Closures and lids and methods for forming closures and lids - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a closable lid assembly for a beverage container.SOLUTION: A lid assembly comprises a rim for engaging with an opening of a container, an intermediate wall extending under the rim, and a slider mechanism slidable manually. The slider mechanism comprises an upper thread, a lower thread and a gasket, and allows the upper thread to magnetically couple with the lower thread by 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 Application No. 62 / 749,443, filed October 23, 2018, entitled "CLOSURE AND LID AND METHOD OF FORMING CLOSURE AND LID," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all non-limiting purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure herein relates generally to beverage lids, and more specifically to openable lids for beverage containers used for drinking beverages or food. [Background technology]

[0003] Beverage containers can contain hot or cold drinkable 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 cases, it can 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 invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the invention.

[0005] Aspects of the disclosure herein may relate to a lid assembly that is openable and closable for a beverage. In one embodiment, the lid assembly may include a manually movable slider, which may include a tab or handle. In certain embodiments, the slider may be configured to do one or more of the following: slide between a closed position where the slider covers the opening to help prevent the contents of the container from spilling and an open position where the slider uncovers the opening so that the contents of the container can be consumed, and remain secured to the lid during movement between the closed and open positions, and be removable from the lid so that the lid and slider can be washed.

[0006] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which they appear. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a lid assembly removably coupled to a container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a lid assembly in a closed configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a lid assembly in an open configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B illustrate schematic diagrams of an exploded isometric view of a lid assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of a lid assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a lid assembly without a slider mechanism according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a lid assembly without a slider mechanism according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a lower sled according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a lower sled according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a top sled according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a top sled according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 8A] 1 illustrates an isometric view and partial cross-sectional view of a lower gasket according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 8B] 1 illustrates an isometric view and partial cross-sectional view of a lower gasket according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of a lid assembly in a closed configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of a lid assembly in an open configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 11] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating cross-sectional views of a lid assembly in a partially open configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 12] 13 illustrates various steps for disassembling and removing the slider mechanism from the lid assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 13] 1A-1C are schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of a lid assembly coupled to a container according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 14A] 13 illustrates an alternative implementation of a slider mechanism resulting in an alternative disassembly mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 14B] 13 illustrates an alternative implementation of a slider mechanism resulting in an alternative disassembly mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 14C] 13 illustrates an alternative implementation of a slider mechanism resulting in an alternative disassembly mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 14D]13 illustrates an alternative implementation of a slider mechanism resulting in an alternative disassembly mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 14E] 13 illustrates an alternative implementation of a slider mechanism resulting in an alternative disassembly mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] In the following description of various examples and components of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various exemplary structures and environments in which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made from the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

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

[0010] 1 illustrates an isometric view of a lid assembly 100 removably coupled to a container 105 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The container 105 is one example container to which the lid assembly 100 may be configured to be removably coupled. 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] 2A and 2B show isometric views of the lid assembly 100 in a closed and an open configuration, respectively. The lid assembly 100 generally includes a slider mechanism 102 configured to move between a closed position (shown in FIG. 2A) and an open position (shown in FIG. 2B) to selectively close or open a first opening 104 configured to allow liquid stored in the container 105 to flow. Further details regarding the slider mechanism 102 are discussed in relation to the preceding figures. The lid assembly 100 may additionally include a sidewall 106, which may define a groove 108 for seating of a gasket 110. The gasket 110 may thus 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 a lip 112 for engaging an opening of the container 105. The rim 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 a user in removing the lid assembly 100 from the container 105.

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

[0013] FIG. 3 generally illustrates an exploded isometric view of the lid assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In particular, FIG. 3 generally illustrates a number of elements that make up the slider mechanism 102, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B. Thus, the slider mechanism 102 can include an upper sled 130 configured to be positioned within a recess 122 in the upper surface 120 of the mid-wall 118. The upper sled 130 can include an upper sled magnet 132 sealed therein. In one embodiment, the upper sled magnet 132 can be sealed within a cavity in the upper sled 130 and overmolded with a polymer overmolded plug element 134. Additional and alternative sealing methods can be used to secure the upper sled magnet 132 within the upper sled 130 without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Additionally, the upper sled magnet 132 can be formed of any suitable ferromagnetic or otherwise magnetic material. The upper sled 130 is discussed in further detail with respect to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

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

[0015] In one embodiment, the magnetic attraction between upper sled magnet 132 and lower sled magnet 140 magnetically couples upper sled 130 to lower sled 136 across mid-wall 118. Thus, manual manipulation of upper sled 130 over top surface 6 of mid-wall 118 results in sliding movement of upper sled 130 and lower sled 136.

