U.S. patent application number 13/556890 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-15 for lids and containers.
This patent application is currently assigned to COOL GEAR INTERNATIONAL, LLC. Invention is credited to Jason Meek, Donna Roth.
Application Number | 20120285961 13/556890 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46063363 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120285961 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roth; Donna ; et
al. |
November 15, 2012 |
LIDS AND CONTAINERS
Abstract
One aspect of the invention provides a lid comprising: a base
defining a first orifice; and a sealing member rotatably coupled to
the base, the sealing member configured to seal the first orifice
when placed in a sealing position. The base and the sealing member
include one or more detents configured to releasably hold the
sealing member in the sealing position. Still another aspect of the
invention provides a container including a mug and a lid configured
for releasable coupling with the mug. The lid includes a base
defining a first orifice and a sealing member rotatably coupled to
the base. The sealing member is configured to seal the first
orifice when placed in a sealing position. The base and the sealing
member include one or more detents configured to releasably hold
the sealing member in the sealing position.
Inventors: |
Roth; Donna; (Duxbury,
MA) ; Meek; Jason; (Bolton, CT) |
Assignee: |
COOL GEAR INTERNATIONAL,
LLC
Plymouth
MA
|
Family ID: |
46063363 |
Appl. No.: |
13/556890 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12953767 |
Nov 24, 2010 |
8276776 |
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13556890 |
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PCT/US11/60792 |
Nov 15, 2011 |
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12953767 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.3 ;
220/254.7; 220/713 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3869 20130101;
B65D 81/3876 20130101; B65D 2543/0049 20130101; B65D 2543/00555
20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; A47G 19/22 20130101; B65D
51/1683 20130101; B65D 2543/00972 20130101; B65D 2543/00537
20130101; B65D 43/0229 20130101; B65D 2543/00574 20130101; B65D
2543/00046 20130101; B65D 43/0231 20130101; B65D 47/0895
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.3 ;
220/254.7; 220/713 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/20 20060101
B65D051/20; A47G 19/22 20060101 A47G019/22 |
Claims
1. A lid comprising: a base defining a spout including a first
orifice; and a sealing member rotatably coupled to the base, the
sealing member configured to seal the first orifice when placed in
a sealing position; wherein the spout and the sealing member
include one or more detents configured to releasably hold the
sealing member in the sealing position.
2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the one or more detents include a
tab positioned on the sealing member.
3. The lid of claim 1, wherein the one or more detents include a
slot positioned on the spout.
4. The lid of claim 3, wherein the spout includes an interior wall
proximal to the sealing member and the slot is positioned on the
interior wall.
5. The lid of claim 3, wherein the sealing member has a
substantially complimentary geometry to the base.
6. The lid of claim 1, wherein the base and the sealing member
include one or more additional detents configured to releasably
hold the sealing member in a drinking position.
7. The lid of claim 6, wherein the one or more additional detents
include a tab positioned on the sealing member.
8. The lid of claim 6, wherein the one or more additional detents
include a tab positioned on the base.
9. The lid of claim 6, wherein the sealing member rotates about a
pivot point and at least one of the one or more additional detents
are located proximal to the pivot point.
10. The lid of claim 6, wherein the sealing member is held
substantially flush with a surface of the base when in the drinking
position.
11. The lid of claim 6, wherein the sealing member is held when in
the drinking position at an angle relative to a surface of the base
selected from the group consisting of: 25.degree. or less,
20.degree. or less, 15.degree. or less, 10.degree. or less, and
5.degree. or less.
12. The lid of claim 1, wherein the sealing member includes a first
projection configured for insertion into the first orifice when the
sealing member is placed in the sealing position.
13. The lid of claim 12, wherein the first projection includes an
elastomer.
14. The lid of claim 1, wherein the base defines a second orifice
and the sealing member includes a second projection configured to
press against the second orifice when the sealing member is placed
in the sealing position.
15. A lid comprising: a base including: a spout including: a
substantially vertical interior wall; a substantially vertical
exterior wall; and a substantially horizontal surface between the
interior wall and the exterior wall; a first orifice formed on the
substantially horizontal surface of the spout; and a slot
positioned on the interior wall of the spout; and a sealing member
rotatably coupled to the base, the sealing member including
substantially vertical portion having a geometry substantially
complimentary to the interior wall of the spout, the sealing member
including a tab positioned on the substantially vertical portion
and adapted and configured to releasably hold the sealing member in
the sealing position.
