Container lid

Abstract

A container lid including: a lid body defining a main recess; a pivotally mounted flip straw positioned in the main recess when in a closed position, and wherein when the flip straw is in the second rotated position, a drinking opening is exposed; a seal mounted to the lid body for sealing with the flip straw when the flip straw is in a closed position; tracks provided in the main recess to allow pivot pins of the flip straw to be removed from the lid body. The container lid has the seal being removable from the lid body when the flip straw is removed from the lid body.

Description

CONTAINER LIDBACKGROUND

[0001] Drinking containers with various types of lids are used to contain a liquid or beverage for drinking as needed. Such lids may include a drinking opening through which a beverage may be consumed, for example, by tilting the drinking container. The drinking opening may be blocked by a tab formed with the cover, but this tab rarely sufficiently seals the drinking opening, causing leakage if the container is shaken or tilted. Certain lids may enable access to the liquid via a straw inserted through a slit in the lid, but these slits often allow leakage as well. The drinking opening may be formed by a flip straw, pivoted from a closed position to a drinking position.

[0002] Reducing or preventing leaks is a concern for drinking containers.

[0003] For some drinking containers, ease of keeping the container clean over time may be an issue.

[0004] For other drinking containers, ease of replacing parts over time may be an issue.

[0005] Improvements are desired.SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, the technology relates to a container lid including: a lid body defining a main recess; a pivotally mounted flip straw positioned in the main recess when in a closed position, and wherein when the flip straw is in a second rotated position, a drinking opening is exposed; a straw seal mounted to the lid body for sealing with the flip straw when the flip straw is in a closed position; tracks or channels provided in the main recess allow pivot pins of the flip straw to be removed from the lid body.

[0007] The container lid has the straw seal being removable from the lid body when the flip straw is removed from the lid body.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a first perspective view of a first exemplary container having a container body and a container lid.

[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a second perspective view of the exemplary container having a container body and a container lid.

[0007] FIG. 3 depicts a first perspective view of the container lid with a flip straw in a drinking position.

[0008] FIG. 4 depicts a second perspective view of the container lid with the flip straw in the drinking position.

[0009] FIG. 5 depicts a first perspective view of the container lid with the flip straw in an exploded position.

[0010] FIG. 5 A depicts the view of FIG. 5 from an opposite side.

[0011] FIG. 6 depicts a further perspective view of the container lid in exploded view and an internal straw.

[0012] FIG. 7 depicts a still further perspective view of the container lid in exploded view and the internal straw of FIG. 6.

[0013] FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw in the closed position.

[0014] FIG. 8A depicts a further cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw also in cross-section in the closed position.

[0015] FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw in the drinking position.

[0016] FIG. 9A depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw also in cross-section in the drinking position.

[0017] FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw in a first position as the flip straw is being removed from the rest of the lid.

[0018] FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw in a second position as the flip straw is being removed from the rest of the lid.

[0019] FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw removed and showing the flip straw seal and the internal straw shown separated from the rest of the lid.

[0020] FIG. 13 depicts a first perspective view of a second exemplary container having a container body and a container lid.

[0021] FIG. 14 depicts a second perspective view of the second exemplary container having a container body and a container lid.

[0022] FIG. 15 depicts a first perspective view of the container lid of the container of FIGS. 13 and 14 with a flip straw in a drinking position.

[0023] FIG. 16 depicts a second perspective view of the container lid of FIG. 15 with the flip straw in the drinking position.

[0024] FIG. 17 depicts a first perspective view of the container lid of FIG. 15 with the flip straw in an exploded position.

[0025] FIG. 18 depicts a further perspective view of the container lid in exploded view and an internal straw.

[0026] FIG. 19 depicts a still further perspective view of the container lid in exploded view and the internal straw of FIG. 18.

[0027] FIG. 20 depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw of FIG. 15 in the closed position.

[0028] FIG. 20A depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw of FIG. 15 also in cross-section in the closed position.

[0029] FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw of FIG. 15 in the drinking position.

[0030] FIG. 21 A depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw of FIG. 15 also in cross-section in the drinking position.

[0031] FIG. 22 depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw of FIG. 15 in a first position as the flip straw is being removed from the rest of the lid.