[0016] 4 generally illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments 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 thread magnet 140 may have a cylindrical geometry with a hollow center. Thus, the lower thread magnet 140 may be described as a ring magnet that extends around the central tube 146 through the otherwise overmolded plug element 142 and the lower thread 136. In another embodiment, the lower thread magnet 140 may have a solid cylindrical geometry.

[0017] 5A and 5B show isometric views of the lid assembly 100 without the slider mechanism 102. In particular, FIG. 5A shows a view of the top surface 120 of the mid-wall 118, and FIG. 5B shows a view of the bottom surface 138 of the mid-wall 118. As shown, the lid mechanism 100 includes a first opening 104 and a second opening 124. In one embodiment, when the upper sled 130 is magnetically coupled to the lower sled 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 extending from the intermediate wall 118 to the second opening 124. When the slider mechanism 102 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 2A, these detents 148 are configured to be received in a channel 150 (see FIG. 6A) extending along a portion of the central tube 146 of the lower sled 136. The detents 148 are thus configured to provide an interference fit to prevent the slider mechanism 102 from being inadvertently moved, thereby inadvertently unsealing 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 FIGS. 2A and 2B. It is further contemplated that a locking mechanism in addition to the detents 148 may be used to further prevent the slider mechanism 102 from being inadvertently moved.

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

[0020] The lid assembly 100 additionally includes a recessed pocket 161 extending into an inner surface 163 of the sidewall that extends below 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 sled 136. 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 when liquid is being poured from the first opening 104.

[0021] 6A and 6B show isometric views of the lower sled 136 according to one or more embodiments described herein. Thus, the lower sled 136 includes an inner surface 164 configured to be positioned adjacent 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 and closed configurations, 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 and closed configurations, the lower thread ramp 166 will abut the crest surfaces 154 and 160. Furthermore, because the crest surfaces 154 and 160 are raised against the valley recesses on either side of the crest surfaces 154 and 160, this will urge the upper thread 130 and the lower thread 136 further apart from each other. Thus, because 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 crest surfaces 154 and 160, the magnetic attraction will be reduced. In one embodiment, this reduction in magnetic force will provide smoother movement of the slider mechanism 102 between the open and closed positions. Furthermore, 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 that helps secure the slider mechanism 102 in the open or closed configuration.

[0022] It should be noted that the lower thread 136 and the upper thread 130 are symmetrical about a vertical axis to allow the slider mechanism to be installed within the lid assembly 100 in any of four different orientations. The lower thread 136 additionally includes a central tube 146 extending from the inner surface 164. Additionally, the central tube 146 includes a tab ear 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. Additionally, one of the lower vent channels 171 a or 171 b 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] 6B shows an isometric view of an exterior surface 172 of the lower sled 136. In one embodiment, a knob 174 (also referred to as a finger tab 174) extends from the exterior surface 172. The knob 174 is configured to be grasped 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.

[0024] 7A and 7B show isometric views of the top sled 130. The top sled 130 can include two symmetrical flanges 176a and 176b, both of which are configured to selectively cover and seal the first opening 104 for pouring liquid from the container and the second opening 124 in the recess 122 (also referred to as the guide channel 122). A tab or handle 178 is configured to be grasped by a user to selectively move the top sled 130 such that the slider mechanism 102 is in an open position to uncover the first opening 104 on the lid assembly 100, or in a closed position to cover 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] FIG. 7B shows a view of the inside 182 of the top sled 130. Thus, the top sled 130 includes top vent channels 184a and 184b. Thus, when the slider mechanism 102 is in the open configuration, the vent path is formed in part by a portion of the bottom sled 136 extending over a portion of the recessed vent pocket 165. Additionally, one of the bottom 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. When the top vent channels 184a and 184b allow air to pass from the external environment to the slider mechanism 102, this vent path between the external environment and the interior cavity of the container 105 is completed. The top sled recesses 186a and 186b are configured to receive a portion of the tab ear 168 of the bottom sled 136.

