Drinking assembly and related methods

Abstract

To improve assemblies for drinking having a lid and a container / vessel, and related methods.SOLUTION: A drinking assembly, such as a water bottle or a drinkware, has a drinking vessel and a lid assembly attached to the drinking vessel, such as by threads. The drinking vessel can have a double-wall construction. The lid assembly can have a control assembly to open and close a drink opening and a vent opening. The lid assembly can be removed from a lid body to enable cleaning. A control arm of the control assembly can pivot or rotate to impart an axial motion on an actuator to open the drink opening and the vent opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a drinking assembly, and more particularly to an assembly having a lid and a receptacle / container and related methods.

[0002] [References to Related Documents] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 495,040, filed Apr. 7, 2023, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Background Art

[0003] Drinkware is well known in a variety of hydration scenarios such as office use, hiking, and exercise in physical sports. There are various types of drinkware, typically comprising a lid and a base or beverage container. The lid and base are typically attachable by threads or snap fit. The base can be made of plastic or metal and can be double-walled for insulation. The lid can have a drinking spout for dispensing liquid within the base for drinking. The drinking spout can be opened and closed using a simple threaded cap or actuator.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] A beverage assembly is disclosed having a beverage container and a lid assembly attached to the beverage container by threads or the like. The beverage container can have a double-walled structure. The lid assembly can have a control assembly for opening and closing a drinking spout and a vent. The lid assembly is removable from the lid body to enable cleaning. A control arm of the control assembly is pivotable or rotatable to impart axial movement to an actuator to open the drinking spout and the vent.

[0005] Aspects of the present invention further include a drinking assembly, the assembly comprising: a beverage container having a main body with a central vertical axis, a threaded upper opening, and a closed bottom; a lid assembly screwed onto the threaded upper opening of the beverage container, the lid assembly comprising: a lid upper part having a surface with a notch defining a lid channel having a channel floor, the lid upper part being surrounded on the outer periphery by a main rim part having a notch; a control arm pivotally mounted within the lid channel of the lid upper part, the control arm occupying the notch of the main rim part and having a rim piece forming the rim part on the control arm; a control slider disposed within two side edges of the control arm, the control slider being movable between a first position that locks the pivoting of the control arm and a second position that unlocks the pivoting of the control arm; a clearance gap between the lower surface of the control arm and the lid flange, the lid flange being located below the surface of the lid upper part in the height direction, the clearance gap; a well having a well surface with a drinking opening, the well surface being located below the surface of the lid upper part in the height direction, the well; an actuator for opening and closing the drinking opening, the actuator being a sealing post having a drinking opening seal mounted thereon and pressing the opening seat in the sealing position to close the drinking opening, a main post disposed at a distance from the sealing post and protruding through a hole in the post support part on the channel floor, and a bridge connecting the sealing post and the main post; a return spring mounted around the post support part and biasing the channel floor, and a retaining cap removably attached to the main post, when the control arm is in the rest position and not acted upon by an external pivoting force, the return spring is in a first compressed state and biases the drinking opening seal against the opening seat in the sealing position; when the control arm is pivoted to the pivoting position by an external force and the main post is moved substantially parallel to the central vertical axis, whereby the sealing post is moved substantially parallel to the central vertical axis and the drinking opening seal is moved away from the opening seat to open the drinking opening, the return spring is in a second compressed state.

[0006] A further aspect of the present invention includes a drinking assembly, the assembly comprising: a beverage container having a body with a central vertical axis, a threaded upper opening, and a closed bottom; a lid assembly screwed onto the threaded upper opening of the beverage container, the lid assembly comprising: a lid upper portion having a surface defining a lid channel with a channel floor, the lid upper portion being peripherally surrounded at its outer periphery by a main rim portion having a notch; a control arm pivotally mounted within the lid channel of the lid upper portion, the control arm occupying the notch of the main rim portion and having a rim portion forming a ring portion with the main rim portion, and control sliders disposed within two side edges of the control arm, the control sliders being movable between a first position for locking the pivoting of the control arm and a second position for unlocking the pivoting of the control arm; a well having a well surface with a drinking mouth and a ledge portion; an actuator for opening and closing the drinking mouth, the actuator being a sealing post having a drinking mouth seal mounted thereon, the sealing post pressing an opening seat in a sealing position to close the drinking mouth, a main post spaced from the sealing post and protruding through a hole in a post support portion on the channel floor, and a bridge connecting the sealing post and the main post; and a return spring mounted around the post support portion and biasing the channel floor, and a retaining cap removably attached to the main post.

[0007] The present invention further includes a method of using the drinking assembly. The drinking assembly comprises: a beverage container consisting of a body having a central vertical axis, a threaded upper opening, and a closed bottom; and the lid assembly, which is screwed onto the threaded upper opening of the beverage container. The lid assembly has a surface with a notch defining a lid channel having a channel floor, and a lid upper portion surrounded peripherally by a main rim portion having a notch; a control arm pivotally mounted within the lid channel of the lid upper portion, the control arm having a pull tab and a rim piece that occupies the notch of the main rim portion and forms the rim portion of the control arm; control sliders located within two side edges of the control arm; a well surface having a drinking opening, the well surface being located below the surface of the lid upper portion in the height direction; an actuator for opening and closing the drinking opening, the actuator having a drinking opening seal mounted on a sealing post, a sealing post that presses the opening seat in the sealing position to close the drinking opening, a main post spaced apart from the sealing post and protruding through a hole in a post support portion on the channel floor, and an actuator comprising a bridge connecting the sealing post and the main post; a return spring mounted around the post support portion and biasing the channel floor; and a retaining cap removably attached to the main post. The method includes depressing the pull tab to rotate the control arm about the pivot axis, generating a downward force on the main post with the control arm to move the main post along a straight path parallel to the central vertical axis, and moving the sealing post away from the opening seat downward with the bridge connected to the main post to open the drinking opening.

[0008] A further alternative aspect of the present invention includes a drinking assembly comprising a beverage container and a lid assembly, which are attachable to each other using threads. The lid assembly has a lid body, a control assembly, and an actuator. The control assembly and the actuator are attachable to the lid body during use of the drinking assembly and removable from the lid body for cleaning.

[0009] The lid assembly is pivotable about a pivot axis. The lid assembly is assemblable from a control slider, a control arm, and a slider follower. The control slider can change the lid assembly from a locked state to an unlocked state. The control arm is pivotable to axially move an actuator. The actuator can include a main post and a sealing post connected to each other by a pillar. The main post can move along an axis defined by a hole in a post support portion that functions as a sleeve.

[0010] A return spring can be used to return the main post to the closed position to close the post seal against the vent.

[0011] A drinking assembly comprising a lid assembly screwed onto a receptacle / container, the lid assembly having an upper lid portion having a surface with a notch defining a lid channel having a channel floor, the upper lid portion being peripherally surrounded at its outer periphery by a main rim portion having the notch and a drinking opening, and a control assembly disposed within the lid channel and rotatable about a pivot axis, the control assembly comprising a control slider slidably positioned on an upper surface of a control arm and a slider follower positioned below a lower surface of the control arm; an actuator comprising a main post abutting against the control arm of the control assembly and a sealing post having a drinking opening seal pressing an opening seat by a return spring, the control slider being mechanically attached to the slider follower and the movement of the control slider directly moving the slider follower.

[0012] Methods of manufacturing and using the beverage assembly and its components such as the lid assembly are within the scope of the present invention.

[0013] These features and other features are detailed in the detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] These and other features and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method will be understood as they become better understood with reference to the specification, claims, and appended drawings:

[0015]

Figure 1

[0016]

Figure 2

[0017]

Figure 3

[0018]

Figures 4A - B

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Figure 5

[0020]

Figure 6

[0021]

Figure 7

[0022]

Figure 8

[0023]

Figure 9

[0024]

Figure 10

[0025]

Figure 11

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Figure 12

[0027]

Figure 13

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The following detailed description with respect to the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of drinking assemblies or beverage assemblies provided in accordance with aspects of the present apparatus, system, and method, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present apparatus, system, and method may be constructed or utilized. This specification defines features and steps for constructing and using embodiments of the present apparatus, system, and method in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it should be noted that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be achieved by different embodiments intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As shown elsewhere in this specification, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

[0029] The description of the technical features or aspects of the exemplary configurations of the present disclosure should typically be considered as also being available and applicable as other similar features or aspects in another exemplary configuration of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the technical features described herein in accordance with one exemplary configuration of the present disclosure may be applicable to other exemplary configurations of the present disclosure, and thus, redundant descriptions are omitted here.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a drinking assembly is shown and designated generally as 100. The drinking assembly (assembly for drinking) may be referred to as a drinking container or a drinking assembly. The drinking assembly 100 has a lid assembly 102, hereinafter abbreviated as a lid, and a receptacle / container vessel or base 104. The lid and the base can be screwed together in the illustrated assembled configuration in any male to female threaded configuration.

[0031] The beverage container or base 104 includes a body 106 having an upper opening 108 and an enclosed bottom 110. The base 104 can have various combinations of straight and curved lines to define an outer contour or container contour 112 and can include any number of conventional sizes such as 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces, 32 ounces, etc. In one example, the base is a double-wall structure having a gap therebetween and is preferably under vacuum for improved insulation. However, a single-wall structure is also contemplated. The upper opening 108 can have a female thread for screwing onto the male thread formed on the skirt 147 (FIG. 2) of the lid 102, as will be described further below. The body 106 can have a central vertical axis. The base can be made of a durable stainless steel material or a plastic material. In the case of plastic, the base can have a heat-insulating layer such as foam between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0032] The lid 102 can have a body 120 with a lid upper portion 122 having a surface 124 with a lid notch 126 that defines a lid channel having a channel floor surface 128 and two channel side walls. The lid upper portion 122 is peripherally surrounded at its outer perimeter by a main rim portion 130 having a rim notch 132 that defines a gap at the main rim portion. In one example, the main rim portion extends over a range from about 310 degrees to about 360 degrees of a circle, and the notch extends over a range from about 20 degrees to 70 degrees of a circle. The gap of the rim notch 132 can be selected to accommodate a trigger mechanism or a control assembly for operating the lid, as will be described further below. The surface 124 of the lid upper portion 122 is lower in the height direction than the upper edge of the main rim portion 130.

