. 9A. Thus, FIG. 9B shows a portion of the lower thread 136 and the lower gasket 144 received within the recessed pocket 161 of the lid assembly 100.

[0029] Figures 10A and 10B schematically show cross-sectional views of the lid assembly 100 in an open configuration. As shown, the first opening 104 is completely covered by a slider mechanism 102 that includes an upper thread 130 and a lower side 136. FIG. 10B schematically shows a more detailed view of a portion of the cross-section of FIG. 10A. In particular, FIG. 10B shows a portion of the lower gasket 144 that has been slid over a portion of the recessed vent pocket 165. The overlap of the portion of the lower gasket 144 over the portion of the recessed vent pocket 165 results in a gap 194 through which air can enter the container 105 when liquid is being poured through the first opening 104.

[0030] Figures 11A and 11B schematically show cross-sectional views of the lid assembly 100 in a partially open configuration. As shown, the first opening 104 is partially covered by a slider mechanism 102 that includes an upper thread 130 and a lower thread 136. FIG. 11B schematically shows a more detailed view of a portion of the cross-section of FIG. 11A. In particular, FIG. 11B shows a separation 196 (or gap 196) between the upper thread 130 and the lower thread 136. This separation 196 results from the lower thread incline 166 that abuts the mountain faces 154 and 160 as described above.

[0031] Figures 12A - 12D show various steps for the disassembly of the slider mechanism 102 and its removal from the lid assembly 100. As described above, the slider mechanism 102 includes an upper thread 130 and a lower thread 136. Further, the upper thread includes an upper thread magnet 132, and the lower thread 136 includes a lower thread magnet 140 and a lower gasket 144. Figure 12A shows the slider mechanism 102 fully installed and the lid assembly 100 in the open configuration. To remove the slider mechanism, for example, to facilitate cleaning of the lid assembly 100, the upper thread 130 can be manually lifted from the upper surface 120. Figure 12B shows the upper thread 130 after being removed from the upper surface 120. Once the upper thread 130 is removed, the lower thread 136 is no longer held against the bottom surface 138 by magnetic attraction between the upper thread magnet 132 and the lower thread magnet 140. However, when the tab ear 168 extends through the second opening 124 and grips onto a portion of the upper surface 120, the tab ear 168 prevents the lower thread 136 from falling into the container 105.

[0032] To remove the lower thread 136 from the lid assembly 100, the lower thread 136 is rotated by 90° so that the tab ear 168 can pass through the second opening 124. Figure 12D shows the upper thread 130 and the lower thread 136 completely removed from the lid assembly 100.

[0033] FIG. 13 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a lid assembly 100 coupled to a container 105. In one embodiment, the lid assembly 100 can be releasably coupled to the container 105 by threaded elements on both the side wall 106 of the lid assembly 100 and the side wall 202 of the container 105. Elements 204 and 206 are threads on the side walls 106 and 202, respectively. Further, it is contemplated that any threading geometry can be used to secure the lid assembly 100 to the container 105 without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Alternatively, the various lid assembly 100 structures described throughout this disclosure can be implemented without a threaded connection between the lid assembly 100 and the container 105. In one embodiment, the lid assembly 100 can be secured to the container 105, among other ways, by an interference fit.

[0034] FIGS. 14A - 14E show alternative implementations of a slider mechanism with alternative disassembly mechanisms. Accordingly, FIG. 14A shows an isometric view of a lid assembly 300 that includes a slider mechanism 301. The lid assembly 300 can be similar to the lid assembly 100, and the slider mechanism 301 can be similar to the slider mechanism 102. The slider mechanism 301 can include an upper thread 302 similar to the upper thread 130 and a lower thread 306 similar to the lower thread 136. To disassemble the slider mechanism, the upper thread 302 can be manually removed from the lid assembly 300. Similar to the lower thread 136, the lower thread 306 can include a tab ear 308 to prevent the lower thread 306 from falling into the container when the upper thread 302 is removed. However, to remove the lower thread 306 from the lid assembly 300, the lower thread 306 is slid to the position shown in FIG. 14C so that the geometry of the tab ear 308 aligns with the geometry of an opening 309 in the intermediate wall 310 of the lid assembly 300. When positioned in the configuration shown in FIG. 14C, the lower thread 306 can pass through the opening 309 as shown in FIG. 14D. FIG. 14E shows the upper thread 302 and the lower thread 306 completely removed from the lid assembly 300.

