Sip and CHUG lid

Abstract

A lid for a vessel, such as, a drinking vessel is described. The lid comprises a lid body; a chugging spout comprising an inner port and an outer port; and a straw mouthpiece extending through the inner port. The outer port is open to allow passage of fluid and the straw mouthpiece defines an open conduit to allow passage of fluid. The chugging spout may comprise a complementary chamfer or bevel to interfit and rotate with the straw mouthpiece. Attached to the straw mouthpiece may be a straw spring which has a bent or loaded conformation when in a chug configuration and a linear or unloaded conformation when in a sip configuration may be attached the straw mouthpiece.

Description

SIP AND CHUG LID

[0001] The present invention relates to a lid for a vessel for drinking liquids and to a vessel for drinking a liquid comprising such a lid.

[0002] In one form, the invention relates to a lid that has two operative configurations, a sip configuration and a chug configuration.

[0003] In one particular aspect the lid is removable and may be attached to different vessels, which may be of varying size and shape.BACKGROUND ART

[0004] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and / or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor’s knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

[0005] Typically bottles or other drinking vessels are designed to allow either chugging or sipping. Chugging is gulping of the fluid, which is done by raising the vessel and tilting so that the fluid empties into the drinker’s mouth. These type of bottles typically have an open-mouth spout or similar through which the fluid exits. Sipping, at least from a water bottle or similar vessel, requires a straw, in which case the bottle does not need to be tilted or raised above the mouth, even when the bottle is no longer full.

[0006] US patent publication 2023 / 0040658 to Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc, describes a drink bottle with a screw on lid that has a hinge between a top part and a bottom part. The top part is swung away from the bottom part using the hinge to allow access to the chugconfiguration and in that same configuration a straw may be accessed. The straw is releasably held by a straw engagement member which is anchored to a side wall and extends outwardly to present and hold the straw, to allow sipping. Having the straw engagement member as the flow path of water in the chug configuration results in spillage and messy drinking.

[0007] Another combination sip and chug lid is described in WO / 2015 / 109199, the publication of international patent application PCT / US2015 / 01177 to Runway Blue LLC. This lid also has a hinge to access the spout for chugging. The lid has two openings for egress of fluid. A straw may be selectively or permanently connected to the second opening.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a lid for a vessel for drinking a liquid and to a vessel for drinking a liquid comprising such a lid.

[0009] In a broad form, the invention relates to a lid that has two operative configurations, a sip configuration and a chug configuration.

[0010] In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a lid for a vessel, the lid comprising: a lid body; a chugging spout comprising an inner port and an outer port; and a straw mouthpiece extending through the inner port; wherein the outer port is open to allow passage of fluid and the straw mouthpiece defines an open conduit to allow passage of fluid.

[0011] In a second aspect there is provided a vessel comprising the lid according to the first aspect.

[0012] In a third aspect there is provided a kit comprising one or more lid according to the first aspect and, optionally, one or more vessel.

[0013] According to one embodiment of any one of the above aspects, the lid body may comprise a lid body top wall and a lid body sidewall. The lid body sidewall may comprise a lid fastener, such as a thread for attachment to a vessel.

[0014] In another embodiment of any one of the above aspects, the lid body may further comprise a chugging spout seal. The chugging spout seal may be disposed to sealingly surround the chugging spout. The chugging spout seal may seal between the chugging spout and a main orifice. The chugging spout seal may be comprised of a suitably flexible material to permit sealing. The chugging spout seal may comprise an o-ring.

[0015] In yet another embodiment of any one of the above aspects, the lid body may comprise a hinge mount. The hinge mount may allow mounting of a hinge for an overcap. The lid may comprise a lid pin housed in the hinge mount to allow pivoting of the overcap. The hinge mount may further comprise a hinge mount spring to bias the overcap in an open orientation.

[0016] In still another embodiment of any one of the above aspects, the lid body comprises a main orifice. The main orifice may be defined by one or more down wall and / or the lid body top wall. The one or more down wall may comprise one or more wall alignment aid, such as one or more slot. The one or more wall alignment aid guides positioning of a straw mouthpiece.