[0033] The control arm 136 can be pivotally mounted to the lid channel 126 of the lid upper portion 122 having two channel side walls and a channel floor. The control arm 136 can function as a trigger mechanism for operating the lid. For example, a user can operate the control arm 136 to open and close the drinking spout of the lid in order to discharge fluid through the drinking spout from inside the base or beverage container 104. As will be described further below, the control arm 136 can cooperate with an actuator, and the actuator can include a structure for physically opening and closing the drinking spout.

[0034] The control arm 136 can have a body 140 having a surface with a length and a width, and the body occupies at least a portion of the lid channel 126. The control arm further includes a rim piece 142 that extends perpendicularly from the surface of the body and occupies the rim notch, forming a rim portion on the control arm 136. The main rim portion 130 and the rim piece 142 together form the entire rim 148 of the lid 102. The rim 148 is generally annular in shape and has at least two slits or slots 150 that separate the rim piece from the main rim portion. The slots allow the rim portion to move relative to the main rim portion when the control arm moves.

[0035] In one example, the control arm 136 has two side edges 152a, 152b (FIG. 4B) that define the width of the body 140. The control arm 136 has a curved end 154 and an operating end 156 that has a push tab 158 or a pull tab depending on the perspective of the action. The curved end 154 forms part of the earthen part 160 of the well 162 that has a well surface 164 having a drinking port 166. The push tab 158 has a structure similar to a fin or flange 168 that extends radially away from the central vertical axis of the container 104. The flange 168 has an inner edge that connects to the rim piece 142 and has a curvature that matches the overall curvature of the rim 148. The push tab 158 can extend radially several centimeters, for example 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters, and can have an outer edge or distal edge that has the same curvature or a different curvature as the inner edge.

[0036] The body 140 of the control arm 136 has a certain thickness. A recess 172 can be provided on the body 140 inward of the two side edges 152a, 152b and inward of the curved end 154 and the rim piece 142. The recess 172 can have a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners. The recess 172 can be formed to accommodate a control slider 174 that is movable between a first position within the recess and a second position within the recess. In one example, the first position can be considered a lock position that locks the pivoting of the control arm 136, and the second position can be considered an unlock position that allows the pivoting of the control arm. As will be described further below, the control slider 174 can include a structure or feature for forming a physical barrier or stop to prevent the pivoting of the control arm, and is movable to a non-interfering position that allows pivoting.

[0037] The control slider 174 may have a generally flat body, having a generally flat upper surface and a generally flat lower surface, and having a thickness therebetween. The thickness of the control slider 174 can have a thickness equivalent to the depth of the recess 172, and when the upper surface of the control slider is mounted in the recess, it is flush or flat with the upper surface of the main body of the control arm 136. However, the upper surface of the control slider 174 can also be higher than the upper surface of the control arm. The recess 172 having two longitudinally extending edges can assist in guiding the control slider 174 when the control slider moves between the first position and the second position.

[0038] The flat lower surface of the control slider 174 is slidable on the flat surface of the recess 172. To facilitate sliding the control slider 174 between the first position and the second position to lock and unlock the control arm, a tab 178 extends upwardly on the upper surface and can form a leverage point or leverage tab for the user to slide the control slider. For example, the leverage tab 178 can be slid in a direction away from the central vertical axis of the receptacle / container to lock the control arm 136, and can be slid in the direction of the central vertical axis to unlock the control arm. Of course, the orientation of the lock position and the unlock position can be reversed by reversing the structure that allows and blocks the pivoting of the control arm. In one example, one or more indicators 179, such as a lock symbol at the lock position or the unlock position, are provided on the surface of the main body 140 to provide guidance or a reference point to the user when moving the control slider.

[0039] In one example, a clearance gap 180 can be provided between the lower surface of the control arm 136 and the upper surface of the lid flange 182 (Figure 2). The clearance gap 180 provides space or clearance for the control arm 136 to pivot from the rest position shown in Figure 2 to a lower angular position without being restrained by the surface of the lid flange 182 shown in Figure 3.

[0040] In one example, the notch 132 in the main rim portion 130 can have two vertical edges that define the width of the rim gap. In the illustrated example, a rim tab or an extending tab 186 extends from the upper edge 188 of one or both of the vertical edges of the rim notch 132 and can reduce the effective width of the rim gap at the upper edge 188. Thus, the gap is wider below one or two extending tabs 186 and narrower at the extending tabs. This configuration allows clearance to be provided below the extending tabs when the control arm pivots downward and shifts to one side. However, the rim notch can be implemented without the extending tabs 186.

[0041] The well 162 in the lid is in contact with the main rim portion 136 and the ledge portion 160, etc., at its boundary. The well 162 has a shape similar to an oblate spheroid similar to a football. The drinking port 166 can be located approximately at the center of the well bottom surface 164. Although the drinking port is illustrated as having an oval shape, it can have other shapes such as circular, elliptical, oblate spheroid, irregular, etc. The drinking port side wall 166a can be perpendicular or tapered with respect to the central vertical axis. One or more protrusions can be provided on the side wall 166a to promote mixing or turbulence when the fluid flows out across the surface of the side wall.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2, a side cross-sectional view of the drinking assembly 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. This cross-sectional view shows the assembly 100 in the closed position, with the drinking spout closed by the drinking spout seal 190 and the control arm 136 in the rest position: the rest position is understood by the user to mean the position where no external force is applied to the control arm. The control arm 136 can be moved to the rest position by an actuator 192 having a return spring. As shown, the actuator 192 has a sealing post 194 with a drinking spout seal 190 disposed thereon and a main post 196. In one example, the sealing post 194 is located at one end of a bridge 198 and the main post 196 is located at the opposite end of the bridge. The bridge connects the two posts and the actuator can be integrally formed. In one example, the actuator 192 is integrally formed from a plastic material. In an alternative form, the actuator 192 is made of a metallic material such as stainless steel.

[0043] Both the sealing post and the main post can be biased upwardly away from the bottom 110 of the beverage container by a return spring 200. The return spring 200 can be a helical compression spring configured to keep two ends of the spring from coming together, as will be described further below. The sealing post 194 has a shaft and a tip flange, which together define the overall height. The opening seal 190 made of an elastomeric or silicone material has a body with a reduced opening for snap-fitting with the tip flange of the sealing post 194 and can engage a reduced region of the shaft, understood as a neck located between the tip flange and the bridge. The drinking spout seal 190 can have a flat upper surface as shown to press against the drinking spout seat 204 and seal the drinking spout 166 from fluid flow through the drinking spout 166. In other examples, the drinking spout seal 190 can have a dome-shaped upper surface for sealing the drinking spout seat 204.

[0044] In another example, when assembled, the inner side of the dome-shaped upper surface of the drinking spout seal 190 and the tip flange of the sealing post 194 define a hollow space. The dome-shaped upper surface of the drinking spout seal can compress the drinking spout seat portion 204, and the hollow space can be reduced by compression.

[0045] The main post 196 is spaced apart from the sealing post 194 and protrudes through a hole 206 in a post support portion 208 disposed on the channel floor surface 128. The hole 206 in the post support portion 208 has a first opening in the channel floor surface 128 and a second opening at the opposite end of the post support portion, defining a through hole. The hole 206 generally has a constant inner surface, such as having a single inner diameter, and defines a sleeve for guiding the parallel movement of the main post 196 substantially parallel to the vertical central axis of the beverage container 104.

[0046] The entrance at the first or lower opening of the hole 206 can be flared or radial, reducing sharp corners and / or facilitating the assembly of the main post 196 when inserting the main post from under the lid for implementing an actuator, as will be described further below. Externally, the post support portion 208 can have a constant outer surface defining a single outer diameter (OD) structure. In other examples, the post support portion 208 can have a first outer diameter portion and another second outer diameter portion. The upper end of the post support portion 208 can have a smaller outer diameter compared to the lower portion of the post support portion, facilitating the placement of a return spring 200 onto the post support portion 208. The second outer diameter portion can be a solid cylindrical portion. Alternatively, the post support can have a single-diameter cylinder, and the second outer diameter portion can be formed by providing fins or ribs spaced apart from each other around the single-diameter cylinder, and these fins or ribs together define the outer diameter portion under the larger support post. The post support portion 208 can be disposed at the geometric center of the lid or can be offset from the center depending on the geometric shape of other lid components, such as the size of the lid opening and the actuator 192. As shown in the figure, the center of the post support portion 208 is offset from the geometric center of the lid.

[0047] Referring further to FIG. 4A in addition to FIG. 2, the actuator 192 incorporates a bridge 198 that connects the sealing post 194 and the main post 196. In one example, the bridge 198 includes a first end portion 198a, a second end portion 198b, and a connecting portion 198c between both end portions. The first end portion 198a may have a disc-shaped contour and has a generally planar surface 210 having the main post 196 extending in its vertical direction. The connecting portion 198c, or the central portion of the bridge, extends from the first end portion 198a toward the second end portion 198b. In the illustrated example, the second end portion 198b is rounded from the width of the connecting portion, defining the rounded second end portion 198b. The second end portion 198b may have a planar surface 212, and the planar surface 212 at the second end portion and the planar surface 210 at the first end portion 198a are at two different heights or planes. Preferably, the planar surface 210 at the first end portion 198a is lower in the height direction than the planar surface 212 at the second end portion 198b. When the two planar surfaces are at different planes, the connecting portion 198c is angled to connect the two different planes. Further, because the two planar surfaces are at different planes, the connecting bridge has at least two direction-changing locations where the central bridge portion transitions to the two planar portions.

