U.S. patent application number 13/134154 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-06 for lid for a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Zak Designs, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeff Steininger.
Application Number | 20120305563 13/134154 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47260886 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120305563 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steininger; Jeff |
December 6, 2012 |
Lid for a container
Abstract
A lid for a drinking container is described and which includes a
base member which releasably sealably couples to a container which
encloses a liquid to be dispensed, and which further includes a
selectively rotatable cover member engageable with the base member,
and which is screwthreadably rotatable relative thereto so as to
facilitate the release of liquid from the container, and wherein
the selectively rotatable cover member matingly engages the base
member in the manner of a snap-fit.
Inventors: |
Steininger; Jeff; (St.
Marys, OH) |
Assignee: |
Zak Designs, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
47260886 |
Appl. No.: |
13/134154 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/288 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/288 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/02 20060101
B65D043/02 |
Claims
1. A lid for a container, comprising: a base member which
releasably sealably couples to a container which encloses a liquid
to be dispensed, and wherein the base member has a first end which
releasably sealably couples with the container, and an opposite
distal end, and wherein an aperture is formed in the base member
and is located adjacent to the second end thereof, and wherein the
base member further has a diminishing outside diametral dimension
as measured from the first end thereof, and extending in the
direction of the second end; and a selectively rotatable cover
member engageable with the base member, and which is
screwthreadably rotatable relative thereto so as to facilitate the
release of fluid from the container, and wherein the rotatable
cover member matingly engages the base member by telescopingly
receiving a portion of the base member, and then engages the base
member in a snap-fit manner by moving along a linear path of travel
and in the direction of the base member, and wherein the rotatable
cover member thereafter rotates along a given course of travel
relative to the base member.
2. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the
base member is defined by first, second and third portions, and
wherein a thread channel is formed in the base member and is
located in the second portion thereof, and wherein an access
passageway is formed in the second portion and intersects the
thread passageway.
3. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 2, and wherein the
thread channel has opposite first and second ends, and the access
passageway intersects the thread channel at a location about midway
between the first and second ends, thereof.
4. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 3, and wherein the
access passageway has an increasing depth dimension as that depth
dimension is measured in a direction extending from the first end
of the base member and in the direction of the second end
thereof.
5. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the
selectively rotatable cover member has an inside facing surface
which defines an internal cavity that telescopingly receives the
second and third portions of the base member, and wherein a post is
mounted on the inside facing surface of the rotatable cover member,
and is resiliently deformable so as to pass along the access
passageway, and be received, in the manner of a snap-fit, in the
thread channel.
6. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 5, and wherein a
second access passageway and second thread channel are formed in
the second portion of the base member, and are further located in a
position opposite to the first mentioned access passageway, and
wherein a second post is mounted on the inside facing surface of
the rotatable cover member and is operable to be received in the
second access passageway, and be received in the manner of a
snap-fit in the second threaded channel
7. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 6, and wherein an
aperture is formed in the rotatable cover member, and which is
substantially coaxially aligned relative to the dispensing
aperture, and wherein rotation of the cover member in a given
direction relative to the base member causes the cover member to
move in the direction of the base member, while simultaneously the
second end of the base member moves to a location relative to the
cover member where the second end occludes the aperture formed in
the cover member, and wherein rotation of the cover member in an
opposite direction causes the cover member to move away from the
base member and facilitates the removal of fluid from the container
by way of the aperture formed in the rotatable cover member.
8. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 7, and further
comprising a fluid seal mounted on the third portion of the base
member and which sealably engages the inside facing surface of the
rotatable cover member.
9. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 8, and wherein the
inside facing surface of the rotatable cover member further defines
a passageway which is coaxially aligned relative to the aperture
formed in the rotatable cover member, and which receives the third
portion of the base member which mounts the fluid seal.
