Container lid

Abstract

A container lid includes a base portion including a threaded central shaft which includes a threaded central shaft axis. A cap portion is rotatably engaged with the base portion. The cap portion includes a spout pivotably coupled to the cap portion between a closed position and an open position about a spout pivot axis. A drive fin is disposed adjacent the threaded central shaft. A nut is engaged with both the threaded central shaft and the drive fin. A linkage couples the nut to the spout, wherein a rotational movement of the cap portion relative to the base portion slides the nut along the drive fin, thereby moving the spout from the closed position to the open position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 459,288, filed Apr. 14, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Drinking containers with spouts are used to contain a liquid or beverage for drinking as needed. Spouts may be actuated by manually pulling, pressing, or even unscrewing the spout so as to disengage a closing mechanism, thus allowing liquid within the container to be squirted (if the container is squeezed) or drawn via suction by mouth of a user. Touching of the spout with one's fingers, however, is unsanitary. Other types of spouts exist that may be opened by clenching with the lips or teeth, but such spouts are typically exposed on a container cap, which leaves them further susceptible to contacting a floor, the ground, or other surface where they may be exposed to filth.SUMMARY

[0003] In an aspect, the technology relates to a container lid including: a base portion which includes a threaded central shaft including a threaded central shaft axis; a cap portion rotatably engaged with the base portion, wherein the cap portion includes a spout pivotably coupled to the cap portion between a closed position and an open position about a spout pivot axis, and a drive fin disposed adjacent the threaded central shaft; a nut engaged with both the threaded central shaft and the drive fin; and a linkage coupling the nut to the spout, wherein a rotational movement of the cap portion relative to the base portion slides the nut along the drive fin, thereby moving the spout from the closed position to the open position. In an example, the rotational movement of the cap portion further moves the nut rotatably around the threaded central shaft axis and translatably along the threaded central shaft axis. In another example, the threaded central shaft includes at least one thread disposed about one-quarter of an outer elongate perimeter surface of the threaded central shaft. In yet another example, the cap portion is rotatably engaged with the base portion over a range of about 90 degrees. In still another example, the closed position is disposed about 90 degrees from the open position.

[0004] In another example of the above aspect, the closed position is disposed about 85 degrees to about 88 degrees from the open position. In an example, the container lid further includes a conduit within the threaded central shaft and wherein when in the open position, a drinking channel defined by the spout is fluidically coupled to the conduit. In another example, when the drinking channel is fluidically coupled to the conduit, an axis of the drinking channel and an axis of the conduit are misaligned. In yet another example, the conduit is secured to the cap portion. In still another example, the container lid further includes a straw fluidically coupled to the conduit.

[0005] In another example of the above aspect, the straw is disposed in the threaded central shaft. In an example, at least a portion of the conduit is flexible. In another example, the container lid further includes a vent channel, wherein the cap portion includes a vent opening, and wherein when the spout is in the open position, the vent channel is fluidically coupled to the vent opening. In yet another example, the vent channel terminates at a gasket. In still another example, when the spout is in the closed position, the spout covers the vent opening.

[0006] In another example of the above aspect, the linkage is coupled to the nut in two locations disposed on opposite sies of the threaded central shaft. In an example, the spout includes at least one arm, wherein the linkage is coupled to the arm. In another example, the at least one arm includes two arms. In yet another example, the base portion includes a threaded outer interface. In still another example, the container lid further includes a bottom seal coupled to a lower portion of the base portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary container having a container body and a container lid.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the container body separated from the container lid.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded sectional top perspective view of the container lid of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded sectional bottom perspective view of the container lid of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial enlarged exploded top perspective view of the container lid of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of the container lid of FIG. 1 with the spout in a first position.

[0013] FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container lid taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 6A, depicting the spout in a first position.

[0014] FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of the container lid of FIG. 1 with the spout in a second position.

[0015] FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container lid taken along line 7B-7B of FIG. 7A, depicting the spout in a second position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] A lid for a beverage container (examples of which may be described as a reusable or disposable cup, tumbler, vessel, or the like) is described herein. The container lid is structured so as to seal the liquid therein while also positioning a drinking spout in a position where it is less likely to be touched, soiled, or otherwise contaminated. When in this sealed (or closed) position, liquid is prevented from leaking out of the container, either via the drinking straw, or via other openings therein, such as vents. When in a drinking (or open) position, the spout is raised so as to extend away from the container and lid. This creates a flow channel through the drinking spout and into an interior of the container, so as to allow a user to draw fluid or liquid through the spout for consumption. Pressure applied to draw liquid from the container may be relieved via a vent that is formed when the spout is in the drinking position.

