U.S. patent application number 15/063681 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-22 for lid assemblies for drinking vessels and drinking vessels including the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tervis Tumbler Company. Invention is credited to Daniel Childs, Kurt Karussi.
Application Number | 20160270572 15/063681 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56923489 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160270572 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karussi; Kurt ; et
al. |
September 22, 2016 |
LID ASSEMBLIES FOR DRINKING VESSELS AND DRINKING VESSELS INCLUDING
THE SAME
Abstract
A lid assembly for a hollow drinking vessel for holding a hot
beverage is disclosed. The lid assembly includes a body having a
top wall, a port in the top wall, a cover, a peripheral sidewall,
and a vent. The cover is slidable with respect to the port to
either close or open it. Portions of the peripheral sidewall and
the top wall merge to form a crevice providing a path for the
beverage to flow into the port. The port includes an elastomeric
seal to form a fluid-tight interface when the cover is closed. The
peripheral sidewall includes a ramp like projection to enable the
user to apply upward pressure thereto to facilitate the removal of
the lid assembly from the vessel. The vent is configured to enable
steam within the vessel to exit the ambient atmosphere to thereby
reduce the build-up of pressure within the vessel, which could
result in hot liquid sputtering out of the port when the slidable
cover is opened.
Inventors: |
Karussi; Kurt; (Osprey,
FL) ; Childs; Daniel; (Nokomis, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tervis Tumbler Company |
North Venice |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56923489 |
Appl. No.: |
15/063681 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62135963 |
Mar 20, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2288 20130101;
B65D 2543/00046 20130101; A47G 19/2272 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22; B65D 51/18 20060101 B65D051/18; B65D 47/06 20060101
B65D047/06; B65D 47/32 20060101 B65D047/32; B65D 43/02 20060101
B65D043/02; B65D 43/20 20060101 B65D043/20 |
Claims
1. A lid assembly for releasable mounting on a drinking vessel
having a hollow body bounding an internal cavity configured for
receipt of a beverage to enable a user to drink or pour the
beverage through said lid assembly, the hollow body having an
annular rim at a top edge thereof, said lid assembly comprising a
generally convex crowned top wall, a peripheral sidewall extending
about said top wall, and an annular recess, said crowned top wall
including a port configured for communication with said internal
cavity when said lid assembly is mounted on the vessel, said
crowned top wall including a slidable cover configured to be slid
between a closed position and an open position and vice versa, said
slidable cover when in said closed position sealing said port and
when in said open position exposing said port, said peripheral
sidewall having a top edge located above said crowned top wall and
an inner surface tapering downward from said top edge to said
crowned top wall, said inner surface merging with said crowned top
wall to form a crevice providing a path for any beverage that may
become located on said crowned top wall to flow into said port,
said annular recess being configured for receipt of the annular rim
of the vessel to releasably mount said lid assembly on the
vessel.
2. The lid assembly of claim 1 wherein said annular recess
comprises an elastomeric member configured for engaging said
annular rim to result in a fluid-tight interface between said lid
assembly and said the vessel.
3. The lid assembly of claim 1 wherein said port has a periphery
and comprises an elastomeric seal about said periphery of said
port, said elastomeric seal being configured to be engaged by said
cover to form a fluid-tight interface therebetween when said cover
is in said closed position.
4. The lid assembly of claim 2 wherein said port has a periphery
and comprises an elastomeric seal about said periphery of said
port, said elastomeric seal being configured to be engaged by said
cover to form a fluid-tight interface therebetween when said cover
is in said closed position, said elastomeric member for
frictionally engaging said annular ring and said elastomeric seal
extending about said periphery of said port being an integral
unit.
5. The lid assembly of claim 1 wherein said peripheral sidewall
includes a pouring channel located therein between a portion of
said top edge and said port to enable a beverage in the vessel to
be poured out of the vessel through said port.
6. The lid assembly of claim 1 wherein said peripheral sidewall
additionally comprises an undercut lip portion configured to be
engaged by a user to enable the user to drink from the vessel when
said lid assembly is releasably secured to the vessel and said
cover is in said open position.