10. A lid for a container, comprising: a base member which
releasably sealably couples to a container, and wherein the base
member has a main body defined by a longitudinal axis, and which
further has a first portion which is defined by a circumscribing,
outside facing sidewall, and an inside facing sidewall which
releasably sealably mates with the container, and wherein the
outside facing sidewall has a predetermined outside diametral
dimension, and which is further symmetrically oriented about the
longitudinal axis, and wherein the base member includes a second
portion, which is made integral with the first portion, and which
further has a circumscribing and outside facing sidewall which has
a predetermined outside diametral dimension which is less than the
outside diametral dimension of the first portion, and wherein the
base member includes a third portion, which is made integral with
the second portion, and which has a circumscribing outside facing
sidewall, and an opposite inside facing surface which defines a
fluid passageway which terminates at a dispensing aperture which is
located near a distal end of the third portion, and wherein a
thread channel, and an access passageway is formed in the outside
facing sidewall of the second portion; a selectively rotatable
cover member, having a main body with an outside facing, and an
opposite, inside facing surface, and wherein the inside facing
surface defines a cavity which telescopingly receives the second
and third portions of the base member therein, and wherein a pair
of posts are mounted on the inside facing surface of the cover
member and extend inwardly thereof, and are first, matingly
received in, and then pass through the access passageway, and are
then received within the thread channel which is defined by the
second portion, and wherein rotation of the cover member in a given
direction relative to the base member either moves the cover member
toward, or away from the base member, and wherein the cover member
defines an aperture which is substantially coaxially aligned with
the dispensing aperture which is formed in the third portion of the
base member; and a seal mounted on the third portion of the base
member, and which is located between the dispensing aperture and
the second portion, and wherein the seal engages the inside facing
sidewall of the cover member which defines the fluid passageway,
and wherein the cover member, when rotated relative to the base
member, moves either towards, or away from, the base member, and
wherein the cover member when rotated in a first direction moves
away from the base member, and a source of fluid contained in the
drinking container may then pass through both the dispensing
aperture formed in the third portion, and the aperture formed in
the cover member, and wherein rotation of the cover member in a
second direction causes the cover member to advance toward the base
member and substantially prohibits the source of fluid from passing
through the aperture formed in the cover member.
11. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the
second and third portions of the base member are coaxially aligned
relative to the longitudinal axis thereof, and wherein the third
portion has an outside diametral dimension which is less than
outside diametral dimension of the second portion.
12. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the
access passageway and the thread channel formed in the second
portion each have a given width and depth dimension, and further
intersect with each other, and wherein the depth dimension of the
access passageway is less than the depth dimension of the thread
channel.
13. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the
access passageway has a first, and an opposite second end, and
wherein the first end is positioned adjacent to the third portion,
and the second end is positioned adjacent to the thread channel,
and wherein the first end of the access passageway is located at a
first given radial dimension away from the longitudinal axis of the
base member, and wherein the second end of the access passageway is
located at a second given radial dimension away from the
longitudinal axis of the base member, and wherein the second radial
distance is greater than the first radial distance.
14. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 13, and wherein the
cover member has a substantially circular cross sectional shape,
and the pair of posts are located in substantially opposite
positions on the inside facing surface of the cover member, and
wherein each of the posts has a distal end, and the distance
between the distal end of each of the posts is a given linear
dimension, and wherein the access passageway includes a pair of
access passageways which are positioned in opposite locations on
the second portion of the base member, and wherein the linear
distance between the first end of each of the respective access
passageways is less than the given linear dimension between the
distal ends of each of the posts, and the linear distance between
the second end of the respective passageways is greater than given
dimension between the respective distal ends of each of the
posts.
15. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 14, and wherein the
base member includes a pair of thread channels, and wherein the
pair of posts are resilient, and deform as they move along the
access passageways and are received in the respective pair of
thread channels.
16. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 13, and wherein the
thread passageway is located at a third radial dimension relative
to the longitudinal axis of the base member, and wherein the third
radial dimension is less than the second radial dimension as
measured at the second end of the respective access
passageways.
17. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the
distal end of the third portion of the base member substantially
occludes the aperture formed in the cover member when the cover
member is rotated in the second direction so as to move the cover
member in the direction of the base member, and wherein the
occlusion of the aperture formed in the cover member substantially
prohibits the liquid contained in the container from passing
through the dispensing aperture formed in the third portion of the
base member.
18. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the
access passageway and the thread channel which are formed in the
second portion of the base member intersect each other, and wherein
the thread channel has opposite first and second ends, and wherein
the access passageway intersects the thread passage intermediate
the opposite first and second ends of the thread channel.
19. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the
access passageway and the thread channel each have a given length
and depth dimension, and wherein the thread channel has a
substantially uniform depth dimension as measured along the length
of the thread channel, and wherein the depth dimension of the
access channel decreases as the depth dimension is measured from
the third portion of the base member and in the direction of the
first portion thereof.
20. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein a
circumscribing seal seat is made integral with the third portion of
the base member, and located adjacent the distal end thereof, and
wherein the seal is matingly supported in the circumscribing seal
seat.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a lid for a container, and
more specifically to a lid which finds usefulness in dispensing a
liquid from a container and which further can be easily and
reliably assembled in a manner not possible, heretofore.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The inventor and the assignee of the present application
have endeavored to develop a wide variety of drinking containers
for use in sports and other recreational pursuits. As of late, many
individuals have adopted the practice of carrying a drinking
container with them to sports, and other activities, so that they
may conveniently consume beverages of their choice at any time
which is convenient to them. Containers for holding liquids have
taken on various designs depending upon whether the fluid to be
consumed is a hot beverage, cold beverage or a beverage, for
example, that may have a high sugar content. In the cases of hot
and cold beverages, various thermally insulated containers have
been commercially introduced. Further, dispensing lids used with
such beverage containers have had various designs. Some of these
designs have operated with various degrees of success. In some
cases, the dispensing containers and more specifically, the
dispensing lids thereof have had rather complex mechanical
arrangements. These complex designs have created perceived
difficulties inasmuch as the use of these drinking containers with,
for example, sugary beverages has often made it difficult for a
consumer to effectively clean the lid so as to remove sugary
residue left by the beverage product. This sugary residue, if left
unattended, would tend to encourage the growth of bacteria, and
often, over time, impede the operation of the dispensing lid by
causing the component part of the dispensing lid to stick together,
or otherwise jam thereby preventing the correct operation of the
dispensing lid.
[0003] Additionally, many of the earlier developed dispensing lids
for fluid containing vessels of various sorts have not operated
effectively to seal the fluid container from leakage when the
container has been inverted, such as might occur in a backpack or
when the container has been subjected to vibrations associated with
it being carried at a sporting event, or during exercise such as
when it is used on a bicycle or the like. While some dispensing lid
designs have been proposed which address these shortcomings, these
same lids, as a general matter, are quite complex in their overall
design and are therefore costly to manufacture.
[0004] Therefore, a lid for a container which avoids the detriments
associated with the prior art designs, and which further provides a
means for readily sealing a container and thereafter allowing the
effective dispensing of a liquid or other fluid enclosed from the
container, and which is easy to manufacture and operate is the
subject matter of the present application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a lid for
a container which includes a base member which releasably sealably
couples to a container which encloses a liquid to be dispensed, and
wherein the base member has a first end which releasably sealably
couples with the container, and an opposite distal end, and wherein
an aperture is formed in the base member and is located adjacent to
the second end thereof, and wherein the base member further has a
diminishing outside diametral dimension as measured from the first
end thereof, and extending in the direction of the second end; and
a selectively rotatable cover member engageable with the base
member, and which is screwthreadably rotatable relative thereto so
as to facilitate the release of fluid from the container, and
wherein the rotatable cover member matingly engages the base member
by telescopingly receiving a portion of the base member, and then
engages the base member in a snap-fit manner by moving along a
linear path of travel and in the direction of the base member, and
wherein the rotatable cover member thereafter rotates along a given
course of travel relative to the base member.
[0006] Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a
lid for a container which includes a base member which releasably
sealably couples to a container, and wherein the base member has a
main body defined by a longitudinal axis, and which further has a
first portion which is defined by a circumscribing, outside facing
sidewall, and an inside facing sidewall which releasably sealably
mates with the container, and wherein the outside facing sidewall
has a predetermined outside diametral dimension, and which is
further symmetrically oriented about the longitudinal axis, and
wherein the base member includes a second portion, which is made
integral with the first portion, and which further has a
circumscribing and outside facing sidewall which has a
predetermined outside diametral dimension which is less than the
outside diametral dimension of the first portion, and wherein the
base member includes a third portion, which is made integral with
the second portion, and which has a circumscribing outside facing
sidewall, and an opposite inside facing surface which defines a
fluid passageway which terminates at a dispensing aperture which is
located near a distal end of the third portion, and wherein a
thread channel, and an access passageway is formed in the outside
facing sidewall of the second portion; a selectively rotatable
cover member, having a main body with an outside facing, and an
opposite, inside facing surface, and wherein the inside facing
surface defines a cavity which telescopingly receives the second
and third portions of the base member therein, and wherein a pair
of posts are mounted on the inside facing surface of the cover
member and extend inwardly thereof, and are first, matingly
received in, and then pass through the access passageway, and are
then received within the thread channel which is defined by the
second portion, and wherein rotation of the cover member in a given
direction relative to the base member either moves the cover member
toward, or away from the base member, and wherein the cover member
defines an aperture which is substantially coaxially aligned with
the dispensing aperture which is formed in the third portion of the
base member; and a seal mounted on the third portion of the base
member, and which is located between the dispensing aperture and
the second portion, and wherein the seal engages the inside facing
sidewall of the cover member which defines the fluid passageway,
and wherein the cover member, when rotated relative to the base
member, moves either towards, or away from, the base member, and
wherein the cover member when rotated in a first direction moves
away from the base member, and a source of fluid contained in the
drinking container may then pass through both the dispensing
aperture formed in the third portion, and the aperture formed in
the cover member, and wherein rotation of the cover member in a
second direction causes the cover member to advance toward the base
member and substantially prohibits the source of fluid from passing
through the aperture formed in the cover member.
