Lever-enhanced lid for beverage containers

Abstract

A lid for beverage containers designed with an integrated deployable lever to assist in opening the lid. The lever provides mechanical advantage, making it easier for users to open the container without external tools. The lid is compatible with standard twist-on mechanisms and constructed from durable materials for long-term use. The invention also includes a deployable lever that can be coupled onto existing lids, enhancing their functionality by providing an easy-to-use leverage tool.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Traditional twist-on lids for beverage containers, such as those used by Yeti or Stanley, can become difficult to open due to pressure differentials, residue build-up, or limited grip strength. Existing solutions involve external tools, which are not always convenient or safe. There is a need for a lid that integrates a leverage tool to assist in opening the lid effortlessly. Furthermore, there is a need for a retrofit solution that allows existing lids to be equipped with such a leverage tool.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention addresses the above needs by providing a lid with a built-in deployable lever. This lever can be deployed to act as a mechanical advantage tool, allowing users to easily open the lid without requiring external devices or excessive force. Additionally, the invention includes a deployable lever that can be added to existing lids, enhancing their functionality.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 is a prospective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid with the lever in the closed position.

[0004] FIG. 2 is a prospective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid with the lever in the open position.

[0005] FIG. 3 is a prospective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid on a beverage container with the lever in the closed position.

[0006] FIG. 4 is a prospective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid on a beverage container with the lever in the open position.

[0007] FIG. 5 is a prospective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid off of a beverage container with the lever in the open position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] A few of the preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail. It is understood, however, that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the invention's scope as claimed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and substitutions may be made, qualifying as equivalents under the patent claims. The specific embodiments described herein are intended only to exemplify the invention and should not be seen as limiting its spirit or scope.

[0009] In the figures, not every element is assigned a reference number. Directional terms such as “forward,”“rearward,”“upper,”“lower,”“bottom,”“top,” and “side” are used to describe the orientation of the components as depicted in the drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that these orientations may vary during actual use of the invention and are not intended to be limiting.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid 10, illustrating the lever 14 in the closed position. The closed position is defined as the state in which the lever 14 is positioned out of the way and not in use. In this embodiment, the deployable lever 14 is coupled to the lid via a hinge 16, functioning as a folding lever 14. Frictional forces maintain the lever 14 in the closed position, preventing accidental deployment into the open position. This configuration represents the typical usage scenario, where the lever 14 remains folded and unobtrusive. This embodiment features a passage 18 for drinking water through the lid. Although not included, other embodiments exist that incorporate stoppers, straws, or other features without escaping the scope of the claims.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the lever 14 in the open position. The lever 14 pivots on the hinge 16, extending away from the lid until it makes contact with the lid, thereby preventing further pivoting. In this open position, the lever 14 is designed to provide mechanical advantage, enabling the user to grasp it to facilitate the opening of the beverage container 20.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid 10 on a beverage container 20, with the lever 14 in the closed position. In this state, the lever 14 is folded out of the way against the lid, and the beverage container 20 and lid are in normal use, with the lid securely attached to the container.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid 10 on a beverage container 20, with the lever 14 in the open position. In this configuration, the lever 14 pivots on a hinge 16 mechanism and extends outward from the lid until it reaches a stop position, which prevents further rotation. The open lever 14 provides a mechanical advantage by acting as an extended handle, allowing the user to apply greater torque with less effort. This facilitates the easy removal of the lid from the beverage container 20. The lever's 14 ergonomic design enhances user comfort and grip during operation, ensuring effective and efficient opening of the lid.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid 10 removed from a beverage container 20, with the lever 14 in the open position. In this configuration, the user has utilized the handle to efficiently remove the lid from the container. This figure illustrates the engagement mechanism 12 between the lever-enhanced lid 10 and the beverage container 20 engagement mechanism 22. In this embodiment, the engagement mechanisms comprises threads, which are a common method for securing lids to containers. The threads on the lid correspond to matching threads on the beverage container 20, ensuring a secure fit and easy removal when the lever 14 is deployed. This configuration provides a reliable and user-friendly method for sealing and unsealing the container.

[0015] Although the figures illustrated the lever 14 as a pivoting lever, there are numerous ways and embodiments to implement a deployable lever. For example, the lever can fold over the top of the lid instead of the side or fold down towards the beverage container 20. Alternatively, the lever can slide out of the lid without folding.