[0026] 8A and 8B show isometric and partial cross-sectional views of the lower gasket 144 according to one or more embodiments 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 over the outer surface 172 of the lower sled 136. The opening 190 in the lower gasket 144 is configured to allow the knob 174 of the lower sled 136 to extend through. In one limitation, the lower gasket 144 may be constructed 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 mid-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 mid-wall 118 compresses the spring feature 192 of the lower gasket 144. Furthermore, when the lower thread ramp 166 is positioned on the crest 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 outward toward and maintains contact with the bottom surface 138 to maintain the seal of the lower gasket 144 with the bottom surface 138.

[0028] 9A and 9B show schematic cross-sectional views of the lid assembly 100 in a 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 in the recessed pocket 161 of the lid assembly 100.

[0029] 10A and 10B show schematic cross-sectional views of the lid assembly 100 in an open configuration. As shown, the first opening 104 is completely uncovered by the slider mechanism 102, including the top sled 130 and the underside 136. FIG. 10B shows schematic more detailed views of a portion of the cross-section of FIG. 10A. In particular, FIG. 10B shows a portion of the lower gasket 144 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 from the first opening 104.

[0030] 11A and 11B show schematic cross-sectional views of the lid assembly 100 in a partially open configuration. As shown, the first opening 104 is partially uncovered by the slider mechanism 102, which includes the upper thread 130 and the lower thread 136. FIG. 11B shows schematic, more detailed views of a portion of the cross-section of FIG. 11A. In particular, FIG. 11B shows the separation 196 (or gap 196) between the upper thread 130 and the lower thread 136. This separation 196 results from the lower thread slope 166 abutting the ridges 154 and 160, as previously described.

[0031] 12A-12D show various steps for disassembling and removing the slider mechanism 102 from the lid assembly 100. As previously mentioned, the slider mechanism 102 includes an upper sled 130 and a lower sled 136. Additionally, the upper sled includes an upper sled magnet 132, and the lower sled 136 includes a lower sled magnet 140 and a lower gasket 144. FIG. 12A shows the lid assembly 100 with the slider mechanism 102 fully installed and in an open configuration. To remove the slider mechanism, for example, to facilitate cleaning of the lid assembly 100, the upper sled 130 can be manually lifted off the top surface 120. FIG. 12B shows the upper sled 130 after it has been removed from the top surface 120. Once the upper sled 130 has been removed, the lower sled 136 is no longer held against the bottom surface 138 by the magnetic attraction between the upper sled magnet 132 and the lower sled magnet 140. However, when the tab ear 168 extends through the second opening 124 and grips onto a portion of the top surface 120 , the tab ear 168 prevents the lower sled 136 from falling into the container 105 .

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

[0033] FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a lid assembly 100 coupled to a container 105. In one embodiment, the lid assembly 100 may be resealably coupled to the container 105 by threaded elements on both the sidewall 106 of the lid assembly 100 and the sidewall 202 of the container 105. Elements 204 and 206 are threads on the sidewalls 106 and 202, respectively. It is further contemplated that any threaded geometry may 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 may be implemented without a threaded connection between the lid assembly 100 and the container 105. In one embodiment, the lid assembly 100 may be secured to the container 105 by an interference fit, among other things.