16. The lid of claim 15, wherein the sealing member includes a
first projection configured for insertion into the first orifice
when the sealing member is placed in the sealing position.
17. The lid of claim 16, wherein the first projection includes an
elastomer.
18. The lid of claim 15, wherein the base and the sealing member
include one or more additional detents configured to releasably
hold the sealing member in a drinking position.
19. A container comprising: a mug; and a lid according to claim
1.
20. The container of claim 19, wherein the mug includes a
reversible sleeve.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/953,767, filed Nov. 24,
2010, and International Application No. PCT/US11/60792, filed Nov.
15, 2011. The entire contents of each of these applications are
hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Reusable mugs are becoming increasingly popular as consumers
seek to reduce the environmental impact associated with disposable
coffee cups. Such mugs handle extremely hot liquids and are often
transported in automobiles or public transportation. Many existing
reusable mugs are susceptible to leaks, particularly as the mug
ages and/or when holding hot liquids that may generate elevated
vapor pressures.
[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for improved lids and
containers that are preferably leak-proof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One aspect of the invention provides a lid comprising: a
base defining a first orifice; and a sealing member rotatably
coupled to the base, the sealing member configured to seal the
first orifice when placed in a sealing position. The base and the
sealing member include one or more detents configured to releasably
hold the sealing member in the sealing position.
[0005] This aspect of the invention can have a variety of
embodiments. The lid can include one or more detents include a tab
positioned on the sealing member. The one or more detents can
include a slot positioned on the sealing member. The one or more
detents can include a tab positioned on the base. The one or more
detents can include a slot positioned on the base.
[0006] The base and the sealing member can include one or more
additional detents configured to releasably hold the sealing member
in a drinking position. The one or more additional detents can
include a tab positioned on the sealing member. The one or more
additional detents can include a slot positioned on the sealing
member. The one or more additional detents can include a tab
positioned on the base. The one or more additional detents can
include a slot positioned on the base.
[0007] The sealing member can rotate about a pivot point and at
least one of the one or more additional detents can be located
proximal to the pivot point. The sealing member can be held
substantially flush with a surface of the base when in the drinking
position. The sealing member can be held when in the drinking
position at an angle relative to a surface of the base selected
from the group consisting of: 25.degree. or less, 20.degree. or
less, 15.degree. or less, 10.degree. or less, and 5.degree. or
less.
[0008] The first orifice can be formed on a spout. At least one of
the one or more detents can be formed on the spout. The sealing
member can include a first projection configured for insertion into
the first orifice when the sealing member is placed in the sealing
position. The first projection can include an elastomer.
[0009] The base can define a second orifice and the sealing member
can include a second projection configured to press against the
second orifice when the sealing member is placed in the sealing
position. The second projection can include an elastomer. The
elastomer can be silicone.
[0010] The base can include a threaded portion for coupling with a
bottle. The threaded portion can include female threads.
[0011] The base can include one or tabs configured to releasably
mate with a twist-lock groove.
[0012] The lid can include a gasket configured to form a seal
between the base and a bottle. The gasket can be an elastomer. The
elastomer can be silicone.
[0013] Another aspect of the invention provides a lid including a
base and a sealing member rotatably coupled to the base. The base
can include a spout, a first orifice formed on the spout, and a
second orifice. The sealing member can include a first elastomeric
projection configured for insertion into the first orifice when the
sealing member is placed in a sealing position and a second
elastomeric projection configured to press against the second
orifice when the sealing member is placed in the sealing position.
The base and the sealing member include one or more detents
configured to releasably hold the sealing member in the sealing
position. The one or more detents include a slot on the spout and a
first tab on the sealing member. The base and the sealing member
include one or more additional detents configured to releasably
hold the sealing member in a drinking position. The one or more
additional detents include a second tab on the sealing member and a
third tab on the base.
[0014] Still another aspect of the invention provides a container
including a mug and a lid configured for releasable coupling with
the mug. The lid includes a base defining a first orifice and a
sealing member rotatably coupled to the base. The sealing member is
configured to seal the first orifice when placed in a sealing
position. The base and the sealing member include one or more
detents configured to releasably hold the sealing member in the
sealing position.
