U.S. patent application number 11/512151 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for lid for beverage container.
Invention is credited to Anna-Maria S. Arnljots.
Application Number | 20070045316 11/512151 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37802624 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070045316 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arnljots; Anna-Maria S. |
March 1, 2007 |
Lid for beverage container
Abstract
Applicant has developed a novel lid assembly. According to at
least one embodiment of the invention, a lid for use in conjunction
with a beverage container comprises: a plastic molding of circular
footprint with a first inverted U-channel feature at its perimeter
which engages the lip of a container. The outermost wall of the
channel incorporates a plurality of molded, rolled, or similarly
created, inwardly facing latch features at its boundary that engage
reentrant detailing on the underside of the container's lip. The
lid is detached from the container by the purposeful disengagement
of said latch details from the lid.
Inventors: |
Arnljots; Anna-Maria S.;
(Logan, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLEY DRYE & WARREN LLP
3050 K STREET, NW
SUITE 400
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Family ID: |
37802624 |
Appl. No.: |
11/512151 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60712092 |
Aug 30, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.5 ;
220/713; 220/714; 220/717; 220/780; 229/404; 229/906.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/06 20130101;
B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D 2543/00638 20130101; B65D 2543/00685
20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D 2543/00046 20130101; B65D
2543/00509 20130101; B65D 2543/00555 20130101; B65D 2543/0074
20130101; B65D 2543/00805 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.5 ;
220/717; 220/714; 220/713; 229/404; 229/906.1; 220/780 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/04 20060101
B65D051/04; A47G 19/22 20060101 A47G019/22; B65D 41/18 20060101
B65D041/18 |
Claims
1. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid
component and an integrated spout; wherein the spout comprises a
dispensing aperture and a valve; wherein the lid component
comprises a first perimeter channel dimensioned to reversibly
engage the lip of a container and a second inscribed channel in
communication with the inner circumference of the first perimeter
channel; at least one latching feature disposed on an interior
surface of the first perimeter channel; and wherein the valve has a
first position and a second position.
2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one venting
aperture.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve is biased towards the
first position.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises at least
one flap.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a sealing
plate.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the latching feature comprises
at least one latching edge.
7. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid
component and an integrated spout; wherein the spout comprises a
dispensing aperture and a valve; wherein the lid component
comprises a first perimeter channel dimensioned to reversibly
engage the lip of a container and a second inscribed channel in
communication with the inner circumference of the first perimeter
channel; at least one latching feature disposed on an interior
surface of the first perimeter channel; wherein the valve has a
first position and a second position; and at least one venting
aperture.
8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one venting
aperture is disposed on the lid component.
9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one venting
aperture is disposed on the integrated spout.
10. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the venting aperture is
comprised of a hydrophobic membrane.
11. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the integrated spout is formed
by a hydrophobic membrane.
12. The assembly of claim 7, comprising at least two latching
features.
13. The assembly of claim 7, comprising one continuous latching
feature disposed around the interior surface of the first perimeter
channel.
14. A lid assembly for a beverage container comprising: a lid
component and an integrated spout; wherein the spout comprises a
dispensing aperture and a valve; wherein the lid component
comprises a first perimeter channel dimensioned to reversibly
engage the lip of a container and a second inscribed channel in
communication with the inner circumference of the first perimeter
channel; at least one latching feature disposed on an interior
surface of the first perimeter channel; wherein the valve has a
first closed position and a second open position, wherein the valve
is biased towards the first closed position; and at least one
venting aperture.
15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the valve comprises at least
one flap.
16. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the valve comprises a sealing
plate.
17. The assembly of claim 14, comprising at least two venting
apertures.
18. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one venting
aperture is disposed on the integrated spout.
19. The assembly of claim 16, further comprising a valve seat
incorporating at least one venting aperture which is sealed off by
a sealing plate when the valve is in the first closed position and
are open when the valve is in the second open position.
20. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least one venting
aperture is disposed on the lid component.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention relates to, and is entitled to the
benefit of the earlier filing date and priority of U.S. Application
Ser. No. 60/712,092 filed Aug. 30, 2005.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a lid for use with a
beverage container and in particular, to a lid that may be used
with a disposable beverage container.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The use of a molded plastic lid to cover and seal the top of
a beverage container is well documented. The known lids, with
varying degrees of success, provide spill and leak resistance of
the contained fluid, air venting, sealing capability enabling the
content's intermittent consumption, and the prevention of foreign
bodies entering the beverage.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,440 ("the 440 patent") to Gartner,
issued Jul. 12, 1988, describes a non-vented lid having a
deformable planer cover surface that incorporates a raised drinking
spout. The spout's concave tip profile incorporates a plurality of
small apertures through which the containers contents are
selectively dispensed. The product's lid and spout detailing
function cooperatively enabling the pressure balancing deformation
of the cover element at the application of suction, negative
pressure, during the drinking process. The lid sealingly engages a
beverage container at its perimeter with prior-art detailing, a
radiused snap-on, snap-off feature which determines the usefulness
of the subject application.
[0005] Subsequent to the '440 patent, U.S. Pat. No 4,925,051 ("the
051 patent") to Herbst, issued May 15, 1990, describes a
substantially similar product to the '440 patent in which the lid's
raised spout feature is positioned within a trough that is
integrated within the cover element. The tip of the spout feature
incorporates slit detailing which opens responsive to the
application of a downward force, to dispense the container's
content there through. The positional relationship between the
valved spout and trough detailing restrict the product's convenient
usage.
[0006] In addition, U.S. Pat. No 4,946,062 ("the 062 patent") to
Coy, issued Aug. 7, 1990, describes a product that is substantially
similar to the '440 patent in which the spout is adapted to
incorporate a `duck-bill` valve that controls the flow of beverage
from the container. The lid's planer cover incorporates vent
detailing that balances the negative pressure created by suction
during beverage dispensing. As the '440 patent, the lid sealingly
engages a container at its perimeter with a radiused snap-on,
snap-off feature which determines the usefulness of the subject
application.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No 5,050,758 (`the 758 patent`) to Freeman, issued
Sep. 24, 1991, describes a non-venting lid, that as the corollary
to the now lapsed U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,033 to Payne, issued Feb. 6,
1979, incorporates a flap-sealed spout detail which is activated by
the pinching pressure of the lips about its outer surface during
beverage dispensing. The flap-seal may be selectively snapped shut
within the lid to prevent egress of fluid. A companion container
within whose inner lip detail the outer lid's lip sealingly
engages, is illustrated but not discussed.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,347 (`347 patent`) also to Freeman,
issued Feb. 16, 1993, describes a product that is substantially
similar in form to both the '440 patent and the now lapsed U.S.
Pat. No. 4,243,156 to Lobbestael, issued Jan. 6, 1981, and
functionally similar to the '051 patent, replacing said spout's
beverage-dispensing slit detailing with a membrane component.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,255 (`255 patent`) to Varano, issued
Jan. 31,1995, describes a vented, biodegradable product that
incorporates lid-to-container engagement detailing which is
derivative of here-cited prior art solutions, but is more
substantially retained and constructed. The product's inwardly
rolled perimeter detailing engages the similarly detailed container
lip providing an improved, reversible holding force.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No 5,850,908 (`908 patent`) to Jasek, issued Dec.
22, 1998, describes a vented, pressure sensitive closure device
that is mounted to the top of a beverage container. When suction is
applied to the device's mouthpiece, seal details within its
structure are opened enabling fluid dispensing, and close when the
suction force is removed. If carbonated beverage is present within
a related container, an increase of internal pressure will result
in a higher fluid sealing force. The complexity of the product
dictates both an elevated manufacturing cost and its non-disposable
usage.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,565 (`565 patent`) to Paczonay, issued
Jul. 27, 1999, describes a vented, pressure sensitive closure
device which, activated by positive pressure, is the corollary of
the vacuum, negative pressure activated '908 patent. Both products
are mounted to the top of a beverage container, but Paczonay's
valve assembly requires that the container be upended when
dispensing fluid.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,205, (`the 205 patent") to LaJoie,
issued Aug. 31, 1999 describes a baby feeding bottle that
incorporates an air vent component within its structure. Similar in
detail to the valved spouts of cited prior art devices, the air
vent, which is mounted to either the side wall or base surface of
the container, enables desirable internal pressure balance as its
fluid contents are dispensed.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,426, ("the 426 patent") to Stern, issued
Nov. 23, 1999 describes a product that is substantially similar in
form and performance characteristics, to the '440, '051 and '62
patents in its lid-to-container engagement detailing. A non-fluid
dispensing lid, the product incorporates a vent hole at the center
of its planer cover over which a hydrophobic filter is attached.
