Quick-fill beverage container lid

Abstract

A quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container. The lid assembly has a lid housing connected to a beverage container, a filling cap pivotably attached to the lid housing, and an upper closure pivotably attached to the lid housing and covering a portion of the filling cap. The lid housing has an opening providing access to the cavity of the beverage container, and a connector adjacent to the opening. A straw is connected to the connector and extends into the beverage container. A drink spout is connected to the filling cap and contacts the connector when the filling cap is in a closed position, so that the fluid passage of the drink spout is fluidly connected to the connector passage and the passage through the straw, allowing a user to drink from the beverage container through the drink spout.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Cross-reference regarding related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 598,992 filed on November 15, 2023, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference and forms part of this application.

[0003] The present invention relates to a lid for a beverage container, and more specifically, to a lid having both chug and sip functionalities as well as quick-fill functionality. Background Technology

[0004] Beverage containers are known in the art. Such products according to the prior art provide many advantages, but nevertheless have certain limitations, particularly when combined together. The present disclosure aims to overcome certain such limitations and other disadvantages of the prior art and to provide new features that have not been available until now. A detailed description of the features and advantages of the present invention is incorporated into the detailed description proceeding with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0005] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the disclosed subject technology relates to lids for beverage containers having rapid filling functionality.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the quick-fill lid assembly comprises: a lid housing configured to be connected to a beverage container, wherein the lid housing has an opening providing access to a cavity of the beverage container, and further, the lid housing has a connector adjacent to the opening, and the connector has a passage passing through it; a straw connected to the connector and extending into the beverage container; and a filling cap pivotably attached to the lid housing, wherein the filling cap moves between a closed position and an open position, and the filling cap closes the opening of the lid housing in the closed position. A drink spout connected to the filling cap, wherein the drink spout has a first end and a second end and a fluid passage extending from the first end to the second end, and the second end of the drink spout contacts a connector when the filling cap is in a closed position, so that the fluid passage of the drink spout is fluidly connected to a passage through the connector and a passage through the straw, allowing a user to drink fluid from a beverage container through the drink spout; and, comprising a top closure pivotably attached to the lid housing, wherein the top closure moves between an open position and a closed position, and the top closure covers the drink spout when the top closure is in the closed position.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the quick-fill lid assembly comprises: a lid housing configured to be connected to the beverage container, wherein the lid housing has an opening providing access to a cavity of the beverage container; a filling cap pivotally attached to the lid housing, wherein the filling cap moves between a closed position and an open position, and the filling cap closes the opening of the lid housing in the closed position; a drink spout connected to the filling cap; and an upper closure pivotally attached to the lid housing, wherein the upper closure moves between an open position and a closed position, and the upper closure covers the drink spout when the upper closure is in the closed position.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the quick-fill lid assembly comprises: a lid housing configured to be connected to a beverage container, wherein the lid housing has an opening providing access to a cavity of the beverage container, and further, the lid housing has a connector adjacent to the opening, and the connector has a passage passing through it; a straw connected to the connector and extending into the beverage container; and a filling cap pivotably attached to the lid housing, wherein the filling cap moves between a closed position and an open position, and the filling cap closes the opening of the lid housing in the closed position. The drink spout is connected to the filling cap, wherein the drink spout has a first end and a second end, and a fluid passage extending from the first end to the second end, and the second end of the drink spout contacts a connector when the filling cap is in a closed position, so that the fluid passage of the drink spout is fluidly connected to a passage through the connector and a passage through the straw, thereby allowing a user to drink fluid from a beverage container through the drink spout.

[0009] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the top closure and the filling cap are independently pivotably connected to the housing.

[0010] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the top closure is pivotable about a pivot shaft and the filling cap is pivotable about the same pivot shaft.

[0011] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the top closure has a cover portion, pivot arms and a release flange.

[0012] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein a release flange on the upper closure engages with a lock receiver on the lid housing.

[0013] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the filling cap has a cover portion, pivot arms, a release member, and a release flange.

[0014] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein a release flange on the filling cap engages with a lock receiver on the lid housing.

[0015] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the filling cap has a button, and when the button is pressed, the release flange of the top closure is disengaged from the lock receiver of the top closure to open the top closure.

[0016] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the filling cap is opened and the top closure is maintained in a closed position.