[0035] In one implementation, the lid assembly may include an edge for engaging the container opening, the edge defining a top wall, and the lid assembly may additionally include side walls defining a groove for placement of an upper gasket. The intermediate wall may extend below the edge, and the upper surface of the intermediate wall defines a recess. The recess may have a first opening, a second opening, and an air vent. The bottom surface of the intermediate wall may define a first inclined feature having a mountain surface spaced between two valley recesses. The first inclined feature may be positioned on a first side of the second opening, and the second inclined feature may have a mountain surface spaced between two valley recesses, and the second inclined feature may be positioned on a second side of the second opening. The lid assembly may additionally include a slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position by covering both the first opening and the second opening and an open position by covering only the second opening. The slider mechanism may include an upper thread configured to be positioned within the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall. Further, the upper thread may have a magnet enclosing the upper thread therein. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower thread configured to be positioned beside the bottom surface of the intermediate wall. The lower thread may additionally include an inner surface having a lower thread incline protruding therefrom, and the lower thread incline is configured to be selectively received in a first valley recess of the two valley recesses on a first side of the second opening and a first valley recess of the two valley recesses on a second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in the open position. The lower thread incline is additionally configured to be received in a second valley recess of the two valley recesses on a first side of the second opening and a second valley recess of the two valley recesses on a second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in the closed position. The lower thread may also include a lower thread magnet enclosed within the lower thread. The lower thread also has a central tube having tab ears at a distal end extending from the inner surface of the lower thread and configured to extend through the second opening. The slider mechanism may also include a lower gasket configured to extend around the outer periphery of the inner surface of the lower thread and configured to be compressed between the lower thread and the lower surface of the intermediate wall.Furthermore, the magnetic attraction between the upper thread magnet and the lower thread magnet is configured to magnetically couple the upper thread to the lower thread.

[0036] In another embodiment, when the slider mechanism slides between the open position and the closed position, the lower thread inclination of the lid assembly is configured to slide on the mountain surfaces of the first and second inclination features.

[0037] In one embodiment, when the lower thread inclination slides from a pair of selected valley recesses to a mountain surface, the lower thread moves away from the upper thread.

[0038] In another embodiment, the lower gasket further includes a gasket spring portion that remains in contact with the bottom surface of the intermediate wall as the lower thread moves away from the upper thread.

[0039] The second opening of the lid assembly further includes a detent extending from the intermediate wall to the second opening, and the detent is configured to be received in a channel extending along a portion of the central tube when the slider mechanism is in the closed position.

[0040] To prevent compression between the upper thread and the end wall of the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall, when in the open position, the lid assembly further includes a detent extending into the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall and configured to abut against the upper thread.

[0041] The upper thread of the lid assembly is manually removable from the lid assembly by applying manual force to overcome the magnetic force between the upper thread magnet and the lower thread magnet.

[0042] When the upper thread is removed from the lid assembly, the tab ears of the lid assembly can be configured to catch on the side of the second opening to prevent the lower thread from separating from the lid assembly.

[0043] The lower thread may further include a finger tab extending from the outer surface.

[0044] The lower thread of the lid assembly may be manually removable from the lid assembly by actuating the finger tab such that the lower thread rotates 90 degrees relative to the second opening at the intermediate wall.

[0045] The lid assembly may also have a recessed pocket extending into the inner surface of the side wall extending under the intermediate wall. The recessed pocket may receive a portion of the lower thread when the slider mechanism is in the closed position.

[0046] The lid assembly may also include a vent pocket in the bottom surface of the intermediate wall such that when the lid assembly is attached to the container in the open position, the lower gasket slides over the vent pocket to allow air to pass between the air outside the container and the internal cavity.

[0047] The lower thread magnet may be a ring magnet extending around the central tube.