[0015] This aspect of the invention can have a variety of
embodiments. The mug can include a reversible sleeve. The mug and
the base can include threaded portions. The mug and the base can
include complimentary twist-lock geometries. The lid can further
include a gasket configured to form a seal between the base and a
bottle. The gasket can be an elastomer. The elastomer can be
silicone.
FIGURES
[0016] For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects
of the present invention, reference is made to the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the figure
wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a container including a lid
with a sealing member in a sealing position according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a container including a lid
with a sealing member in a sealing position according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 1C is a partially-exploded view of a container
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 1D is a side view of a container according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 1E is a front view of a container according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of a container according
to one embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 1G is a top view of a container according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 1H is a cross-sectional view of a lid in a sealing
position according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 1I is a cross-sectional view of a lid in a drinking
position according to one embodiment of the invention; and
[0026] FIG. 1J is an exploded view of a container according to one
embodiment of the invention.
DEFINITIONS
[0027] The instant invention is most clearly understood with
reference to the following definitions:
[0028] As used in the specification and claims, the singular form
"a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise.
[0029] Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used
herein, the term "about" is understood as within a range of normal
tolerance in the art, for example within 2 standard deviations of
the mean. "About" can be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%,
5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated
value. Unless otherwise clear from context, all numerical values
provided herein are modified by the term about.
[0030] As used in the specification and claims, the terms
"comprises," "comprising," "containing," "having," and the like can
have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. patent law and can mean
"includes," "including," and the like.
[0031] Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for
all of the values within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 50
is understood to include any number, combination of numbers, or
sub-range from the group consisting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,
28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44,
45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 (as well as fractions thereof unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise).
[0032] Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used
herein, the term "or" is understood to be inclusive.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Various aspects of the invention provide lids and
containers.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a container 100 is
provided having a mug 102 and a lid 104.
[0035] As depicted in FIG. 1C, lid 104 can be removably coupled to
mug 102 through a variety of means such as male or female threads
or twist-lock devices 106, 108. Mug 102 can include a plurality
(e.g., 2, 3, 4, and the like) of twist-lock grooves 106 configured
to receive complimentary twist-lock tabs 108 on lid 104. Such
twist-lock devices 106, 108 allow for coupling of lid 104 to mug
102 by rotating the lid 104 less than 360.degree. (e.g., 90.degree.
or less in an embodiment having 4 twist-lock devices 106, 108 as
depicted in FIG. 1C). Lid 104 can include a gasket 110 (e.g., an
elastomeric gasket fabricated from a material such as silicone) to
ensure that the seal between lid 104 and mug 102 is
fluid-tight.
[0036] Referring again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, mug 102 can include a
circumferential sleeve 112. The sleeve 112 can, in some
embodiments, be made from an elastomer and can resemble a cardboard
sleeve commonly placed on disposable coffee cups. For example, the
sleeve 112 can have a brown pigment and/or one or more ribs 114 to
simulate corrugated cardboard. In some embodiments, the mug 102 and
lid 104 can be white to provide contrast between the sleeve 112 and
the rest of container 100, thereby creating an
aesthetically-pleasing container 100.
[0037] Sleeve 112 can be bonded to mug 102 (e.g., with an adhesive
or by friction) or can be removable. A removable sleeve can be
advantageous for cleaning and allows for interchangeability of
sleeves of various colors.
[0038] Sleeve 112 can, in some embodiments, have designs on both
the interior and exterior surface, thereby enabling the user to
change the appearance of the container 100 without the need to
obtain a new sleeve 112. For example, an exterior surface of sleeve
112 can have a cardboard appearance as discussed above and the
interior surface can have a winter-holiday-themed design. The user
can easily invert sleeve 112 (particularly when the sleeve is
constructed from an elastomer) to reveal the desired design.
[0039] As visible in FIGS. 1B and 1C, lid 104 can have a first
orifice 116 and a second orifice 118. In some embodiments, the
first orifice 116 is configured for sipping a beverage and is
larger than the second orifice 118, which can be a vent to break a
vacuum during sipping. First orifice 116 can be formed on a spout
120, which can resemble spouts on disposable coffee cup lids for
both aesthetics and functionality.