[0034] 14A-14E show alternative implementations of slider mechanisms with alternative disassembly mechanisms. Thus, FIG. 14A shows an isometric view of a lid assembly 300 including slider mechanism 301. The lid assembly 300 may be similar to the lid assembly 100, and the slider mechanism 301 may be similar to the slider mechanism 102. The slider mechanism 301 may include an upper sled 302 similar to the upper sled 130 and a lower sled 306 similar to the lower sled 136. To disassemble the slider mechanism, the upper sled 302 may be manually removed from the lid assembly 300. Similar to the lower sled 136, the lower sled 306 may include tab ears 308 to prevent the lower sled 306 from falling into the container when the upper sled 302 is removed. However, to remove the lower sled 306 from the lid assembly 300, the lower sled 306 is slid to the position shown in Figure 14C so that the geometry of the tab ears 308 aligns with the geometry of the opening 309 in the mid-wall 310 of the lid assembly 300. When positioned in the configuration shown in Figure 14C, the lower sled 306 can pass through the opening 309, as shown in Figure 14D. Figure 14E shows the upper sled 302 and lower sled 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 a sidewall defining a groove for seating of the top gasket. The intermediate wall may extend below the edge, and a top surface of the intermediate wall may define 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 sloped feature having a crest surface spaced between two valley recesses. The first sloped feature may be positioned on a first side of the second opening, and the second sloped feature may have a crest surface spaced between the two valley recesses, and the second sloped 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 and second openings and an open position by only covering the second opening. The slider mechanism may include an upper thread configured to be positioned within a recess at a top surface of the intermediate wall. Additionally, the upper thread may have a magnet sealed therein. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower thread configured to be positioned near a bottom surface of the intermediate wall. The lower thread may additionally include an inner surface having a lower thread ramp protruding therefrom, the lower thread ramp configured to be selectively received in a first valley recess of the two valley recesses at a first side of the second opening and a first valley recess of the two valley recesses at a second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in an open position. The lower thread ramp is additionally configured to be received in a second valley recess of the two valley recesses at a first side of the second opening and a second valley recess of the two valley recesses at a second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in a closed position. The lower thread may also include a lower thread magnet sealed within the lower thread. The lower sled also has a central tube extending from an inner surface of the lower sled and having a tab ear at a distal end configured to extend through the second opening. The slider mechanism may also include a lower gasket configured to extend around a periphery of the inner surface of the lower sled and configured to be compressed between the lower sled and the lower surface of the intermediate wall.Additionally, 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 and closed positions, the lower thread ramp of the lid assembly is configured to slide over the peaks of the first and second ramp features.

[0037] In one embodiment, when the lower thread ramp slides from a pair of selected valley recesses to a crest face, 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 into the second opening, the detent being 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] The lid assembly further includes a detent extending into the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall that is configured to abut the upper thread when in the open position to prevent compression between the upper thread and an end wall of the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall.

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

[0042] When the upper sled is removed from the lid assembly, a tab ear on the lid assembly may be configured to hook on a side of the second opening to prevent the lower sled from separating from the lid assembly.

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

[0044] The lower sled of the lid assembly may be manually removable from the lid assembly by manually actuating a finger tab to rotate the lower sled 90 degrees relative to the second opening in the intermediate wall.

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

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

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

[0048] In another aspect, the container assembly may include a container having an inner wall with a container opening extending into the interior storage chamber and having a first end, and an outer wall with a second end forming an outer shell of the container and configured to support the container on a surface. The container assembly may additionally include a lid adapted to seal the container opening. The lid may further include an edge for engaging the container opening, the edge defining a top wall. The lid may have a sidewall defining a groove for seating of the top gasket, and an intermediate wall extending below the edge, the upper surface of the intermediate wall defining a recess, the recess having a first opening, a second opening, and an air vent. The bottom surface of the intermediate wall may define a first sloped feature having a crest surface spaced between two valley recesses. The first sloped feature may be positioned on a first side of the second opening. The second sloped feature may have a crest surface spaced between the two valley recesses, the second sloped feature being positioned on a second side of the second opening. The lid may additionally include a slider mechanism configured to be manually slid to selectively provide a closed position by covering both the first and second openings and an open position by only covering the second opening. The slider mechanism may additionally include an upper thread configured to be positioned within a recess at a top surface of the intermediate wall. The upper thread may seal the upper thread magnet. The slider mechanism may also include a lower thread configured against a bottom surface of the intermediate wall. The lower thread may further include an inner surface having a protruding lower thread slope, the lower thread slope being configured to be selectively received in a first of the two valley recesses at a first side of the second opening and a first of the two valley recesses at a second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in an open position. The lower thread ramp is configured to be received in a second of the two valley recesses on a first side of the second opening and in a second of the two valley recesses on a second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in a closed position. The lower thread may enclose the lower thread magnet. The lower thread may additionally include a central tube extending from an 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 a periphery of an inner surface of the lower thread and configured to be compressed between the lower thread and a lower surface of the intermediate wall. 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 interior wall of the container includes a threaded sidewall configured to receive a threaded formation on the sidewall of the lid.

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

[0051] In another example, when the slider mechanism slides between the open and closed positions, the lower sled ramp can slide over the crests of the first and second ramp features.

[0052] In one embodiment, the lower thread slope is such that the lower thread can move away from the upper thread when sliding from a pair of selected valley recesses to the crest faces.