[0048] The main post 196 has a first outer diameter portion 214 and a second outer diameter portion 216 that is smaller than the first outer diameter portion to form a recessed section of the post, forming an undercut portion of the main post. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2, a post gasket 218 having an inside opening smaller than the first outer diameter portion 214 of the main post can be attached to the main post at the reduced portion. The post gasket 218 is configured to seal the lower opening of the hole 206 where the main post 196 protrudes into the channel floor of the lid.

[0049] The main post 196 has two channels 220. In the illustrated example, the two channels are disposed diametrically on the shaft of the main post, are generally perpendicular, and are parallel to the axis of the main post. Each channel 220 may extend from the rounded distal end of the main post into individual undercut portions 222 located above the second outer diameter portion 216 of the main post. The two opposing channels 220 and the two undercut portions 222 define a latching connection on the main post for latching the fixed cap 226, as will be described further below.

[0050] Referring again to FIG. 2, the return spring 200 has a first end 200a and a second end 200b (FIG. 4A) and is held compressed between the channel floor 128 and the retaining cap 228. The retaining cap 226 is subsequently detachably fixed to the main post 196. Thus, when the actuator 192 moves up and down, the main post moves up and down, or translates axially, the return spring transitions between a first compressed state where the container is in the closed position and a second compressed state where the drinking mouth is open. Since the channel floor 128 is fixed or stationary, the first end of the spring is stationary, while the second end of the spring moves toward the first end when the spring is further compressed. The retaining cap 226 has a planar barrier 228 with a skirt 230 and defines a receiving space below for holding the second end 200b of the return spring 200.

[0051] Internally, the retaining cap 226 includes an inner opening or central opening 234 having an outer periphery located inside the outer periphery of the planar barrier 228. One or more tabs 236 extend outwardly from the outer periphery of the central opening 234. As shown, two tabs 236 are provided in the central opening and these may be diametrically opposed. First, insert the main post into the lower opening of the hole 206 of the post support 208, and then fix the retaining cap 226 to the main post 196. For this purpose, align the combination of the drinking mouth seal 190 and the sealing post 194 with the discharge cavity 240 (FIG. 2) of the lid to seal the opening seat 204.

[0052] Next, place the return spring 200 on the pillar support portion 208. Subsequently, place the retaining cap 226 on the main pillar 196. For this purpose, align the two tabs 236, 236 of the retaining cap with the two channels 220, 220 of the main pillar, and press down the return spring 200 with the planar barrier of the retaining cap so that the two tabs 236, 236 can rotate into the undercut portions 222, 222 of the main pillar. The spring force of the return spring 200 presses the tabs against the undercut portions, making it difficult to disconnect the retaining cap from the main pillar. In some examples, the undercut portions 222, 222 may include notches or grooves for retaining the tabs 236, 236, increasing the difficulty of separating the two.

[0053] When the retaining cap 226 is coupled to the main pillar 196 and the return spring 200 is held by the retaining cap and the channel floor 128, the spring biases the channel floor and the retaining cap outward in the first compressed state. Since the channel floor 128 is stationary, the return spring 200 pushes up the retaining cap 226, which in turn pushes up the main pillar. The main pillar moves upward due to the biasing of the spring, and the pillar gasket 218 is pressed against the surface around the lower opening of the hole 206 in the channel floor to seal the lower opening of the hole. At the same time, the upward movement of the main pillar 196 causes the bridge 198 to move upward, which in turn causes the sealing pillar 194 to move upward, and then the drinking port seal 190 to move upward to seal the opening seat 204. The main pillar also pushes up the rounded support surface 244 on the lower surface of the control arm 136 to move the control arm to the rest position when no external force is applied to the control arm. The operation of the actuator 192 for opening the drinking port 166 will be described in more detail later, but this requires compressing the spring 200 to the second compressed state.

[0054] In some examples, the actuator 192 and / or components implemented in the actuator can be sized and shaped to provide air venting before opening the drinking spout 166 for liquid ejection. That is, the post gasket 218 can be configured to move away from the lower surface 155 of the lid when the main post is moved, such as being pushed downward by the control arm 136, before the drinking spout seal 190 moves away from the opening seat 204. This series of openings allows the air pressure within the drinking assembly 100 to escape from the passage defined by the hole 206 before the drinking spout opens to eject fluid from within the base. At that point, air vents into the receptacle / container to replace the fluid ejected from the drinking spout.

[0055] In one example, the series of openings is implemented by the post gasket 218 moving away from the lower surface 155, and then, depending on the dome of the drinking spout seal 190, maintaining the seal against the drinking spout seat 204 as the actuator 192 moves downward by the control arm 136. As the actuator moves downward, the dome shape of the drinking spout seal 190 continues to expand from its compressed state. Subsequently, when the actuator continues to move downward by the control arm and the drinking spout seal returns to its normal dome shape or nearly its normal dome shape, the sealing against the drinking spout seat 204 ends. At that point, the liquid from the receptacle / container can be ejected from the drinking spout.

[0056] In another example, the series of openings of the post gasket 218 and the drinking spout seal 190 can be implemented by providing a sealing post 194 and / or the drinking spout seal 190 that is independently movable. For example, when the main post 196 is pushed downward by the control arm, a second helical spring having a spring constant lower than that of the return spring can continue to bias the drinking spout seal 190 against the drinking spout seat 204. As the main post moves axially downward by the pivotal movement of the control arm, the second spring expands sufficiently to maintain the seal between the drinking spout seal and the drinking spout seat. Thereafter, the main post moves to its lowest position and the second spring expands sufficiently such that its movement separates the drinking spout seal from the drinking spout seat.

[0057] Returning again to FIG. 2, a groove 246 can be provided above the threaded skirt 147 and below the lid flange 182 to hold the sealing ring 248. The sealing ring 248 can be an O-ring or a gasket. The sealing ring enables the formation of a liquid-tight seal when the upper edge of the beverage container 104 presses the sealing ring 248 against the lid flange 128 and compresses the sealing ring therebetween.

[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B while continuing the reference to FIG. 2, the control slider 174 can be used to lock and unlock the control arm 136, as described above. In one example, the control slider 174 cooperates with a slider follower 250 disposed on the lower surface of the control arm 136. As shown in FIG. 4B, the slider follower 250 has a planar wall surface 252, which has two side edges and also has one or more retaining slots 254, two in the illustration. Two reinforcing fins 256 (only one shown) can be provided along two corners of the planar wall surface 252. Inside the two fins, two slider blocking tabs 258 (FIG. 2) can be provided. The two slider blocking tabs 258 can each have a length longer than that of the two fins 256 in terms of how far they extend below the lower surface of the slider follower 250.

[0059] Increasing the lengths of the two slider blocking tabs 258 enables interaction with the respective blocking walls 262 located on the channel wall or side wall 264 of the lid channel 126. For example, the control slider 174 can slide to a first position or a locked position, following which the slider follower 250 is moved to the first position, and then the two slider blocking tabs 258 are positioned directly above the two respective blocking walls 262, one on each side wall of the channel, preventing downward movement of the slider blocking tabs 258 of the slider follower 250. Since the slider follower 250 is connected to the control arm 136, the slider blocking tabs are also blocked by the blocking walls, and downward movement of the control arm is blocked by the blocking walls 262, 262. The control arm 136 is pivotable by separating the slider blocking tabs 258 from the blocking walls. In some examples, the reinforcing fins 256 can act as both a reinforcing element for the wall of the slider follower and the slider blocking tabs. Thus, in an alternative form, the pair of slider blocking tabs can be omitted if the reinforcing fins are extended and positioned to interact with the blocking walls.

[0060] When the control slider 174 moves to a second position or an unlocked position, the slider blocking tabs 258 move away from the blocking walls 262 and are no longer blocked by the blocking walls. Once unblocked, downward movement of the blocking tabs 258 becomes possible. Since the slider follower 250 is connected to the control arm 136, this enables the control arm to pivot downward, as will be described further below.

[0061] A control assembly 266 for controlling the operation of the beverage assembly 100 includes the control arm 136, the control slider 147, and the slider follower 250. The control assembly 266 can be removed from the body 120 of the lid 102 for cleaning. When the control assembly 266 is removed from the body of the lid, the actuator 192 is also removed. First, the retaining cap 226 is removed from the main post 196, and the main post slides downward out of the post support 208.

[0062] In one example, two pivot pins 268 (only one shown) are provided, one on each of two individual side edges 270 of the body 140 of the control arm 136. The pins 268 are provided near the curved end 154 of the body 140 of the control arm, away from the pull tab or push tab 158. The pins 268 are configured to cooperate with the retaining slots 270 of the two channel side walls 264 (only one shown), as will be described further below. The two aligned pivots define the pivot axis of the control arm and the control assembly.

[0063] Each of the two channel walls or side walls 264 includes a concave wall portion 272. The concave wall portion 272 is recessed from the outermost wall surface 276 of each channel side wall 264. The concave wall portion 272 has a shape sized and shaped such that the control arm 136 can be held and pivoted therein. As shown, the concave wall portion 272 has an upper edge 278, a lower edge 280, and retaining slots 270 at the ends of the two edges 278, 280. Each edge includes a surface or edge (lip) that defines the depth of the concave wall portion 272 in the range of about 2 mm to 5 mm. In the illustrated example, the upper edge 278 is generally linear or orthogonal to the central vertical axis of the beverage container, which can be considered zero angular coordinates. The lower edge 280 is also generally linear and is oriented at about 10 degrees to about 40 degrees with respect to the zero angular coordinates of the upper edge 278. This angular range between the two edges 278, 280 defines the effective pivot range 284 of the control arm 136. In other words, the control arm can move within the pivot range 284, as will be described further below.