[0017] According to any one of the above aspects, the lid body top wall may further comprise a spout positioning aid. The spout positioning aid may comprise a home notch, a sipper notch and a rotation guide. The home notch may assist in locating the chugging spout in the lid body and / or in positioning the chugging spout for use with the straw mouthpiece down. The assistance in locating and / or in positioning the chugging spout may comprise the spout actuator abutting the home notch. The rotation guide may pilot the chugging spout as it rotates to raise and lower the straw mouthpiece. The piloting may comprise the spout actuator moving along a sidewall of the rotation guide. The rotation may end when the spout actuator contacts the sipper notch. The home notch, sipper notch and rotation guide may be cut outs in a top surface of the lid body top wall.

[0018] In another embodiment of any one of the above aspects, the lid may comprise an overcap to cover at least a portion of the lid body. The overcap may comprise an overcap body. The overcap body may comprise a top wall and a side wall. The overcapmay comprise a chugger seal. The chugger seal may be disposed to seal the chugging spout when the overcap is closed. The chugger seal may be comprised of a suitably flexible material to permit sealing. The overcap may comprise a fastening component to attach to the open and close button. The chugger seal may be disposed on an underside of the top wall. The chugger seal may comprise a raised section which nests inside the chugging spout. The side wall may be dimensioned long enough so the overcap closes over the chugging spout. The overcap may be fastened in the straw up structure by overcoming the bias to shift from the linear or unloaded conformation to the bent or loaded conformation.

[0019] According to any one of the above aspects, the chugging spout may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise a mouthpiece side wall. The mouthpiece side wall extends above and below a rim. The rim may comprise one or more flange for engagement with the lid body top wall and / or the main orifice. The chugging spout seal may be housed in the rim or adjacent the rim. The mouthpiece may define the inner port and the outer port. The inner port may be defined by an inner port wall. The inner port wall may be attached to the mouthpiece sidewall by one or more mount. The one or more mount may extend between the mouthpiece sidewall and the inner port wall. The inner port may be entirely housed within the outer port. The inner port and outer port may be concentric. The mouthpiece side wall may extend above the inner port wall. The chugging spout may comprise a complementary chamfer or bevel to interfit and rotate with the straw mouthpiece. One or more of the mouthpiece sidewall, inner port wall and one or more mount, may be chamfered or bevelled. The chugging spout may further comprise a spout actuator, optionally in the form of a grip tab, to actuate the raising of the straw mouthpiece. The actuation may be by applying a rotatory force on the spout actuator.

[0020] According to any one of the above aspects, the straw mouthpiece may comprise a drinking straw extending from a mounting body. The straw mouthpiece is adapted for insertion into the chugging spout. When inserted the straw mouthpiece may be housed within or partly housed within the chugging spout. The mounting body may comprise a wall. The wall may comprise a complementary chamfer or bevel to interfit and rotate with the chugging spout. The wall may comprise one or more positioning aid for insertion in the one or more wall alignment aids. Each of the one or more positioning aid may be in the form of a ridge. The drinking straw may comprise an outlet. The straw mouthpiece may comprise a straw mouthpiece seal for attachment of a conduit. The straw mouthpiece sealmay comprise a sleeve. The conduit may be elongate to traverse a depth of a vessel. The insertion may comprise the drinking straw inserted into the inner port.

[0021] In one embodiment of any one of the above aspects, the straw mouthpiece wall is connected to the drinking straw by one or more strut. The one or more mount may align with the one or more strut when in a straw up structure. The one or more mount may align with the one or more strut in the straw down structure. During rotation from the straw up structure to the straw down structure, the one or more mount and one or more strut may transition between alignment and non-alignment. The transition may be a revolving motion. The one or more positioning aid and one or more wall alignment aid may be disposed so insertion of the straw mouthpiece in the chugging spout is with the one or more strut aligned with the one or more mount.

[0022] The one or more positioning aid and the one or more wall alignment aid are also disposed so insertion of the straw mouthpiece in the chugging spout is with the one or more strut aligned with the one or more mount. This positioning of the one or more positioning aid and the one or more wall alignment aid also guides insertion so that the complementary chamfer or bevel on the chugging spout and the complementary chamfer or bevel on the straw mouthpiece align to form a continuous outer wall in the straw up structure when the straw mouthpiece is inserted to abut the chugging spout.