[0017] In examples, the spout is moved from the closed position to the open position by rotating a portion of the lid (e.g., an upper or cap portion that houses the spout). Rotation may be in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction, and over any range of motion as required or desired. The spout pivots from the closed position to the open position during this rotation. In an example, rotational movement of a portion of the lid translates to a combined rotational / translational movement of a nut within the lid. As the nut rotatably translates within the lid, a linkage connected to the nut moves from a first position to a second position, which in turn pivots the spout from the closed position to the open position. The spout may be returned to its original position by rotating the cap portion in the opposite direction.

[0018] When in the closed position, the liquids contained therein are prevented partially or entirely from leaking through the lid if, for example, the container is tipped over. The lid includes a lid body that is sealingly secured to a container body with a perimeter seal, such as a threaded connection and one or more gaskets that aid in forming a liquid-tight seal. The lid includes a handle or other implement for carrying, which also helps a user to grip the lid during rotation thereof. The depicted configuration includes a number of these structural features, but any lesser number of structural features may be combined as required or desired for a particular application. Thus, the structure of the lid, including one or more of the above features, helps prevent liquid within the container from leaking out of the container during movement thereof.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary container 100 having a container body 102 and a container lid 104. FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the container 100 of FIG. 1 with the container body 102 separated from the container lid 104. FIGS. 1 and 2 are described concurrently. The container 100 is illustrated as a reusable tumbler, but may alternatively take the form of a glass, mug, goblet, stein, tankard, vessel, beaker, drinkware, beverageware, or other vessel for holding liquid beverages for consumption. While the container 100 is described as being for liquids, the container 100 may be used for containing any other substances, materials, or items as required or desired.

[0020] The container body 102 has an upper end portion 106, an opposite lower end portion 108, and a middle portion 110 extending therebetween. The container body 102 defines an interior chamber 112 configured to hold liquids therein. The upper end portion 106 is open for access to the interior chamber 112 and the lower end portion 108 is enclosed. The interior chamber 112 extends from the upper end portion 106 into the middle portion 110 and towards the lower end portion 108. In the example, the container body 102 has a substantially cylindrical shape with the upper end portion 106 the same diameter as the lower end portion 108, though other container configurations (e.g., tapered) are contemplated. As illustrated, the container body 102 does not include a handle. In another example, however, the container body 102 may include one or more handles as required or desired, and a handle on the container body 102 may align with a handle on the container lid 104 (discussed below). The container body 102 may be formed from plastic. In other aspects, the container body 102 can be formed from glass, ceramics, stainless steel, etc., or combinations thereof. The container body 102 may also be manufactured so as to provide insulation for the liquids contained therein from a surrounding environment. For example, the container body 102 may have a single or a double wall construction. In other examples, one or more ribs or other features (not shown) may be provided on the container body 102 to improve gripping or grasping thereof.

[0021] The container lid 104 is configured to removably couple to the container body 102. For example, the upper end portion 106 of the container body 102 includes a container engaging portion 114 to be secured to the container lid 104. In the example, the container lid 104 includes a base portion 118 and a cap portion 120 secured together and thus secured to the container 102 to seal the container 100 against leakage. The cap portion 120 includes a pivotable spout 116 that a user may utilize to draw liquid from the container 100 via suction. The cap portion 120 rotates R about a cap axis Ac of the cap portion 120, so as to pivotably P raise and lower the spout 116 about a spout axis As between a closed position and an open position. The cap portion 120 may also include a handle 122 that may be used to grip the cap portion 120 for ease of rotation. The base portion 118 may include a threaded outer interface 124 to threadably engage with threads disposed on the container engaging portion 114, although other types of sealing systems are contemplated, such as bayonet, press fit, etc. A straw 126 extends down from the container lid 104 into the interior chamber 112 of the container body 102.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded sectional top perspective view of the container lid 104 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded sectional bottom perspective view of the container lid 104 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates a partial enlarged exploded top perspective view of the container lid 104 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 3-5 are described concurrently and not all components described are depicted in all figures. The container lid 104 includes the base portion 118 and the cap portion 120. The base portion 118 includes a threaded outer interface 124 for engaging with a corresponding interface on the container body (not shown). The base portion 118 includes a bottom seal 128 that closes a void 130 defined at least in part by the base portion 118. The bottom seal 128 prevents leakage of liquids within the interior chamber of the container body into the void 130 and potentially out of the container lid 104. The bottom seal 128 includes at least two penetrations, one that accommodates passage of the straw 126, another that acts as a vent opening 132 to the interior chamber of the container body.

[0023] The base portion 118 further includes a hollow threaded central shaft 134 projecting upward within the void 130. The threaded central shaft 134 may include on an outer surface thereof one or more fast threads 136. In the depicted example, a single fast thread 136 is disposed along one-quarter of an outer perimeter surface of the threaded central shaft 134, while extending along a portion of the height of the threaded central shaft 134, in this example, nearly the entire height thereof. The threaded central shaft 134 allows for passage of the straw 126. Also disposed in the void 130 is a vent channel 138 that is fluidically coupled to the vent opening 132 in the bottom seal 128. The vent channel 138 allows for pressure relief from the suction force applied by a user during drinking from the beverage container, as described in more detail below.