[0017] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein, in order to access a cavity of the beverage container while the lid assembly is on the beverage container, the top closure and the filling cap are moved to an open position.

[0018] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the lid housing has a connector adjacent to the opening, the connector has a passage passing through it, and the lid housing further comprises a straw connected to the connector and extending into the beverage container.

[0019] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the drink spout comprises a first end and a second end and a fluid passage extending from the first end to the second end, and when the filling cap is in a closed position, the second end of the drink spout contacts a connector so that the fluid passage of the drink spout is fluidly connected to a passage through the connector and a passage through a straw, thereby allowing a user to drink fluid from the beverage container through the drink spout.

[0020] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the top closure and the filling cap are independently pivotably connected to the housing, the top closure is pivotable about a pivot shaft, and the filling cap is pivotable about the same pivot shaft.

[0021] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the filling cap has a cover portion, pivot arms, a release member and a release flange, and the release flange on the filling cap engages with a lock receiver on the lid housing.

[0022] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the top closure has a cover portion, pivot arms and a release flange, and the release flange on the top closure engages with a lock receiver on the lid housing.

[0023] The disclosed technology further relates to a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the lid assembly further comprises an upper closure pivotably attached to the lid housing, wherein the upper closure moves between an open position and a closed position, and the upper closure covers the drink spout when the upper closure is in the closed position.

[0024] It is understood that other embodiments and configurations of the technology of the subject matter will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, and various configurations of the technology of the subject matter are illustrated and described by way of example. As realized, the technology may be configured in different ways, and some details thereof may be modified in various other aspects without departing from the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the drawings and the detailed description should be considered illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0025] To understand the present disclosure, embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the following descriptions, are incorporated into and constitute a part of the present specification and serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a quick-fill lid for a beverage container in a closed position according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the quick-filling lid of FIG. 1 in which the upper closure is pivoted open and the filling cap is in a closed position according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the quick-filling lid of FIG. 1 in which the top closure and the filling cap are pivoted and opened according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view according to the present disclosure in which the quick-charging lid of FIG. 1 is in a closed position. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a quick-fill lid for a beverage container in a closed position according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the quick-filling lid of FIG. 5 in a state in which the upper closure is pivoted open and the filling cap is in a closed position according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the quick-filling lid of FIG. 5 in which the top closure and the filling cap are pivoted and opened according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view according to the present disclosure in which the quick-charging lid of FIG. 5 is in a closed position. FIG. 9 is a front view of the quick-charging lid of FIG. 5 in which the lock mechanism for the release button is in an unlocked position according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a front view of the quick-charging lid of FIG. 5 in a state where the locking mechanism for the release button is in a locked position according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the quick-charging lid of FIG. 10 in which the locking mechanism for the release button is in a locked position according to the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] In one or more embodiments, not all components shown in each drawing may be required, and one or more embodiments may include additional components not shown in the drawings. Variations in the types and arrangements of components may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure thereof. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be utilized within the scope of the disclosure thereof.

[0028] Although many different forms of embodiments are possible for this disclosure, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with the understanding that the disclosed embodiments illustrated in the drawings and in this specification are to be regarded as examples of the principles of the disclosed disclosure and are not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosed disclosure to the exemplified embodiments. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that features of one embodiment may be incorporated with other embodiments as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, even if not explicitly mentioned in this specification. Furthermore, descriptions of known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the present invention. The examples used in this specification are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the ways in which the disclosed disclosure may be practiced and to enable those skilled in the art to further practice the embodiments of the disclosed disclosure. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments in this specification should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed disclosure, which is defined only by the appended claims and applicable law.

[0029] Generally, the present disclosure describes various embodiments of a quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, wherein the lid assembly has both chug and sip functionality as well as quick-fill functionality. In both embodiments, the top closure can be opened independently of the filling cap, allowing the user to drink from the drink spout. In one embodiment, the filling cap can be opened even if the top closure is not opened first (only one step is required for opening to chug and fill), and in another embodiment, the filling cap can be opened only if the top closure is opened separately first (two steps are required for opening to chug and fill).