[0064] In one example, the lower edge 280 is linear or straight from the first end to the second end of the lower edge. The second end can be understood as the end that merges with the upper edge 278 and the retaining slot 270. Alternatively, as shown, the lower edge 280 is not linear but includes a curved edge portion 286 that changes the direction of the lower edge. The curved edge portion 286 is incorporated to make the angle of the effective pivot range 284 selectable and, at the same time, to shorten the distance between the upper edge and the first end of the lower edge and the retaining slot 270 at the second end.

[0065] The lower edge 280 near the holding slot 270 and / or the upper edge 278 near the holding slot can include bumps, constrictions, or reductions to form sockets in the holding slot 270. The sockets of the holding slots on each channel sidewall allow the pins of the control assembly 266 to be attached to the lid body and remain in place until a detachment force is applied to overcome the gripping force of the sockets for removal of the control assembly, such as for cleaning.

[0066] In one example, the control assembly 266 consists of three separable parts including the control slider 174, the control arm 136, and the slider follower 250 as described above. The control slider can be disposed within the recess 172 of the control arm 136, and two latch fingers 290 extending from the control slider can extend through the receiving slots 292 of the recess of the control arm 136 and latch with the holding slots 254 of the slider follower 250. More broadly, the control slider can be mechanically attached to the slider follower. The mechanical attachment can be a latching mechanism. The latch fingers 290 can have a detent or barb for latching against the opening periphery of the two holding slots. The two latch fingers 290 can be brought together to release the detent from the opening periphery and then the latch can be disengaged by reversing that operation. By removing the various parts, the various parts can be cleaned or washed separately. Thus, despite the control slider being disposed on the upper surface of the control arm and the slider follower being disposed on the lower surface of the control arm 7, due to the mechanical connection, the movement of the control slider directly moves the slider follower.

[0067] The control slider 174 is slidable between a first position and a second position within the recess to lock and unlock the pivotal movement of the control arm 136, and the two receiving slots 292 of the control arm 136 are larger than the width of the latch fingers 290 and allow for the translational movement of the latch fingers within the receiving slots 292 to move the control slider 174 between the two positions. The latch between the latch fingers 290 and the holding slots 254 should be firm with a slight slack or no slack between them.

[0068] The partition wall or partition tab 296 can extend from the lower surface of the control arm 136. The partition wall 296 has substantially the same width, height, and length as the body 140 of the control arm. The partition wall 296 can be planar or flat, or can have a slight curvature similar to the curvature of the rim. In the installation position of FIG. 2 of the control assembly 266, the partition wall 296 shields the internal space of the lid channel 126 from the view when looking below the push tab 158. The partition wall 196 should be located radially inside the lid flange 182, and when the control arm 136 pivots downward to open the drinking mouth, the partition wall 196 does not contact the lid flange, and the lid flange does not interfere with the pivoting of the control arm.

[0069] Optionally, the partition wall 196 can be omitted. This is because its presence only serves to cover or hide the internal space of the lid channel 126 from view. When incorporated, the toe portion 298 at the lid flange 182 is appropriately shaped like a taper to provide clearance for the partition wall 196 when the partition wall pivots downward during use of the control assembly 266. In some examples, the partition wall 196 can be sized and shaped to butt against the channel floor 128 when the control arm pivots to limit the pivoting range of the control arm 136.

[0070] One or more limiting fins 300 can be disposed on each of the two side edges 270 of the body of the control arm 136. In one example, the pivot pin 268 and one or more limiting fins 300 closest to the pivot pin on each side edge 270 should be spaced apart so that when the control arm 236 pivots downward and upward during installation into the lid channel 126, etc., one or more limiting fins can avoid the curved edge 286 of the lower edge 280 of the channel wall 264. One or more limiting fins 300 extend from each side edge 270 of the control arm 136 and are configured to move between the upper edge 278 and the lower edge 280 of the channel side wall when the control arm swings.

[0071] One or more limiting fins are configured to be movable between the upper and lower side edges 278, 280 to limit the pivotal movement range of the control arm 136. In other words, the width between the two side edge portions 270 of the control arm 136 fits between the two outermost surfaces 276 of the lid channel 126, and the width between the two sets of ribs 300 is larger and fits within the gap or width defined by the two concave wall portions 272 on the two channel walls 264. Therefore, when the control arm 136 pivots up and down, for example, when it is pushed downward by a user and pivots downward, and when it is allowed to pivot upward by a return spring, the range of pivoting is limited by one or more ribs on each side edge that abut against the upper edge 278 and the lower edge 280.

[0072] In the illustrated example, two long ribs and one short rib are provided on each side edge 270 of the control arm. The ribs can be spaced apart from each other by a gap. However, there can be one long rib, two long ribs, a plurality of short ribs, or any combination of ribs that are used together with the side edge portion 270 of the control arm to cooperate with the upper edge 278 and the lower edge 280 of the channel wall 264 to limit the pivotal movement range of the control arm.

[0073] In an alternative example, the lower edge 280 of each of the two channel walls can be omitted, and the pivoting range can be alternatively limited by a partition wall or a partition tab 296 that abuts against the upper edge 278 and the channel floor 128. For example, when the control arm 236 pivots downward, the lower end of the partition wall 296 abuts against the channel floor surface 128, stopping the further downward pivoting of the control arm. Further alternatively, any number of surfaces can be provided on the channel floor surface 128 or the lid flange 182 to limit the downward pivoting of the control arm. In yet another alternative embodiment, both the upper and lower edges 278, 280 can be incorporated into each channel wall 264, but the angular range between the two edges 278, 280 is larger than the movable range of the control arm, which is limited by the partition wall or the partition tab 296 colliding with the channel floor 128 or other surfaces or structures in the downward pivoting direction before the rib 300 collides with the lower edge 280 of the two channel side walls 264.

[0074] Continuing to refer to FIG. 2 while also referring back to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the actuator 192 and the return spring 200 can be assembled to the body 120 of the lid 102 in the manner described above. Next, the control assembly 266 can slide between the upper and lower edges 178, 180 of the two concave wall portions 272 while adjusting or depressing the main post 196 such that the post slides under the body of the control arm 136. Next, the control assembly 266 can be pushed into the lid channel 126 until the two pivot pins 268 on either side of the control arm snap fit into two corresponding retaining slots 270 that function as sockets to hold the two pivot pins during use of the beverage assembly 100. The control assembly 266 is pivotable about an axis defined by the two pivot pins.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 3, a side cross-sectional view of the beverage assembly 100 of FIG. 1 is shown with the control arm 136 in a pivoted position and pivoting downwardly at the pull tab or push tab 158 by an external force 302 such as a force generated by a user's finger. As shown, the control slider 174 is in a first or forward position toward the central vertical axis of the base so as to move the slider blocking tab 258 away from the vertical blocking wall 162 (FIG. 4A) and allow the control arm 136 to pivot downwardly without being blocked. The control arm 136 depresses the main post 196, whereby the return spring 200 is compressed from the first compressed state shown in FIG. 2 to the second compressed state shown in FIG. 3.

[0076] In the second compressed state, the second end 200b of the return spring 200 that is pressed against the retaining cap 226 moves toward the first end 200a of the return spring that is pressed against the channel floor 128. In other words, when the control arm pivots during use to discharge liquid, both the retaining cap and the second end of the spring move toward the channel floor. The further compression of the return spring 200 creates a return spring force that returns the control arm 136 to the rest position of FIG. 2 when the external force is removed.

[0077] When the main post 196 is axially offset downward by the control arm 136 along a straight path defined by the hole 206 of the post support 208, the post gasket 218 moves away from the lower surface of the channel floor 128, ending the seal between the post gasket and the lower surface 155 (FIG. 3) of the lid, and subsequently opening the air passage of the post support 208, which functions as a vent port for venting air into the through passage of the hole 206 when fluid is discharged from the drinking port 166. The movement of the main post is substantially parallel to the central vertical axis of the beverage container. In one example, the lower surface 155 where the lower opening of the hole 206 is located may optionally include a concave seat 157 for receiving at least a portion of the post gasket 218.

[0078] Since the main post 196 is connected to the sealing post 194 by the connecting bridge 198, downward movement of the main post 196 causes the sealing post 194 to move downward axially and along a path substantially parallel to the central vertical axis of the beverage container. This causes the drink port seal 190 to move away from the opening seat 204, opening the drink port 166. Next, liquid is discharged from the drink port and air vents into the interior of the beverage container through the through hole 206.

[0079] In one example, the control slider 174 incorporates a slider stop 306 to regulate the sliding movement of the control slider 174. The slider stop 306, which can be a slider stop lever or bar, can be incorporated to resist sliding movement between a first position that locks the control arm and a second position that allows the control arm to pivot. In one example, the slider stop 306 includes a flange or tab that is deflectable to move between two different grooves 308, 310 on the control arm. When the control slider 174 slides between the two positions, the flange or tab of the slider stop 306 can snap in and out of the two grooves when moving the control slider 174 between the two positions.

[0080] Due to the engagement between the slider stopper and the two different grooves, the control slider can remain in either the first position or the second position until an axial force sufficient to deflect the flange or tab out of engagement with the individual grooves is applied and it is intentionally moved to the other position. As shown in the figure, the slider stopper 306 is located in the groove corresponding to the second position or the unlocked position, and the slider blocking tab 258 is moved away from the vertical blocking wall 262 of the two channel side walls 264 to enable the downward pivoting of the control arm.