[0024] The cap portion 120 includes an inner structure 140 and an exterior housing 142. The inner structure 140 includes a gasket 144 that is configured to align with and fluidically couple to the vent channel 138 when the cap portion 120 is positioned for drinking (and the spout 116 is in the extended position). As depicted in FIGS. 3-5, when the spout 116 is in the closed position, the gasket 144 is separated from the vent channel 138 by an angular distance a of about 90 degrees. This corresponds to the amount of rotation required of the cap portion 120 (e.g., of the inner structure 140 and the exterior housing 142) to elevate the spout 116 from the closed to the open position. This angular distance a also corresponds to the angular distance that the fast thread 136 surrounds the threaded central shaft 134 (e.g., about one-quarter of the perimeter). In the depicted configuration, three fast threads 136 are utilized, but any number of threads may be used, as required or desired for a particular application. Thus, when the cap portion 120 is in the closed position (as depicted, where the spout 116 is disposed within a recess 146 in the exterior housing 142), the gasket 144 is remote from the vent channel 138. When the cap portion 120 is rotated about 90 degrees, the spout 116 is extended from the recess 146, and the gasket 144 is positioned so as to be fluidically coupled to the vent channel 138. The gasket 144 is also aligned with a plurality of openings 144a, 144b in the cap portion 120 that enables venting of the interior chamber of the container body to the exterior, so as to relive vacuum pressure associated with a user drawing liquid via suction from therein.

[0025] The cap portion 120 includes a drive fin 148 that, in examples, is disposed in the void 130 substantially parallel to the cap axis Ac. The drive fin 148 is slidably engaged with a nut 150. The nut 150 is also threadably engaged with the threaded central shaft 134, such that a force applied via the drive pin 148 to the nut 150, rotates the nut 150 about the threaded central shaft 134. The engagement thereof both allows for rotational movement of the nut 150 about the threaded central shaft 134 and translation movement of the nut 150 therealong. The translational movement drives a linkage 152 downward from a first position to second position, along with the nut 150. The linkage 152 is coupled to both the nut 150 and an arm 154 projecting from the spout 116. In the depicted example, the linkage 152 is coupled to two arms 154 and to two locations on the nut 150, on either side of the threaded central shaft 134, so as to balance the applied forces and limit or prevent twisting of the linkage 152. Thus, the movement of the linkage 152 pivots the spout 116 from the first, closed, lowered position to the second, open, elevated position. The range of motion between these positions may be about 90 degrees, or between about 85 degrees and 88 degrees. When the spout 116 is in the open position, liquid may be drawn through the straw 126, which is engaged with a conduit 156 that extends down from and is secured to the cap portion 120 and into the threaded central shaft 134. At least a portion of the conduit 156 is flexible, thus forming a seal around the straw 126.

[0026] FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of the container lid 104 of FIG. 1 with the spout 116 in a first position, while FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container lid 104 taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of the container lid 104 of FIG. 1 with the spout 116 in a second position, while FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container lid 104 taken along line 7B-7B of FIG. 7A. FIGS. 6A-7B are described generally concurrently and not all components described are depicted in both figures. Further, certain components are described above in the context of FIGS. 3-5 and are not necessarily described further, even if depicted in FIGS. 6A-7B. With regard to FIGS. 6A and 7A, specifically, the spout 116, handle 122, and vent channel 138 are depicted (with the vent channel 138 depicted in hidden lines), so as to orient the viewer. In FIG. 7A, the cap portion 120 has been rotated about 90 degrees counterclockwise from the position depicted in FIG. 6A, while the base portion remains in the same position, as depicted by the fixed location of the vent channel 138 within. In other examples, the cap portion may be rotated in a clockwise direction, and over a greater or lesser range of motion.

[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict the container lid 104 with the spout 116 in the first or closed position, so as to be disposed within the recess 146 and below an upper surface 160 of the exterior housing 142 of the cap portion 120. In this position, the openings 144a and 144b are covered by the spout 116; the openings 144a, 144b terminate at the gasket 144 and are fluidically coupled to the inner void 130 of the container cap 104. The nut 150 is disposed proximate an uppermost extent of the drive fin 148 and the threaded central shaft 134. The linkage 152 is connected to the arm 154 of the spout 116. Within the threaded central shaft 134 of the base portion 118 is the straw 126. The flexible conduit 156 is disposed about the straw 126 and within the threaded central shaft 134. The flexible conduit 156 may also engage an inner surface of the threaded central shaft 134, so as to form a seal therebetween so as to prevent leakage therethrough. The bottom seal 128 prevents entry of fluids into the void 130. Around the periphery of the base portion 118 may be disposed another gasket 161 that seals the container lid 104 to a container body when secured thereto. The vent channel 138 is hidden behind the threaded central shaft 134 in FIG. 6B and thus is not visible, though it is visible in the perspective view of FIG. 6A.