[0007] These and other aspects of the present invention will be
described in greater detail hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below
with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a fully assembled, side elevation view of a lid
for a container, and which is the subject matter of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, side elevation view of a base
member which finds usefulness in the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top, plan view of the base member which finds
usefulness in the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom, plan view of the base member which finds
usefulness in the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top, plan view of a selectively rotatable cover
member which finds usefulness in the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a bottom, plan view of the rotatable cover member
which finds usefulness in the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a fully assembled lid for
a container of the present invention, and which is shown in a
first, operational position.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a fully assembled lid for
a container of the present invention, and which is shown in a
second, operational position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance
of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws "to promote
the progress of science and useful arts" (Article 1, Section
8).
[0018] Referring more specifically to FIG. 1, the present invention
relates to a lid for a container, and which is generally indicated
by the numeral 10. The lid 10 is operable to releasably, sealably
mate with a container 11 of conventional design. The container is
generally defined by a main body 12 which has a substantially
continuous sidewall 13. The sidewall further defines an internal
cavity 14 which encloses a liquid or fluid to be dispensed, and
which is indicated by the numeral 15. The main body has a top
portion or upper end 20 which defines an upstanding neck 21. The
neck has an exterior facing threaded surface 22, and which is
operable to threadably mate with the lid 10 as will be described,
hereinafter. It should be understood that while the neck 21 of the
container 11 is illustrated as having a threaded exterior surface
22, other fastening arrangements can be used, and which would allow
the lid 10 to releasably couple, in a secure fashion, with the
container 11.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2, the lid 10 of the present invention
has, as a first component portion thereof, a base member, and which
is generally indicated by the numeral 30. The base member 30 as
will be described, hereinafter, can be releasably threadably mated
to the neck 21 of the container 11 in a fashion which is familiar
to those skilled in the art. The base member 30 is composed of
integral, yet discreet, first, second and third portions which are
indicated by the numerals 31, 32 and 33, respectively. Further, the
base member 30 has a first end 34, and an opposite second, or
distal end 35. As will be seen by reference to FIG. 2, the base
member 30 is further defined by a longitudinal axis which is
generally indicated by the line labeled 36. As best seen in FIG. 2,
the base member 30 is further defined, at least in part, by outside
facing sidewalls 41, 42 and 43, respectively. The outside facing
sidewall 41 which forms, at least in part, the first portion 31,
has a first outside diametral dimension. Additionally, the outside
facing sidewall 42 which forms a part of the second portion 32 has
a second, outside diametral dimension, which is less than the first
portion 31. Further, the outside facing sidewall 43 which forms a
part of the third portion 33 has a third outside diametral
dimension which is less than the second outside diametral dimension
of the second portion 32. As seen in this view, the outside facing
sidewall 41 has a multiplicity of spaced, elevated regions 44 which
provide a convenient means for a user to securely grip the lid 10
in order to provide rotational force so as to cause the unthreading
of the lid 10 from the adjacent container 11 which encloses the
liquid 15 to be dispensed. Further, the first portion 31 is
defined, at least in part, by a rather flat and annular shaped
flange region 45 which circumscribes or otherwise surrounds the
second portion 32 of the base member 30.
[0020] Referring still to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the second
portion 32 has a first end 51 which is made integral with the
flange region 45, and which further circumscribes same, and which
forms, as earlier discussed, a part of the first portion 31. The
second portion 32 has an opposite second end 52. Further, the
second portion has a flange region 53 which circumscribes or
otherwise surrounds the third portion 33 of the base member 30.
[0021] As best seen in FIG. 2, and following a pair of access
passageways 54 are formed in the outside facing surface 42 of the
second portion 32. This pair of access passageways will be
discussed in greater detail, below. Still further, a pair of thread
channels 55 are oriented in opposite positions, and are formed in
the outside facing sidewall 42 of the second portion 32. The pair
of thread channels 55 are individually operable to matingly
cooperate with a selectively rotatable cover member so as to define
a course of movement for the selectively rotatable cover member
while the cover member is being matingly coupled or assembled with
the base member 30. These features of the invention will be
discussed in greater detail below. Continuing still with FIG. 2, it
will be seen that the pair of access passageways 54 include a first
access passageway 61, and a second access passageway 62. These
first and second access passageways are located in substantially
opposite positions on the second portion 32 of the base member 30.