[0032] FIG. 23 depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw of FIG. 15 in a second position as the flip straw is being removed from the rest of the lid.

[0033] FIG. 24 depicts a cross-sectional view of the container lid with the flip straw of FIG. 15 removed and showing the flip straw seal and the internal straw shown separated from the rest of the lid.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] 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 rotatably position a flip straw on the container lid in multiple positions. In a first position, the flip straw is positioned such that the flip straw is in a closed position and the contents of the container are sealed from leaking out. This prevents leakage of liquid if the container is agitated or tipped over. In a second position, the flip straw is positioned such that the drinking opening of the flip straw is exposed and accessible, thereby enabling a user to drink from the container. In a third position, the flip straw is positioned so as to be removable from the container lid.

[0035] Thus, the structure of the lid helps prevent liquid within the container from leaking out of the container during movement thereof, allows drinking of the liquid,and allows removal of the flip straw, and optionally a cooperating straw seal for either or both of cleaning and replacement.

[0036] FIGS. 1-12 illustrates an exemplary container 100 having a container body 102 and a container lid 104.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 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 having a larger diameter than the lower end portion 108, though other container configurations (e.g., tapered, pitched, etc.) are contemplated. As illustrated, the container body 102 includes a side handle 118. In another example, however, the container body 102 need not include a handle. 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.

[0039] 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 lid body 140 and a flip straw 126. Flip straw 126 is rotatably mounted to lid body 140.

[0040] The lid body 140 may include a threaded outer interface 142 on a lower end 144 to threadably engage with mating threads disposed on the container engaging portion 114, although other types of attachment systems are contemplated, such as bayonet, press fit, etc. An internal straw 146 extends down from the lid body 140 into the interior chamber of the container body 102.

[0041] A perimeter seal 120 carried by the container lid 104 seals between container body 102 and container lid 104.

[0042] Lid body 140 defines a main recess 150 facing upwardly for receiving flip straw 126 adjacent to an upper surface 148 of lid body 140. In a closed position, flip straw 126 resides at least partially within main recess 150. Flip straw 126 is generally parallel to upper surface 148 in this position, and container 100 is sealed.

[0043] Flip straw 126 is rotatable out of main recess 150 to an open position or a drinking position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0044] Flip straw 126 includes a straw body 160 having a first end, or drinking end 162 defining part of a drinking passage 182, and an opposite second end 164. Second end 164 defines either a sealing surface 166 engaged with a straw seal 220, or a drinking surface 168 defining the other end of drinking passage 182, depending on whether flip straw 126 is in the closed position or the open position.

[0045] Straw body 160 of flip straw 126 includes a finger tab 170 to assist the user in opening and moving the flip straw from the closed position to the open position. In the open position, finger tab 170 rests on stop surface 172.

[0046] Straw body 160 of flip straw 126 defines a pivot axis 180. Outwardly extending pins 190 extend from adjacent to the second end 164 of flip straw 126. Pins 190 extend parallel to pivot axis 180. In the example, each pin 190 is defined by an open or hollow (concave) cylindrical portion 192.

[0047] Main recess 150 of lid body 140 defines two side recesses 200 which each form a track or channel for mounting and removing of flip straw 126. Pins 190 move along the side recesses as flip straw body 160 is removed or mounted to lid body 140. Each side recess 200 extends generally downwardly at an angle relative to a vertical axis 206. Side recesses 200 each terminate at a closed end portion 208 having a circular shape. In this location, pins 190 reside during normal operation.

[0048] Side recesses 200 each include a necked down region 202 which provides resistance to removal of flip straw 126 once the flip straw is mounted to lid body 140. Necked down region 202 has shoulders 204 which are spaced apart less than an outer diameter of each pin 190. The hollow cylindrical portion 192 of each of pins 190 will compress from a cylindrical shape into a non-round or oval-shape during mounting of the flip straw 126 to the lid body 140, and then later again during removal. Once the pins 190 move past necked down region 202, the pins 190 will return to a cylindrical shape. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the removal operation of flip straw 126.

[0049] By removing flip straw 126 from the lid body 140, flip straw 126 can be cleaned more easily. Flip straw 126 can also be replaced if desired.