[0023] According to any one of the above aspects, the one or more positioning aid and the one or more wall alignment aid may be dimensioned or arranged so that insertion of the straw mouthpiece in the chugging spout is only possible in a correct orientation for rotation with the complementary chamfer or bevel to interfit and rotate the straw mouthpiece with respect to the chugging spout to raise the straw mouthpiece for sipping. The raising may be with bias of a straw spring. The raising may be reversible to lower the straw mouthpiece for chugging. Additionally, the bias may be overcome by fastening overcap 140 in the straw up structure 280 to shift from the linear or unloaded conformation 268 to the bent or loaded conformation 270.

[0024] The complementary chamfer or bevel on the chugging spout and the complementary chamfer or bevel on the straw mouthpiece may be dimensioned so that in the straw up structure the chugging spout and straw mouthpiece combine to form a continuous outer wall and seat on each other. When seated on each other thecomplementary chamfer or bevel on the chugging spout and the complementary chamfer or bevel on the straw mouthpiece are disposed so they abut along a length of the mounting body and a length of the mouthpiece sidewall. The continuous outer wall may form part of a cylindrical shape when in the straw up structure. In the straw down structure the complementary chamfer or bevel on the chugging spout and the complementary chamfer or bevel on the straw mouthpiece may be opposed with their extremities abutting.

[0025] In another embodiment of any one of the above aspects a straw spring is comprised. The straw spring may be attached to the straw mouthpiece, the attachment may allow fluid flow through both the straw spring and the straw mouthpiece. The straw mouthpiece conduit may be intermediate the straw spring and the straw mouthpiece. The straw spring comprises a spring conduit and optionally, a valve. The straw spring may also comprise an outlet. The straw spring may further comprise a mount for attachment to the straw mouthpiece conduit. The mount may comprise a sleeve. The mount may also comprise a ridge housed within the sleeve. The straw spring may comprise a bent or loaded conformation when in the chug configuration and a linear or unloaded conformation when in the sip configuration. The straw spring may be elongate and dimensioned so that when the straw mouthpiece is lowered, the straw spring is bent or loaded. The dimensioning may be of a length with respect to a bottom wall of the vessel. In the bent conformation, the straw spring may apply a bias towards the linear or unloaded conformation. The straw spring may also be dimensioned so that when the straw mouthpiece is raised, the straw spring is extended, linear or unloaded or not bent. The straw spring may be comprised of a sufficiently flexible material to transition between the bent or loaded conformation and the linear or unloaded conformation.

[0026] According to any one of the above aspects, the lid may comprise an open and close button. The open and close button may be disposed on a lid body side wall. The open and close button may comprise an actuator, optionally in the form of a rocking press tab. The open and close button may comprise a spring to bias the button to open. The open and close button may further comprise one or more of a hinge, an open and close pin and a latch. The latch may hold the fastening component to keep the overcap in the closed orientation

[0027] According to any one of the above aspects, the lid may comprise a cylindrical shape or a generally round or circular shape.

[0028] The vessel according to the second or third aspect may comprise a vessel fastener, such as a vessel thread, for engagement with the cap fastener. The vessel may further comprise a body for retaining fluid. The vessel body may comprise an open end onto which the lid is fastened.

[0029] According to any one of the above aspects the vessel may be generally cylindrical or tube-shaped. The vessel may be insulated such as, comprising double-walls or triple-walls and may be vacuum insulated. The vessel may be of any shape. A suitable vessel mouth has a complementary shape for attachment of the lid. The vessel may comprise a vessel side wall and a vessel bottom wall.

[0030] According to any one of the above aspects, the lid may comprise a third closed configuration. In the third closed configuration, the straw mouthpiece and chugging spout are sealed by the overcap.

[0031] According to any one of the above aspects, the components may be comprised of a suitable material such as a polymer or a metal. Suitable polymers include a thermoplastic such as, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate; and polyethylene terephthalate glycol. Suitable metals include stainless steel.

[0032] In one particular embodiment, one or more of the lid, open close button, latch, chugging spout and straw mouthpiece may be comprised of polypropylene. The over cap may be comprised of polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate glycol.

[0033] According to any one of the above aspects, the seals, such as chugging spout seal, chugger seal and straw mouthpiece seal may be comprised of silicone.

[0034] According to any one of the above aspects, the lid pin and / or open and close button pin may be comprised of stainless steel.

[0035] According to any one of the above aspects the drinking straw may be comprised of stainless steel, polypropylene or silicone.

[0036] In another embodiment of any one of the above aspects, the straw spring is comprised of silicone or stainless steel.