7. The lid assembly of claim 5 wherein said peripheral sidewall
additionally comprises an undercut lip portion configured to be
engaged by a user to enable the user to drink from the vessel when
said lid assembly is releasably secured to the vessel and said
cover is in said open position, said undercut lip portion being
located adjacent said pouring channel.
8. The lid assembly of claim 1 wherein said lid assembly comprises
a ramp-like projection extending out from said peripheral sidewall,
said ramp-like projection being configured to be engaged by a user
to apply upward pressure to said projection to facilitate the
removal of said lid assembly from the vessel.
9. The lid assembly of claim 8 wherein said ramp-like projection
includes at least one elastomeric member configured for engagement
by a user to facilitate the removal of said lid assembly from the
vessel.
10. The lid assembly of claim 4 wherein said lid assembly comprises
a ramp-like projection extending out from said peripheral sidewall,
said ramp-like projection including at least one elastomeric
member, said at least one elastomeric member forming a portion of
said integral unit and being configured to be engaged by a user to
apply upward pressure to said projection to facilitate the removal
of said lid assembly from the vessel.
11. The lid assembly of claim 1 wherein said cover includes an
outer surface having at least one elastomeric member configured for
engagement by a user to facilitate the sliding of said cover
between said closed and open positions.
12. The lid assembly of claim 1 wherein said top wall includes a
concave undersurface to provide additional volume for said internal
cavity when said lid assembly is mounted on the vessel.
13. A lid assembly for releasable mounting on a drinking vessel
having a hollow body bounding an internal cavity configured for
receipt of a hot beverage to enable a user to drink or pour the
beverage through said lid assembly, the hollow body having an
annular rim at a top edge thereof, said lid assembly comprising top
wall, a vent, a peripheral sidewall extending about said top wall,
and an annular recess, said top wall including a port and a
slidable cover, said slidable cover being configured to be slid
between a closed position and an open position and vice versa, said
slidable cover when in said closed position sealing said port and
when in said open position exposing said to port, said port being
located adjacent a portion of said peripheral sidewall, said
annular recess being configured for receipt of the annular rim of
the vessel to releasably mount said lid assembly on the vessel,
said vent being configured to direct any steam from a hot beverage
within the internal cavity away from said portion of said
peripheral sidewall to which said port is adjacent.
14. The lid assembly of claim 13 wherein said vent comprises at
least one channel located in said slidable cover, said at least one
channel terminating in an open end directed away from said
port.
15. The lid assembly of claim 13 wherein said cover includes at
least one downwardly projecting tab and wherein said top wall
includes at least one slot in which said tab is located, said tab
being configured to hold said cover on said top wall while enabling
said cover to be slid between said open and closed positions, said
at least one channel of said cover being in communication with said
at least one slot of said top wall whereby any steam within said
internal cavity can flow through a portion of said slot and into
said at least one channel of said cover.
16. The lid assembly of claim 13 wherein said vent is located in
said top wall and remote from said port.
17. The lid assembly of claim 16 wherein said vent comprises a slot
and wherein said lid assembly additionally comprises a baffle
located below said top wall and under said at least one slot to
direct any steam within the internal cavity out through said at
least one slot and away from said portion of said peripheral
sidewall to which said port is adjacent.
18. The lid assembly of claim 17 wherein said vent comprises a
plurality of undulating shaped slots.
19. In combination a lid assembly and a vessel, said vessel
comprising a drinking vessel having a hollow body bounding an
internal cavity, said hollow body having an annular rim at a top
edge thereof, said lid assembly being configured to enable a user
to drink or pour the beverage through said lid assembly, said lid
assembly comprising a generally convex crowned top wall, a
peripheral sidewall extending about said crowned top wall, and an
annular recess, said crowned top wall including a port configured
for communication with said internal cavity when said lid assembly
is mounted on said vessel, said crowned top wall including a
slidable cover, said slidable cover being configured to be slid
between a closed position and an open position and vice versa, said
slidable cover when in said closed position sealing said port and
when in said open position exposing said port, said peripheral
sidewall having a top edge located above said crowned top wall and
an inner surface tapering downward from said top edge to said
crowned top wall, said inner surface merging with said crowned top
wall to form a crevice providing a path for liquid therein to flow
into said port, said annular recess being configured for receipt of
said annular rim of the vessel to releasably mount said lid
assembly on the vessel.
