Lid assembly with actuator for raising drinking member

Abstract

To provide a lid assembly comprising an actuator element for raising a drinking member.SOLUTION: A lid assembly for a beverage container comprises an actuator element that rotates a drinking spout. In one aspect, the drinking spout rotates upward from a lid body to a drinking position when a user grips a handle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid assembly with an actuator element for raising a drinking member. [Background technology]

[0002] Certain aspects of lid assemblies are described that include an actuator element for raising a drinking member. In one aspect, the drinking member is part 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, lever, or the like. Such activation may include pushing, pulling, rotating, or other movements. Summary of the Invention

[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. A user moves the handle, for example 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 a top or neck region of a beverage container.

[0004] In another aspect, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a handle, and a drinking member, the drinking member rotatably engaged with the lid body, and the handle actuates the lid body to rotate the drinking member to a drinking position.

[0005] In another aspect, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a handle, and a drinking member. The drinking member is rotatably engaged with the lid body. The handle is configured to actuate a slide link that drives the drinking member into a drinking position.

[0006] In another aspect, a lid assembly includes a lid body, a handle, a drinking member, and a slide link. The handle is configured to linearly move the slide link relative to the lid body, and the slide link drives the drinking member for upward rotational movement relative to the lid body. The lid assembly converts the linear movement of the slide link into rotational movement of the drinking member.

[0007] In another aspect, the lid assembly includes a lid body, a handle, a drinking member having a first gear surface, and a sliding link having a second gear surface. The handle is configured to drive the sliding link relative to the lid body, such that the second gear surface drives the first gear surface to rotate the drinking member upward from a closed position to a drinking position. In the closed position, the drinking member is at least partially flush with, at least partially nested within, or abuts the lid assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the lid assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the lid assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lid assembly with the handle raised. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lid assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member lowered. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member lowered. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member partially elevated. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking member partially elevated. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking portion fully raised. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly with the drinking portion fully raised. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a top view of the lid assembly with the drinking portion facing downwards. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a top view of the lid assembly with the drinking portion fully raised. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly showing the slide links that hold the cover. [Figure 16] Shows the movement of the handle. [Figure 17A] 1 shows a push button version of the lid assembly. [Figure 17B] 1 shows a push button version of the lid assembly. [Figure 18A] Shown is the cam version of the lid assembly. [Figure 18B] Shown is the cam version of the lid assembly. [Figure 18C1-3] Showing the cam version of the lid assembly. [Figure 18C4-6] Showing the cam version of the lid assembly. [Figure 18D] Showing the cam version of the lid assembly. [Figure 19A] 10 shows a second push button version of the lid assembly. [Figure 19B] 10 shows a second push button version of the lid assembly. [Figure 19C] 10 shows a second push button version of the lid assembly. [Figure 19D] 10 shows a second push button version of the lid assembly. [Figure 20A] 1 shows the mug version of the lid assembly. [Figure 20B] 1 shows the mug version of the lid assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] For purposes of this application, terms expressing relative positions (e.g., "upper," "middle," "lower," "outer," "inner," "upper," "lower," "bottom," "top," etc.) refer to the aspects of the invention as illustrated, but these terms do not limit the orientation in which the embodiments may be used.

[0010] 1-16, a beverage container system 10 will be described. The beverage container system 10 includes a container 20 for holding a beverage and a lid assembly 50 for selectively closing the beverage container 20. The lid assembly 50 engages with the beverage container 20 to form the beverage container system 10. The lid assembly 50 is configured to engage or connect to a top 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 embodiment, the handle 300 provides the actuator element. The drinking member 200 is rotatably engaged to the lid body 100. A user moves the handle 300, for example by a squeezing motion, causing the drinking member 200 to rotate upwards to a drinking position. In the closed position, the drinking member is at least partially flush with, at least partially within, or pressed against the lid assembly 50.

[0012] The lid 100 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The lid 100 includes a sidewall 105 with internal threads 107 that mate with external threads on the rim of the beverage container 20. An upper side 110 of the lid 100 includes opposing shaft retainers 113 and bearing surfaces 116 configured to receive the beverage member 200.