[0028] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict the container lid 104 with the spout 116 in the second or open position, so as to be projecting from the recess 146 above the upper surface 160 of the exterior housing 142 of the cap portion 120. With the spout 116 in this position, a drinking channel 162 defined by the spout 116 is in fluidic communication with the conduit 156, allowing liquid to be drawn therethrough. Depending on the final open position of the spout 116, the drinking channel 162 may be misaligned from conduit 156 and straw 126, though positions allowing complete alignment are contemplated. In this position, the openings 144a and 144b are exposed and in fluidic communication with the vent channel 138, thus creating a flow path for relief air into the interior chamber of the container, not shown. The nut 150 is disposed proximate a lowermost extent of the drive fin 148 and the threaded central shaft 134. The linkage 152, now in a second position, has pivoted the arm 154 of the spout 116 so as to change positions thereof.

[0029] This disclosure describes some examples of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible examples were shown. Other aspects can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible examples to those skilled in the art. Any number of the features of the different examples described herein may be combined into one single example and alternate examples having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible. Further, as used herein and in the claims, the phrase “at least one of element A, element B, or element C” is intended to convey any of: element A, element B, element C, elements A and B, elements A and C, elements B and C, and elements A, B, and C. It is to be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further, one having skill in the art will understand the degree to which terms such as “about” or “substantially” convey in light of the measurement techniques utilized herein. To the extent such terms may not be clearly defined or understood by one having skill in the art, the terms such as “about” or “substantially” shall mean plus or minus ten percent.

[0030] Although specific examples were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific examples. One skilled in the art will recognize other examples or improvements that are within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative examples. Examples according to the technology may also combine elements or components of those that are disclosed in general but not expressly exemplified in combination, unless otherwise stated herein. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.

Claims

1. A container lid comprising:a base portion comprising a threaded central shaft comprising a threaded central shaft axis;a cap portion rotatably engaged with the base portion, wherein the cap portion comprises a spout pivotably coupled to the cap portion between a closed position and an open position about a spout pivot axis, and a drive fin disposed adjacent the threaded central shaft;a nut engaged with both the threaded central shaft and the drive fin; anda linkage coupling the nut to the spout, wherein a rotational movement of the cap portion relative to the base portion slides the nut along the drive fin, thereby moving the spout from the closed position to the open position.

2. The container lid of claim 1, wherein the rotational movement of the cap portion further moves the nut rotatably around the threaded central shaft axis and translatably along the threaded central shaft axis.

3. The container lid of claim 1, wherein the threaded central shaft comprises at least one thread disposed about one-quarter of an outer elongate perimeter surface of the threaded central shaft.

4. The container lid of claim 3, wherein the cap portion is rotatably engaged with the base portion over a range of about 90 degrees.

5. The container lid of claim 1, wherein the closed position is disposed about 90 degrees from the open position.

6. The container lid of claim 5, wherein the closed position is disposed about 85 degrees to about 88 degrees from the open position.

7. The container lid of claim 1, further comprising a conduit within the threaded central shaft, wherein when in the open position, a drinking channel defined by the spout is fluidically coupled to the conduit.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein when the drinking channel is fluidically coupled to the conduit, an axis of the drinking channel and an axis of the conduit are misaligned.

9. The container lid of claim 7, wherein the conduit is secured to the cap portion.

10. The container lid of claim 7, further comprising a straw fluidically coupled to the conduit.

11. The container lid of claim 10, wherein the straw is disposed in the threaded central shaft.

12. The container lid of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the conduit is flexible.

13. The container lid of claim 1, further comprising a vent channel, wherein the cap portion comprises a vent opening, and wherein when the spout is in the open position, the vent channel is fluidically coupled to the vent opening.

14. The container lid of claim 13, wherein the vent channel terminates at a gasket.

15. The container lid of claim 13, wherein when the spout is in the closed position, the spout covers the vent opening.

16. The container lid of claim 1, wherein the linkage is coupled to the nut in two locations disposed on opposite sies of the threaded central shaft.

17. The container lid of claim 16, wherein the spout comprises at least one arm and wherein the linkage is coupled to the arm.

18. The container lid of claim 17, wherein the at least one arm comprises two arms.

19. The container lid of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises a threaded outer interface.

20. The container lid of claim 1, further comprising a bottom seal coupled to a lower portion of the base portion.

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