[0048] In another aspect, the container assembly can include a container having an inner wall with a container opening extending into an internal storage chamber and having a first end, and an outer wall forming an outer shell of the container and having a second end configured to support the container on a surface. The container assembly can additionally include a lid adapted to seal the container opening. The lid can further include an edge for engaging the container opening and defining a top wall. The lid can have a side wall defining a groove for placement of an upper gasket, and an intermediate wall extending under the edge, the upper surface of the intermediate wall defining a recess having a first opening, a second opening, and an air vent. The bottom surface of the intermediate wall can define a first inclined feature having a mountain surface spaced between two valley depressions. The first inclined feature can be positioned on a first side of the second opening. The second inclined feature can have a mountain surface spaced between two valley depressions, and the second inclined feature is positioned on a second side of the second opening. The lid can additionally include a slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position by covering both the first opening and the second opening, and an open position by covering only the second opening. The slider mechanism can additionally include an upper thread configured to be positioned within the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall. The upper thread can enclose an upper thread magnet. The slider mechanism can also include a lower thread configured relative to the bottom surface of the intermediate wall. The lower thread can further include an inner surface having a protruding lower thread inclination, the lower thread inclination being configured to be selectively received in a first valley depression of the two valley depressions on a first side of the second opening and a first valley depression of the two valley depressions on a second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in the open position. The lower thread inclination is configured to be received in a second valley depression of the two valley depressions on a first side of the second opening and a second valley depression of the two valley depressions on a second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in the closed position. The lower thread can enclose a lower thread magnet. The lower thread can additionally include a central tube extending from the inner surface of the lower thread, the central tube having a tab ear connected to a distal end configured to extend through the second opening.The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower gasket configured to extend around the outer periphery of the inner surface of the lower thread and configured to be compressed between the lower thread and the lower surface of the intermediate wall. The magnetic attraction between the upper thread magnet and the lower thread magnet may magnetically couple the upper thread to the lower thread.

[0049] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the container includes a threaded sidewall configured to receive a threading structure with the sidewall of the lid.

[0050] The container may also include a sealed vacuum cavity between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0051] In another embodiment, when the slider mechanism slides between the open position and the closed position, the lower thread inclination may slide on the mountain surfaces of the first and second inclination features.

[0052] In one embodiment, when the lower thread inclination slides from a pair of selected valley recesses to the mountain surface, the lower thread may move away from the upper thread.

[0053] When the lower thread moves away from the upper thread, the lower gasket of the container assembly may further include a gasket spring portion that remains in contact with the bottom surface of the intermediate wall.

[0054] The second opening of the container assembly may further include a detent extending from the intermediate wall to the second opening, and the detent is configured to be received in a channel extending along a portion of the central tube when the slider mechanism is in the closed position.

[0055] To prevent compression between the upper thread and the end wall of the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall, when in the open position, the container assembly may additionally include a detent extending into the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall configured to abut against the upper thread.

[0056] The upper thread can be manually removed from the lid assembly by applying manual force to overcome the magnetic force between the upper thread magnet and the lower thread magnet.

[0057] The upper thread of the lid assembly can be manually removed from the lid assembly by applying manual force to overcome the magnetic force between the upper thread magnet and the lower thread magnet.

[0058] When the upper thread is removed from the lid assembly, the tab ear of the lid assembly can be configured to catch on the side of the second opening to prevent the lower thread from separating from the lid assembly.

[0059] The lower thread may further include finger tabs extending from the outer surface.

[0060] The lower thread of the lid assembly may be manually removable from the lid assembly by manually actuating the finger tabs to rotate the lower thread 90 degrees with respect to the second opening in the intermediate wall.

[0061] The container assembly may also have a recessed pocket extending on the inner surface of the side wall extending under the intermediate wall. The recessed pocket may receive a portion of the lower thread when the slider mechanism is in the closed position.

[0062] The container assembly may also include a vent pocket on the bottom surface of the intermediate wall. When the lid assembly is attached to the container in the open position, the lower gasket slides over the vent pocket to allow air to pass between the air outside the container and the internal cavity.

[0063] The lower thread magnet may be a ring magnet extending around the central tube.

[0064] In another implementation, the lid assembly may include an edge for engaging the opening of the container and an intermediate wall extending below the edge. The upper surface of the intermediate wall has a first opening, a second opening, and an air vent. The bottom surface of the intermediate wall may define a first inclined feature having a mountain surface spaced between two valley recesses. The first inclined feature may be positioned on a first side of the second opening. The second inclined feature may have a mountain surface spaced between two valley recesses, and the second inclined feature is positioned on a second side of the second opening. The lid assembly may additionally include a slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position by covering both the first opening and the second opening and an open position by covering only the second opening. The slider mechanism may further include an upper thread configured to be positioned within a recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall, and the upper thread may enclose an upper thread magnet. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower thread configured to be positioned beside the bottom surface of the intermediate wall. The lower thread may further include an inner surface having a protruding lower thread incline. The lower thread incline is configured to be selectively received in a first valley recess of the two valley recesses on a first side of the second opening and a first valley recess of the two valley recesses on a second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in the open position. The lower thread incline is configured to be selectively received in a second valley recess of the two valley recesses on a first side of the second opening and a second valley recess of the two valley recesses on a second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in the closed position. A lower thread magnet may be enclosed within the lower thread. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower gasket configured to extend around the outer periphery of the inner surface of the lower thread and to be compressed between the lower thread and the lower surface of the intermediate wall. Magnetic attraction between the upper thread magnet and the lower thread magnet may magnetically couple the lower thread to the upper thread.

