Lid Closure Member with Sliding Retainer and Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beverage lids with openable access closures often require the lid's periphery to be broken for access, leading to insecure sealing and potential spillage when tipped or jarred, and may become detached or misplaced during intermittent use.
Innovation Solution
A lid and closure member assembly featuring a racetrack-shaped channel with inwardly-projecting lips and a closure member comprising an access port cap, retainer, and strap, allowing for secure access without breaking the lid's periphery, with the closure member being selectively movable between open and closed positions to maintain sealing and prevent detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a perforated tab is hinged back or removed to provide access to contents, then access to the beverage is enabled, but the lid's engagement to the cup becomes much less secure and sealing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is divided into separate functional components: an access port cap for sealing the opening, a retainer for securing the closure member to the lid, and a strap for user activation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, maintaining lid security while enabling access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary element between the closure member and the lid. It includes a retaining bead that engages with a recess in the lid, providing a secure mechanical connection that maintains lid engagement security while still allowing the closure member to be activated for access.
2Reliability
If the access port cap has a flexible annular bead with diameter greater than the access port for sealing interference fit, then sealing is improved, but the bead cannot pass through the access port for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible annular bead is made of elastomeric material that can dynamically change its shape and size. During installation, the bead can be compressed or deformed to pass through the access port opening, and then it expands to create a sealing interference fit, providing both ease of installation and reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The bead's physical parameters (diameter, flexibility) are designed to change based on the operational state. The bead can be temporarily deformed during installation then returns to its original size for sealing, or the access port dimensions can be adjusted during manufacturing to accommodate the bead's installation requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the closure member is made reusable for intermittent access, then convenience is improved, but the risk of the closure member becoming detached or misplaced increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is extracted as a separate, dedicated component that is permanently attached to the lid. It includes a retaining bead that positively engages with a recess in the lid, ensuring the closure member cannot become detached during use. This separates the retention function from the access function, allowing reusable convenience without detachment risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is pre-installed on the lid during manufacturing, with the retaining bead positioned to engage with the lid's recess before the closure member is activated for use. This preliminary secure attachment ensures the closure member remains retained throughout intermittent use without requiring user intervention to prevent detachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A lid and closure member assembly for placement on a container is provided. The lid includes a cover portion, an access port and an elongated channel defined in the cover portion. The channel may include two opposing side walls, two opposing end walls and a bottom. The channel's side walls can each include an inwardly-projecting lip forming an undercut for slidably receiving a portion of the closure member. The closure member includes an access port cap, a retainer slidably received within the channel and a strap extending between the access port cap and the retainer. The closure member is selectively movable between open and closed positions. The access port cap may cover the access port when the retainer is in a first position within the channel or may be at least partially received within the channel when the retainer is in a second position within the channel.