[0030] Now, referring to the drawings, and first referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, an embodiment of a lid assembly (10) for a beverage container (12) is illustrated. The lid assembly (10) of this embodiment may be referred to as a flip and filling lid. The lid assembly (10) generally comprises a lid housing (14), an upper closure (16), a filling cap (18), and a drink spout (20). The drink spout (20) has a first end (21) and a second end (23). In one embodiment, the lid assembly (10) has a connector (22) and a straw (24). The connector (22) fluidly connects the drink spout (20) and the straw (24). Additionally, in one embodiment, the lid assembly (10) has a first seal (26) for sealing the opening (92) in the lid housing (14) with a filling cap (18), a second seal (28) for sealing the lid housing (14) to a beverage container (12), and a connecting mechanism (30) for securing the lid housing (14) to the beverage container (12). In one embodiment, the lid assembly (10) has a locking mechanism (32) for locking the top closure (16) in a closed position. The lid assembly (10) may also have a pivotable carry ring (34).

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the beverage container (12) typically has side walls (36) and bottom walls (38) defining an internal cavity (40) for storing liquid. An opening (42) is provided at the top of the beverage container (12) to provide access to the internal cavity (40). The beverage container (12) also has a connection system (44) for securing a lid housing (14) to the beverage container (12) at the opening (42). In one embodiment, the connection system (44) includes a female threaded component in the opening (42) of the container (12), and the connecting mechanism (30) of the lid housing (14) includes a matching male threaded component, but the opposite is also allowed, as well as various other systems for securing the lid housing (14) to the beverage container (12). A second seal (28) may be provided adjacent to a connecting mechanism (30) of the lid housing (14) to seal the lid housing (14) against the beverage container (12) when the lid housing (14) is fixed to the beverage container (12).

[0032] In one embodiment, the top closure (16) and the filling cap (18) are independently pivotably connected to the lid housing (14). Additionally, in one embodiment, the top closure (16) and the filling cap (18) are pivotable around the same axis on the same pivot shaft (46).

[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, in one embodiment, the top closure (16) has a cover portion (48), pivot arms (50), a release member (52), a release flange (54), and a lock tab (56). The pivot arms (50) are pivotably secured to the pivot shaft (46) of the lid housing (14). The top closure (16) can pivot around the pivot shaft (46) from a closed position as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 to an open position as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The release flange (54) extends from the release member (52) and engages with the lock receiver (58) on the lid housing (14) in a typically snap-like manner in the closed position, thereby securing the top closure (16) on the lid housing (14) in the closed position. To open the upper closure (16), the user pulls the release member (52) to disengage the release flange (54) from the lock receiver (58), allowing the upper closure (16) to pivot to an open position around the pivot shaft (46) as shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, a bias member (62) is provided to bias the upper closure (16) to the open position of FIG. 3 when the release flange (54) is disengaged from the lock receiver (58).

[0034] In one embodiment, the sliding lock member (60) of the lock mechanism (32) on the lid housing (14) may be moved between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the locked position, the sliding lock member (60) engages with the lock tab (56) of the top closure (16) to prevent the top closure (16) from moving out of the closed position. In one embodiment, the top closure (16) also has a vent closure member (62) for closing the vent opening (64) in the filling cap (18) when the top closure (16) is in the closed position.

[0035] Moving to the filling cap (18), in one embodiment, the filling cap (18) has a cover portion (68), pivot arms (70), a release member (72), and a release flange (74). The pivot arms (70) are pivotably fixed to the pivot shaft (46) of the lid housing (14). The filling cap (18) can pivot around the pivot shaft (46) from a closed position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to an open position as shown in FIG. 3. The release member (72) extends downward from the cover portion (68). The release flange (74) extends from the release member (72) and engages with the lock receiver (78) on the lid housing (14) in the closed position, thereby securing the filling cap (18) on the lid housing (14) in the closed position. To open the charging cap (18), the user pulls the release member (72) to release the release flange (74) from the lock receiver (78), allowing the charging cap (18) to pivot to an open position around the pivot shaft (46) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0036] In one embodiment, the filling cap (18) has a first opening (80) that penetrates the cover portion (68). The first opening (80) may be a drink opening and may have a drink member (20), such as a silicone drink spout (20), in it for use by a user to drink liquid from the container cavity (40). Additionally, in one embodiment, the filling cap (18) may have a second opening (64) to be used as a vent opening (64). The vent opening (64) may be sealed by the vent closing member (62) of the top closure (16) when the top closure (16) and the filling cap (18) are in a closed position. Additionally, a seal (86) may be provided in the vent opening (64) to allow better sealing of the vent opening (64) by the vent closing member (62). As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the top closure (16) is closed, the drink spout (20) can be sealed by the top closure (16). As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a first seal (26) preferably connected adjacent to the bottom (88) of the filling cap (18) seals the filling cap (18) against the lid housing (14) so ​​as to seal the opening (92) in the lid housing (14).