[0065] In another embodiment, the method of forming the lid assembly can include one or more of the following: injection molding a lid body of a first shot of material, injection molding a first plate portion of a second shot of material onto the lid body, injection molding a second plate portion of a third shot of material onto the lid body, and injection molding a sealing portion with the third shot of material to seal the first plate portion and the second plate portion to the lid body. The method can further include in-molding a magnet assembly into the second plate portion. A channel can be formed between the first plate portion and the second plate portion, and the second shot of material can be combined with the third shot of material. The method can also include capturing an air pocket between both the lid body and both the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

[0066] The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples. However, the purposes provided by the present disclosure are not limited to the scope of the present invention, but rather to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications and variations can be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described item by item. Embodiment 1 A lid assembly, An edge for engaging an opening of a container, the edge defining a top wall, and An intermediate wall extending below the edge, an upper surface of the intermediate wall defining a recess, the recess having a first opening and a second opening, a bottom surface of the intermediate wall defining a first inclined feature positioned on a first side of the second opening and a second inclined feature positioned on a second side of the second opening, the intermediate wall, and [[ID=Abstract]]A slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position and an open position by covering both the first opening and the second opening, the slider mechanism An upper thread configured to be positioned within the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall, and having an upper thread magnet sealed therein, the upper thread; A lower thread configured to be positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the intermediate wall, An inner surface having a lower thread inclination protruding therefrom, the lower thread inclination being configured to slide across the first inclination feature when the slider mechanism moves between the open position and the closed position, the inner surface; The lower thread further comprising a lower thread magnet sealed within the lower thread; A gasket configured to extend around the outer periphery of the inner surface of the lower thread and to be compressed between the lower thread and the bottom surface of the intermediate wall, comprising; A lid assembly that magnetically couples the upper thread to the lower thread by magnetic attraction between the upper thread magnet and the lower thread magnet. Embodiment 2 The lid assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein the lower thread further comprises a central tube extending from the inner surface of the lower thread, the central tube having a tab ear configured to extend through the second opening at a distal end thereof. Embodiment 3 The lid assembly according to embodiment 2, wherein the tab ear is configured to engage on the first side and the second side of the second opening, preventing the lower thread from separating from the lid assembly when the upper thread is removed from the lid assembly. Embodiment 4 The lid assembly according to embodiment 2, wherein the upper thread has an upper thread recess configured to receive a portion of the tab ear. Embodiment 5 The lid assembly according to embodiment item 1, wherein the first inclination feature includes a first mountain surface and a first valley recess, and the second inclination feature includes a second mountain surface and a second valley recess. Embodiment 6 The lid assembly according to Embodiment 5, wherein the lower thread moves away from the upper thread as the lower thread slope slides from the first valley recess and the second valley recess to the first mountain surface and the second mountain surface. Embodiment 7 The lid assembly according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a detent extending into the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall, the detent being configured to abut against the upper thread when in the closed position, preventing liquid from being compressed between the upper thread and the end wall of the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall. Embodiment 8 The lid assembly according to Embodiment 1, wherein the lower thread further comprises a knob extending from an outer surface, the knob being configured to be gripped by a user. Embodiment 9 The lid assembly according to Embodiment 8, wherein the lower thread is manually removable from the lid assembly by manually operating the knob to rotate the lower thread 90 degrees relative to the second opening of the intermediate wall. Embodiment 10 A container assembly, A container, An inner wall having a first end where a container opening extends into an internal storage chamber, An outer wall forming the outer shell of the container, the outer wall having a second end configured to support the container on a surface, A lid adapted to seal the container opening, An edge for engaging the container opening, An intermediate wall extending under the edge, the upper surface of the intermediate wall defining a recess, the recess having a first opening and a second opening, the bottom surface of the intermediate wall defining a first inclined feature positioned on a first side of the second opening and a second inclined feature positioned on a second side of the second opening. A slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position and an open position by covering both the first opening and the second opening, the slider mechanism comprising: An upper thread configured to be positioned within the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall and enclosing an upper thread magnet therein, the upper thread; A lower thread configured to be positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the intermediate wall, An inner surface having