[0013] The top side 110 of the lid 100 further forms or includes a compartment 120 configured to hold and / or receive a slide link 400. In this embodiment, the compartment 120 is defined by opposing sidewalls 122, 124. The slide link 400 is configured to move between the opposing sidewalls 122, 124. A forward positioner 126 and a rearward positioner 128 extend from the opposing sidewalls 122, 124 and can prevent upward movement of the slide link 400. The slide link 400 is configured to move or slide relative to the lid 100. The slide link 400 is configured to move linearly within the compartment 120.

[0014] 3 and 4, the slide link 400 will 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 the engagement member 330 of the handle 300. In this embodiment, the second end 420 includes a groove 422 configured to receive the biasing member 150. In the embodiment 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 side wall 430 and a second side wall 440. Flange portions 432 and 442 extend outward from the first side wall 430 and the second side wall 440, respectively.

[0015] In this embodiment, biasing member 150 includes a first end 152 with a first retaining portion 154 and a second end 156 with a second retaining portion 158. First retaining portion 154 and second retaining portion 158 are secured to knobs 125 on opposing walls 122, 124 of lid 100. In this embodiment, biasing member 150 includes a resiliently flexible linear member attached to opposite sides of lid 100 and extending around second end 420 of slide link 400. Biasing member 150 urges slide link 400 toward handle 300.

[0016] The underside 434 of the first side wall 430 forms or includes a gear rack 436. Similarly, the underside 444 of the second side wall 440 forms or includes a gear rack 446. As explained in more detail below, movement of the slide link 400 and its gear racks 436, 446 drives a gear or pinion 500 on the drinking member 200, causing 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 shaft end 520 with first gear teeth 524. The gear body 510 includes a second shaft end 530 with second gear teeth 534. In other embodiments, only a single set of gear teeth or a single pinion may be used. The first shaft end 520 and the second shaft end 530 are configured to rotatably engage opposing shaft retainers 113 on the upper side 110 of the lid 100.

[0018] The handle 300 is moved by a user, actuating the movement of the slide link 400. A user can grasp the handle 300 to move the slide link 400. A user can push or pull the handle 300 toward the lid assembly 50 to move the slide link 400. In this embodiment, the handle 300 includes a first arm 310 and a second arm 320. In this embodiment, a lateral support 325 connects the first arm 310 and the second arm 320. In this embodiment, an engagement member 330 extends inward from the lateral support 325. When the handle 300 is moved inward with sufficient force, the engagement member 330 presses against a contact surface 412 on a first end 410 of the slide link 400, causing the slide link 400 to move. This contact drives the slide link 400, causing the drinking member 200 to rise.

[0019] In this embodiment, the handle 300 can freely move or swing upward, as shown in Figure 5. This allows a user to conveniently carry the beverage container system 10. In this embodiment, the drinking member 200 does not rise when the handle 300 is moved upward. In this embodiment, the handle 300 and its engagement member 330 are not permanently fixed to the slide link 400.

[0020] In this embodiment, handle 300 provides a lever action to engage slide link 400. The length of first arm 310 and second arm 320 provides a mechanical advantage that assists in pushing slide link 400. In other embodiments, handle 300 may be replaced with a single-member handle or lever. In other embodiments, handle 300 may be replaced with a push button that moves slide link 400.

[0021] The drinking member 200 includes a first end 205 and a second end 225. The first end 205 includes an outlet 210 for dispensing a beverage. The second end 225 is rotatably engaged to the lid 100. The second end 225 includes an outer bearing surface 230. The second end 225 further includes an inlet 250 in fluid communication with the outlet 210. The outlet 210 and the inlet 250 are coupled by a first fluid passage 253. The underside 255 of the drinking member 200 includes a plug 260 configured to close a vent passage 370 in the lid 100.

[0022] Figures 7 and 8 show the drinking member 200 in a closed or relaxed position. Figures 9 and 10 show the drinking member 200 in a partially raised position. Figures 11 and 12 show the drinking member 200 in an 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. When the user stops applying force, the biasing member 150 drives the slide link 400 in a downward direction, causing the drinking member 200 to descend due to the biasing force from the biasing member 150.

[0023] 7 and 8, the outer bearing surface 230 of the drinking member 200 blocks or closes the upper fluid opening 357 of the upper bearing surface 355. In this embodiment, the outer bearing surface 230 of the drinking member 200 includes a convex shape that mates with the upper bearing surface 355 of the drinking member gasket 350, which includes a concave shape, thereby making the lid assembly 50 leakproof.