[0053] 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 when the lower sled moves away from the upper sled.

[0054] The second opening of the container assembly may further include a detent extending from the intermediate wall to the second opening, the detent 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 an 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 that is configured to abut the upper thread.

[0056] The upper sled is manually removable from the lid assembly by applying a manual force to overcome the magnetic force between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet.

[0057] The upper sled of the lid assembly is manually removable from the lid assembly by applying a manual force to overcome the magnetic force between the upper sled magnet and the lower sled magnet.

[0058] When the upper sled is removed from the lid assembly, a tab ear on the lid assembly may be configured to hook on a side of the second opening to prevent the lower sled from separating from the lid assembly.

[0059] The lower sled may further include a finger tab extending from the outer surface.

[0060] The lower sled of the lid assembly may be manually removable from the lid assembly by manually actuating a finger tab to rotate the lower sled 90 degrees relative to the second opening in the intermediate wall.

[0061] The container assembly may also have a recessed pocket extending into the inner surface of the sidewall that extends below the intermediate wall. The recessed pocket may receive a portion of the lower sled 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, and 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 interior cavity.

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

[0064] In another implementation, the lid assembly may include a rim for engaging the opening of the container and an intermediate wall extending below the rim, the upper surface of the intermediate wall having a first opening, a second opening, and an air vent. The bottom surface of the intermediate wall may define a first sloped feature having a crest surface spaced between two valley recesses. The first sloped feature may be positioned on a first side of the second opening. The second sloped feature may have a crest surface spaced between two valley recesses, the second sloped feature being 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 and second openings and an open position by only covering the second opening. The slider mechanism may further include a top sled configured to be positioned within the recess on the upper surface of the intermediate wall, the top sled may seal the top sled magnet. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower thread configured to be positioned near a bottom surface of the intermediate wall. The lower thread may further include an inner surface having a protruding lower thread ramp. The lower thread ramp is configured to be selectively received into a first valley recess of the two valley recesses at a first side of the second opening and a first valley recess of the two valley recesses at a second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in an open position. The lower thread ramp is configured to be selectively received into a second valley recess of the two valley recesses at a first side of the second opening and a second valley recess of the two valley recesses at a second side of the second opening when the slider mechanism is in a closed position. The lower thread magnet may be sealed within the lower thread. The slider mechanism may additionally include a lower gasket configured to extend around a periphery of an inner surface of the lower thread and configured to be compressed between the lower thread and a 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 example, a method of forming a 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 a 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 trapping a pocket of air between the lid body and both the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

[0066] The present disclosure has been disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples. However, the purpose provided by this disclosure is not to limit the scope of the invention, but to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications can be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A lid assembly comprising: a rim for engaging an opening of the container, the rim defining a top wall; an intermediate wall extending below the rim, a top surface of the intermediate wall defining a recess, the recess having a first opening and a second opening, and a bottom surface of the intermediate wall defining a first angled feature positioned on a first side of the second opening and a second angled 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 sled configured to be positioned within the recess at the upper surface of the intermediate wall, the upper sled enclosing an upper sled magnet therein; a lower sled configured to be positioned adjacent the bottom surface of the intermediate wall, an inner surface having a lower thread ramp protruding therefrom, the lower thread ramp configured to slide across the first ramp feature as the slider mechanism moves between the open and closed positions; a lower sled magnet enclosed within the lower sled; a gasket configured to extend around a 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 lid assembly, wherein a magnetic attraction between the upper thread magnet and the lower thread magnet magnetically couples the upper thread to the lower thread.

2. 2. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the lower thread further comprises a center tube extending from the inner surface of the lower thread, the center tube having a tab tab at a distal end thereof configured to extend through the second opening.

3. 3. The lid assembly of claim 2, wherein the tab ears are configured to hook on the first and second sides of the second opening to prevent the lower thread from separating from the lid assembly when the upper thread is removed from the lid assembly.

4. The lid assembly of claim 2 , wherein the top thread has a top thread recess configured to receive a portion of the tab ear.

5. The lid assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first sloped feature includes a first crest and a first valley recess, and the second sloped feature includes a second crest and a second valley recess.

6. 6. The lid assembly of claim 5, wherein the lower thread moves away from the upper thread as the lower thread slope slides from the first and second valley recesses to the first and second crest faces.