The filter facilitates the release of pressure from inside the
container while preventing leakage of its contents.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,710, ("the 710 patent") to Chomic,
issued Oct. 31, 2000 describes a feeding bottle vent disc that is
substantially similar in overall concept to the '205 patent and in
specific design detailing, to the spout tip elements of both the
'440 patent which comprises a plurality of through holes and '051
patent which comprises a plurality of slots. The vent is
incorporated within a feeding bottle to elevate the vacuum pressure
created when fluid is withdrawn there from during feeding.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,199,711, ("the 711 patent") to Lansky,
issued Mar. 13, 2001 describes a splash guard for a beverage
container that comprises an upper and lower lid component, which
are assembled in an axially adjustable relationship to one another.
The lids may be rotated with respect to one other to effect either
a `flow` or `no flow` capable positioning. As the '758 patent, the
splash guard sealably engages the interior wall of the beverage
container adjacent to its lip detail, and at its exterior wall by
similar, performance determining detailing to that of the '440
patent.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,570, ("the 570 patent") to Atkin, issued
Oct. 23, 2001 describes a `leak proof` closure, lid assembly, which
as the '440 patent, sealingly engages a container at its perimeter
with a radiused snap-on, snap-off feature. The lid comprises a
planer cover surface and raised spout feature as the '440 patent to
which additionally, a multi-functional diaphragm valve assembly is
mounted. When a suction force is applied to the spout the axially
mounted valve is drawn away from its seat enabling passage of the
contained beverage to the user. Flexion of the diaphragm
simultaneously enables the passage of air into the container at the
valves perimeter, which beneficially balances its internal and
external pressures.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,048 ("the 048 patent") to Kevorkian,
issued Jun. 4, 2002 describes a vented feeding bottle which
combines the general form of the '205 patent with the specific
hydrophobic vent detail of the '426 patent. As the '710 patent and
others, the vent is incorporated within the bottle to alleviate the
vacuum pressure created when fluid is withdrawn there from during
feeding.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,390 ("the 390 patent") to Waller, issued
Aug. 13, 2002 describes a lid that is substantially similar in
overall conception to the '051 patent but distinct in its
spill-limiting feature. In one embodiment, the planer cover surface
incorporates a radially partitioned trough feature adjacent to its
outer edge. The trough positioned more closely to the lid center
incorporates a plurality of apertures within its outermost wall as
it transitions to the through base. Fluid dispensed through said
apertures, accumulates in the trough before being consumed, a
feature that both limits spill volume and enables the protected
dispensing of either hot or cold fluids. The planer cover also
incorporates a small vent hole that alleviates the vacuum pressure
created when fluid is withdrawn there from.
[0019] What is needed in the industry is a beverage lid that will
overcome problems observed with the known lids discussed
previously. It is an advantage of an embodiment of the present
invention to provide a functional spill-proof lid that will not
separate from the beverage container to which it is attached during
normal use. It is a further advantage of an embodiment of the
present invention to provide a lid that may be selectively locked
to, and released from a beverage container.
[0020] It is yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present
invention that the incorporated spout feature comprises a valve. It
is yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention
to incorporate a spout that enhances the spill resistance of the
beverage container while simultaneously providing selective
activation or deactivation of beverage flow to the user.
[0021] It is yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present
invention that the spout valving is activated by compression of the
users lips, rather than force generated by suction. It is still
another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention that
the spout is ergonometrically detailed and is self-adapting to the
users unique needs.
[0022] It is still another advantage of an embodiment of the
present invention that the spout element is positioned in angular
relationship to the lid's planer cover surface thereby enhancing
user comfort and convenience. It is still another advantage of an
embodiment of the present invention to provide a spout
incorporating vent detailing that enables pressure normalization
within the container while its contents are being consumed.
[0023] It is a further advantage of an embodiment of the present
invention to provide a valve assembly that enables pressure
normalization while simultaneously preventing fluid leakage there
through. It is an additional advantage of an embodiment of the
present invention that a leak-proof seal between lid and beverage
container is created by slidingly mating the conic surfaces of the
inner container wall adjacent its lip and, the outer alignment wall
of the lid, in preference to the surface-to-surface sealing method
of existing product offerings. It is an additional advantage of an
embodiment of the present invention that a lid comprising the
aforementioned detailing is adaptable for use with beverage
containing cold beverage, carbonated or non-carbonated beverage,
and/or hot beverage.