[0081] Figure 6 is a partial upper perspective view of the drinking assembly of FIG. 3, where the control slider 174 is in the second position or the unlocked position, and the control arm 136 is pivoted downward to open the drinking port 166 as described above. FIG. 5 shows the same second position of the control slider, but before the push tab 158 is pushed downward to pivot the control arm to open the drinking port.

[0082] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view, where the control slider 174 is in the first position or the locked position, the slider blocking tab 258 is disposed directly above the vertical blocking wall 262, and the control arm 136 connected to the control slider 174 is physically prevented from pivoting downward. FIG. 8 is the same cross-sectional view as FIG. 7, but the control slider 174 is in the second position or the unlocked position. In this position, the slider blocking tab 258 has been moved away from the vertical blocking wall and is not prevented from moving downward by the vertical blocking wall. Therefore, the control arm 136 is not blocked and can thus pivot downward when a downward external force is applied to the push tab 158.

[0083] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional end view of the control assembly 266. In the illustration, the control slider 174 is shown disposed within the recess 172 of the control arm 136. The slider follower 250 is shown disposed below the control arm. The slider follower 250 is shown together with a pair of integrally formed slider blocking tabs 258.

[0084] Figure 10 is the same cross-sectional view as Figure 9, but the cross-sectional line is moving radially toward the push tab of the control arm 136. In this figure, the control slider 174 is shown, and a pair of integrally formed latch fingers 290 project through corresponding receiving slots 292 in the recessed region of the control arm 136 and then latch against the edges of the retaining slots 254 on the slider follower 250. The illustrated control slider 174 is in the second or unlocked position, and the slider blocking tab 258 is located inwardly away from the vertical blocking wall 262. In this unlocked position, the control arm can be pivoted downward to open the drinking spout 166.

[0085] Referring now to Figure 11, the actuator 192 according to a further aspect of the present invention is similar to the other actuators described with a few exceptions. In this form, a bridge channel 198 is provided in the actuator. The bridge channel 320 can be an elongated cutout formed within or through the central connecting portion 198c of the actuator. In one example, the bridge channel 320 can have a bottom wall or can be formed as a through-channel without a bottom wall.

[0086] The length of the bridge channel 320 can be shorter than the overall length of the connecting portion or can extend across the entire length of the connecting portion. Thus, the bridge channel 320 can have a notch having two longitudinally extending side walls and two end walls connecting the two longitudinally extending side walls. However, the bridge channel can have other shapes such as oval, oblong, square, elongated irregular shape, or circular. Thus, the bridge channel is located inside the outer perimeter of the bridge 198 and has an outer perimeter located inside the two side edges 322 of the bridge. As will be described further below, the bridge channel 320 is sized and shaped to cooperate with a guide 326 (Figures 12 and 13) formed in the lid channel wall 328 to maintain the angular position of the bridge.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 12 in addition to FIG. 11, the actuator 192 is shown in the closed position, the control arm 136 is in the rest position, and the return spring 200 is in the first compressed state. Also shown is a guide 326 formed in the lid channel wall 328. In one example, the guide 326 embodies a fin or rib structure extending from the vertical wall 330 of the lid channel wall 328 and the channel floor 128, which are shown as dashed lines to define the boundaries between the rib structure of the guide 326, the vertical wall, and the floor. The guide has a thickness smaller than the width of the bridge channel 320, and the bridge channel can receive the guide 326 in the actuator closed position shown.

[0088] The guide 326 has a guide lower edge 334 and a guide lower part 336. In one example, the guide lower edge 334 is angled or inclined substantially the same as the gradient of the bridge 198. However, the guide lower edge 334 can have a different inclination or a different edge or structure as long as the guide lower edge 334 is positioned within the bridge channel 320 during the movement of the actuator 192 between the closed position shown in FIG. 12 and the operating position shown in FIG. 13.

[0089] Since the actuator 192 is rotatable about the axis of the main post 196, the angular positions of the sealing post 194 and the spout seal 190 can rotate out of alignment with the spout seat portion 204. Accordingly, by utilizing the guide 326 and the bridge channel 320, the angular positions of the sealing post 194 and the spout seal 190 relative to the spout seat portion 204 can be maintained during the movement of the actuator between the closed position and the operating position.

[0090] In one example, the guide lower edge 334 and the guide lower part 336 of the guide 326 are maintained within the lowest plane or edge 340 of the bridge channel 320. Accordingly, the bridge channel 320 can have a bottom wall, or, instead of a through-channel, the guide can still be guided within the bridge channel during the movement of the actuator. However, the bridge channel 320 is preferably a through-channel, which facilitates cleaning and reduces material costs.

[0091] Figure 13 shows the actuator 192 in the actuated position, where air is vented into the receptacle / container and liquid can be discharged from the drinking spout of the lid. In the actuated position, the coil of the return spring 200 is not bottomed out. In other words, if an additional compressive force is applied to the return spring 200, the return spring 200 can still be compressed or further moved.

[0092] Continuing with reference to FIG. 13 and referring again to FIG. 12, if the lid assembly 102 is removed from the receptacle / container 104, the actuator 192 can be rotated for cleaning without removing the control assembly 266 (FIG. 4A) and the actuator 192 from the lid body, although this is still one option. To move the actuator 192 into the cleaning mode, the user grasps the first end 198a of the actuator and pulls the first end to further compress the return spring 200 beyond the second compressed state of FIG. 13. This further compressed state of the return spring 200 can be referred to as the third compressed state.

[0093] In the third compressed state, the coil of the return spring 200 bottoms out and can no longer be compressed or can still be compressed. Due to the third compressed state, the bridge 198 of the actuator 192 can avoid the physical obstacle of the guide lower edge 334 of the guide 326. When the bridge 198 avoids the guide lower edge 334, the bridge can now rotate about the axis of the main post 136. The bridge 198 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise from its starting position, which can be considered the zero angle position or the position where the guide channel 320 is aligned to receive the guide 326. The bridge 198 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise and move to one side of the guide 326.

[0094] Due to this rotation, the drinking spout seal 190 is moved away from the drinking spout, and the drinking spout is exposed. The user can release the actuator and extend the return spring until it is restricted by the contact between one or more parts of the actuator and the lid body. Accordingly, the rotated bridge moves the actuator to the cleaning position, thereby exposing the drinking spout without completely removing the control assembly and the actuator from the lid body.

[0095] For the purpose of returning the actuator to the zero angle position for use or operation, the reverse process is performed. The user can pull the first end 198a of the bridge to compress the spring to the third compressed state and avoid the bridge from the lower end of the guide. Next, rotate the actuator to align the bridge channel 320 with the guide 326. Next, the user can release the grip of the actuator to return the return spring to the second compressed state.

[0096] The drinking assembly of FIGS. 11-13 can operate as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10.

[0097] Aspects of the beverage assembly according to the disclosure show a beverage container 104 having a double-wall structure with a gap formed therebetween, as discussed elsewhere in this specification. This gap can be vacuum sealed using a conventional double-wall vacuum seal structure. The double-wall structure preferably consists of a stainless steel material.

[0098] In one example, the upper threaded opening of the beverage container 104 has an internal thread configured to receive the external thread of the lid assembly. For example, the lid assembly can include a skirt portion having an external thread for screwing with the internal thread.

[0099] As an example, the first position of the control slider can be arranged farther from the drinking spout than the second position of the control slider.

[0100] The cover assembly may further include a slider follower positioned below the control arm and the control slider in the height direction. The slider follower may be directly coupled to the control slider and be slidable by the control slider.

[0101] The control slider may have a protrusion that rises above the planar body of the control slider. The protrusion of the control slider may provide a gripping point or a lever point for pushing or pulling the slider to move the slider between a first position and a second position.

[0102] The control slider may further include a slider stopper, which may be a fin, a lever, or a bar. The slider stopper can be disposed on the protrusion, and the slider stopper may have an edge that interacts with a convex bar or a groove disposed on the control arm to control the movement of the control slider between the first position and the second position. Two different grooves can be provided, each interacting with the slider stopper to hold the slider in the first position or the second position.

[0103] The control slider may further include a slider latch that extends from the lower surface and extends through a gap of the control arm.

[0104] The slider latch extends through a gap of the slider follower and may engage with the slider follower in a detent engagement.

[0105] The slider latch may be a first slider latch, and the control slider may further include a second slider latch spaced apart from the first slider latch.

[0106] The second slider latch extends through a second gap of the slider follower and may engage with the slider follower in a detent engagement.

[0107] The slider blocking tab may extend from the lower surface of the slider follower and may be slidable toward and away from the central vertical axis.

[0108] The lid channel may include a lid channel wall and a channel stop tab extending outward from the lid channel wall.

[0109] The slider stop tab may be aligned to be blocked by the channel stop tab, preventing rotation or pivoting of the control arm.

[0110] The slider stop tab may become misaligned with the channel stop tab or wall to allow rotation of the control arm.

[0111] The lid channel may include two spaced channel walls defining a channel width, and each channel wall may include a retaining slot including a rounded end.

[0112] The control arm may include two spaced pivot pins, each pivot pin being disposed in a respective retaining slot of the lid channel. Each retaining slot may have a constriction and an end, and the pivot pin is configured to pass through the constriction and be positioned at the end.

[0113] The control arm has two side edges, and each side edge has one of the two pivot pins.

[0114] Each retaining slot of the channel side wall may have a constriction forming a detent for holding each pivot pin of the control arm.

[0115] Fins or ribs may extend from each of the two side edges of the control arm.