[0037] The lid housing (14) has a housing body (90), a central opening (92) penetrating the housing body (90), and a connecting mechanism (30) for securing the lid housing (14) to the beverage container (12). The central opening (92) provides access to the internal cavity (40) of the beverage container (12) when the lid assembly (10) is secured to the beverage container (12). Accordingly, a first seal (26) preferably connected adjacent to the bottom (88) of the filling cap (18) seals the central opening (92) of the lid housing (14) in a closed state when the filling cap (18) is in a closed position. Additionally, a second seal (28) may be provided around the connecting mechanism (30) of the lid housing (14) to seal the lid housing (14) against the beverage container (12) when the lid housing (14) is secured to the beverage container (12). This seals the opening (42) at the top of the beverage container (12) to close access to the internal cavity (40) of the beverage container (12). The lid housing (14) also has a pivot arm (94) extending from the housing body (90) to secure a pivot shaft (46) to it so as to engage with the pivot arms (50) of the top closure (16) and the pivot arms (70) of the filling cap (18).

[0038] As best illustrated in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the lid housing (14) has a connector (22). In one embodiment, the drink spout (20) has a sip portion (82) extending over the cover portion (68) of the filling cap (18), and an engaging portion (96) extending below the bottom portion (88) of the filling cap (18). The fluid passage (98) extends across the entire drink spout (20) from the first end (21) to the second end (23). As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the filling cap (18) is in the closed position, the engaging portion (96) of the drink spout (20) engages with the top of the connector (22) to seal it. In one embodiment, a straw (24) may be secured to the bottom of the connector (22). Similarly, the connector (22) has a fluid passage (102) that extends through it to fluidly connect the fluid passage (98) of the drink spout (20) with the straw (24). The straw (24) can be extended close to the bottom wall (38) of the drink container (12) so that when a user sips or inhales through the drink spout (20), the liquid flows from the bottom of the internal cavity (40) of the drink container (12) through the straw (24), through the fluid passage (102) in the connector (22), through the fluid passage (98) in the drink spout (20), and into the user's mouth.

[0039] Unlike many beverage containers, the user can fill the internal cavity (40) of the beverage container (12) of the present embodiment without removing the lid assembly (10). The user simply pivots the top cap (16) to open it, and then pivots the filling cap (18) to open it. Once the filling cap (18) is open, the large central opening (92) that penetrates the housing body (90) of the lid housing (14) can be accessed. The user can fill the internal cavity (40) of the beverage container with liquid directly through the large central opening (92) of the housing body (90). Additionally, if desired, the user can drink directly from the large central opening (92) as if gulping, instead of through the drink spout (20).

[0040] Now, referring to FIGS. 5 through 8, another embodiment of a lid assembly (100) for a beverage container (12) is illustrated. In this embodiment, the lid assembly (100) may be referred to as a pop and fill lid. The lid assembly (100) generally comprises a lid housing (114), a top closure (116), a filling cap (118), and a drink spout (120). In one embodiment, the lid assembly (100) has a connector (122) and a straw (124). The connector (122) fluidly connects the drink spout (120) and the straw (124). Additionally, in one embodiment, the lid assembly (100) has a first seal (126) for sealing an opening (192) in the lid housing (114) with a filling cap (118), a second seal (128) for sealing the lid housing (114) to a beverage container (12), and a connecting mechanism (130) for securing the lid housing (114) to the beverage container (12). In one embodiment, the lid assembly (100) has a locking mechanism (132) for locking the top closure (116) in a closed position. The lid assembly (100) may also have a pivotable carry ring (34).

[0041] One difference between the lid assembly (100) of the present embodiment and the lid assembly (10) of the previous embodiment is that the user can open the filling cap (118) without first opening the top closure (116). Thus, the user can access the large center opening (192) to fill the container (12) or drink / gulp from the large center opening (192) without needing to first open the top closure (116). The top closure (116) can be kept fixed to the filling cap (118) even when the filling cap (118) is in an open position as shown in FIG. 7, and even when the filling cap (118) is in a closed position as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8.