[0024] The inlet 250 is configured to be fluidly connected to the interior volume of the beverage container 20. The vent passage 370 helps to minimize or reduce pressure buildup when the drinking member 200 is in the closed position, and the vent passage 370 may also help to prevent liquid from leaking when the drinking member 200 is raised.

[0025] The second end 225 of the drinking member 200 is configured to rotate relative to the drinking member gasket 350. In the embodiment of Figures 1-16, the outer bearing surface 230 of the second end 225 of the drinking member 200 is configured to rotate relative to the 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 passageway 360. The second fluid passageway 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 includes a vent passageway 370 with an upper vent opening 373 and a lower vent opening 376. In this embodiment, the lower portion 365 is configured to engage a straw 380. In other embodiments, the lower portion 365 may be made long enough so that an additional straw is not required.

[0026] 11 and 12, the inlet 250 at the second end 225 of the drinking member 200 is aligned with the upper fluid opening 357 of the drinking member gasket 350. This provides fluid communication from the lower fluid opening 363 through the second fluid passageway 360 to the upper fluid opening 357 to the inlet 250 and then through the first fluid passageway 253 to the outlet 210.

[0027] The drinking member 200 may include various versions, configurations, or types depending on the user's drinking style and preferences. The drinking member may include a spout shape (as shown in Figures 1-16), a straw, a drinking spout, a sip opening, a nozzle, other openings, or another opening configured to receive an additional straw.

[0028] The lid assembly 50 includes an optional cover 280. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16, the optional cover 280 includes a top opening 283, a lateral opening 286, and a knob 289. The drinking member 200 is configured to rotate upward through the top opening 283. The engagement member 330 of the handle 300 is configured to pass through the lateral opening 286 to reach the slide link 400. The first arm 310 and the second arm 320 rotatably engage the knob 289 of the optional cover 280. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, in the closed position, the slide link 400 slides over a wedge into the optional cover 280, helping to hold the optional cover 280 to the lid 100. In FIG. 15, an edge of the slide link 400 travels over a catch 290 on the optional cover 280, helping to hold the optional cover 280 to the lid 100.

[0029] Referring to Figure 16, movement of the handle 300 is shown. Figure 16 shows the lid assembly 50 in a rest position. Figure 16 shows the drinking member 200 being raised as the handle 300 is grasped or moved towards the rest of the lid assembly 50. Figure 16 finally shows the force on the handle 300 being released, with the biasing force from the biasing member 150 moving the handle 300 away from the rest of the lid assembly 50.

[0030] In this embodiment, the biasing member 150 automatically lowers the drinking member 200 when the handle 300 is released. When the drinking member 200 is lowered to the closed or storage position, the drinking member 200 is partially protected, helping to reduce dirt, contaminants, bacteria, etc. from contact with the drinking member 200. In other embodiments, the user can simply remove the biasing member 150 and manually lower the drinking member 200. Furthermore, the biasing member 150 can be replaced with another biasing member 150 having a different spring tension to best suit the user's preferences. In other embodiments, there may be no biasing member at all.

[0031] The lid assembly 50 may be disassembled for cleaning. The drinking member 200 may be removed from the lid body 100 for cleaning. The optional cover 280 and biasing member 150 are removed. The slide link 400 is moved forward until the flange portions 432, 442 are approximately centered between the forward positioner 126 and the rear positioner 128. In this embodiment, the optional cover 280 must be removed prior to disassembly because it prevents the slide link 400 from moving forward enough to be centered between the forward positioner 126 and the rear positioner 128.

[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 gear construction.

[0033] The lid assembly 50 removably connects or engages with the beverage container 20. The lid assembly 50 can be removed from the beverage container 20 to fill the container 20 with a beverage. In this embodiment, the container 20 has an insulated double-walled construction. In other embodiments, the container 20 includes an uninsulated single-wall or multi-wall construction, or other insulated construction. The container 20 can be formed from moldable food-grade plastics, thermoplastics, stainless steel, other metals and metal alloys, other plastics, or any combination thereof.

[0034] In other embodiments, the lid assembly 50 may engage the beverage container 20 in ways other than a threaded engagement, including a snap-fit ​​engagement, a friction engagement, a bayonet engagement, or other engagement configured to selectively attach the lid assembly 50 to the beverage container 20.