20. The combination of claim 19 wherein said vessel comprises a
double walled insulated vessel.
21. The combination of claim 19 wherein said annular recess
comprises an elastomeric member configured for engaging said
annular rim to result in a fluid-tight interface between said lid
assembly and said the vessel.
22. The combination of claim 19 wherein said port has a periphery
and comprises an elastomeric seal about said periphery of said
port, said elastomeric seal being configured to be engaged by said
cover to form a fluid-tight interface therebetween when said cover
is in said closed position.
23. The combination of claim 19 wherein said lid assembly comprises
a ramp-like projection extending out from said peripheral sidewall,
said ramp-like projection being configured to be engaged by a user
to apply upward pressure to said projection to facilitate the
removal of said lid assembly from the vessel.
24. The combination of claim 23 wherein said ramp-like projection
includes at least one elastomeric member configured for engagement
by a user to facilitate the removal of said lid assembly from the
vessel.
25. The combination of claim 19 wherein said cover includes an
outer surface having at least one elastomeric member configured for
engagement by a user to facilitate the sliding of said cover
between said closed and open positions.
26. The combination of claim 19 wherein said top wall includes a
concave undersurface to provide additional volume for said internal
cavity when said lid assembly is mounted on the vessel.
27. In combination a lid assembly and a drinking vessel, said
drinking vessel having a hollow body bounding an internal cavity
configured for receipt of a hot beverage, said hollow body having
an annular rim at a top edge thereof, said lid assembly being
configured to enable a user to drink or pour the beverage through
said lid assembly and comprising top wall, a vent, a peripheral
sidewall extending about said top wall, and an annular recess, said
top wall including a port and a slidable cover, said slidable cover
being configured to be slid between a closed position and an open
position and vice versa, said slidable cover when in said closed
position sealing said port and when in said open position exposing
said port, said annular recess being configured for receipt of the
annular rim of the vessel to releasably mount said lid assembly on
said vessel, said vent being configured to direct any steam from a
hot beverage within said internal cavity away from said portion of
said peripheral sidewall to which said port is adjacent.
28. The combination of claim 27 wherein said vent comprises at
least one channel located in said slidable cover, said at least one
channel terminating in an open end directed away from said
port.
29. The combination of claim 27 wherein said cover includes at
least one downwardly projecting tab and wherein said top wall
includes at least one slot in which said tab is located, said tab
being configured to hold said cover on said top wall while enabling
said cover to be slid between said open and closed positions, said
at least one channel of said cover being in communication with said
at least one slot of said top wall whereby any steam within said
internal cavity can flow through a portion of said slot and into
said at least one channel of said cover.
30. The combination of claim 27 wherein said vent is located in
said top wall and remote from said port.
31. The combination of claim 30 wherein said vent comprises a slot
and wherein said lid assembly additionally comprises a baffle
located below said top wall and under said at least one slot to
direct any steam within said internal cavity out through said at
least one slot and away from the face of the user when the user
drinks the hot beverage from said vessel.
32. The combination of claim 31 wherein said vent comprises a
plurality of undulating shaped slots.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This utility application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/135,963 filed
on Mar. 20, 2015 entitled Lid Assemblies for Drinking Vessels and
Drinking Vessels Including the Same. The entire disclosure of the
provisional application is incorporated by reference herein.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] "Not Applicable"
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISK
[0003] "Not Applicable"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates generally to drinking vessels and
more particularly to lids for insulated vessels for holding hot
beverages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Many double walled drinking vessels are commercially
available from various sources, including Tervis Tumbler Company,
the assignee of this invention. Such vessels typically are formed
of an inner vessel located within and spaced from outer vessel by
an annular air or vacuum space to thermally insulate the inner
vessel from the ambient atmosphere. A lid is commonly provided for
releasable mounting on the vessel to seal the contents of the hot
beverage within the vessel. One common type of lid includes a
slidable cover that when opened enables a user to drink the
beverage through the lid or pour the beverage through the lid when
desired.