[0050] Container lid 104 includes straw seal 220 having a body 222 defining an internal passage 224 for drinking. A seal first end 226 is sized for receiving an end 232of internal straw 146 which is internal to container body 102. Seal first end 226 includes an outer ring 262 for retention around an end 272 of a main lid opening 270 in lid body 140. A top end of internal straw 146 fits inside of seal first end 226 and inside of internal passage 224.

[0051] An opposite upper end 228 of body 222 of straw seal 220 is for engagement with flip straw 126 in the closed position to seal the contents of the container from leaking. Opposite upper end 228 of body 222 is also for engagement with flip straw 126 in the open position to seal around drinking passage 182 at second end 164 of flip straw 126 to keep the contents of the container from leaking out to an outside of flip straw 126.

[0052] Body 222 of straw seal 220 also includes a vent seal 240 defining an opening 242 to allow airflow during drinking. Vent seal first end 276 includes an outer ring 282 for retention around an end 288 of a vent lid opening 280 in lid body 140. A connection portion 244 joins body 222 of straw seal 220 to vent seal 240.

[0053] The straw seal 220 can also be removed for cleaning or replacement once flip straw 126 is removed.

[0054] Flip straw 126 includes a vent seal projection 250 which seals vent seal 240 when flip straw 126 is in the closed position.

[0055] Side recesses 200 are positioned at an angle which is different from the angle that flip straw 126 is positioned in when in the closed position, and when in the open position. In the example shown, the side recesses 200 are positioned at an angle between the angle that the flip straw 126 is in for the closed position and the open position. Such feature allows the flip straw 126 to only be removed when in this intermediate position which is neither open nor closed. In the closed position, flip straw 126 extends generally parallel to upper surface 148 of lid body 140. Drinking passage182 is generally horizontal. In the open position, flip straw 126 with drinking passage 182 is rotated past vertical to an angle of around 110 degrees to around 120 degrees from the closed position. When the user desires to remove flip straw 126 from lid body 140, flip straw 126 is placed in the intermediate position, such as rotated to an angle of around 50 degrees to around 70 degrees from the closed position. See FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0056] When finger tab 170 rests on stop surface 172, straw body 160 of flip straw 126 cannot be rotated any further past the open position. Since the pin receiving recesses are located at an angle between the open position and closed position, the pins 190 cannot be pried outward from the home or normal position by a user attempting to over rotate straw body further past the open position.

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, lid body 140 is shown as being made from two parts. One part is base portion 302, generally in a disc shape, and can be molded from plastic. A second part is bar portion 304, which can be molded from plastic, over molded onto base portion 302.

[0058] FIGS. 13-24 illustrates a second exemplary container 1100 having a container body 1102 and a container lid 1104. Parts similar to those described above are labeled 1000, etc.

[0059] The container 1100 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 1100 is described as being for liquids, the container 1100 may be used for containing any other substances, materials, or items as required or desired.

[0060] The container body 1102 has an upper end portion 1106, an opposite lower end portion 1108, and a middle portion 1110 extending therebetween. The container body 1102 defines an interior chamber configured to hold liquids therein. The upper endportion 1106 is open for access to the interior chamber 1112 and the lower end portion 1108 is enclosed. The interior chamber extends from the upper end portion 1106 into the middle portion 1110 and towards the lower end portion 1108. In the example, the container body 1102 has a substantially cylindrical shape with the upper end portion 1106 having a larger diameter than the lower end portion 1108, though other container configurations (e.g., tapered, pitched, etc.) are contemplated. As illustrated, the container lid 1104 includes an upper handle 1118, pivotally mounted to container lid 1104.

[0061] The container lid 1104 is configured to removably couple to the container body 1102. For example, the upper end portion 1106 of the container body 1102 includes a container engaging portion 1114 to be secured to the container lid 1104. In the example, the container lid 1104 includes a lid body 1140 and a flip straw 1126. Flip straw 1126 is rotatably mounted to lid body 1140.

[0062] The lid body 1140 may include a threaded outer interface 1142 on a lower end 1144 to threadably engage with mating threads disposed on the container engaging portion 1114, although other types of attachment systems are contemplated, such as bayonet, press fit, etc. An internal straw 1146 extends down from the lid body 1104 into the interior chamber of the container body 1102.