[0035] In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the lid assembly 550 includes a push-open actuator 560. In this embodiment, a user pushes the push-open actuator 560 to drive a slide link 570, which rotates the drinking member 580 upward via a gear and gear rack, as described herein. An inner portion of the push-open actuator 560 may be in direct contact with the slide link 570 to push the slide link 570 when a user pushes the push-open actuator 560. The lid assembly 550 converts the linear motion of the push-open actuator 560 and slide link 570 into rotational motion of the drinking member 580. The push-open actuator 560 may be incorporated into a side of the lid assembly 550. Additionally, a loop or lever may be incorporated into the lid assembly 550 to assist in pushing or depressing the push-open actuator 560, or to move the push-open actuator 560 toward the slide link 570 to push it.

[0036] As shown in Figures 18A, 18B, 18C1-6, and 18D1-3, in another embodiment, the lid assembly 600 includes a push-open actuator 610 together with a cam assembly 615. In this embodiment, a user pushes the push-open actuator 610 to actuate a slide link 620. The drinking member 630 includes a protrusion 635 (which may be configured as a pin, rod, bump, or other shape) that is captured in an opening 640 in the slide link 620. The protrusion 635 is located in or on a side surface 637 of a bottom element 632 of the drinking member. Such a bottom element 632 of the drinking member is configured as a cam. The protrusion 635 is located on the side surface 637 of the drinking member 630 and is spaced from an axis 639 of the drinking member 630. As the slide link 620 moves linearly, it imparts a rotational movement to the protrusion 635, causing the drinking member 630 to rotate upward. The lid assembly 600 converts linear motion of the push-open actuator 610 and slide link 620 into rotational motion of the drinking member 630. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the handle 300 or other types of actuator elements described herein may be incorporated into the lid assembly 600 along with the cam assembly 615 to drive the slide link 620.

[0037] As shown in Figures 19A and 19B, in another embodiment, the lid assembly 650 includes a push-open actuator 660. In this embodiment, a user pushes the push-open actuator 660 to actuate the slide link 670. The drinking member 680 includes a base portion 682 that rotatably engages the lid assembly 650. A side surface 684 of the base portion 682 includes a catch portion 686 that is offset from the rotation axis of the base portion 682. The end portion 672 of the slide link 670 abuts the catch portion 686, causing the base portion 682 to rotate. When the slide link 670 moves linearly, the slide link 670 causes the base portion 682 to rotate, causing the drinking member 680 to rotate upward. The lid assembly 650 converts the linear movement of the push-open actuator 660 and slide link 670 into rotational movement of the drinking member 680. Of course, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the handle 300 described herein or other types of actuator elements can be incorporated into the lid assembly 650 to actuate the slide link 670 .

[0038] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 20A and 20B, a lid assembly 700 includes a push actuator 710 for use with a mug or other beverage container (for use with a user's lips). In this embodiment, the push actuator 710 is positioned beneath a lid 715 having an opening 718. The push actuator 710 includes a first push end 712 and a second push end 717. The underside of the push actuator 710 includes a gear rack 720 configured to drive a gear or pinion 730 engaged with a ball valve 735. The ball valve 735 includes an inlet 737 and an outlet 739 connected by a fluid passageway 742. When a user presses the first push end 712, the push actuator 710 drives the pinion 730 via the gear rack 720, which rotates the ball valve 735 so that the outlet 739 is in fluid communication with the opening 718 in the lid 715 and the inlet 737 is in fluid communication with a lower fluid opening 740 that leads to the interior of the beverage container. To close the lid assembly 700, the user presses the second push end 717, and the push actuator 710 drives the pinion 730 via the gear rack 720, which rotates the ball valve 735 so that the outlet 739 is closed against a wall 750 of the housing 752 of the ball valve 735.

[0039] The lid assembly 700 converts the linear motion of the push actuator 710 into rotational motion of the ball valve 735. Of course, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the handle 300 described herein can be incorporated into the lid assembly 650 to actuate the push actuator 710 along with the biasing member 150 to close the lid assembly 700.

[0040] In other embodiments, 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 embodiments, the connecting rod rotates in response to rotation of the crank arm, and the piston is connected (directly or indirectly) to the drinking member, such that rotation of the crank arm moves the drinking member toward an open position, or (during other portions of the rotational motion) moves the drinking member toward a closed position. For example, the crank arm may rotate.