SUMMARY
[0024] Responsive to the foregoing challenges, Applicant has
developed a novel lid assembly. At least one embodiment of the
present invention comprises a lid assembly for a beverage container
comprising a lid component and an integrated spout, wherein the
spout comprises a dispensing aperture and a valve, wherein the lid
component comprises a first perimeter channel dimensioned to
reversibly engage the lip of a container and a second inscribed
channel in communication with the inner circumference of the first
perimeter channel, at least one latching feature disposed on an
interior surface of the first perimeter channel, and wherein the
valve has a first position and a second position. The assembly may
further comprise at least one venting aperture. The valve may be
biased towards the first position. The valve comprises at least one
flap, and/or a sealing plate. The latching feature may comprise at
least one latching edge.
[0025] The at least one venting aperture may be disposed on the lid
component and/or on the integrated spout. There may be at least two
venting apertures. The venting aperture and/or the spout may be
comprised of a hydrophobic membrane. The lid assembly may comprise
individual latching features, at least two latching features,
and/or one continuous latching feature disposed around the interior
surface of the first perimeter channel. The valve may have a first
closed position and a second open position, wherein the valve may
be biased towards the first closed position. The spout may further
comprise a valve seat incorporating at least one venting aperture
which is sealed off by a sealing plate when the valve is in the
first closed position and are open when the valve is in the second
open position.
[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the invention, a lid
for use in conjunction with a beverage container comprises: a
plastic molding of circular footprint with a first inverted
U-channel feature at its perimeter which engages the lip of a
container. The outermost wall of the channel incorporates a
plurality of molded, rolled, or similarly created, inwardly facing
latch features at its boundary that engage reentrant detailing on
the underside of the container's lip. The lid is detached from the
container by the purposeful disengagement of said latch details
from the lid.
[0027] A second, deeper `U` channel is positioned concentrically
inboard of the first channel and comprises a plurality of
gas-venting slots. The channel sealingly locates the lid within the
container while providing structural integrity to the molding. A
planer cover surface, bordered by the inner circumference of the
second channel, arcs upwardly to one side of the lid to create a
drinking spout feature.
[0028] The spout comprises an outer, low profiled, elongated
`nipple like` form and a concentric, inwardly tapering trough
feature having a sphincter valve within its base plane. Downward
pressure on the nipple opens the sphincter valve thereby enabling
flow of beverage to the user. Air is simultaneously drawn through
the venting slots into the container thereby preventing the
problematic creation of a vacuum. The molded spout component is
combined with the lid during the manufacturing process: it may also
be a fully integrated feature of a unitary lid component.
[0029] According to at least another embodiment of the invention, a
lid for use in conjunction with a beverage container comprises: a
plastic molding of circular footprint with an inverted `U` channel
feature at its perimeter which engages the lip of a container. The
outermost wall of the channel incorporates a plurality of
integrated, inwardly facing latch features at its boundary that
engage the reentrant detailing on the underside of the container.
The lid is detached from the container by the purposeful
disengagement of said latch details from the lip.
[0030] A second, deeper `U` channel is positioned concentrically
inboard of the first channel and comprises a plurality of
gas-venting slots. The channel sealingly locates the lid within the
container while providing structural integrity to the molding. A
planer cover surface bordered by the inner circumference of said
second channel, arcs upwardly to one side of the lid to create a
drinking spout.
[0031] The spout comprises a low profile, elongated nipple having a
circular spindle evolving from its rear surface, about which a
sealing plate is snap-located, and a rebated valve seat of
elliptical outline incorporating a plurality of breather holes.
Downward pressure on the nipple disengages the sealing washer from
the valve seat enabling flow of beverage to the user, and the
simultaneous flow of air through the breather holes to normalize
pressure within the container. The independent spout component is
combined with the lid molding during the manufacturing process: it
may also be a fully integrated feature within a unitary lid
component.