[0063] A perimeter seal 1120 seals between container body 1102 and container lid 1104.

[0064] Lid body 1140 defines a main recess 1150 for receiving flip straw 1126 adjacent to an upper surface 1148 of lid body 1140. In a closed position, flip straw 1126 resides at least partially within main recess 1150. Flip straw 1126 is generally parallel to upper surface 1148. In this position, container 1100 is sealed.

[0065] Flip straw 1126 is rotatable out of main recess 1150 to an open position or a drinking position as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0066] Flip straw 1126 includes a straw body 1160 having a first end, or drinking end 1162 defining part of a drinking passage 1182, and an opposite second end 1164. Second end 1164 defines either a sealing surface 1166 engaged with a straw seal 1220, or a drinking surface 1168 defining the other end of drinking passage 1182, depending on whether flip straw 1126 is in the closed position or the open position.

[0067] Straw body 1160 of flip straw 1126 includes a finger tab 1170 to assist the user in opening and moving the flip straw from the closed position to the open position. In the open position, finger tab rests on stop surface 1172.

[0068] Straw body 1160 of flip straw 1126 defines a pivot axis 1180. Outwardly extending pins 1190 extend from adjacent to the second end 1164 of flip straw 1126. Pins 1190 extend parallel to pivot axis 1180. In the example, each pin 1190 is defined by an open or hollow cylindrical portion 1192.

[0069] Main recess 1150 of lid body 1140 defines two side recesses 1200 which each form a track or channel for mounting and removing of flip straw 1126. Pins 1190 move along the side recesses as flip straw body 1160 is removed or mounted to lid body 1140. Each side recess 1200 extends generally downwardly at an angle relative to a vertical axis 1206. Side recesses 1200 each terminate at a closed end portion 1208 having a circular shape. In this location, pins 1190 reside during normal operation.

[0070] Side recesses 1200 each include a necked down region 1202 which provides resistance to removal of flip straw 1126 once the flip straw is mounted to the lid body. Necked down region 1202 has shoulders 1204 which are spaced apart less than an outer diameter of each pin 1190. The hollow cylindrical portion 1192 of each of pins 1190 will compress from a cylindrical shape into a non-round or oval-shape during mountingof the flip straw 1126 to the lid body 1140, and then later again during removal. Once the pins 1190 move past necked down region 1202, the pins 1190 will return to a cylindrical shape. FIGS. 22 and 123 show the removal operation of flip straw 1126.

[0071] By removing flip straw 1126 from the lid body 1140, flip straw 1126 can be cleaned more easily. Flip straw 1126 can also be replaced if desired.

[0072] Container lid 1104 includes straw seal 1220 having a body 1222 defining an internal passage 1224 for drinking. A seal first end 1226 is sized for receiving an end 1232 of internal straw 1146 which is internal to container body 1102. Seal first end 1226 includes an outer ring 1262 for retention around an end 1272 of a main lid opening 1270 in lid body 1140. A top end of internal straw 1146 fits inside of seal first end 1226 and inside of internal passage 1224.

[0073] An opposite upper end 1228 of body 1222 of straw seal is for engagement with flip straw 1126 in the closed position to seal the contents of the container from leaking. Opposite upper end 1228 of body 1222 is also for engagement with flip straw 1126 in the open position to seal around drinking passage 1182 at second end 1164 of flip straw 1126 to keep the contents of the container from leaking out.

[0074] Body 1222 of straw seal 1220 also includes a vent seal 1240 defining an opening 1242 to allow airflow during drinking. Vent seal first end 1276 includes an outer ring 1282 for retention around an end 1288 of a vent lid opening 1280 in lid body 1140. A connection portion 1244 joins body 1222 of straw seal 1220 to vent seal 1240. The straw seal 1220 can also be removed for cleaning or replacement once flip straw 1126 is removed.

[0075] Flip straw 1126 includes a vent seal projection 1250 which seals vent seal 1240 when flip straw 1126 is in the closed position.