[0040] Lid also includes a sealing member 122 configured to seal
the first orifice 116 (and the second orifice 118 when present)
when placed in a sealing portion (depicted in FIG. 1A.) Sealing
member 122 is rotatably coupled to the base portion of the lid 104
(e.g., by cylindrical tabs received within slots in the base).
[0041] Sealing member 122 can include a first projection 124
configured to seal (e.g., by pressing against or insertion within)
the first orifice 116 when the sealing member 122 is placed in the
sealing position. Sealing member can also include a second
projection 126 configured to seal (e.g., by pressing against or
insertion within) the second orifice 118 when the sealing member
122 is placed in the sealing position. The first projection 124 and
second projection 126 can included an elastomeric material such as
silicone. In some embodiments, the first projection 124 and the
second projection 126 are fabricated as unitary piece of material
as depicted in FIG. 1B.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 1F, a cross-section of a container 100
is depicted. As seen clearly in cross-section, mug 102 can be
double-walled such that an inner wall 102a and an outer wall 102b
define an insulating gap.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1H and 1I, lid 104 can include a
first set of detents 128 configured to releasably hold the sealing
member 122 in the sealing position. Although the embodiment
depicted in FIGS. 1H and 1I includes a tab 128a positioned on
sealing member 122 that is received in a corresponding slot 128b
formed on spout 120, other embodiments can be employed. For
example, a tab on spout 120 can interact with a slot formed on
sealing member 122. Likewise, tabs can be formed on both the spout
120 and the sealing member 122 such that one or more of the tabs
(and/or the component that the one or more the tabs are formed on)
temporarily deflects during movement of the sealing member 122 to
the sealing position. Once in the sealing position, the component
return to their normal geometries and the tabs hold the sealing
member 122 in the sealing position.
[0044] To further enhance the sealing function of lid 104, the
first projection 124 and/or second projection 126 can be oversized
with respect to the first orifice 116 and/or the second orifice 118
such that the first projection 124 and/or second projection 126 are
compressed when the sealing member 122 is held in the sealing
position. In some embodiments, the first projection 124 and/or
second projection 126 can have a flared or hourglass shape such
that a wider portion expands after insertion within the first
orifice 116 and/or the second orifice 118.
[0045] Still referring to FIGS. 1H and 1I, lid 104 can also include
a second set of detents 130 configured to releasably hold the
sealing member in a drinking position. Although the embodiment
depicted in FIGS. 1H and 1I includes a tab 130a positioned on
sealing member 122 that interacts with a corresponding tab 130b
formed on lid 104, other embodiments can be employed. For example,
a tab on sealing member 122 can interact with a slot formed on lid
or vice versa. As depicted in FIGS. 1H and 1I, the second set of
detents 130 can be proximal to a pivot point of sealing member
122.
[0046] Sealing member 122 can be held substantially flush with a
surface of the base when in the drinking position. For example,
referring to FIG. 1I, the bottom surface 132 of the sealing member
122 can be held in the drinking position at an angle of about
25.degree. or less, about 20.degree. or less, about 15.degree. or
less, about 10.degree. or less, or about 5.degree. or less with
respect to surface 134 of lid 104.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 1J, an exploded view of container 100
is provided to allow for further visualization of an embodiment of
the invention described herein.
EQUIVALENTS
[0048] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described using specific terms, such description is for
illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes
and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the following claims.
Optional Use of Color
[0049] Although the drawings provided herein are black and white
line drawings, the invention provided herein can optionally include
various colors to enhance its aesthetic appearance. For example, in
one embodiment, all components of the invention are made from
opaque white plastic except for elastomeric sleeve 112 (which can
be a brown thermoplastic rubber such as PANTONE 7504), gasket 110
(which can be a brown silicone such as PANTONE 7504), and
projections 124 and/or 126 (which can be a green silicone such as
PANTONE 382).
[0050] As appreciated by those of skill in the art, PANTONE 7504
and PANTONE 382 correspond to (152, 115, 74) and (181, 220, 16),
respectively, on the RGB (red, green, blue) color model.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0051] The entire contents of all patents, published patent
applications, and other references cited herein are hereby
expressly incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
* * * * *