[0037] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:Figure 1 A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a lid according to the invention in a straw up structure;Figure 1 B: illustrates the embodiment of Figure 1 A in a straw down structure.Figure 2A is a section view of the embodiment of Figure 1A and Figure 1 B in the straw up structure.Figure 2B is a section view of the embodiment of Figure 1A and Figure 1 B in the straw down structure.Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the lid of Figure 1 A and Figure 1 B.Figure 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lid according to the invention, with the straw down and overcap open, shown screwed onto one embodiment of a vessel, with the vessel shown in phantom and in a section view.Figure 4B is a perspective view of the embodiment of lid, shown screwed onto the vessel, shown in Figure 4A, again with the vessel shown in phantom and in a section view, with the straw up and overcap open.Figure 5A is a three-dimensional view of the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B with the lid body shown in section view, with the straw down and overcap openFigure 5B is a three-dimensional view of the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B with the lid body shown in section view, with the straw halfway between up and down and overcap openFigure 5C is a three-dimensional view of the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B with the lid body shown in section view, with the straw up and overcap openFigures 6A; 6B; and 6C are a top view, bottom view and bottom perspective view, respectively, of one embodiment of a chugging spout according to the invention.

[0039] List of PartsDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention relates to a lid for a vessel for drinking liquids and to a vessel for drinking a liquid comprising such a lid.

[0041] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,” “exterior,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 .

[0042] However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawing and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature or component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0043] It will be convenient to hereinafter to describe the invention in relation to a lid for a water bottle, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to water bottles only and can be used for a wide range of vessels and liquids.

[0044] Figure 1A illustrates one embodiment of a lid 100 for a vessel 300 (see Figures 4A and 4B), the lid 100 comprising a lid body 102, a chugging spout 180 and a straw mouthpiece 220.

[0045] As can be seen from the section views of Figures 2A and 2B and the top, bottom and bottom perspective views of Figures 6A; 6B; and 6C, respectively, chugging spout 180 comprises an inner port 186 and an outer port 190. Chugging spout 180 also comprises a mouthpiece 182 comprising a mouthpiece side wall 184 extending above and below a rim 196. The rim 196 comprise one or more flange 192 for engagement with the lid body top wall 104 and / or the main orifice 114.

[0046] Mouthpiece 182 defines the inner port 186 and the outer port 190 with the inner port 186 defined by inner port wall 188 which is attached to mouthpiece sidewall 184 by one or more mount 194 (see Figures 6A to 6C). The one or more mount 194 extends between the mouthpiece sidewall 184 and the inner port wall 188 (labelled in Figures 2B and 6B). The inner port 186 is entirely housed within the outer port 190, in this case the inner port 188 and outer port 190 are concentric. As can be seen in the section views of Figures 2A and 2B, mouthpiece sidewall 184 extends above the inner port wall 188.

[0047] Chugging spout 180 comprises a complementary chamfer or bevel 200 to interfit and rotate with the straw mouthpiece 220. In the embodiment shown, each of mouthpiece sidewall 184, inner port wall 188 and one or more mount 194 are chamfered or bevelled. The chugging spout 180 further comprises a spout actuator 198, shown in the form of a grip tab, to actuate the raising of straw mouthpiece 220, by applying a rotatory force on the actuator 198.

[0048] The straw mouthpiece 220 is dimensioned to be inserted into, housed within, or partly housed within, and extend through the inner port 182. As can be seen from Figures 5A; 5B; and 5C, the insertion is of drinking straw 222 into inner port 186. The straw mouthpiece 220 comprises a drinking straw 222 extending from a mounting body 224. The mounting body comprises a wall 226 comprising a complementary chamfer or bevel 236 to interfit and rotate with the chugging spout 180. The wall 226 comprises one or more positioning aid 238 for insertion in the one or more wall alignment aid 118. The wall 226 is connected to the drinking straw 222 by one or more strut 228.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the one or more mount 194 and one or more strut 228 are disposed to align when in the straw up structure 280. The one or more mount 194 and one or more strut 228 may also align in the straw down structure 282. During rotation from the straw up structure 280 to the straw down structure 282, the one or more mount 194 and one or more strut 228 transition between alignment and non- alignment by revolving.

[0050] The drinking straw 222 comprises an outlet 230 for egress of the beverage to be sipped. The straw mouthpiece 220 comprises a straw mouthpiece seal 234 for attachment of a conduit 232. The straw mouthpiece seal 234 may comprise a sleeve. The conduit 232 is elongate and dimensioned to traverse the depth of the vessel 300 the lid is fitted to.