The first and second access passageways 61, 62 are located in
predetermined spaced angulated relation relative to the
longitudinal axis 36 as defined by the base portion 30. Further,
each of the first and second access passageways 61 and 62 has a
first end 63 which is positioned or located adjacent to the third
portion 33, and an opposite, second end 64, which is positioned
adjacent to one of the two thread channels 55 which are also formed
in the second portion 32. The respective first and second access
passageways 61, 62 are defined by a pair of spaced, substantially
parallel sidewalls 65, and a sloping bottom surface which is
generally indicated by the numeral 66. In the arrangement as seen
in FIG. 2, the respective first and second access passageways 61,
62 each have a depth dimension which diminishes when that depth
dimension is measured from a location extending from the first end
63, and in the direction of the second end 64. More specifically,
the respective first and second access passageways 61 and 62 have a
depth dimension wherein the first end 63 of the respective first
and second access passageways 61, 62 are located at a first given
radial dimension here indicated by the numeral 71 from the
longitudinal axis 36 of the base member 30. Further, the second end
64 of the respective first and second access passageways 61, 62 are
located at a second given radial dimension here indicated by the
numeral 72 away from the longitudinal axis 36. As seen in the
drawings, the second radial distance indicated by the numeral 72 is
greater than the first radial distance 71. This demonstrates that
the respective access passageways 61, 62 do not have a uniform
depth across their length dimension as measured along the bottom
surface 66. Applicant has provided a line labeled 73 which is
positioned along the bottom surface 66 and which shows that the
first and second access passageways are oriented so as to be
generally convergently directed towards the distal end 35 of the
base member 30. Of course, when viewed from the first end 63 in the
direction of the second end 64, thereof, the respective access
passageways 61, 62 diverge from the longitudinal axis 36.
[0022] The pair of thread channels 55 include first and second
thread channels 81 and 82, respectively. The first and second
thread channels are formed in substantially opposite positions on
the outside facing surface 42 of the second portion 32, and further
each have opposite first and second ends 83 and 84, respectively.
The first and second thread channels are operable to matingly
threadably cooperate with the rotatable cover member which will be
described in greater detail, hereinafter. Further, the respective
thread channels each have a substantially uniform depth dimension
when measured between the first and second ends 83, 84 thereof. In
relative comparison to the first and second access passageways 61
and 62, the depth dimension of the first and second thread channels
81 and 82 is greater than the depth dimension as measured at the
second end 64 of the respective first and second access passageways
61 and 62. As seen in the drawings, the first end 83 of the
respective first and second thread channels 81 and 82 is located
adjacent to the flange region 45; and the second end 84 is located
adjacent to the flange region 53. As further seen in the drawings,
the first and second access passageway 61 and 62 intersect with the
first and second thread channels 81 and 82 at a point 85 which is
located at approximately midway, or intermediate, the first and
second ends 83, 84 thereof. As noted earlier, the respective thread
channels 81 and 82 have a substantially uniform depth dimension as
measured along the length of the respective thread channels 55, and
the depth dimension of the respective access channels 61 and 62
decreases as the depth dimension is measured from the third portion
33, and in the direction of the first portion 31 thereof.
[0023] Referring still to FIG. 2, the base number 30, and more
specifically the third portion 33, thereof, has a first end 91
which is made integral with the flange region 53 as earlier
described. Further, the third portion 33 has an opposite second end
92. Still further, the third portion has a circular seal seat made
integral therewith, and which is located therebetween the first and
second ends 91 and 92. The seal seat 93 is operable to receive or
otherwise support a resilient, synthetic fluid seal 94 which is
operable to fluid sealingly mate with a selectably rotatable cover
member which will be described in greater detail, below. As best
seen in FIG. 2, a plurality of dispensing apertures 95 are formed
in the third portion 33 and which permits the liquid or other fluid
15 that has been placed within the cavity 14 of the container 11 to
escape therethrough when the rotatable cover member is located in a
given operational position. This feature of the invention 10 will
also be discussed in the paragraphs which follow. As seen in the
drawings, the seal seat 93 and the fluid seal 34 are located
between the dispensing apertures 94 and the second portion 32.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the base
member 30 and more specifically the first, second and third
portions 31, 32 and 33 are defined by a multiplicity of inside
facing sidewalls which are here indicated by the numerals 101, 102
and 103, respectively. The first inside facing surface 101, which
corresponds to the first portion 31, has formed therein a
multiplicity of screw threads 104 which are operable to matingly,
threadably cooperate with the threaded exterior surface 22 which is
made integral with the neck 21. As will be further seen by a study
of FIG. 4, the second inside facing sidewall 102 corresponds with,
and forms a part of, the second portion 32 of the base member 30.
The inside facing sidewall 102 is sized so that it may be, at least
in part, telescopingly received within the neck 21 of the container
11. Further, it will be understood that the third inside facing
sidewall 103 which corresponds with, and forms a part of the third
portion 33 defines a fluid passageway 65 which terminates at the
earlier mentioned dispensing apertures 95. As earlier discussed,
the dispensing apertures 95 are located adjacent to the distal or
second end 92 of the third portion 33. As seen in FIG. 4, the
flange region 53 has an inside facing surface 66 which is sized so
that it may rest in a supported sealing relation about the neck 21
of the container 11 so as to prohibit the leakage of liquid 15 from
the container 11 when the first portion 31 is fully threadably
engaged with the container 11. An optional 0-ring seal (not shown)
may be positioned on surface 66 to enhance the ability of the base
member 30 to sealably mate with the container 11.