[0016] The lever 14 need not be a distinct object but can be an integrated feature designed to be deployed as a lever tool with the lid. For instance, a straw designed with sufficient structural integrity to function as a lever may interact with the lid through specifically designed geometries, such as one or multiple holes, allowing the straw to pass through and act as a lever tool to impart greater torque.

[0017] Additionally, a stopper component can extend further out from the lid and be designed with sufficient strength to be utilized as a torque tool, facilitating easier opening of the lid. These embodiments provide a comprehensive understanding of the versatility and adaptability of the deployable lever 14 concept, ensuring the design can be tailored to various user preferences and container configurations.

[0018] Furthermore, although the primary embodiment describes a lid with an integrally designed deployable lever 14, there are embodiments that add a deployable lever, such as a foldable lever, to an existing lid. This approach allows users to retrofit their existing lids with enhanced functionality.

[0019] The variations in the lever's 14 deployment method, whether folding, sliding, or integrating common objects like straws and stoppers, illustrate the broad applicability of the invention. This flexibility enhances the functionality of the lid, making it user-friendly and adaptable to different use scenarios and container designs without escaping the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0008]A few of the preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail. It is understood, however, that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the invention's scope as claimed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and substitutions may be made, qualifying as equivalents under the patent claims. The specific embodiments described herein are intended only to exemplify the invention and should not be seen as limiting its spirit or scope.

[0009]In the figures, not every element is assigned a reference number. Directional terms such as “forward,”“rearward,”“upper,”“lower,”“bottom,”“top,” and “side” are used to describe the orientation of the components as depicted in the drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that these orientations may vary during actual use of the invention and are not intended to be limiting.

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid 10, illustrating the lever 14 in ...

BACKGROUND

[0001] Traditional twist-on lids for beverage containers, such as those used by Yeti or Stanley, can become difficult to open due to pressure differentials, residue build-up, or limited grip strength. Existing solutions involve external tools, which are not always convenient or safe. There is a need for a lid that integrates a leverage tool to assist in opening the lid effortlessly. Furthermore, there is a need for a retrofit solution that allows existing lids to be equipped with such a leverage tool.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention addresses the above needs by providing a lid with a built-in deployable lever. This lever can be deployed to act as a mechanical advantage tool, allowing users to easily open the lid without requiring external devices or excessive force. Additionally, the invention includes a deployable lever that can be added to existing lids, enhancing their functionality.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 is a prospective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid with the lever in the closed position.

[0004] FIG. 2 is a prospective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid with the lever in the open position.

[0005] FIG. 3 is a prospective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid on a beverage container with the lever in the closed position.

[0006] FIG. 4 is a prospective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid on a beverage container with the lever in the open position.

[0007] FIG. 5 is a prospective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid off of a beverage container with the lever in the open position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] A few of the preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail. It is understood, however, that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the invention's scope as claimed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and substitutions may be made, qualifying as equivalents under the patent claims. The specific embodiments described herein are intended only to exemplify the invention and should not be seen as limiting its spirit or scope.