[0076] Side recesses 1200 are positioned at an angle which is different from the angle that flip straw 1126 is positioned in when in the closed position, and when in the open position. Such feature allows the flip straw 1126 to only be removed when in the intermediate position which is neither open nor closed. In the closed position, flip straw 1126 extends generally parallel to upper surface 1148 of lid body 1140, and drinking passage 1182 is generally horizontal. In the open position, flip straw 1126 is rotated past vertical to an angle of around 110 degrees to around 120 degrees from the closed position. When the user desires to remove flip straw 1126 from lid body 1140, flip straw 1126 is placed in an intermediate position, such as rotated from to an angle of around 50 degrees to around 70 degrees from the closed position. See FIGS. 22 and 23.

[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, lid body 1140 is shown as being made from three parts. One part is base portion 1302, and can be molded from plastic. A second part is upper portion 1304, which can be molded from plastic. Filler portion 1306 is positioned between base portion 1302 and upper portion 1304. Filler portion 1306 can act as an insulator.

[0078] 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

CLAIMS1. A container lid comprising: a lid body defining a main recess on an upper surface; a flip straw pivotally mounted to the lid body, and positioned in the main recess when in a closed position, and wherein when the flip straw is in a second rotated position, a drinking opening of the flip straw is exposed; a seal mounted to the lid body for sealing with the flip straw when the flip straw in in a closed position; two side recesses provided in the main recess to allow the flip straw to be removed from the lid body.

2. The container lid of claim 1, wherein the seal is removable from the lid body when the flip straw is removed from the lid body.

3. The container lid of claims 1 and 2, wherein the lid body includes a lower threaded portion for rotatably mounting to a container.

4. The container lid of claims 1-3, wherein the lid body includes a perimeter seal for sealing to a container.

5. The container lid of claim 1-4, further comprising a container with a container body with an open top mounted to the container lid.

6. The container lid of claims 1-5, further comprising an internal straw mounted to the seal.

7. The container lid of claims 1-6, wherein the flip straw includes a straw body having an internal drinking passage.

8. The container lid of claims 1-7, further comprising two hinge pins for rotatably mounting the flip straw to the lid body.

9. The container lid of claim 8, wherein hinge pins define a pivot axis and the flip straw includes a straw body having an internal drinking passage defining a passage axis, wherein the pivot axis is transverse to the passage axis.

10. The container lid of claims 8 and 9, wherein the hinge pins have a hollow cylindrical shape, and the two side recesses each have a necked portion smaller than an outer diameter of the hinge pins.

11. The container lid of claims 1-10, wherein the lid body includes first and second parts, the first part is a base portion having a generally disc shape, made molded plastic, and the second part is a bar portion made from molded, over molded onto the base portion.

12. A method of using a container lid comprising: providing a lid body defining a main recess on an upper surface; providing a flip straw pivotally mounted to the lid body, and positioned in the main recess in a closed position, and wherein when the flip straw is in a second rotated position, a drinking opening of the flip straw is exposed; providing a seal mounted to the lid body for sealing with the flip straw when the flip straw in in a closed position; positioning the flip straw in an intermediate position and sliding two hinge pins from two side recesses provided in the main recess to remove the flip straw from the lid body.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising removing the seal from the lid body after the flip straw is removed from the lid body.

14. The method of claims 12 and 13, wherein the hinge pins have a hollow cylindrical shape, and the two side recesses each have a necked portion smaller than an outer diameter of the hinge pins, and further comprising the step of compressing the hollow cylindrical shapes of the hinge pins into an oval like shape as the hinge pins pass through the necked portion of each of the side recesses as the flip straw is removed from the lid body.

15. A method of using a container lid comprising: providing a lid body defining a main recess on an upper surface; providing a flip straw pivotally mountable to the lid body, and positionable in the main recess in a closed position, and wherein when the flip straw is positionable in a second rotated position, a drinking opening of the flip straw is exposed; providing a seal mounted to the lid body for sealing with the flip straw when the flip straw in in a closed position; positioning the flip straw in an intermediate position and sliding two hinge pins into two side recesses provided in the main recess to mount the flip straw to the lid body.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the hinge pins have a hollow cylindrical shape, and the two side recesses each have a necked portion smaller than an outer diameter of the hinge pins, and further comprising the step of compressing the hollow cylindrical shapes of the hinge pins into an oval like shape as the hinge pins pass through the necked portion of each of the side recesses as the flip straw is mounted to the lid body.

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