[0041] Thus, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this novel concept as defined by the following claims. Moreover, many other advantages of Applicants' disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 10 Beverage container systems 20 Beverage containers 50, 700 Lid Assembly 100 Lid 105 Side wall 107 Internal thread 110 upper side 113 Shaft holding part 116 Bearing surface 120 plots 122, 124 side wall 126 Forward Positioner 128 Rear Positioner 150 biasing member 152 first end 154 First holding part 156 Second End 158 Second holding part 200, 580, 630, 680 Drinking materials 205 First End 210 Exit 225 Second End 230 outer bearing surface 250 Entrance 253 First fluid passage 255 Bottom surface 260 plug 280 cover 286 Lateral Opening 289 Nobu 290 Catch 300 Handle 310 First Arm 320 Second Arm 325 Lateral Support 330 Engagement member 350 Drinking water component gasket 355 Upper bearing surface 357 Upper fluid opening 360 second fluid passage 363 Lower fluid opening 365 Lower 370 Vent Passage 373 Upper vent opening 376 Lower vent opening 380 straws 400, 570, 620 slide link 410 first end 412 Contact surface 420 Second End 422 Groove 430 First Side Wall 432, 442 flange part 434, 444 Bottom surface 436, 446 gear rack 440 Second Side Wall 500 gear or pinion 510 Gear body 520 first shaft end 524 1st gear tooth 530 second shaft end 534 Second gear tooth 550 Lid Assembly 580 Drinking Materials 615 Cam Assembly 632 Bottom element 635 Protrusion 637 Side 639 Axis 640 Opening 660 Push-open actuator 682 Base 684 Side 686 Catch part 710 Push Actuator 712 first push end 715 Lid 717 Second Push End 718 Opening 720 Gear Rack 730 gear or pinion 735 Ball Valve 740 Fluid opening 742 Fluid passage 750 Wall 752 Housing

Claims

1. A lid body, a drinking member rotatably engaging the lid; a slide link configured to move relative to the lid; an actuator element configured to drive the slide link relative to the lid; 1. A lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: A lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the slide link is configured to permit rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body.

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

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

4. The lid assembly of claim 1 , wherein the actuator element is a handle, the handle including an engagement member, the engagement member configured to compress a first end of the slide link.

5. The lid assembly of claim 1 , 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 motion.

6. The lid assembly of claim 1 , wherein the lid body forms or defines a compartment configured to direct movement of the slide link.

7. The lid assembly of claim 6 , wherein the slide link is configured to move linearly relative to the compartment.

8. The lid assembly of claim 1 , wherein the actuator element is configured to move toward the lid to drive the slide link.

9. The lid assembly of claim 1 , wherein the actuator element is configured to be pulled away from the lid to actuate the slide link.

10. 10. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the lid assembly converts linear movement of the slide link into rotational movement of the drinking member.

11. 10. The lid assembly of claim 1, further comprising a drinking member gasket including an upper fluid opening in an upper bearing surface and a lower fluid opening, the upper fluid opening and the lower fluid opening being coupled by a fluid passageway.

12. 12. The lid assembly of claim 11, wherein the drinking member comprises a first end and a second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, and the second end including an outer bearing surface configured to rotate relative to an upper bearing surface of the drinking member gasket.

13. 13. The lid assembly of claim 12, wherein when the drinking member is in a closed or relaxed position, an outer bearing surface of the drinking member blocks or closes the upper fluid opening in an upper bearing surface of the drinking member gasket.

14. 13. The lid assembly of claim 12, wherein an outer bearing surface of the drinking member includes a convex shape and an upper bearing surface of the drinking member includes a concave shape, the outer bearing surface nesting within the upper bearing surface.

15. The lid assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a biasing member, said biasing member biasing said drinking member to a closed position.

16. 16. The lid assembly of claim 15, wherein the biasing member is configured to automatically lower the drinking member to a closed position when the actuator element is released.

17. 2. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein when the actuator element is moved towards the lid, the actuator element drives the slide link relative to the lid, raising the drinking member, and when the actuator element is fully actuated, the drinking member reaches an open position.

18. 2. The lid assembly of claim 1, further comprising a drinking member gasket, 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 an inlet, a first fluid passage connecting the inlet and the outlet, the drinking member gasket including an upper fluid opening and a lower fluid opening connected by a second fluid passage, the drinking member configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position of the drinking member, the inlet at the second end is aligned with the upper fluid opening of the drinking member gasket, and fluid communication is provided from the lower fluid opening to the upper fluid opening via the second fluid passage, to the inlet, and to the outlet via the second fluid passage.