[0006] While prior art lids, such as those provided by the assignee
of this invention and others, are generally suitable for their
intended purposes, they nevertheless leave something to be desired
from various standpoints, e.g., ease of mounting, dismounting, ease
of use, resistance to accumulation of liquids on the top of the
lid, and the potential for abrupt splashing or sputtering of hot
liquid when the lid assembly is opened due to the build-up of steam
pressure within the vessel. The subject invention addresses those
needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of this invention there is
provided a lid assembly for releasable mounting on a drinking
vessel having a hollow body bounding an internal cavity configured
for receipt of a beverage to enable a user to drink or pour the
beverage through the lid assembly. The hollow body has an annular
rim at a top edge thereof. The lid assembly comprises a generally
convex crowned top wall, a peripheral sidewall extending about the
top wall, and an annular recess. The crowned top wall includes a
port configured for communication with the internal cavity when the
lid assembly is mounted on the vessel. A slidable cover is provided
at the top wall and is configured to be slid between a closed
position and an open position and vice versa. When in the closed
position the slidable cover seals the port and when in the open
position exposes the port. The peripheral sidewall has a top edge
located above the crowned top wall and an inner surface tapering
downward from the top edge to the crowned top wall. The inner
surface merges with the crowned top wall to form a crevice
providing a path for any beverage that may become located on the
crowned top wall to flow into the port. The annular recess is
configured for receipt of the annular rim of the vessel to
releasably mount the lid assembly on the vessel.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of this invention there is
provided a lid assembly for releasable mounting on a drinking
vessel having a hollow body bounding an internal cavity configured
for receipt of a hot beverage to enable a user to drink or pour the
beverage through the lid assembly. The hollow body has an annular
rim at a top edge thereof. The lid assembly comprises top wall, at
least one vent, a peripheral sidewall extending about the top wall,
and an annular recess. The top wall includes a port and a slidable
cover. The port is located adjacent a portion of the peripheral
sidewall from which the user can drink or pour the beverage. The
slidable cover is configured to be slid between a closed position
and an open position, and vice versa. The slidable cover when in
the closed position seals the port and when in the open position
exposes the port. The annular recess is configured for receipt of
the annular rim of the vessel to releasably mount the lid assembly
on the vessel. The at least one vent is configured to direct any
steam from a hot beverage within the internal cavity away from the
portion of the peripheral sidewall to which the port is
adjacent.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of this invention there is
provided the combination of a lid assembly and a drinking vessel.
The drinking vessel has a hollow body bounding an internal cavity
configured for receipt of a beverage. The hollow body has an
annular rim at a top edge thereof. The lid assembly is configured
to enable a user to drink or pour the beverage through the lid
assembly and comprises a generally convex crowned top wall, a
peripheral sidewall extending about the top wall, and an annular
recess. The crowned top wall includes a port configured for
communication with the internal cavity when the lid assembly is
mounted on the vessel. The crowned top wall includes a slidable
cover configured to be slid between a closed position and an open
to position, and vice versa. When the slidable cover is in the
closed position it seals the port and when in the open position it
exposes the port. The peripheral sidewall has a top edge located
above the crowned top wall and an inner surface tapering downward
from the top edge to the crowned top wall. The inner surface merges
with the crowned top wall to form a crevice providing a path for
liquid therein to flow into the port. The annular recess is
configured for receipt of the annular rim of the vessel to
releasably mount the lid assembly on the vessel.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of this invention there is
provided the combination of a lid assembly and a drinking vessel.