[0116] The end faces of the fins on the two side edges define a width, the two pivot pins define a width, and the width defined by the two fins is greater than the width defined by the fins.

[0117] The control arm may have a pull tab extending radially outward from a central vertical axis. The pull tab may be disposed at a position farther from the vertical axis than the rim piece.

[0118] The control arm may have a curved end portion on the opposite side of the pull tab. The curved end portion may form part of the earthen part of the well.

[0119] A first pin may be disposed on the first side edge of the control arm and a second pin may be disposed on the second side edge of the control arm.

[0120] The main column of the actuator may be disposed on the disc-shaped portion of the bridge. The column may have a nominal diameter section, a channel, and an undercut.

[0121] The column gasket can be disposed in a notch adjacent to the disc-shaped portion.

[0122] The column gasket may be pressed against the lower surface of the channel floor and seal the lower opening of the hole in the column support portion at the rest position of the control arm. The lower opening may be the opening at the first end of the hole. The hole may have a second opening. The first opening and the second opening may define a through hole.

[0123] The column gasket may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the channel floor so as not to seal the lower opening of the hole in the column support portion at the pivoting position of the control arm. The through hole may allow air to vent into the container when liquid is discharged from the drinking spout.

[0124] The hole in the column support portion may limit the movement of the main column along a path substantially parallel to the central vertical axis. For example, the hole is generally constant and functions like a sleeve bearing. The main column sliding within the hole resembles a shaft sliding within a sleeve and is constrained or fixed along the axis defined by the sleeve. The column support portion may be permanently fixed to the channel floor or may be removable from the channel floor.

[0125] Similarly, the sealing post can also move along a path substantially parallel to the central vertical axis. The main post and the sealing post can have substantially parallel axes spaced apart from each other by a bridge portion. The bridge portion can be rigid, but there can be some deflection or negligible deflection. Therefore, when the main post moves axially along the vertical path, the sealing post is moved by the main post along the vertical path through the bridge connection.

[0126] The bridge can include a first bridge portion connected to the sealing post, a second bridge portion connected to the main post, and an intermediate bridge portion angled with respect to both the first bridge portion and the second bridge portion. The lower surface of the sealing post and the lower surface of the main post can be arranged at two different heights at the installation position as shown in FIG. 2.

[0127] The rounded free end of the main post can press against the rounded support surface on the control arm. The rounded support surface of the control arm can smooth the pivotal movement of the control arm. Optionally, even if the rounded support surface is omitted, the control arm can press against the tip of the main post and move the actuator downward in parallel.

[0128] The control arm for opening the drinking port can have a body with a generally planar lower surface, and the rounded support surface is surrounded by the generally planar lower surface.

[0129] The post support portion on the channel floor can have a first outer diameter portion and a second outer diameter portion smaller than the first outer diameter portion, and holes penetrate both the first and second outer diameter portions. The second outer diameter portion can be arranged above the first outer diameter portion.

[0130] The return spring can be arranged around the first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion. The second outer diameter portion can be a solid cylindrical portion. Alternatively, the post support portion can have a single-diameter cylinder, and the second outer diameter portion can be formed by providing fins spaced apart from each other around the single-diameter cylinder. The return spring can be a helical compression spring.

[0131] The main column may have two vertical channels and two undercut portions. The retaining cap may include a central opening and a pair of tabs extending from the central opening. When the retaining cap is oriented in a first angular position, the pair of tabs align with the two vertical channels on the main column, and when the retaining cap is oriented in a second angular position, the pair of tabs may disengage from alignment with the two vertical channels. When the pair of tabs slide downward along the two vertical channels and then rotate to disengage the alignment, the retaining cap is fixed to the main column. The main cap may be fixed to the main column to hold the return spring in a first compressed state.

[0132] Each of the pair of tabs of the retaining cap may be disposed in an individual undercut portion at the second angular position of the retaining cap.

[0133] The column gasket may be fixed or mounted to the lower part of the main column by an undercut portion formed by a shaft portion having a shaft diameter smaller than that of another shaft directly above. The column gasket and the drinking port seal may press against the surface of the upper part of the lid at the rest position of the control arm.

[0134] The column gasket and the drinking port seal may substantially simultaneously disengage from the surface of the upper part of the lid when the control arm is moved to the pivoted position. When the control arm pivots, the control arm displaces the actuator, which may have both the main column having the column gasket and the sealing column having the drinking port seal.

[0135] The main rim portion may occupy a range from about 310 degrees to about 360 degrees of a circle.

[0136] The rim piece on the control arm and the main rim portion may define a substantially circular rim having two parting lines.

[0137] Methods of manufacturing and using such components as the drinking assembly and the lid assembly are within the scope of the present invention.

[0138] In this specification, limited embodiments of a drinking assembly and its components have been specifically described and illustrated, but many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is understood that the drinking assembly and its components constructed in accordance with the principles of the disclosed apparatus, system, and method may be embodied in forms other than those specifically described herein. Further, the present disclosure is defined in the following claims.

[0139] Example of Embodiment

[0140] The following numbered example embodiments of devices, apparatuses, systems, and methods related to water bottles or drinkware are shown. Examples 1 - 70 or other examples disclosed herein may be combined in whole or in part. The elements of the examples disclosed herein are not limiting.

[0141] Example 1. A drinking assembly, the assembly comprising: a beverage container having a body with a central vertical axis, a threaded upper opening, and a closed bottom; a lid assembly screwed onto the threaded upper opening of the beverage container. The lid assembly includes a lid upper portion having a surface with a notch defining a lid channel having a channel floor, the lid upper portion being surrounded by an outer periphery by a main rim portion having the notch; a control arm pivotally mounted within the lid channel of the lid upper portion, the control arm occupying the notch of the main rim portion and having a rim piece forming the rim portion on the control arm; a control slider disposed within two side edges of the control arm, the control slider being movable between a first position for locking the pivotal movement of the control arm and a second position for unlocking the pivotal movement of the control arm; a clearance gap between the lower surface of the control arm and the lid flange, the lid flange being located below the surface of the lid upper portion in the height direction, the clearance gap; a well having a well surface with a drinking opening, the well surface being located below the surface of the lid upper portion in the height direction, the well; an actuator for opening and closing the drinking opening, the actuator being a sealing post, on which a drinking opening seal is mounted to press against the opening seat in the sealing position to close the drinking opening, a main post provided spaced apart from the sealing post and protruding through a hole of a post support portion on the channel floor, and a bridge connecting the sealing post and the main post; a return spring mounted around the post support portion and biasing the channel floor, and a retaining cap removably attached to the main post, the return spring being in a first compressed state when the control arm is in the rest position and not actuated by an external pivotal force, biasing the drinking opening seal against the opening seat in the sealing position; the return spring is in a second compressed state when the control arm is pivoted to the pivotal position by an external force and the main post is moved substantially parallel to the central vertical axis, whereby the sealing post is moved substantially parallel to the central vertical axis and the drinking opening seal is moved away from the opening seat and the drinking opening is opened. The drinking assembly can be a water bottle or drinkware.

[0142] Example 2. A water bottle or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or other embodiments described herein, wherein the beverage container has a double-walled structure with a gap formed therebetween.

[0143] Example 3. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the threaded upper opening is a female thread that receives the male thread of the lid assembly.

[0144] Example 4. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the first position of the control slider is located farther from the drinking spout than the second position of the control slider.

[0145] Example 5. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a slider follower located below the control arm and the control slider in the height direction, the slider follower being slidable by the control slider.

[0146] Example 6. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the control slider has a protrusion that protrudes above the planar body of the control slider.

[0147] Example 7. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a slider stop bar disposed on a protrusion having an edge for interacting with a convex bar disposed on the control arm to control the movement of the control slider between the first position and the second position.

[0148] Example 8. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the control slider further comprises a slider latch that extends from the lower surface and extends through a gap in the control arm.

[0149] Example 9. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the slider latch further extends through a gap in the slider follower and engages with the slider follower in a retaining manner.

[0150] Example 10. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the slider latch is a first slider latch, and the control slider further includes a second slider latch spaced apart from the first slider latch.

[0151] Example 11. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the second slider latch extends through a second gap in the slider follower and engages with the slider follower in a retaining manner.

[0152] Example 12. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, further including a slider blocking tab extending from the lower surface of the slider follower, the slider blocking tab being slidable toward and away from the central vertical axis.

[0153] Example 13. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the lid channel includes a lid channel wall and a channel blocking tab extending outward from the lid channel wall.

[0154] Example 14. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the slider blocking tab is aligned to be blocked by the channel blocking tab to prevent rotation of the control arm.

[0155] Example 15. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the slider blocking tab is disengaged from alignment with the channel blocking tab to permit rotation of the control arm.

[0156] Example 16. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the lid channel comprises two spaced channel walls that define a channel width, and each channel wall comprises a retaining slot with a rounded end.

[0157] Example 17. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the control arm comprises two spaced pivot pins, and each pivot pin is disposed in an individual retaining slot of the lid channel.

[0158] Example 18. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the control arm has two side edges, and each side edge has one of the two pivot pins.

[0159] Example 19. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein each retaining slot has a constriction that forms a detent for retaining an individual pivot pin.

[0160] Example 20. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising fins extending from the respective ones of the two side edges.

[0161] Example 21. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the end faces of the fins on the two side edges define a width, the two pivot pins define a width, and the width defined by the two fins is greater than the width defined by the fins.

[0162] Example 22. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the control arm has a pull tab that extends radially outward away from the central vertical axis.

[0163] Example 23. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the control arm further comprises a curved end portion on the opposite side of the pull tab.

[0164] Example 24. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the curved end portion forms part of the earthen part of the well.