[0042] The beverage container (12) may be the same as the beverage container (12) previously discussed herein. Accordingly, the beverage container (12) has a connecting system (44) for securing the lid housing (114) to the beverage container (12) at its opening (42). In one embodiment, the connecting system (44) includes a female threaded component at the opening (42) of the container (12), and the connecting mechanism (130) of the lid housing (114) includes a matching male threaded component, but the opposite is also permitted, as well as various other systems for securing the lid housing (114) to the beverage container (12). A second seal (128) may be provided adjacent to the connecting mechanism (130) of the lid housing (114) to seal the lid housing (114) against the beverage container (12) when the lid housing (114) is secured to the beverage container (12).

[0043] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the top closure (116) and the filling cap (118) are independently pivotably connected to the lid housing (114). Alternatively, the top closure (116) and the filling cap (118) may be pivoted together as shown in FIG. 7. Also, in one embodiment, the top closure (116) and the filling cap (118) may be pivotable around the same axis on the same pivot shaft (146).

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 8, in one embodiment, the top closure (116) has a cover portion (148), pivot arms (150), and a release flange (154). The pivot arms (150) are pivotably fixed to the pivot shaft (146) of the lid housing (114). The top closure (116) can pivot around the pivot shaft (146) from a closed position as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8 to an open position as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The release flange (154) extends from the cover portion (148) and engages with a lock receiver (158) on the lid housing (114) in the closed position, thereby securing the top closure (116) on the lid housing (114) in the closed position. The release flange (154) of the present embodiment is actuated by a push button (200) to move it away from the lock receiver (158) and open the upper closure (116). The push button (200) is a part of the charging cap (118). When a user pushes the push button (200), the release flange (154) is disengaged from the lock receiver (158), allowing the upper closure (116) to pivot to an open position around the pivot shaft (146), as shown in FIG. 7. In one embodiment, a bias member (162) is provided to bias the upper closure (116) to the open position of FIG. 7 when the release flange (154) is disengaged from the lock receiver (158) after the push button (200) is pressed.

[0045] When moving to the charging cap (118), in one embodiment, the charging cap (118) has a cover portion (168), pivot arms (170), a release member (172), and a release flange (174). The pivot arms (170) are pivotably fixed to the pivot shaft (146) of the lid housing (114). The charging cap (118) can pivot around the pivot shaft (146) from a closed position as shown in FIG. 5, 6 and 8 to an open position as shown in FIG. 7. The release member (172) extends downward from the cover portion (168). In one embodiment, a button member (200) is received in the release member (172). The release flange (174) extends inwardly from the release member (172) and engages with the lock receiver (178) on the lid housing (114) in a closed position, thereby securing the filling cap (118) on the lid housing (114) in a closed position. To open the filling cap (118), the user pulls the release member (172) to disengage the release flange (174) from the lock receiver (178), allowing the filling cap (118), including the top closure (116) secured thereto as shown in FIG. 7, to pivot to an open position around the pivot shaft (146).

[0046] In one embodiment, the filling cap (118) has a first opening (180) that penetrates the cover portion (168). The first opening (180) may be a drink opening and may have a drink member (120), such as a silicone drink spout (120), in it for use by a user to drink liquid from the container cavity (40). Additionally, in one embodiment, the filling cap (118) may have a second opening (164) to be used as a vent opening (164). The vent opening (164) may be sealed by the vent closing member (162) of the top closure (116) when the top closure (116) is secured to the filling cap (118). Additionally, a seal (186) may be provided at the vent opening (164) to allow better sealing of the vent opening (164) by the vent closure member (162). As shown in FIG. 8, when the top closure (116) is secured to the filling cap (118), the drink spout (120) may be closed so as to be sealed by the top closure (116). As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a first seal (126) preferably connected adjacent to the bottom (188) of the filling cap (118) seals the filling cap (118) against the lid housing (114) so ​​as to seal the opening (192) in the lid housing (114).

[0047] In one embodiment, the sliding lock member (160) of the lock mechanism (132) on the lid housing (114) may be moved between an unlocked position and a locked position. As discussed herein and as illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 11, in the locked position, the sliding lock member (160) prevents the button (200) from being pushed inward to lock the top closure (116) on the filling cap (118).