The drinking vessel has a hollow body bounding an internal cavity
configured for receipt of a hot beverage. The hollow body has an
annular rim at a top edge thereof. The lid assembly is configured
to enable a user to drink or pour the beverage through the lid
assembly and comprises a top wall, at least one vent, a peripheral
sidewall extending about the top wall, and an annular recess. The
top wall includes a port and a slidable cover. The slidable cover
is configured to be slid between a closed position and an open
position, and vice versa. The slidable cover when in the closed
position seals the port and when in the open position exposes the
port. The annular recess is configured for receipt of the annular
rim of the vessel to releasably mount the lid assembly on the
vessel. The at least one vent is configured to direct any steam
from a hot beverage within the internal cavity away from the
portion of the peripheral sidewall to which the port is
adjacent.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0011] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one exemplary lid assembly
constructed in accordance with this invention shown mounted on an
insulated drinking vessel holding a hot beverage therein and
including a slidable cover having a vent to enable steam to exit
from the interior of the vessel;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the lid assembly of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-section view taken along line
4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a reduced exploded isometric view of the
components making up the lid assembly and vessel shown in FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an enlarged isometric view of the underside of a
slidable cover which constitutes one component of the lid assembly
of FIGS. 1-5;
[0017] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the lid assembly sectioned
along line 7-7 of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 8 is vertical cross-sectional view of the lid assembly
and insulated drinking vessel of FIG. 1, wherein the vessel is
illustrated tilted to enable its hot beverage contents to flow out
of the vessel through the lid, while enabling steam to exit from
the vessel through the lid.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of another exemplary lid assembly
constructed in accordance with this invention, which lid assembly
is configured to be mounted on an insulated drinking vessel holding
a hot beverage therein and with the lid assembly including a vent
to enable steam to exit from the interior of the vessel;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the lid assembly of FIG.
9;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a greatly enlarged partial longitudinal sectional
view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a greatly enlarged partial transverse sectional
isometric view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9;
[0023] FIG. 13 is another greatly enlarged partial sectional
isometric view of the vent;
[0024] FIG. 14 is still another greatly enlarged partial sectional
isometric view of the vent; and
[0025] FIG. 15 is vertical cross-sectional view of the lid assembly
of FIG. 9 shown mounted on an insulated drinking vessel holding a
hot beverage, wherein the vessel is illustrated tilted to enable
its beverage contents to flow out of the vessel through the lid,
while enabling steam to exit from the vessel through the lid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein
like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown at 20
in FIG. 1 a first exemplary embodiment of a lid assembly
constructed in accordance with this invention. In FIG. 9 there is
shown a second exemplary embodiment of a lid assembly 120
constructed in accordance with this invention. Both embodiments 20
and 120 are configured for releasable securement on an insulated
drinking vessel 22 holding a hot beverage, and include an openable
port to enable the user of the vessel to drink or pour the hot
liquid through the lid assembly. Moreover, as will be described
later, both embodiments include at least one vent to enable steam
within the vessel to vent to the ambient atmosphere to thereby
reduce the build-up of pressure within the vessel, which pressure
build-up could result in hot liquid sputtering out of the port when
the port is opened. It should be pointed out at this juncture that
the lid assemblies 20 and 120 are merely exemplary. Thus, other lid
assemblies can be constructed in accordance with this invention.
Moreover, the drinking vessel 22 shown and described hereinafter is
exemplary of numerous vessels with which the lid assembly of the
subject invention can be used.
[0027] Thus, as can be seen in FIGS. 1, 5, and 8 the vessel 22 is
in the form of a tumbler 22 that is similar in construction to
those conventional 16 oz. insulated decorative tumblers sold by the
assignee of this invention. The tumbler 22 basically comprises an
assembly of a hollow outer body or vessel 22A and a hollow inner
body or vessel 22B which are fixedly secured together. The outer
vessel 22A is a hollow member having a sidewall which is a body of
revolution extending about a central longitudinal axis 24. The
outer vessel can be formed in any manner, e.g., it can be blow
molded or injection molded of any suitable plastic material. The
hollow inner vessel 22B is also a hollow member having a sidewall
which is a body of revolution extending about the central
longitudinal axis 24. The inner vessel can also be formed in any
manner, e.g., it can be blow molded or injection molded of any
suitable plastic material (e.g., the same plastic material as the
vessel 22A or some other material).
[0028] As best seen in FIG. 8 the top portion 22C of the sidewall
of the inner vessel 22B is thickened to form the annular rim of the
vessel 22 and is undercut on its outer surface for engagement with
the top edge of the outer vessel 22A when the inner vessel is
located within the outer vessel. The inner and outer vessels are
secured together by a welded, e.g., ultrasonically welded, joint at
the interface where the undercut surface of the top portion 22C of
the inner vessel meets the top surface of the outer vessel. While
not shown in the drawing, the outer diameter of the outer surface
of the portion 22C is slightly greater than the outer diameter of
the top edge of the outer vessel to create a slight undercut
surface thereat. This undercut surface is arranged to be engaged by
a small annular ridge (to be described later) of the lid assembly
to facilitate the releasable securement of the lid assembly on the
vessel 22.