[0165] Example 25. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a first pin disposed on the first side edge of the control arm and a second pin disposed on the second side edge of the control arm.

[0166] Example 26. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the main column is disposed on the disc-shaped portion of the bridge.

[0167] Example 27. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the main column , circle has a found free end and a notch adjacent to the disk-shaped portion and is provided with.

[0168] Example 28. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a column gasket disposed within the notch.

[0169] Example 29. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the column gasket is pressed against the lower surface of the channel floor to seal the lower opening of the hole in the column support when the control arm is in the rest position.

[0170] Example 30. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the column gasket is spaced from the lower surface of the channel floor so as not to seal the lower opening of the hole in the column support when the control arm is in the pivoted position.

[0171] Example 31. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the hole in the column support restricts the movement of the main column along a path substantially parallel to the central vertical axis.

[0172] Example 32. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the sealing column moves along a path substantially parallel to the central vertical axis.

[0173] Example 33. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the bridge comprises a first bridge portion connected to the sealing column, a second bridge portion connected to the first column, and an intermediate bridge portion angled with respect to both the first bridge portion and the second bridge portion.

[0174] Example 34. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the rounded free end of the main column is pressed against the rounded support surface on the control arm.

[0175] Example 35. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the control arm has a generally planar lower surface, and the rounded support surface is surrounded by the generally planar lower surface.

[0176] Example 36. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the column support portion has a first outer diameter portion and a second outer diameter portion smaller than the first outer diameter portion, and a hole penetrates both the first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion.

[0177] Example 37. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the return spring is disposed around the first outer diameter portion and the second outer diameter portion.

[0178] Example 38. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the main column has two vertical channels and two undercut portions.

[0179] Example 39. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining cap includes a central opening and a pair of tabs extending from the central opening.

[0180] Example 40. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining cap is oriented at a first angular position such that the pair of tabs is aligned with the two vertical channels.

[0181] Example 41. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the retaining cap is oriented in a second angular position, a pair of tabs is not aligned with two vertical channels, and the retaining cap is fixed to the main post.

[0182] Example 42. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein each of a pair of tabs is disposed in an individual undercut portion when the retaining cap is in the second angular position.

[0183] Example 43. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a post gasket fixed to the lower portion of the main post, wherein the post gasket and the drink spout seal are pressed against the surface of the upper lid when the control arm is in the rest position.

[0184] Example 44. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the post gasket and the drink spout seal are substantially simultaneously separated from the surface of the upper lid when the control arm is moved to the pivoted position.

[0185] Example 45. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the main rim portion occupies a range of about 310 degrees to about 360 degrees of a circle.

[0186] Example 46. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the rim piece and the main rim portion define a substantially circular rim having two parting lines.

[0187] Example 47. A drinking assembly, the assembly comprising: a beverage container having a central vertical axis, a threaded upper opening, and a closed bottom; a lid assembly screwed onto the threaded upper opening of the beverage container, the lid assembly having a lid upper portion with a surface defining a lid channel having a channel floor, the lid upper portion being surrounded peripherally by a main rim portion having a notch; a control arm pivotally mounted within the lid channel of the lid upper portion, the control arm occupying the notch of the main rim portion and having a rim portion forming a ring portion with the main rim portion; a control slider disposed within two side edges of the control arm, the control slider being movable between a first position that locks the pivoting of the control arm and a second position that unlocks the pivoting of the control arm; a well having a well surface with a drinking opening and an earthen hand portion; an actuator for opening and closing the drinking opening, the actuator being a sealing post with a drinking opening seal mounted thereon and pressed against an opening seat in a sealing position to close the drinking opening, a main post spaced apart from the sealing post and protruding through a hole in a post support portion on the channel floor, and a bridge connecting the sealing post and the main post; a return spring mounted around the post support portion and biasing the channel floor, and a retaining cap removably attached to the main post. The drinking assembly can be a water cylinder or drinkware.

[0188] Example 48. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 - 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein when the control arm is in the rest position and not actuated by an external pivoting force, the return spring is in a first compressed state and biases the drinking opening seal against the opening seat in the sealing position.

[0189] Example 49. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 - 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein when the control arm is pivoted to the pivoting position by an external force and the main post is moved substantially parallel to the central vertical axis, whereby the sealing post is moved substantially parallel to the central vertical axis and the drinking opening seal is separated from the opening seat to open the drinking opening, the return spring is in a second compressed state.

[0190] Example 50. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising a slider follower disposed below the control arm and the control slider in the height direction, the slider follower being slidable by the control slider.

[0191] Example 51. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the lid channel comprises two spaced channel walls that define a channel width, each channel wall comprising a retaining slot having a rounded end.

[0192] Example 52. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the control arm has a pull tab that extends radially outward away from the central vertical axis.

[0193] Example 53. A method of using a drinking assembly, the assembly comprising: a beverage container having a central vertical axis, a threaded upper opening, and a body with a closed bottom; a lid assembly screwed onto the threaded upper opening of the beverage container, the lid assembly having a lid upper portion with a surface defining a lid channel having a channel floor, the lid upper portion being peripherally surrounded at its outer periphery by a main rim portion having a notch; a control arm pivotally mounted within the lid channel of the lid upper portion, the control arm having a pull tab and a rim piece that occupies the notch of the main rim portion and forms the rim portion on the control arm; control sliders located within two side edges of the control arm; a well having a well surface with a drinking opening, the well surface being located below the surface of the lid upper portion in the height direction; an actuator for opening and closing the drinking opening, the actuator being a sealing post having a drinking opening seal mounted thereon, the sealing post pressing against the opening seat in a sealing position to close the drinking opening, a main post spaced apart from the sealing post and protruding through a hole in a post support portion on the channel floor, and a bridge connecting the sealing post and the main post; a return spring mounted around the post support portion to bias the channel floor, and a retaining cap removably attached to the main post, the method including the steps of: depressing the pull tab to rotate the control arm about the pivot axis; generating a downward force on the main post with the control arm to move the main post along a straight path parallel to the central vertical axis; and moving the sealing post downwardly away from the opening seat with the bridge connected to the main post to open the drinking opening. The drinking assembly can be a water bottle or drinkware.

[0194] Example 54. A water bottle or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any of Examples 1 - 70 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising sliding a pair of pivot pins radially away from the central vertical axis, removing the pivot pins from a pair of retaining slots, and separating the control arm from the lid upper portion.

[0195] Example 55. A water bottle or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any of Examples 1 - 70 or any other embodiment described herein, further comprising moving, adjusting, or operating any of the components of the water bottle or drinkware.

[0196] Example 56. A drinking assembly comprising a lid assembly screwed onto a receptacle / container, the lid assembly comprising: an upper lid having a surface with a notch defining a lid channel having a channel floor, the upper lid being peripherally surrounded at its outer periphery by a main rim portion having the notch and a drinking opening; a control assembly disposed within the lid channel and pivotable about a pivot axis, the control assembly comprising a control slider slidably positioned on an upper surface of a control arm and a slider follower disposed below a lower surface of the control arm; an actuator comprising a main post abutting the control arm of the control assembly and a sealing post having a drinking opening seal pressing an opening seat by a return spring to seal the drinking opening, wherein the control slider is mechanically attached to the slider follower and movement of the control slider directly moves the slider follower. The drinking assembly can be a water bottle or drinkware.

[0197] Example 57. A water bottle or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any of Examples 1 - 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the control arm has a first pin on a first side edge and a second pin on a second side edge, and the first and second pins are disposed within sockets of the lid channel to define a pivot axis.

[0198] Example 58. A water bottle or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any of Examples 1 - 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the control assembly only pivots to push the main post of the actuator to open the drinking opening and does not translate.

[0199] Example 59. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or other embodiments described herein, wherein when the control assembly rotates to the pivotal position, the opening in the upper lid through which the main column passes and the drinking port open substantially simultaneously.

[0200] Example 60. A drinking assembly comprising a lid assembly that is screwed onto a receptacle / container, the lid assembly comprising an upper lid having an outer periphery formed by a main rim portion having a notch that defines a lid channel having a channel floor surface, the lid channel having an upper lid with a first channel sidewall and a second channel sidewall; a control assembly positioned within the lid channel and pivotable about a pivot axis, the control assembly comprising a control slider slidably positioned on an upper surface of a control arm and a slider follower positioned below a lower surface of the control arm; a main column abutting against the control arm of the control assembly; and an actuator comprising a sealing column having a drinking port seal that presses an opening seat by a return spring to seal the drinking port, each of the first and second channel sidewalls of the lid channel having an upper edge and a lower edge that form an angle between 10 degrees and 40 degrees with respect to each other and receiving slots at ends of the upper edge and the lower edge; the control arm having a first side edge having a first pin and a second side edge having a second pin; the first pin being disposed within the receiving slot of the first channel sidewall and the second pin being disposed within the receiving slot of the second channel sidewall. The drinking assembly can be a water cylinder or drinkware.

[0201] Example 61. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or other embodiments described herein, wherein the control slider is mechanically attached to the slider follower and the movement of the control slider directly moves the slider follower.

[0202] Example 62. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 to 70 or other embodiments described herein, wherein each receiving slot has a constriction that forms a socket in the receiving slot.

[0203] Example 63. A drinking assembly including a lid assembly screwed onto a receptacle / container, the lid assembly having an upper lid portion with an outer peripheral portion formed by a surface having a drinking opening, a notch defining a lid channel having a channel floor, and a main rim portion having the notch, the lid channel having an upper lid portion with a first channel side wall and a second channel side wall; a control assembly positioned within the lid channel and having two pivot pins spaced apart from each other, the control assembly including a control slider slidably positioned on an upper surface of a control arm and a slider follower positioned below a lower surface of the control arm; an actuator including a main post abutting a curved support surface on a lower surface of the control arm of the control assembly and a sealing post having a drinking opening seal pressing an opening seat by a return spring to seal the drinking opening, the control assembly being pivotable only about a pivot axis defined by the two pivot pins to apply a downward force to the main post moving vertically up and down in a direction parallel to a central vertical axis of the receptacle / container to separate the drinking opening seal from the opening seat. The drinking assembly can be a water bottle or drinkware.