[0051] The one or more positioning aid 238 and one or more wall alignment aid 118 may be dimensioned or arranged so that insertion of the straw mouthpiece 220 in the chugging spout 180 is only possible in a correct orientation for rotation with the complementary chamfer or bevel 200, 236 to interfit and rotate the straw mouthpiece 220 with respect to the chugging spout 180 to raise the straw mouthpiece 220 for sipping. Theraising may be with bias of a straw spring 260 (see Figures 4A and 4B). The raising may be reversible to lower the straw mouthpiece for chugging.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5C, complementary chamfer or bevel 200 on the chugging spout 180 and the complementary chamfer or bevel 236 on the straw mouthpiece 220 are dimensioned so that in the straw up structure 280 the chugging spout 180 and straw mouthpiece 220 combine to form a continuous outer wall and seat on each other. That is, when seated on each other, complementary chamfer or bevel 200 on chugging spout 180 and complementary chamfer or bevel 236 on straw mouthpiece 220 are disposed so they abut along a length of mounting body 224 and a length of mouthpiece sidewall 184. Figure 5C also illustrates that the continuous outer wall forms part of a cylindrical shape when in the straw up structure 280.

[0053] Figure 5A shows that in the straw down structure 282 the complementary chamfer or bevel 200 on the chugging spout 180 and the complementary chamfer or bevel 236 on the straw mouthpiece 220 are opposed with their extremities abutting.

[0054] As can be learnt from Figure 3, one or more positioning aid 238 and one or more wall alignment aid 118 are also disposed so insertion of straw mouthpiece 220 in chugging spout 180 is with the one or more strut 228 aligned with the one or more mount 266. This positioning of the one or more positioning aid 238 and one or more wall alignment aid 118 also guides insertion so that complementary chamfer or bevel 200 on chugging spout 180 and complementary chamfer or bevel 236 on straw mouthpiece 220 align to form a continuous outer wall in the straw up structure 280 when straw mouthpiece 220 is inserted to seat on chugging spout 180.

[0055] The outer port 190 is open to allow passage of fluid for chugging when tipped up. Straw mouthpiece 220 provides an open passage, formed of drinking straw 222 and conduit 232 to allow passage of fluid for sipping, without tipping up. As will be explained below, the open passage also comprises straw spring 260.

[0056] The lid body 102 comprise a lid body top wall 104 and lid body sidewall 106. The lid body sidewall 106 comprises a lid fastener 126, in the form of a thread for attachment to vessel 300.

[0057] Lid body 102 further comprises a chugging spout seal 108, which as illustrated in the exploded view of Figure 3 is housed in the rim 196 or adjacent the rim 196 and disposed to sealingly surround chugging spout 180. The chugging spout seal 108 seals between chugging spout 180 and main orifice 114. The chugging spout seal 18 is comprised of a suitably flexible material to permit sealing such as, an o-ring.

[0058] The lid body 102 comprises a hinge mount 110 which allows mounting of a hinge 130 for an overcap 140. The lid 100 comprises a lid pin 112 housed in the hinge mount 110 to allow pivoting of the overcap 140. The hinge mount 110 further comprises a hinge mount spring 128 (not shown) to bias the overcap 140 in an open orientation.

[0059] The main orifice 114 is defined in one or more down wall 116 and / or the lid body top wall 104. The one or more down wall 116 comprises the one or more wall alignment aid 118 which are provided in the form slots. The one or more wall alignment aids 118 guide positioning of straw mouthpiece 220.

[0060] The lid body top wall 104 comprises a spout positioning aid 120 which comprises a home notch 122, a rotation guide 124 and a sipper notch 132. The home notch 122 assists in locating chugging spout 180 in lid body 102 and in positioning the chugging spout 180 for use, with the straw mouthpiece 220 down. This is achieved by having the spout actuator 198 abut the home notch 122. The rotation guide 124 assists in piloting the chugging spout 180 as it rotates to raise the straw mouthpiece 220. The guiding is by virtue of the spout actuator 198 being guided or piloted by the rotation guide 124 from the home notch 122 to the sipper notch 132. The piloting may comprise spout actuator 198 moving along a sidewall of the rotation guide 124. The rotation ends when the spout actuator 198 contacts the sipper notch 132. The home notch 122, rotation guide 124 and sipper notch 132 are shown in the form of cut outs in a top surface of lid body top wall 104.