[0029] With the inner vessel 22A located within the outer vessel
the outer surface of the inner vessel is disposed opposite and
confronting the inner surface of the outer vessel, but is spaced
slightly therefrom to form an annular thermally insulating space 26
therebetween. Thus, the inner vessel 22B, which is arranged to hold
a hot beverage 10 (FIG. 14) in its internal cavity 22D, is
thermally insulated from the ambient atmosphere. If desired, and if
at least the outer vessel is transparent, like shown in FIG. 1 (or
if the outer vessel includes a transparent window), a decorative
wrap (not shown) or some other decorative item may be located
within the insulating space 26 to be visible through the outer wall
or window to enhance the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the
vessel.
[0030] Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 4, the details of the lid
assembly 20 itself will now be described. As can be seen the lid
assembly 20 basically comprises an integral unit in the form of a
top wall 28, a peripheral sidewall 30 extending about the top wall,
and an annular recess 32 (FIG. 4) located under the top wall 28 and
within the bounds of the peripheral sidewall 30. The top wall 28 is
of generally circular profile and is generally convex or crowned,
whereupon its top surface bulges upward, while its undersurface is
concave. The top wall 28 includes an opening or port 34 adjacent
the front edge of the lid assembly. The port 34 is in fluid
communication with the internal cavity 22D and serves to enable the
hot beverage 10 to be poured out of the vessel through it or to be
drank through it, as will be described later and as illustrated in
FIG. 8.
[0031] In order to close off the port to keep the liquid beverage
within the vessel until access to the beverage is desired, a
slidable closure or cover 36 is provided. The cover 36 is located
within a somewhat elongated recess 38 in the top wall 28. The cover
is a somewhat elongated member having a front end 36A, a rear end
36B. The outer or upper surface of the cover 36, like the top wall
28, is also generally convex or crowned so that it forms a
continuous surface with the top surface of the top wall 28. The
cover 36 is configured to be slid longitudinally along the recess
38 between an open position, like shown in FIG. 3, whereupon the
port 34 is exposed, and a closed position, like shown in FIG. 1,
whereupon the port is covered or closed. As best seen in FIG. 6 the
undersurface of the cover 36 adjacent its front end 36A is in the
form of a thickened mesa 36C. The mesa is configured to engage a
peripheral gasket or ring (to be described later), surrounding the
port 34 to form a fluid tight interface between the cover 36 and
the port 34 when the cover is in the closed position. It should be
noted that the cover 36 can be located at any position longitudinal
position within the recess 38 between the open and closed positions
so that the port 34 can be partially closed to any extent
desired.
[0032] The sliding of the cover within the recess is achieved by
means of a pair tracks in the form of elongated linear slots 40
extending along the central portion of the recess 38 and which are
centered with respect to the longitudinal (long) axis of the
recess. Each slot is arranged to receive a respective tab 42
projecting downward from the undersurface of the cover 36, as can
be seen in FIG. 6. In particular, each tab 42 projects downward
from the undersurface of the cover through a respective one of the
slots 40. Each tab 42 includes a cam surface 42A which enables the
tab to be snap-fit within its associated slot 40 to prevent it from
coming out of that slot, thereby preventing the cover from being
accidentally disconnected from the recess 38.
[0033] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4 the outer periphery of the
peripheral sidewall 30 flares slightly outward from its bottom edge
44 to its top edge 46, and with the front portion of the peripheral
sidewall flaring the most to form a drinking/pouring lip 48. The
lip is undercut slightly below its top edge as shown clearly in
FIGS. 4 and 8 in the interest of ergonomics to facilitate closer
engagement of the user's mouth with the lip when the user drinks
from the vessel. Also, the portion of the surface of the peripheral
sidewall 30 from its top edge 46 to the periphery of the top wall
28 tapers inward to form an inner funnel-shaped surface 50. A
drinking/pouring channel 52 is located in the funnel shaped surface
50 at the location of the lip 48. The channel 52 communicates with
the recess 38 and hence the port 34. Accordingly, when the cover 36
is either fully or partially open to expose the port 34 and the
vessel 22 is tilted, the hot beverage 10 within the vessel 22 can
flow out of the port 34 through the contiguous portion of the
recess 38 and into the channel 52, from which it can be drank by a
user placing his or her mouth on the lip 48 or can be poured from
the channel, such as shown in FIG. 8.