[0048] The lid housing (114) has a housing body (190), a central opening (192) penetrating the housing body (190), and a connecting mechanism (130) for securing the lid housing (114) to the beverage container (12). The central opening (192) provides access to the internal cavity (40) of the beverage container (12) when the lid assembly (100) is secured to the beverage container (12). Accordingly, a first seal (126) preferably connected adjacent to the bottom (188) of the filling cap (118) seals the central opening (192) of the lid housing (114) in a closed state when the filling cap (118) is in a closed position. Additionally, a second seal (128) may be provided around the connecting mechanism (130) of the lid housing (114) to seal the lid housing (114) against the beverage container (12) when the lid housing (114) is secured to the beverage container (12). This seals the opening (42) at the top of the beverage container (12) to close access to the internal cavity (40) of the beverage container (12). The lid housing (114) also has a pivot arm (194) extending from the housing body (190) to secure a pivot shaft (146) thereto so as to engage with the pivot arms (150) of the top closure (116) and the pivot arms (170) of the filling cap (118).

[0049] As best illustrated in FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the lid housing (114) has a connector (122). In one embodiment, the drink spout (120) has a sip portion (182) extending over the cover portion (168) of the filling cap (118), and an engaging portion (196) extending below the bottom (188) of the filling cap (118). The fluid passage (198) extends throughout the drink spout (120). As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the filling cap (118) is in a closed position, the engaging portion (196) of the drink spout (120) engages with the top of the connector (122) to seal it. In one embodiment, a straw (24) may be secured to the bottom of the connector (122). Similarly, the connector (122) has a fluid passage (202) that extends through it to fluidly connect the fluid passage (198) of the drink spout (120) with the straw (24). The straw (24) can be extended near the bottom wall (38) of the drink container (12) so that when a user sips or inhales through the drink spout (120), the liquid flows from the bottom of the internal cavity (40) of the drink container (12) through the straw (24), through the fluid passage (202) in the connector (122), through the fluid passage (198) in the drink spout (120), and into the user's mouth.

[0050] Unlike many beverage containers, the user can fill the internal cavity (40) of the beverage container (12) of this embodiment without removing the lid assembly (100). The user simply pivots the filling cap (118) to open it. Once the filling cap (118) is open, the large central opening (192) that penetrates the housing body (190) of the lid housing (114) can be accessed. The user can fill the internal cavity (40) of the beverage container with liquid directly through the large central opening (192) of the housing body (190). Additionally, if desired, the user can drink directly from the large central opening (192), such as gulping, instead of through the drink spout (120).

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 11, in one embodiment, the sliding lock member (160) of the lock mechanism (132) on the lid housing (114) can be moved between an unlocked position and a locked position. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, in the locked position, the sliding lock member (160) engages with a pivotable secondary lock member (204) behind the button (200) and pivots the secondary lock member (204) upward so that the secondary lock member (204) prevents the button (200) from being pushed inward, and thus the upper closure (116) remains fixed on the filling cap (118) in the closed position. Specifically, the secondary lock member (204) moves upward and wedge-couples behind the release flange (154), preventing the push button (200) from disengaging the release flange (154) from the lock receiver (158). As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the sliding lock member (160) is moved to an unlocked position, the bias member (206) pushes the secondary lock member (204) downward to create space behind the release flange (154), and then when the button (200) is pressed, the button (200) can move the release flange (154) away from the lock receiver (158) and backward to open the upper closure (116).

[0052] The embodiments described above may be combined, in whole or in part, with any alternative embodiments described herein.

[0053] References to singular elements are intended to mean "one and only one" rather than "one or more" unless specifically stated otherwise. The term "parts" refers to one or more. Underlined and / or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject description, and are not referenced in connection with the interpretation of the subject description. Relational terms such as First, Second, etc., may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure, which are known to those skilled in the art or will be known later, are intended to be expressly incorporated into this specification for reference and encompassed by the subject description. Furthermore, nothing disclosed in this specification is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly cited in the description above.