7. 2. The lid assembly of claim 1, further comprising a detent extending into the recess in the top surface of the intermediate wall, the detent configured to abut the top thread when in the open position to prevent liquid from being compressed between the top thread and an end wall of the recess in the top surface of the intermediate wall.

8. The lid assembly of claim 1 , wherein the lower sled further comprises a knob extending from an outer surface, the knob configured to be grasped by a user.

9. 9. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the lower sled is manually removable from the lid assembly by manually manipulating the knob to rotate the lower sled 90 degrees relative to the second opening in the intermediate wall.

10. 1. A container assembly comprising: A container comprising: an interior wall having a first end with a container opening extending into the interior reservoir; an outer wall forming an 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, a lip for engaging the container opening; an intermediate wall extending below the rim, a top surface of the intermediate wall defining a recess, the recess having a first opening and a second opening, and a bottom surface of the intermediate wall defining a first angled feature positioned on a first side of the second opening and a second angled feature positioned on a second side of the second opening; and 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 sled configured to be positioned within the recess at the upper surface of the intermediate wall, the upper sled enclosing an upper sled magnet therein; a lower sled configured to be positioned adjacent the bottom surface of the intermediate wall, an inner surface having a lower thread ramp protruding therefrom, the lower thread ramp configured to slide across the first ramp feature as the slider mechanism moves between the open and closed positions; a lower sled magnet enclosed within the lower sled; a gasket configured to extend around a 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, wherein a magnetic attraction between the upper thread magnet and the lower thread magnet magnetically couples the upper thread to the lower thread.

11. The container assembly of claim 10 , wherein the inner wall of the container comprises a threaded sidewall configured to receive a threaded formation on a sidewall of the lid.

12. The container assembly of claim 10 , wherein the container further comprises a sealed vacuum cavity between the inner wall and the outer wall.

13. The container assembly of claim 10, wherein the first sloped feature includes a first peak and a first valley recess, and the second sloped feature includes a second peak and a second valley recess.

14. 14. The container assembly of claim 13, wherein the lower thread moves away from the upper thread as the lower thread slope slides from the first and second valley recesses to the first and second crest faces.

15. 11. The container assembly of claim 10, further comprising a detent extending into the recess in the upper surface of the intermediate wall, the detent configured to abut the upper thread when in the open position to prevent liquid from being compressed between the upper thread and an end wall of the recess in the upper surface of the intermediate wall.

16. the lower thread further comprises a center tube extending from the inner surface of the lower thread, the center tube having a tab tab at a distal end thereof configured to extend through the second opening; 11. The container assembly of claim 10, wherein the tab ears are configured to hook on the first and second sides of the second opening to prevent the lower thread from separating from the lid when the upper thread is removed from the lid.

17. 1. A lid assembly comprising: a lip for engaging an opening of the container; an intermediate wall extending below the rim, a top surface of the intermediate wall having a first opening and a second opening, and a bottom surface of the intermediate wall defining a first sloped feature positioned on a first side of the second opening and a second sloped 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 sled configured to be positioned within a recess in the upper surface of the intermediate wall, the upper sled including an upper sled magnet; a lower sled configured to be positioned adjacent the bottom surface of the intermediate wall, an inner surface having a lower thread ramp protruding therefrom, the lower thread ramp configured to slide across the first ramp feature as the slider mechanism moves between the open and closed positions; a lower sled further comprising a lower sled magnet enclosed within said lower sled; a gasket configured to extend around a periphery of an inner surface of the lower thread and configured to be compressed between the lower thread and the bottom surface of the intermediate wall; A lid assembly, wherein a magnetic attraction between the upper thread magnet and the lower thread magnet magnetically couples the upper thread to the lower thread.

18. 18. The lid assembly of claim 17, wherein the first angled feature includes a first peak and a first valley recess, and the second angled feature includes a second peak and a second valley recess.

19. 20. The lid assembly of claim 18, wherein the lower thread moves away from the upper thread as the lower thread slope slides from the first and second valley recesses to the first and second crest faces.

20. 18. The lid assembly of claim 17, wherein the lower thread further comprises a center tube extending from the inner surface of the lower thread, the center tube having a tab tab at a distal end thereof configured to extend through the second opening.

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