[0034] The funnel-shaped surface 50 merges with the periphery of
the domed top wall 28 at a crevice 54. The portion of the crevice
54 which is located closely adjacent the port 34 is lower in height
than the portion of the crevice located diametrically opposite the
port. Moreover, the domed top wall 28 tilts downward in the
direction toward the port. Accordingly, if any beverage 10 should
gain access to the top wall it will flow down the crevice 54 back
into the port, assuming that the cover is at least partially open.
This action prevents puddling of any beverage on the lid
assembly.
[0035] As mentioned earlier, the lid assembly 20 includes a vent to
enable steam within the vessel to escape to the ambient
surroundings when the slidable cover is in the closed position. By
so doing, a build-up of steam pressure within the vessel will be
avoided or minimized. This feature is of considerable importance to
prevent hot liquid from sputtering or "burping" out of the port 34
when the slidable cover is opened due to a build-up of excess steam
pressure within the vessel. In the exemplary embodiment 20 the vent
forms a portion of the slidable cover. In particular, the slidable
cover 34 includes a pair of slots or channels 56 in its
undersurface on opposite sides of a central slot or channel 58.
Each side channel 56 extends from the front edge 36A of the cover
to the rear edge 36B of the cover. Moreover, each channel 56
includes a side opening 56A at the side of the cover to which the
channel is adjacent. All of the channels are in fluid communication
with one another. Moreover, the side channels 56 overlie the slots
40 in the recess 38 and are thus in fluid communication with those
slots and hence the interior of the vessel 22 when the lid assembly
is mounted on the vessel. Accordingly, any steam 12 within the
vessel 22 can flow through the slots 40 and into the channels 56 of
the cover, from whence the steam can flow down the channels to exit
the channels at the rear end 36B of the cover when the cover is in
the fully closed state. Some steam can also exit through the side
openings 56A of the channels. Thus, if the user of the vessel,
wishing to drink from the vessel brings the lip 48 of the lid
assembly to his/her mouth, with the cover 36 being in the closed
position, steam will be directed away from the user's face by the
backwardly directed channels 56. When the user does slide the
slidable cover to the open position to enable him/her to drink the
liquid through the port, there will be no sputtering or burping of
liquid through the port, since excess steam will have been previous
vented to the ambient atmosphere by the channels in the cover.
Moreover, when the slidable cover is in the open position, steam
passing through the slots 40 can flow down the channels 56 and 58
toward the front 36A of the slidable cover from whence such steam
will merge with the any steam exiting through the now open port 34,
such as shown in FIG. 8.
[0036] As mentioned earlier the lid assembly 20 includes an annular
recess 32. That recess serves as the means for releasably mounting
the lid assembly onto the rim 22C of the vessel 22. In particular,
as can be seen in FIG. 4 the annular recess 32 includes a small
annular ridge 32A extending thereabout from the outer surface of
the annular recess. The ridge 32A is arranged to engage the
slightly undercut outer surface of the vessel 22 below its rim 22C
to enable the lid assembly 20 to be releasably snap-fit onto the
rim of the vessel 22 when the rim of the vessel is within the
annular recess 32.
[0037] As best seen in FIG. 1-4 the rear portion of the peripheral
sidewall 30 includes a ramp-like projection 60. The projection 60
serves as a means for facilitating the removal of the lid assembly
20 from the vessel 22 when desired. In particular, the projection
60 includes an outer surface which flares outward from the bottom
edge 44 of the peripheral sidewall to the top edge 46 of the
peripheral sidewall. Two resilient, e.g., thermoplastic elastomer
("TPE"), nubs 62 and 64 project outward from the outer surface of
the ramp-like projection and are arranged to be engaged by the
thumb or finger of a user to apply upward pressure on the ramp-like
projection, thereby lifting or pivoting the lid assembly 20 off of
the vessel 22. The nubs provide as somewhat soft and non-slip
surface for the user's thumb or finger to engage comfortably, yet
effectively, to lift the lid assembly off of the vessel.