[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first
described latching detail may be integrated within the second
alternative lid detail. According to another embodiment of the
invention, the second described latching detail may be integrated
within the first alternative lid detail.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the invention. Where appropriate, the same
reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view--front, of a lid assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view--rear, of a lid assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 3 is an assembly of a lid and beverage container
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 4 is an inverted perspective view--front, of a lid
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-section, of a lid assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a scrap section indicating latch detailing and
lid/spout positional relationship according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view--front, of a lid assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective view--rear of a lid assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a perspective view--rear of a lid assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 10 is an assembly of lid and beverage container
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 11 is an inverted perspective view--rear, of a lid
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-section, of a lid assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 13 is a scrap section indicating latch detailing and
lid/spout positional relationship according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present invention, an example of which is illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, an example of
lid assembly 100 is illustrated which comprises lid component 20
and an integrated spout 40. Lid component 20 and spout 40 may be
integrated features of a unitary lid assembly 100 or may
alternatively be distinct elements which are integrated during
product manufacture. Lid assembly 100 may be produced by
injection/over-molding, pressure/vacuum forming or similar
technique, or combination thereof, using thermoplastic materials
that may include polystyrene/polyethylene and their derivatives,
medical grade polypropylene, polyurethane or polymer of similar
performance characteristics, or any other suitable material. Lid
component 20 is of a circular footprint and has a first inverted
`U` shape cross-sectioned perimeter channel 21 that is adapted to
be in communication with, and removeably engages from, external
reentrant lip 61 of disposable beverage container 60, as shown in
FIGS. 4A-C. Second tapered inscribed channel 22 is inscribed within
the inner circumference of and in communication with perimeter
channel 21 enabling inscribed channel 22 to form a sealing
communication against inner lip detail 62 of container 60.
Inscribed channel 22 is in communication with planar cover surface
23 at inscribed channel's 22 inner circumference. Spout 40 is
integrated into the top surface of lid component 20 and is in
communication with a portion of cover surface 23 and a portion of
inscribed channel 22. Spout 40 comprises dispensing aperture 47 and
valve 41 wherein valve 41 has a first position and a second
position. The first position is a substantially closed position
defined by a valve position that substantially impedes or reduces
the flow of a liquid through the valve. The second position is an
open position defined by a valve position that permits the flow of
liquid through the valve. Valve 41 is biased towards the first, or
closed, position. Valve 41 may comprise a pressure valve, a
slit-valve, flap-valve, sealing plate valve, or any other suitable
valve. During operation valve 41 alternately facilitates fluid
dispensing and fluid sealing at the application of downward
pressure of the user's lips thereupon, shown as Direction G in FIG.
2.
[0048] In addition, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate biometrically contoured
surface 42 of spout 40, whose elliptical footprint 43 transitions
outwardly at an obtuse angle, shown as J.degree., with respect to
planer cover surface 23 of lid component 20, terminating on swept
surface 44. Surface 44 is invaginated to create tapered ob-round
cavity 45. In one embodiment valve 41 comprises at least one slit
or flap 46. In one embodiment valve 41 comprises two slits or flaps
46. When user's lip-pressure is applied to contoured surface 42,
cavity 45 rolls inwardly, thereby opening flaps 46 of valve 41 and
allowing the flow of beverage therethrough. The angular orientation
of at least one dispensing aperture 47, disposed on spout 40 within
swept surface 44, provides improved user ergonomics that, in
distinction to prior art beverage container lids, do not require
the hyper-extension of the neck when drinking and thereby, a more
comfortable, leak-proof drinking experience. The embodiment may or
may not further comprise at least one venting aperture 24. Venting
aperture 24 and/or spout 40 may be formed of a hydrophobic
membrane.
[0049] In FIGS. 4-6, particular reference is made to one embodiment
of a container-engagement latching feature 31 and fluid-sealing
feature of perimeter channel 21 of lid component 20 and lid
assembly 100. Lid perimeter channel 21 incorporates at least one
latching feature 31 disposed on its interior surface that is in
communication with and removably engages with the underside
external reentrant lip 61 of the beverage container, thereby
reducing the possibility of the accidental separation of lid
assembly 100 from container 60 and consequent beverage loss.
Re-entrant detail latching edges 32 of latch feature 31 enables the
easy assembly of lid assembly 100 and container 60, but requires
the purposeful disengagement of at least one and preferably at
least two opposed latching edges 32 from the underside of lip 61
for its removal. Latching edges 32 may be sharp-edged and/or
eyebrow-shaped, and/or of any other suitable edge and shape
detailing. Molded tabs 27 (FIG. 2), and/or markings 28 (FIG. 2B)
and/or similar detailing, delineate the location of latch feature
31 on lid perimeter channel 21. Second Inscribed channel 22 may
further incorporate at least one venting aperture 24. Venting
aperture 24 may be comprised of at least one minute `pass by core,`
formed opening or slot, or any other suitable opening. In one
embodiment venting aperture 24 is positioned circumferentially
opposite spout 40. Venting aperture 24 facilitates egress of
carbonation from within container 60 while simultaneously
preventing the loss of fluid there through and, ingress of pressure
balancing ambient air during the dispensing of beverage there
from.