[0061] The overcap 140 covers at least a portion of lid body 102 and comprises an overcap body 142. The overcap body comprises a top wall 144 and a side wall 146. The overcap comprises chugger seal 148 which is disposed to seal chugging spout 180 when the overcap 140 is closed. The chugger seal 148 is comprised of a suitably flexible material to permit sealing. The overcap also comprises a fastening component 150 to attach to the open and close button. The chugger seal 148 is illustrated to be disposed on an undersideof top wall 144 and to comprise a raised section 152 which nests inside the chugging spout 180.

[0062] The side wall 146 is dimensioned long enough so overcap 140 closes over chugging spout 180. The overcap may be fastened in the straw up structure 280 by overcoming the bias to shift from the linear or unloaded conformation 268 to the bent or loaded conformation 270.

[0063] As mentioned above and illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, a straw spring 260 is also comprised. Straw spring 260 is to be attached to straw mouthpiece 220 and comprises a spring conduit 262 and optionally, a valve or outlet 264. The straw spring 260 further comprises a mount 266 for attachment to the straw mouthpiece conduit 232. The mount 266 may be in the form of a sleeve and while not visible in the drawings, the embodiment of Figure 3 comprises an internal ridge 272 on which an end of conduit 232 can abut. The straw spring 260 is illustrated in a linear or unloaded conformation 268 (see Figure 4B) but is sufficiently flexible that when bent into a bent or loaded conformation 270 (see Figure 4A) it applies a bias by exerting force onto a bottom of vessel 300. Straw spring 260 is in the bent or loaded conformation 270 when in the chug configuration and the linear or unloaded conformation 268 when in the sip configuration. The straw spring 260 is elongate and dimensioned so that in when the straw mouthpiece 220 is in the lowered configuration, the straw spring 260 is bent or loaded. In this bent conformation, the straw spring 260 applies a bias towards the straw raised linear or unloaded conformation 268. The straw spring 260 is dimensioned so that when the straw mouthpiece 220 is raised, the straw spring 260 is extended, linear or unloaded or not bent. The dimensioning may be of a length with respect to a vessel bottom wall 306. The straw spring 260 is comprised of a sufficiently flexible material to transition between the bent or loaded conformation 270 and the linear or unloaded conformation 268.

[0064] As shown in Figure 4A, straw spring 260 is attached to straw mouthpiece 220, with straw mouthpiece conduit 232 in between. The attachment allows fluid flow through both straw spring 260, straw mouthpiece conduit 232 and straw mouthpiece 220.

[0065] Lid 100 comprises an open and close button 160 comprising an actuator 162, which is shown in the form of a rocking press tab. The open and close button 160 furthercomprises a spring 170 (not shown) to bias button 160 to open. The open and close button 160 further comprises a hinge 164, an open and close pin 166 and a latch 168. The latch 168 holds the fastening component to keep the overcap 140 in its closed orientation. As shown in Figures 1 A and 1 B, open and close button 160 is disposed on lid body side wall 106.

[0066] As shown in the Figure 1A, lid 100 comprises a cylindrical shape or a generally round or circular shape.

[0067] The invention also provides a vessel 300 which may comprise a vessel fastener 302 (not shown), such as a vessel thread, for engagement with the lid fastener 126. The vessel 300 may further comprise a vessel body 302 for retaining fluid. The vessel body 302 may comprise a side wall 308 adjoined to a bottom wall 308. The vessel body 302 comprises an open end 304 onto which lid 100 is fastened.

[0068] The vessel 300 may be generally cylindrical or tube-shaped. The vessel 300 may be insulated such as, comprising double-walls or triple-walls and may be vacuum insulated. The vessel 300 may be of any shape. Suitably, a vessel mouth has a complementary shape for attachment of the lid 100.

[0069] Although not illustrated, as is clear from the above description, lid 100 also comprises a third closed configuration in which straw mouthpiece 220 and chugging spout 180 are sealed by overcap 140.

[0070] From the teaching herein a skilled person is readily able to select suitable materials from which to construct the components described herein. For example, the components may be comprised of a suitable material such as a polymer or a metal. Suitable polymers include a thermoplastic such as, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate; and polyethylene terephthalate glycol. Suitable metals include stainless steel.