[0038] In order to establish a good fluid tight seal between the
lid assembly 20 and the vessel 22, when the lid assembly is mounted
thereon, to prevent leakage of the beverage, the lid assembly
includes a resilient, e.g., a TPE, sealing ring 66 (FIGS. 4 and 5).
The ring 66 is located on the opposite surface of the annular
recess 32 as the annular ridge 32A and is configured to tightly
frictionally engage the inner surface of the rim 22C of the vessel
when the rim is in place in the annular recess. This action
provides a fluid-tight interface therebetween, thereby preventing
any leakage of hot beverage out of the vessel through that
interface.
[0039] As mentioned earlier the port 34 includes a gasket or seal
to establish a good fluid-tight interface between the slidable
cover 36 and the port 34, when the cover is in the closed position
to thereby prevent the accidental egress of hot liquid from the
port. In particular, a resilient, e.g., TPE, sealing ring 68 is
provided about the periphery of the port and is arranged to be
engaged by the mesa 36C on the underside of the slidable cover 36
when the cover is in the fully closed position.
[0040] In accordance with one exemplary preferred embodiment of the
invention the TPE members 62, 64, 66 and 68 are formed as an
integral unit, such as clearly shown in FIG. 5. In fact, in the
exemplary embodiment shown that integral unit also includes the
resilient letters 70 making up the word "Tervis" (a trademark of
the assignee of the subject invention) which are located in a
matingly shaped recess in the top wall 28.
[0041] In order to facilitate the sliding of the cover 36 between
the closed and open position and vice versa, two resilient, e.g.,
TPE, ridges 72 and 74 project outward from the domed outer surface
of the cover 36. Those ridges provide as somewhat soft and non-slip
surface for the user's thumb or finger to engage comfortably, yet
effectively, to slide the cover to any desired position.
[0042] As mentioned earlier the undersurface of the top wall 28 is
concave. That concavity provides additional space under the lid
assembly for accommodating foam, whipped cream or some other frothy
material that may be on the surface of the beverage within the
vessel.
[0043] Turning now to FIGS. 9-15 there is shown an alternative
embodiment 120 of a lid assembly constructed in accordance with
this invention. The lid assembly 120 includes the same features as
the lid assembly 20, except for the construction of the vent. Thus,
in the interest of brevity the common features of the lid
assemblies 20 and 120 will be given the same reference characters
and the details of their construction, arrangement and function
will not be reiterated.
[0044] The vent of the embodiment 120 is in the form of a pair of
elongated slots 122. A similarly shaped slot 124 is located between
the slots 122. The slots 122 extend through the portion of the
funnel shaped surface 50 of the peripheral sidewall 30 where it
merges with the top wall 28 at the rear of the lid assembly 120. As
best seen in FIG. 11, each slot 122 has a front edge 122A and a
rear edge 122B, with the front edge 122A of each slot forming an
entryway for the slot and which is in fluid communication with the
interior of the vessel 22 when the lid assembly 120 is mounted on
the vessel. Each slot 122 tapers from its front edge 122A to its
rear edge 122B, with the rear edge 122B of each slot being flush
with the funnel shaped surface 50. A pair of plates or baffles 124
is located below the slots, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In
particular, each baffle 124 is disposed under a respective one of
the slots 122. The baffles serve to direct the steam within the
vessel into the entryway of its associated slot, from whence the
steam flows backwards, such as shown in FIG. 15. Moreover, the
presence of the baffles prevents the accidental leakage of the hot
liquid through the slots 122.
[0045] In the interest of aesthetics the slots 122 are of
undulating or wavy shape to provide a visual clue to the user that
they form a vent for steam from the vessel. The slot 124 is not in
fluid communication with the interior of the vessel and thus does
not form a vent. However, it is of the same size and shape as the
vents 122 to add to the aesthetic appearance of the slots 122.
[0046] Without further elaboration the foregoing will so fully
illustrate our invention that others may, by applying current or
future knowledge, adopt the same for use under various conditions
of service.
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