19. 19. The lid assembly of claim 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 of claim 1 and further comprising a beverage container, the lid assembly engaged with the beverage container.

21. A lid body, a drinking member rotatably engaged with the lid, the drinking member comprising a first end and a second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, and the second end including a gear; a slide link configured to move relative to the lid, the slide link including a first end and a second end, the slide link including a gear rack; a lever having an engagement member; 1. A lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: a first end of the slide link configured to move the slide link relative to the lid body, and a second end of the slide link configured to drive the gear rack relative to the gear of the drinking member, thereby rotating the drinking member relative to the lid body;

22. A lid body, a drinking member rotatably engaged with the lid, the drinking member including a first end and a second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, and the second end including a first gear and a second gear; a slide link configured for linear movement relative to the lid, the slide link including a first end and a second end joined by a first side wall and a second side wall; a lower surface of the first sidewall that forms or includes a first gear rack; a lower surface of the second sidewall that forms or includes a second gear rack; a handle including an engagement member configured to press a first end of the slide link to linearly move the slide link relative to the lid; 1. A lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: A lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the first gear rack and the second gear rack of the slide link are configured to rotate the first gear and the second gear of the drinking member relative to the lid body, which raises the drinking member.

23. A lid body, a drinking member rotatably engaged with the lid, the drinking member comprising a first end and a second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, and the second end including a gear; a slide link including a first end and a second end, the slide link including a gear rack; a push button configured to move relative to the lid; 1. A lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: A lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the push body is configured to press against a first end of the slide link to move the slide link relative to the lid body, and to drive the gear rack against a gear of the drinking member to rotate the drinking member relative to the lid body.

24. A lid body, a drinking member rotatably engaged with the lid, the drinking member comprising a first end and a second end, the first end including an outlet configured to dispense a beverage, and the second end including a gear; a push button configured to move relative to the lid; 1. A lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: A lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the push button includes a gear rack, and the push body is configured to drive the gear rack against a gear of the drinking member to cause rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body.

25. A lid body, a ball valve rotatably engaged with the lid, the ball valve including an inlet and an outlet, the ball valve including a gear; a push button configured to move relative to the lid; 1. A lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: The push button includes a gear rack, and the push body is configured to drive the gear rack against a gear of the ball valve, causing rotational movement of the ball valve relative to the lid body to open and close the ball valve.

26. A lid body, A drinking member; an actuator element configured as a crank arm, the actuator element being configured to rotate the crank arm; a slide link configured as a connecting rod and piston, the connecting rod attached to the crank arm such that rotation of the crank arm rotates the connecting rod, thereby causing linear movement of the piston; 1. A lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: A lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the piston interacts with the drinking member such that linear movement of the piston moves the drinking member away from the lid body towards an open position or towards the lid body towards a closed position.

27. A lid body, an actuator element and a slide link, the actuator element configured to actuate the slide link; a drinking member configured to allow a user to access liquid from a beverage container, the drinking member including an axis for positioning the drinking member relative to the lid; a protrusion arranged on or in the bottom of the drinking member, the protrusion being arranged at a distance from the stem and the bottom of the drinking member and configured as a cam; 1. A lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: a sliding link configured to include a protrusion receiving opening such that actuation of the actuator element moves the sliding link, thereby moving the protrusion along a rotational path of the bottom of the drinking member and moving the top of the drinking member to an open or closed position.

28. A lid body, a drinking member rotatably engaging the lid; a slide link configured to move relative to the lid; 1. A lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: A lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the slide link is configured to permit rotational movement of the drinking member relative to the lid body.

29. A lid body, a drinking member having a drinking interface and a base portion, said base portion including a catch portion offset from an axis of rotation of said base portion; an actuator element configured to move the slide link in a substantially linear path; 1. A lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: The slide link has an end, and when the actuator element is actuated, the end of the slide link is configured to abut and drive a catch portion of the drinking member, thereby rotating the base portion and rotating a drinking interface of the drinking member to an open position.

30. 30. A lid assembly for a beverage container according to claim 29, wherein the drinking member is biased to a closed position such that release of the actuator element returns the drinking member to the closed position.

31. 30. A lid assembly for a beverage container according to claim 29, wherein after releasing the actuator element, the drinking member remains in the open position until a user manually pushes the drinking member into a closed position.

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