[0025] Reference should now be made to FIGS. 1 and 5 which shows
the selectively rotatable cover 110 which forms a feature of the
present invention 10. More specifically, the selectively rotatable
cover 110 is defined by a first end 111, and an opposite second end
112. As seen in FIG. 5, an aperture 113 is formed in the second end
112 and the aperture 113 is substantially coaxially aligned
relative to the dispensing apertures 95 which are defined by or
formed in the third portion 33. Further, the aperture 113 has a
diametral dimension which is just slightly greater than the outside
diametral dimension of the second end 92, of the third portion 33.
As the selectably rotatable cover 110 is located in a given
operational position, the second end 92 is operable to occlude the
aperture 113 so as to prohibit the release of any liquid or fluid
15 from the cavity 14 of the container 11. Further, when the
selectively rotatable cover is positioned in another operational
position as will be described hereinafter, the aperture 113 remains
non-occluded by second end 92. This facilitates the dispensing of
liquid 15 from the container 11 by drink or pouring, for
example.
[0026] As seen in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the first end
111 of the selectively rotatable cover 110 has a non-uniform
peripheral edge 114. Further, the rotatable cover member has a
semi-hemispherical shaped first portion 115, and a generally
elongated, and/or rectangularly shaped second portion 116 which is
best seen by the top, plan view of FIG. 5. The generally
rectangularly shaped second portion 116 facilitates a user in
applying force to the selectively rotatable cover 110 to rotate it
in a given direction so as to place the lid 10 in either a closed
or open operational position which facilitates or promotes the
dispensing of liquid 15 from the cavity 14 of the container 11.
Further, the second portion 116 provides a conveniently shaped
drinking spout which a user may place in their mouth while drinking
(not shown). As seen in FIG. 1, an embossed, arrow shaped pattern
117 is formed on, or made integral with, the semi-hemispherical
shaped first portion 116 and provides a convenient visual cue or
indicator to a user of the container 11 so as to indicate the
direction with which the rotatable cover needs to be rotated so as
to permit the release or dispensing of liquid 15 from the cavity
14, as well as the direction in which to rotate the rotatable cover
110 so as to prohibit the dispensing of fluid 15 from the container
11.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the
selectively rotatable cover member 110 defines an internal cavity
120 which is operable to telescopingly receive the second and third
portions 32 and 33 of the base member 30. The semi-hemispherical
shaped first portion 115 has a first inside facing surface 121.
Further, the generally elongated and/or rectangularly shaped second
portion 116 is defined by a second inwardly facing surface 122. As
will be recognized from the drawings, the second inwardly facing
surface 122 defines, at least in part, a second fluid passageway
123 which has an inside diametral dimension which permits the third
portion 33 to be telescopingly received therein. More specifically,
the inside diametral dimension of the second fluid passageway 123
is dimensional so that the resilient fluid seal 94 may be received
within, fluid sealingly cooperates with, and move therealong same
in a manner which will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter.
As further seen by a study of FIG. 6, a plurality of radially
extending and spaced ribs 124 are mounted on the first inside
facing surface 81. These ribs 124 have a maximum dimension when
measured in the radial direction. Further, it will be seen that the
plurality of ribs are illustrated as being fabricated or oriented
in two groups of three. These groups of ribs 124 are positioned
opposite to each other. Further, a linear distance as measured
between the opposite groups of ribs 124 is slightly greater when
the outside diametral dimension of the second portion 32. This
feature of the invention will be discussed below.
[0028] As will be seen by a study of FIG. 6, a pair of posts 125
are made integral with the first inside facing surface 121, and are
positioned in an opposite locations, one relative to the other. The
respective posts 125 each have an inwardly directed radial, or
length dimension, which is greater than the greatest radially
oriented dimension attributed to the plurality of spaced ribs 124.
Further, the pair of posts 125 each have a distal end 126.
Additionally, the distance between the distal ends of each of the
oppositely positioned posts 125 is a given linear dimension which
is indicated by the line labeled 127. As should be understood, the
linear distance between the first ends 63, of the first and second
access passageways 61, 62 is less than the given linear dimension
between the distal ends 126 of the respective posts 125. Further,
the linear distance between the second ends 64 of the first and
second access passageways 61, 62 is greater than the given linear
dimension between the respective distal ends of each of the posts.