[0054] Many modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best modes known to the inventors for carrying out the present disclosure, are described herein. It should be understood that the illustrative embodiments are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated in this specification. Those skilled in the art will understand the features of individual embodiments and possible combinations and variations of components. Those skilled in the art will further recognize that any embodiment may be provided in any combination with other embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” as used in this specification are intended only for illustrative purposes and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Additionally, as used in this specification, the term “plural” indicates any number greater than 1, up to an infinite number, separately or combined as needed. Furthermore, the term “having” as used in this specification in both the disclosure and the claims is used in an open manner.

[0056] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” for any separate items, modifies the list as a whole rather than each individual part of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require the selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows for the meaning of including at least one of any one of the items, and / or at least one of any combination of items, and / or at least one of each of the items. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to A only, B only, or C only; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of A, B, and C.

[0057] Terms such as “include,” “have,” etc., to the extent that they are used in descriptions or claims, are intended to be comprehensive in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” just as “comprise” is interpreted when adopted as a transitional word in a claim. One aspect, that aspect, another aspect, some aspects, aspects in one or more, one embodiment, that embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, embodiments in one or more, one example, that example, another example, some embodiments, examples in one or more, configuration, that configuration, another configuration, some configurations, configurations in one or more, subject matter, disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof, etc., are for convenience and disclosures regarding such passage(s) are not to be full of the subject matter or do not imply that such disclosures apply to all configurations of the subject matter. Disclosures regarding such passage(s) may apply to all configurations or configurations in one or more. Disclosures regarding such passage(s) may provide examples in one or more. A phrase such as one mode or some modes may refer to modes in one or more places, and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other aforementioned phrases.

[0058] References to singular elements are intended to mean "one and only one" rather than "one or more" unless specifically stated otherwise. The term "parts" refers to one or more. Underlined and / or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject description, and are not referenced in connection with the interpretation of the subject description. Relational terms such as First, Second, etc., may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various configurations described throughout this disclosure, which are known to those skilled in the art or will be known later, are intended to be expressly incorporated into this specification for reference and encompassed by the subject description. Furthermore, nothing disclosed in this specification is intended to be made available to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly cited in the description above. Unless an element is explicitly mentioned using the phrase “means for doing,” or, in the case of a method claim, an element is mentioned using the phrase “step for doing,” no claim element shall be interpreted under the provisions of Paragraph 6 of 35 USC §112.

[0059] Although this specification contains many details, they should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of specific implementations of the claims. Specific configurations described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the other hand, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features may be described above and even initially claimed as operating in certain combinations, features from one or more of the claimed combination may be omitted from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be directed toward a sub-combination or a variation of the sub-combination.

[0060] The title, background, brief description of the drawings, summary, and drawings are incorporated herein by reference and provided as exemplary examples of the disclosure rather than as a limiting description. They are submitted with the understanding that they are not intended to limit the meaning or scope of the claims. Additionally, in the detailed description, it may be seen that the description provides exemplary examples and various features are grouped together for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. The method of the disclosure shall not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than explicitly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the claims, the claimed invention has fewer features than all of the single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are incorporated herein by reference and each claim is based on itself as a separately claimed invention.

[0061] It will be understood that the present invention may be realized in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or central features. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the claims are not limited to the details given in this specification. Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications are conceived without significantly departing from the spirit of the disclosure, and the scope of protection is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0062] Furthermore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but must be in accordance with the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and must encompass all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of the claims are intended to encompass claims that do not satisfy the requirements of applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