a lower thread inclination protruding therefrom, the lower thread inclination being configured to slide across the first inclination feature when the slider mechanism moves between the open position and the closed position, the inner surface; The lower thread further comprising a lower thread magnet sealed within the lower thread; A gasket configured to extend around the outer periphery of the inner surface of the lower thread and configured to be compressed between the lower thread and the bottom surface of the intermediate wall; A container assembly magnetically connecting the upper thread to the lower thread by magnetic attraction between the upper thread magnet and the lower thread magnet. Embodiment 11 The container assembly according to Embodiment 10, wherein the inner wall of the container comprises a threaded side wall configured to receive a threaded structure with the side wall of the lid. Embodiment 12 The container assembly according to Embodiment 10, wherein the container further comprises a sealed vacuum cavity between the inner wall and the outer wall. Embodiment 13 The container assembly according to Embodiment 10, wherein the first inclination feature includes a first mountain surface and a first valley recess, and the second inclination feature includes a second mountain surface and a second valley recess. Embodiment 14 The container assembly according to Embodiment 13, wherein the lower thread moves away from the upper thread as the lower thread slope slides from the first valley recess and the second valley recess to the first mountain surface and the second mountain surface. Embodiment 15 The container assembly according to Embodiment 10, further comprising a detent extending into the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall, the detent being configured to abut against the upper thread when in the closed position, and preventing liquid from being compressed between the upper thread and the end wall of the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall. Embodiment 16 The lower thread further comprises a central tube extending from the inner surface of the lower thread, the distal end of the central tube having a tab ear configured to extend through the second opening. The tab ear is configured to catch on the first side and the second side of the second opening, preventing the lower thread from separating from the lid assembly when the upper thread is removed from the lid assembly. The container assembly according to Embodiment 10. Embodiment 17 A lid assembly, An edge for engaging an opening of a container, An intermediate wall extending under the edge, the upper surface of the intermediate wall having a first opening and a second opening, and the bottom surface of the intermediate wall defining a first inclined feature positioned on a first side of the second opening and a second inclined feature positioned on a second side of the second opening. A slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position and an open position by covering both the first opening and the second opening, the slider mechanism comprising: An upper thread configured to be positioned in a recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall, A lower thread configured to be positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the intermediate wall, An inner surface having a lower thread slope protruding therefrom, wherein the lower thread slope is configured to slide across the first inclined feature when the slider mechanism moves between the open position and the closed position, the inner surface, A lower thread magnet sealed within the lower thread, A gasket configured to extend around the outer periphery of the inner surface of the lower thread and further configured to be compressed between the lower thread and the bottom surface of the intermediate wall, a lid assembly comprising. Embodiment 18 The lid assembly according to Embodiment 17, wherein the first inclined feature includes a first peak surface and a first valley recess, and the second inclined feature includes a second peak surface and a second valley recess. Embodiment 19 The lid assembly according to Embodiment 18, wherein the lower thread moves away from the upper thread as the lower thread slope slides from the first valley recess and the second valley recess to the first peak surface and the second peak surface. Embodiment 20 The lid assembly according to Embodiment 17, further comprising a central tube extending from the inner surface of the lower thread, the central tube having a tab ear at a distal end thereof configured to extend through the second opening.

Claims

Claim 1 A lid assembly comprising: a rim for engaging an opening of a container, the rim defining a top wall; and an intermediate wall extending below the rim, an upper surface of the intermediate wall defining a recess having a first opening and a second opening, and a bottom surface of the intermediate wall defining a first inclined feature positioned on a first side of the second opening and a second inclined feature positioned on a second side of the second opening; a slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position and an open position by covering both the first opening and the second opening, the slider mechanism comprising: an upper thread configured to be positioned within the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall and enclosing an upper thread magnet therein; a lower thread configured to be positioned adjacent to the bottom surface of the intermediate wall; an inner surface having a lower thread inclination protruding therefrom, the lower thread inclination being configured to slide across the first inclined feature when the slider mechanism moves between the open position and the closed position; the lower thread further comprising a lower thread magnet enclosed within the lower thread; a gasket configured to extend around an outer periphery of the inner surface of the lower thread and to be compressed between the lower thread and the bottom surface of the intermediate wall; the lid assembly magnetically connecting the upper thread to the lower thread by magnetic attraction between the upper thread magnet and the lower thread magnet.

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