In this arrangement, it will be understood therefore, that when
assembling, or moveably mounting the selectively rotatable cover
110 on the base member 30, the respective pair of posts 125 are
first received in the first and second access passageways 61, 62 at
the first ends 63, thereof and thereafter, with the application of
force, they each move along the access passageways 61, 62 in a
linear direction, and then resiliently bend or otherwise deform so
that they may each be received in the manner of a snap-fit into the
pair of thread channels 81 and 82 as earlier disclosed. During this
linear movement along the access passageways 61, 62, the plurality
of spaced ribs 124 are effective in engaging the second portion 32
and assisting, at least in part, in the resilient deformation of
the selectively rotatable cover member 110, and the respective pair
of posts 125 so as to effectuate the convenient, secure snap-fit
attachment of the rotatable cover 110 with the base member 30. This
type of assembly has not been possible, heretofore. In particular,
it should be noted that in view of the diverging, sloping nature of
the respective access passageways 61, 62 as indicated by the
numeral 73, as increasing force is applied to the rotatable cover
member 110 to move it along the respective access passageways 61,
62, the respective posts, as well as the selectively rotatable
cover member 110 resiliently distort, so as to allow the posts 120
to pass along the first access passageways 61, 62 from the first
end 63 to the second end 64 thereof. Thereafter, the respective
posts 120 snap-fit into the respective first and second thread
channels 81, 82 thereby securely and rotatably fastening the
selectively rotatable cover member 110 to the base member 30. As
will be appreciated, the inside diametral dimension of the first
inside facing surface 121 is just slightly greater than the outside
diametral dimension of the second portion 32. Therefore, the
respective pair of posts 125 are securely received within the first
and second thread channels 81 and 82. Thereafter, when rotational
force is applied by a user, (not shown) to the selectively
rotatable cover member 110 the pair of posts 125 smoothly move
along the first and second thread channels 81 and 82 between the
first and second ends thereof 83 and 84. The posts 125 cooperate
with the first and second thread channels, and with the first and
second ends 83 and 84 therefore, to provide a course of travel 130
for the selectively rotatable cover member 110. As will be
appreciated, the length of the respective posts is less than about
the depth dimension of the respective first and second thread
channels 81, 82, respectively.
[0029] More specifically, when the pair of posts 125 are located at
the first end 83 of the first and second thread channels 81, 82,
the selectively rotatable cover member 110 is operationally
positioned so as to prohibit the release of liquid 15 from the
cavity 14 because the distal end 92 of the third portion 33
sealingly occludes the aperture 113 which is formed in the second
end 112 thereof. As rotatable force is applied to the cover member
110 to cause rotation in a counterclockwise direction, the
rotatable cover member 110 moves longitudinally outwardly, and away
from the first portion 31 of the base member 30. As the rotatable
cover member 110 moves away from the first portion 31 of the base
member 30, and the pair of posts 125 move along the respective
first and second thread channels 81 and 82, the second end 92 moves
from its occluding position relative to the aperture 113 into a
nonoccluding position. When the respective posts 125 are positioned
at the second end 84 of the respective first and second thread
channels 81, 82, the selectively rotatable cover member 110 is
spaced away from the first portion 31 of the base member 30, and
liquid 15, from the cavity 14, can be dispensed from the container
11. When this event happens, liquid 15 moves through the fluid
passageway 105 which is defined by the base member 30, and then
pass through the second fluid passageway 123 as defined by the
selectively rotatable cover member 110. The fluid or liquid, of
course, escapes through the plurality of dispensing apertures 95
which are formed in the third portion 33. To close or seal the lid
10, rotational force is applied in a clockwise direction, and the
pair of posts 125 move from the second end 84 of the respective
first and second thread channels 81 and 82, to the first end 83
thereof. As this clockwise rotation occurs, the rotatable cover
member 110 advances or moves longitudinally towards the first
portion of the base member 30 until the respective posts 125 reach
the first end 83 thereof. At that point, again, the second end 92
of the third portion 33 is positioned in a substantially occluding,
and fluid impeding relationship relative to the aperture 113 which
is formed in the selectively rotatable cover member 110. This
prevents fluid 15 from being dispensed from the container 11.
Further, a resilient fluid seal cooperates with the rotatable cover
member 110 so as to prohibit fluid 15 from escaping through the
cover member 110 by passing between the cover member 110 and the
second portion 32 of the base member 30.
Operation
[0030] The operation of the described embodiment of the present
invention 10 is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly
summarized at this point.