[0050] In an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-13, lid assembly 100
comprises lid component 20 and integrated spout 40. Lid component
20 and spout 40 may be integrated features of a unitary lid
assembly 100 or may alternatively be distinct elements that are
integrated during product manufacture. Lid assembly 100 may be
produced by injection/over-molding, pressure/vacuum forming or
similar technique, or combination thereof, using thermoplastic
materials that may include polystyrene/polyethylene and their
derivatives, medical grade polypropylene, polyurethane or polymer
of similar performance characteristics, and/or any other suitable
material. Lid component 20 is of circular footprint and has a first
inverted `U` shape cross-sectioned perimeter channel 21 that is
adapted to communicate with, and removeably engages with, external
reentrant lip 61 of disposable beverage container 60, FIG. 11A-C.
Second tapered inscribed channel 22 is inscribed within the inner
circumference of perimeter channel 21 enabling inscribed channel's
22 sealing communication against inner lip detail 62 of container
60. Spout 40 comprises valve 41. In this embodiment valve 41 is a
sealing plate valve and further comprises sealing plate 48,
enabling alternate fluid dispensing or fluid sealing at the
application of downward pressure of the user's lips thereupon,
shown as Direction L in FIGS. 8 and 9. Valve 41 has a first
position and a second position depending on the disposition of
sealing plate 48. The first position is defined as substantially
closed, reducing the flow of liquid through valve 41, and the
second position is defined as open, allowing the flow of liquid
through valve 41. Valve 41 is biased towards the first, or closed,
position.
[0051] FIGS. 7-10, illustrate biometrically contoured surface 42 of
spout 40, whose elliptical footprint 43 at arcing surface 50
transitions outwardly to form elongated dome 51 about vertical axis
Q. The arced surface 50 of dome 51 incorporates, and is pierced by,
at least one dispensing aperture 47 and at least one venting
aperture 24. Ob-round spindle 54 evolves from the rear of arcing
surface 50 at point 55 and provides an axis about which sealing
plate 48 of valve 41 is snap-assembled. A portion of plate 48 is
sealingly disposed within rebated feature valve seat 56 at the rear
of contoured surface 42 and dome 51. Plate 48 and rebated feature
valve seat 56 function cooperatively to provide valve 41 function.
In an alternative embodiment, valve seat 56 incorporates at least
one venting aperture 24. When lip-pressure is applied to contoured
surface 42, spindle 54 and attached sealing plate 48 roll inwardly
enabling the flow of beverage around plate 48 to dispensing
aperture 47, and air to enter the container through venting
aperture 24. The angular orientation K of spout 40 and dispensing
aperture 47 with respect to planer cover surface 23, provides
improved user ergonomics that, in distinction to prior art beverage
container lids, does not require the hyper-extension of the neck
when drinking and thereby, a more comfortable, leak-proof drinking
experience.
[0052] In FIGS. 11-13, particular reference is made to one
embodiment of a beverage container-engagement latching feature 31
and fluid-sealing features of perimeter channel 21 of lid assembly
100. Perimeter channel 21 incorporates at least one latching
feature 31 that may be in communication with and reversably engages
the underside external reentrant lip 61 of beverage container 60
thereby reducing the probability of the accidental separation of
lid from container and consequent fluid loss. At least one latching
edge 32 of latching feature 31 enables the easy assembly of lid
assembly 100 to container 60 but requires the purposeful
disengagement of at least one, and preferably at least two opposed
latching edges 32 from external reentrant lip 61 for its removal.
Latching edge 32 may be sharp-edged, re-entrant designed, or any
other suitable shape and/or design. Molded tabs 27, markings 28 or
similar detailing delineate the location of latching feature 31 on
perimeter channel 21. Inscribed channel 22 may further incorporate
at least one venting aperture 24. Venting aperture 24 may be
comprised of at least one minute `pass by core,` formed opening, or
any other suitable opening. In one embodiment venting aperture 24
is positioned circumferentially opposite spout 40. Venting aperture
24 facilitates egress of carbonation from within container 60 while
simultaneously preventing the loss of fluid there through and,
ingress of pressure balancing ambient air during the dispensing of
beverage there from.
[0053] Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth
in the foregoing description, together with details of structure
and function. The novel features are pointed out in the appended
claims. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes,
may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and
arrangement of parts, within the principle of the invention, to the
full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in
which the appended claims are expressed.
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