[0204] Example 64. A water bottle or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 - 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein each of the first and second channel side walls of the lid channel has an upper edge and a lower edge forming an angle between 10 degrees and 40 degrees with each other and receiving slots at ends of the edges and the lower edge.

[0205] Example 65. A water bottle or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any one of Examples 1 - 70 or any other embodiment described herein, wherein the two pivot pins include a first pivot pin and a second pivot pin, and the control arm has a first side edge from which the first pivot pin extends and a second side edge from which the second pivot pin extends.

[0206] Example 66. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any of Examples 1 to 70 or other embodiments described herein, wherein a first pivot pin is disposed in a receiving slot of a first channel sidewall and a second pivot pin is disposed in a receiving slot of a second channel sidewall.

[0207] Example 67. A drinking assembly including a lid assembly screwed onto a receptacle / container, the lid assembly comprising an upper lid portion having an outer peripheral portion formed by a surface having a drinking opening, a notch defining a lid channel having a channel floor, and a main rim portion having the notch, the lid channel having a lid channel wall including a first channel sidewall, a second channel sidewall, and a channel floor; a control assembly positioned within the lid channel and having two pivot pins spaced apart from each other, the control assembly comprising a control slider, a control arm, and a slider follower mechanically combined as a unit; an actuator comprising a main post and a sealing post connected by a bridge, the main post abutting against a lower surface of the control arm of the control assembly, the sealing post having a drinking opening seal that presses against an opening seat by a return spring to seal the drinking opening; a guide formed as a rib extending from the lid channel wall, the rib having a guide lower edge, the bridge having a bridge channel, and the rib being disposed within the bridge channel. The drinking assembly can be a water cylinder or drinkware.

[0208] Example 68. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any of Examples 1 to 70 or other embodiments described herein, wherein the actuator is rotatable about an axis defined by the main post.

[0209] Example 69. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any of Examples 1 to 70 or other embodiments described herein, wherein the actuator is rotatable to misalign the rib and the bridge channel so that the rib is not disposed within the bridge channel.

[0210] Example 70. A water cylinder or drinkware, device, assembly, and method according to any of Examples 1 to 70 or other embodiments described herein, wherein the bridge channel is a through-channel or has a bottomed wall.

Claims

1. 1. A drinking assembly comprising: a beverage container comprising a body having a central vertical axis, a threaded top opening, and a closed bottom; a lid assembly threadedly engaged with the threaded open top of the beverage container; The lid assembly includes: a lid top having a notched surface defining a lid channel having a channel floor, the lid top being peripherally surrounded by a notched main rim portion; a control arm pivotally mounted within the lid channel of the lid top, the control arm having a rim piece occupying the notch in the main rim portion and forming a rim portion on the control arm; a control slider disposed between two side edges of the control arm, the control slider being movable between a first position that locks the control arm against pivoting and a second position that unlocks the control arm against pivoting; a clearance gap between an underside of the control arm and a lid flange, the lid flange being disposed heightwise below the surface of the lid top; a well having a well surface with a drinking spout, the well surface being disposed heightwise below the surface of the top of the lid; an actuator for opening and closing the spout, the actuator comprising: a sealing post having a spout seal mounted thereon and pressing against an opening in a sealing position to close the spout; a main post spaced apart from the sealing post and projecting through a hole in a post support on the channel floor; and a bridge connecting the sealing post and the main post; a return spring mounted around the post support and biasing the channel floor; and a retaining cap removably attached to the main post; when the control arm is in a rest position and not actuated by an external pivot force, the return spring is in a first compressed state and biases the spout seal against the opening in the sealing position; and the return spring is in a second compressed state when the control arm is pivoted to a pivot position by an external force to move the main post generally parallel to the central vertical axis, thereby moving the sealing post generally parallel to the central vertical axis and moving the spout seal away from the opening portion to open the spout.

2. 2. The drinking assembly of claim 1, wherein the beverage container has a double wall construction with a gap formed therebetween.

3. 2. The drinking assembly of claim 1, wherein the first position of the control slider is disposed further from the spout than the second position of the control slider.

4. 4. The drinking assembly of claim 3, further comprising a slider follower located below said control arm and said control slider in a height direction, said slider follower being slidable by said control slider.

5. 2. The drinking assembly of claim 1, wherein the lid channel comprises two spaced apart channel walls defining a channel width, each channel wall comprising a retention slot with rounded ends.

6. 6. The drinking assembly of claim 5, wherein the control arm includes two spaced apart pivot pins, each pivot pin disposed in a respective retention slot in the lid channel.

7. 2. The drinking assembly of claim 1, wherein the control arm has a pull tab extending radially outward from the central vertical axis.

8. 8. The drinking assembly of claim 7, wherein the control arm further comprises a curved end opposite the pull tab.

9. The drinking assembly of claim 1 , wherein the main post is disposed on a disc-shaped portion of the bridge.

10. 10. The drinking assembly of claim 9, wherein the main post comprises a rounded free end and a notch adjacent the disc-shaped portion.

11. 2. The drinking assembly of claim 1, wherein the holes in the post support limit movement of the main post along a path generally parallel to the central vertical axis.

12. 12. The drinking assembly of claim 11, wherein the sealing post moves along a path generally parallel to the central vertical axis.

13. 2. The drinking assembly of claim 1, wherein the bridge comprises a first bridge portion connected to the sealing post, a second bridge portion connected to the main post, and an intermediate bridge portion angled relative to both the first bridge portion and the second bridge portion.

14. 14. The drinking assembly of claim 13, wherein a rounded free end of the main post is pressed against a rounded support surface of the control arm.

15. 2. The drinking assembly of claim 1, wherein the post support has a first outer diameter and a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, and the hole extends through both the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter.

16. 2. The drinking assembly of claim 1, further comprising a post gasket secured to a lower portion of the main post, the post gasket and the spout seal being pressed against a surface of the lid top when the control arm is in a rest position.

17. 2. The drinking assembly of claim 1, wherein the main rim portion occupies a range of about 310 degrees to about 360 degrees of a circle.

18. 1. A drinking assembly, comprising: a beverage container comprising a body having a central vertical axis, a threaded top opening, and a closed bottom; a lid assembly threadedly engaged with the threaded open top of the beverage container; The lid assembly includes: a lid top having a notched surface defining a lid channel having a channel floor, the lid top being peripherally surrounded by a notched main rim portion; a control arm pivotally mounted within the lid channel of the lid top, the control arm having a rim piece forming a rim portion that occupies the notch in the main rim portion and forms an annulus with the main rim portion; a control slider disposed between two side edges of the control arm, the control slider being movable between a first position that locks the control arm against pivoting and a second position that unlocks the control arm against pivoting; a well having a well surface with a spout and a bank; an actuator for opening and closing the spout, the actuator comprising: a sealing post having a spout seal mounted thereon and pressing against an opening in a sealing position to close the spout; a main post spaced apart from the sealing post and projecting through a hole in a post support on the channel floor; and a bridge connecting the sealing post and the main post; and A drinking assembly comprising a return spring mounted about said post support and biasing said channel floor, and a retaining cap removably attached to said main post.

19. 20. The drinking assembly of claim 18, wherein when the control arm is in a rest position and not actuated by an external pivot force, the return spring is in a first compressed state and biases the spout seal against the opening in the sealing position.

20. 20. The drinking assembly of claim 18, wherein the lid channel comprises two spaced apart channel walls defining a channel width, each channel wall comprising a retention slot with rounded ends.

21. 20. The drinking assembly of claim 18, wherein the control arm has a pull tab extending radially outward from the central vertical axis.

22. A drinking assembly comprising a lid assembly threadedly engaged with a container / vessel, The lid assembly comprises: a lid top having a surface with a spout, a notch defining a lid channel having a channel floor, and a periphery formed by a main rim portion having the notch, the lid channel having a lid channel wall with a first channel sidewall, a second channel sidewall, and a channel floor; a control assembly having two pivot pins positioned within the lid channel and spaced apart from one another, the control assembly comprising a control slider, a control arm, and a slider follower mechanically assembled as a unit, the control assembly comprising: the control arm has the two pivot pins and is pivotally mounted within the lid channel of the lid top, the control arm having a rim piece occupying the notch in the main rim portion and forming a rim portion on the control arm; the control slider is disposed between two side edges of the control arm and is movable between a first position that locks the control arm against pivoting and a second position that unlocks the control arm against pivoting; a control assembly, the slider follower being located below the control arm and the control slider in a height direction, the slider follower being slidable by the control slider; an actuator comprising a main post and a sealing post connected by a bridge, the main post protruding through a hole in a post support on the channel floor and abutting an underside of the control arm of the control assembly, the sealing post having a spout seal biased by a return spring to press an opening around the spout to seal the spout, the return spring being mounted around the post support and biasing the channel floor; a guide formed as a rib extending from the lid channel wall, the rib having a lower guide edge; A drinking assembly, wherein the bridge comprises a bridge channel, and the rib is disposed within the bridge channel.

23. 23. The drinking assembly of claim 22, wherein the actuator is rotatable about an axis defined by the main post inserted into the hole in the post support.

24. A drinking assembly as described in claim 23, wherein rotation of the actuator causes the rib and the bridge channel to become out of alignment.

Images