[0031] In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to a
lid 10 for a drinking container 11 which includes, among other
things, a base member 30 which releasably sealably couples to a
container 11 which encloses a liquid 15 to be dispensed. Further,
the invention 10 includes a base member 30 which has a first end 34
which releasably sealably couples with the container 11, and an
opposite, distal end 35. A dispensing aperture 95 is formed in the
base member 30, and is located adjacent to the second end 35
thereof. The base member 30 further has a diminishing outside
diametral dimension as measured from the first end 34 thereof, and
extending in the direction of the second end 35. The invention in
its broadest aspects includes a selectively rotatable cover member
110 which is engageable with the base member 30, and which is
screwthreadably rotatable relative thereto so as to facilitate the
release of the liquid 15 from the container 11. The rotatable cover
member 110 matingly engages the base member 30 by telescopingly
receiving a portion of the base member 30, and then engages the
base member 30 in the manner of a snap-fit by moving along a linear
path of travel as defined by the access passageways 61, 62, and in
the direction of the base member 30 when being assembled. The
rotatable cover member 110 thereafter rotates along a given course
of travel 131 relative to the base member.
[0032] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a lid 10
for a container 11, and which includes a base member 30 which
releasably sealably couples to a container 11, and which encloses a
liquid 15. The base member 30 has a main body which is defined by a
longitudinal axis 36, and which further has a first portion 31,
which is defined by a circumscribing, outside facing sidewall 41,
and an opposite inside facing sidewall 101 which releasably
sealably mates with the container 11. The outside facing sidewall
41 has a predetermined outside diametral dimension, and which is
further symmetrically oriented about the longitudinal axis 36. The
base member 30 also includes a second portion 32 which is made
integral with the first portion 31, and which further has a
circumscribing and outside facing sidewall 42 which has a
predetermined outside diametral dimension which is less than the
outside diametral dimension of the first portion 31. The base
member 30 also includes a third portion 33 which is made integral
with the second portion 32, and which further has a circumscribing
outside facing sidewall 43, and an opposite inside facing surface
103 which defines a fluid passageway 105 which terminates at a
dispensing aperture 95. The aperture 95 is located near a distal
end of the third portion 33. A plurality of thread channels 81, 82,
and access passageways 61, 62 are formed in the outside facing
sidewall of the second portion 32. In the present invention 10, a
selectively rotatable cover member 110 is provided, and which has a
main body with an outside facing, and an opposite, inside facing
surface 121, 122, respectively. The inside facing surface 122
defines a cavity 120 which telescopingly receives the second and
third portions 32 and 33 of the base member 30, therein. A pair of
posts 125 are mounted on the inside facing surface 122 of the cover
member 110, and extend radially, inwardly relative thereto, and are
first, matingly received in, and then pass through the respective
access passageways 61, 62, and are then received within the
respective thread channels 81, 82 which are defined by the second
portion 32. As earlier discussed, the rotation of the cover member
110 in a given direction relative to the base member 30 either
moves the cover member 110 towards, or away from the first portion
31 of the base member 30. The cover member 110 defines a fluid
passageway 123, and an aperture 113 communicates with the fluid
passageway 123, and is further substantially coaxially aligned with
the dispensing apertures 95 which are formed in the third portion
33 of the base member 30.
[0033] The invention 10 further includes a seal 94 which is mounted
on the third portion 33 of the base member 30, and which is further
located between the dispensing apertures 95, and the distal end of
the third portion 33. The seal 94 engages the inside facing
sidewall 122 of the cover member 110 which defines the fluid
passageway 123. The cover member 110, when rotated relative to the
first portion 31 of the base member 30, moves either towards, or
away from, the first portion 31 of the base member 30. The cover
member 110, when rotated in a first direction, moves away from the
first portion 31 of the base member 30, and liquid 15 contained in
the container 11 may then pass through both the dispensing aperture
95 formed in the third portion, and the aperture 113 formed in the
cover member 110. Further, the rotation of the cover member 110 in
an opposite second direction causes the cover member 110 to advance
or move towards the first portion 31 of the base member 30, and
substantially prohibits the liquid 15 from passing through the
aperture 113 formed in the rotational cover member 110. The seal 94
smoothly and sealingly moves along the fluid passageway 123 as the
cover member 110 moves both towards, and then away from the base
member 30 as it is rotated in a clockwise, or counterclockwise
direction.
[0034] Therefore, it will be seen that the present invention 10
provides a convenient arrangement for dispensing fluids 15 from a
container 11 which has not been possible, heretofore. The present
invention 10 can be easily, and reliably assembled, provides a sure
means by which a container 11 can be sealed against leakage, and
further provides a means which are readily operable by a user, and
whereby a fluid 15 can be dispensed from a container 11 in a manner
not possible heretofore in an overall construction which is simple,
cost effective, easy to manufacture, and readily avoids many of the
shortcomings attendant with the prior art practices.
[0035] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been
described in language more or less specific as to structural and
methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the specific features shown and
described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred
forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is,
therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the
proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in
accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
* * * * *