Claim 1 A quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: a lid housing configured to be connected to said beverage container, wherein the lid housing has an opening providing access to a cavity of said beverage container, and the lid housing also has a connector adjacent to said opening, and said connector has a passage passing through it; a straw connected to said connector and extending into said beverage container; a filling cap pivotably attached to said lid housing, wherein the filling cap moves between a closed position and an open position, and said filling cap closes the opening of said lid housing in the closed position; a drink spout connected to said filling cap, wherein the drink spout has a first end and a second end, and a fluid passage extending from said first end to said second end, and said second end of said drink spout contacts said connector when said filling cap is in the closed position, and said fluid passage of said drink spout is fluidly connected to a passage through said connector and a passage through said straw so that a user can drink said A quick-fill lid assembly comprising: a drink spout that allows a fluid to be drunk from the beverage container through the spout; and a top closure pivotably attached to the lid housing, wherein the top closure moves between an open position and a closed position, and the top closure covers the drink spout when the top closure is in the closed position. Claim 2 A quick-fill lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper closure and the filling cap are independently pivotably connected to the lid housing. Claim 3 A quick-filling lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upper closure is pivotable around a pivot shaft and the filling cap is pivotable around the same pivot shaft. Claim 4 In claim 1, the upper closure is a quick-fill lid assembly having a cover portion, pivot arms and a release flange. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the release flange on the upper closure engages with the lock receiver on the lid housing, forming a quick-charge lid assembly. Claim 6 In claim 1, the filling cap is a quick-filling lid assembly having a cover portion, pivot arms, a release member and a release flange. Claim 7 In claim 6, the release flange on the charging cap engages with the lock receiver on the lid housing, forming a quick-charging lid assembly. Claim 8 A quick-fill lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the filling cap has a button, and when the button is pressed, the release flange of the top closure is disengaged from the lock receiver of the top closure to open the top closure. Claim 9 A quick-fill lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the filling cap is open and the top closure is maintained in a closed position. Claim 10 A quick-filling lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the top closure and the filling cap are moved to an open position to access the cavity of the beverage container while the lid assembly is on the beverage container. Claim 11 A quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: a lid housing configured to be connected to the beverage container, wherein the lid housing has an opening providing access to a cavity of the beverage container; a filling cap pivotally attached to the lid housing, wherein the filling cap moves between a closed position and an open position, and the filling cap closes the opening of the lid housing in the closed position; a drink spout connected to the filling cap; and a top closure pivotally attached to the lid housing, wherein the top closure moves between an open position and a closed position, and the top closure covers the drink spout when the top closure is in the closed position. Claim 12 A quick-fill lid assembly according to claim 11, wherein the lid housing has a connector adjacent to the opening, the connector has a passage penetrating it, and the lid housing further comprises a straw connected to the connector and extending into a beverage container. Claim 13 A quick-fill lid assembly according to claim 12, wherein the drink spout has a first end and a second end, and a fluid passage extending from the first end to the second end, and the second end of the drink spout contacts the connector when the filling cap is in the closed position, so that the fluid passage of the drink spout is fluidly connected to the passage through the connector and the passage through the straw, allowing a user to drink fluid from a beverage container through the drink spout. Claim 14 A quick-fill lid assembly according to claim 11, wherein the upper closure and the filling cap are independently pivotably connected to the lid housing, the upper closure is pivotable about a pivot shaft, and the filling cap is pivotable about the same pivot shaft. Claim 15 In claim 11, the charging cap has a cover portion, pivot arms, a release member and a release flange, and the release flange on the charging cap engages with a lock receiver on the lid housing, a quick-charging lid assembly. Claim 16 In claim 11, the upper closure has a cover portion, pivot arms and a release flange, and the release flange on the upper closure engages with a lock receiver on the lid housing, a quick-fill lid assembly. Claim 17 A quick-fill lid assembly for a beverage container, comprising: a lid housing configured to be connected to said beverage container, wherein the lid housing has an opening providing access to a cavity of said beverage container, and the lid housing also has a connector adjacent to said opening, and said connector has a passage passing through it; a straw connected to said connector and extending into said beverage container; and a filling cap pivotably attached to said lid housing, wherein the filling cap moves between a closed position and an open position, and said filling cap closes the opening of said lid housing in the closed position. A quick-fill lid assembly comprising a drink spout connected to the filling cap, wherein the drink spout has a first end and a second end and a fluid passage extending from the first end to the second end, and the second end of the drink spout contacts the connector when the filling cap is in the closed position, so that the fluid passage of the drink spout is fluidly connected to a passage through the connector and a passage through the straw, thereby allowing a user to drink fluid from the beverage container through the drink spout. Claim 18 A quick-fill lid assembly according to claim 17, further comprising an upper closure pivotably attached to the lid housing, wherein the upper closure moves between an open position and a closed position, and the upper closure covers the drink spout when the upper closure is in the closed position. Claim 19 A quick-fill lid assembly according to claim 18, wherein the upper closure and the filling cap are independently pivotably connected to the lid housing, the upper closure is pivotable about a pivot shaft, and the filling cap is pivotable about the same pivot shaft. Claim 20 In claim 17, the charging cap has a cover portion, pivot arms, a release member and a release flange, and the release flange on the charging cap engages with a lock receiver on the lid housing, a quick-charging lid assembly.

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