[0071] For example, one or more of lid body 102, open close button 160, latch 168, chugging spout 180 and straw mouthpiece 220 may be comprised of polypropylene. The over cap 140 may be comprised of polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate glycol.

[0072] From the teaching herein, a skilled person is also readily able to select a suitable material for the seals, such as chugging spout seal 108, chugger 148 seal and straw mouthpiece seal 234 such as, silicone.

[0073] The lid pin 112 and / or open and close button pin 166 are comprised of stainless steel.

[0074] The drinking straw 222 may be comprised of stainless steel, polypropylene or silicone.

[0075] The straw spring 260 is comprised of silicone or stainless steel.

[0076] The invention also provides a vessel 300 comprising the lid 100 and a kit comprising one or more lid 100 and one or more vessel 300.

[0077] In one embodiment, the reusable container is entirely constructed of stainless steel or aluminium alloys, which are 100% recyclable, so that when the container reaches the end of its service live, its main alloy elements (chromium, nickel and molybdenum) can be recovered and reused. In another preferred embodiment the reusable container is constructed of recyclable polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP).

[0078] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0079] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0080] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus- function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

[0081] Whenever a range is given in the specification, for example, a temperature range, a time range, or a composition or concentration range, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. It will be understood that any subranges or individual values in a range or subrange that are included in the description herein can be excluded from the claims herein.

[0082] As used herein, "comprising" is synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, "consisting of' excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim element. As used herein, "consisting essentially of' does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. The broad term "comprising" is intended to encompass the narrower "consisting essentially of' and the even narrower "consisting of." Thus, in any recitation herein of a phrase "comprising one or more claim element" (e.g., "comprising A), the phrase is intended to encompass the narrower, for example, "consisting essentially of A" and "consisting of A" Thus, the broader word "comprising" is intended to provide specific support in each use herein for either "consisting essentially of' or "consisting of." The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced inthe absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0083] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that materials and methods, other than those specifically exemplified can be employed in the practice of the invention without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents, of any such materials and methods are intended to be included in this invention. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by examples, preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0084] Each reference cited herein is incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Such references may provide sources of materials; alternative materials, details of methods, as well as additional uses of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A lid for a vessel, the lid comprising: a lid body; a chugging spout comprising an inner port and an outer port; and a straw mouthpiece extending through the inner port, ; wherein the outer port is open to allow passage of fluid and the straw mouthpiece defines an open conduit to allow passage of fluid.

2. A vessel comprising the lid according to claim 1 .

3. A kit comprising one or more lids according to claim 1 and optionally one or more vessel.

4. The lid according to claim 1 wherein the lid body comprises a lid body top wall and a lid body sidewall.

5. The lid according to claim 1 or claim 4 wherein the lid body further comprises a chugging spout seal.

6. The lid according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the lid body comprises a hinge mount.

7. The lid according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the lid body comprises a main orifice.

8. The lid according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the lid comprises an overcap to cover at least a portion of the lid body.

9. The lid according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the chugging spout comprises a mouthpiece.

10. The lid according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the straw mouthpiece comprises a drinking straw extending from a mounting body.

11. The lid according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein a straw spring is comprised.

12. The lid according to any one claims 1 to 11 wherein the lid comprises an open and close button.

13. The lid according to any one claims 1 to 12 wherein the lid comprises a cylindrical shape or a generally round or circular shape.

14. The vessel according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the vessel comprises a vessel fastener for engagement with the cap fastener.

15. The lid according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the chugging spout comprises a complementary chamfer or bevel to interfit and rotate with the straw mouthpiece.

16. The lid according to any one claims 1 to 13 or claim 15 wherein the chugging spout further comprises a spout actuator to actuate raising of the straw mouthpiece.

17. The lid according to any one claims 1 to 13 or claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the straw mouthpiece is adapted for insertion into the chugging spout.

18. The lid according to any one of claims 10 to 13 or any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the mounting body comprises a wall comprising a complementary chamfer or bevel to interfit and rotate with the chugging spout.

19. The lid according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or any one of claims 15 to 18 comprising a straw spring attached the straw mouthpiece.

20. The lid according to claim 19 wherein the straw spring has a bent or loaded conformation when in the chug configuration and a linear or unloaded conformation when in the sip configuration.

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