[0009] In the figures, not every element is assigned a reference number. Directional terms such as “forward,”“rearward,”“upper,”“lower,”“bottom,”“top,” and “side” are used to describe the orientation of the components as depicted in the drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that these orientations may vary during actual use of the invention and are not intended to be limiting.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid 10, illustrating the lever 14 in the closed position. The closed position is defined as the state in which the lever 14 is positioned out of the way and not in use. In this embodiment, the deployable lever 14 is coupled to the lid via a hinge 16, functioning as a folding lever 14. Frictional forces maintain the lever 14 in the closed position, preventing accidental deployment into the open position. This configuration represents the typical usage scenario, where the lever 14 remains folded and unobtrusive. This embodiment features a passage 18 for drinking water through the lid. Although not included, other embodiments exist that incorporate stoppers, straws, or other features without escaping the scope of the claims.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the lever 14 in the open position. The lever 14 pivots on the hinge 16, extending away from the lid until it makes contact with the lid, thereby preventing further pivoting. In this open position, the lever 14 is designed to provide mechanical advantage, enabling the user to grasp it to facilitate the opening of the beverage container 20.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid 10 on a beverage container 20, with the lever 14 in the closed position. In this state, the lever 14 is folded out of the way against the lid, and the beverage container 20 and lid are in normal use, with the lid securely attached to the container.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid 10 on a beverage container 20, with the lever 14 in the open position. In this configuration, the lever 14 pivots on a hinge 16 mechanism and extends outward from the lid until it reaches a stop position, which prevents further rotation. The open lever 14 provides a mechanical advantage by acting as an extended handle, allowing the user to apply greater torque with less effort. This facilitates the easy removal of the lid from the beverage container 20. The lever's 14 ergonomic design enhances user comfort and grip during operation, ensuring effective and efficient opening of the lid.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid 10 removed from a beverage container 20, with the lever 14 in the open position. In this configuration, the user has utilized the handle to efficiently remove the lid from the container. This figure illustrates the engagement mechanism 12 between the lever-enhanced lid 10 and the beverage container 20 engagement mechanism 22. In this embodiment, the engagement mechanisms comprises threads, which are a common method for securing lids to containers. The threads on the lid correspond to matching threads on the beverage container 20, ensuring a secure fit and easy removal when the lever 14 is deployed. This configuration provides a reliable and user-friendly method for sealing and unsealing the container.

[0015] Although the figures illustrated the lever 14 as a pivoting lever, there are numerous ways and embodiments to implement a deployable lever. For example, the lever can fold over the top of the lid instead of the side or fold down towards the beverage container 20. Alternatively, the lever can slide out of the lid without folding.

[0016] The lever 14 need not be a distinct object but can be an integrated feature designed to be deployed as a lever tool with the lid. For instance, a straw designed with sufficient structural integrity to function as a lever may interact with the lid through specifically designed geometries, such as one or multiple holes, allowing the straw to pass through and act as a lever tool to impart greater torque.

[0017] Additionally, a stopper component can extend further out from the lid and be designed with sufficient strength to be utilized as a torque tool, facilitating easier opening of the lid. These embodiments provide a comprehensive understanding of the versatility and adaptability of the deployable lever 14 concept, ensuring the design can be tailored to various user preferences and container configurations.

[0018] Furthermore, although the primary embodiment describes a lid with an integrally designed deployable lever 14, there are embodiments that add a deployable lever, such as a foldable lever, to an existing lid. This approach allows users to retrofit their existing lids with enhanced functionality.

[0019] The variations in the lever's 14 deployment method, whether folding, sliding, or integrating common objects like straws and stoppers, illustrate the broad applicability of the invention. This flexibility enhances the functionality of the lid, making it user-friendly and adaptable to different use scenarios and container designs without escaping the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0008]A few of the preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail. It is understood, however, that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the invention's scope as claimed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and substitutions may be made, qualifying as equivalents under the patent claims. The specific embodiments described herein are intended only to exemplify the invention and should not be seen as limiting its spirit or scope.

[0009]In the figures, not every element is assigned a reference number. Directional terms such as “forward,”“rearward,”“upper,”“lower,”“bottom,”“top,” and “side” are used to describe the orientation of the components as depicted in the drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that these orientations may vary during actual use of the invention and are not intended to be limiting.

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lever-enhanced lid 10, illustrating the lever 14 in ...

Claims

1. A lever-enhanced lid for a beverage container comprising;A lid having engagement mechanism that corresponds to engagement mechanism on the beverage container,A deployable lever coupled to the lid to assist in removing the lid from the beverage container.

2. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever is secured in the closed position by a detent.

3. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever is spring-loaded to return to the closed position when not in use.

4. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever is secured in the closed position by frictional means.

5. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever is secured in the closed position by magnetic means.

6. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever deploys in a direction parallel to the plane of the lid.

7. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever deploys in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the lid.

8. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever folds on top of the lid.

9. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever folds on the side of the lid.

10. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever folds to the side of the beverage container.

11. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the beverage container is a jar.

12. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever slides out of the lid.

13. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever is detachable for cleaning and replacement purposes.

14. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever is a utensil.

15. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever slides.

16. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever folds.

17. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever stores inside the lid and can be attached to the lid when needed.

18. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever is secured in the closed position with a latch mechanism.

19. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever is a straw.

20. The lever-enhanced lid of claim 1, wherein the deployable lever is a stopper.

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