U.S. patent application number 15/061312 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-07 for dual drink mode lid assembly for a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGNITE USA, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is IGNITE USA, LLC. Invention is credited to Robert C. Coon, Daniel M. Wodka.
Application Number | 20170253396 15/061312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59723216 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170253396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coon; Robert C. ; et
al. |
September 7, 2017 |
DUAL DRINK MODE LID ASSEMBLY FOR A CONTAINER
Abstract
A lid assembly is adapted to be removably coupled to a
container, and the lid assembly includes an actuation member and a
seal member each pivotably coupled to a base member. In a sealed
position, a sealing portion of the seal member seals a fluid
aperture. When the actuation member pivots from a first actuation
position to a second actuation position, an engagement portion of
the actuation member contacts an engagement portion of the seal
member to displace the seal member from the sealed position to a
first open position in which the seal member is disposed at a first
angle from the base member. When a straw is inserted through the
fluid aperture, the straw pivots the seal member from the sealed
position to a second open position in which the seal member is
disposed at a second angle from the base member.
Inventors: |
Coon; Robert C.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Wodka; Daniel M.; (Chicago, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IGNITE USA, LLC |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
IGNITE USA, LLC
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
59723216 |
Appl. No.: |
15/061312 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/16 20130101;
B65D 2251/0021 20130101; B65D 43/02 20130101; B65D 51/246 20130101;
B65D 43/22 20130101; B65D 51/18 20130101; B65D 2231/022 20130101;
B65D 2251/0087 20130101; B65D 2543/00046 20130101; B65D 47/20
20130101; B65D 41/0442 20130101; B65D 2251/0025 20130101; A47G
19/2266 20130101; B65D 2251/0081 20130101; B65D 47/0866 20130101;
B65D 2251/009 20130101; B65D 2251/0028 20130101; B65D 47/32
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 47/08 20060101
B65D047/08; B65D 51/18 20060101 B65D051/18; B65D 43/22 20060101
B65D043/22; B65D 47/32 20060101 B65D047/32; B65D 43/02 20060101
B65D043/02; B65D 43/16 20060101 B65D043/16 |
Claims
1. A lid assembly for a container, the lid assembly comprising: a
base member having a fluid aperture disposed in a portion of the
base member; an actuation member coupled to the base member, the
actuation member having an engagement portion, the actuation member
being displaceable relative to the base member from a first
actuation position to a second actuation position; a seal member
coupled to the base member, the seal member being pivotably coupled
to the base member, the seal member including an engagement portion
and a sealing portion, and the seal member being rotatable relative
to the base portion from a sealed position to a first open position
and from the sealed position to a second open position, wherein in
the first open position, a seal axis of the seal member is disposed
at a first angular distance from a base axis of the base member,
wherein in the second open position, the seal axis of the seal
member is disposed at a second angular distance from the base axis
of the base member, the second angular distance being greater than
the first angular distance.
2. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuation member is
elongated and pivots relative to the base member from the first
position to the second position about a pivot axis disposed between
a first end and a second end of the actuation member.
3. The lid assembly of claim 2, wherein the actuation member pivots
from the first actuation position to the second actuation position
when the first end of the actuation member is displaced away from a
surface of the base member.
4. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein an engagement portion of
the actuation member is disposed at an end portion of a
projection.
5. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein an engagement portion of
the seal member is disposed between a first end of the seal member
and a sealing portion of the seal member.
6. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the seal member rotates
about a pivot axis that extends adjacent to a first end of the seal
member, the pivot axis being normal to a seal axis, wherein the
seal axis is offset from the pivot axis of the seal member.
7. The lid assembly of claim 1, further comprising a biasing member
coupled to the base member and to the sealing member, the biasing
member biasing the sealing portion of the sealing member towards
the fluid aperture of the base member.
8. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuation member is
pivotably displaceable from the first actuation position to the
second actuation position about a pivot axis disposed between a
first end and a second end of the actuation member.
9. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the base member includes a
cylindrical skirt portion coaxially-aligned with a lid reference
axis.
10. The lid assembly of claim 9, wherein a first projection and a
second projection radially extend from the skirt portion, the first
projection and the second projection defining a gap therebetween,
the gap being adapted to receive the straw and the first projection
and the second projection adapted to secure the straw within the
gap.
11. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement potion of
the seal member is disposed at or adjacent to a first end of the
seal member or between the first end and a second end of the seal
member.
12. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein a vent aperture is
disposed through the base member, and a vent projection disposed on
the actuation member is adapted to engage the vent aperture when
the actuation member is in the first actuation position and the
vent projection is adapted to be spaced apart from the vent
aperture when the actuation member is in the second actuation
position.
13. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein a pair of coupling tabs
extend from a bottom surface of the base member, and each of the
pair of coupling tabs has an aperture that receives a corresponding
projection of a corresponding first and second arm portion of the
seal member to pivotably secure the seal member to the base
member.
14. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein a securing portion is
coupled to the actuation member, and the securing portion is
adapted to engage a retaining portion of the base member to provide
a detent force when the actuation member is pivoted from the first
actuation position to the second actuation position.
15. The lid assembly of claim 14, wherein the securing portion
includes a head portion having an end portion that is rounded or
contoured, and wherein the retaining portion is cup shaped and
adapted to receive the end portion of the head portion when the
actuation member is in the first actuation position, and wherein
the head portion slides over a ridge of the retaining portion as
the actuation member pivots from the first actuation position to
the second actuation position.
16. The lid assembly of claim 15, wherein a biasing member biases
the head portion into contact with the ridge as the actuation
member pivots from the first actuation position to the second
actuation position.
17. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the first angular distance
is an angle between 5.degree. and 45.degree. and the second angular
distance is an angle between 20.degree. and 80.degree..
18. The lid assembly of claim 17, wherein the first angular
distance is an angle between 10.degree. and 30.degree. and the
second angular distance is an angle between 45.degree. and
70.degree..
19. A lid assembly for a container, the lid assembly comprising: a
base member, a fluid aperture being defined in a portion of the
base member; an actuation member coupled to the base member, the
actuation member having an engagement portion, the actuation member
being displaceable relative to the base member from a first
actuation position to a second actuation position; a securing
portion coupled to the actuation member, the securing portion being
adapted to engage a retaining portion of the base member to provide
a detent force; a vent aperture disposed through the base member; a
vent projection disposed on the actuation member, the vent
projection being adapted to engage the vent aperture when the
actuation member is in the first actuation position and the vent
projection being adapted to be spaced apart from the vent aperture
when the actuation member is in the second actuation position; a
seal member coupled to the base member, the seal member being
pivotably coupled to the base member, and the seal member including
an engagement portion, wherein the seal member rotates relative to
the base portion from a sealed position to a first open position
and from the sealed position to a second open position; and a
biasing member coupled to the base member and the sealing member
that biases the sealing portion of the sealing member towards the
fluid aperture of the base member, wherein when the actuation
member displaces from the first actuation position to the second
actuation position, the engagement portion of the actuation member
contacts the engagement portion of the seal member, thereby
displacing the seal member from the sealed position to the first
open position.
20. The lid assembly of claim 19, wherein the securing portion
includes a head portion having an end portion that is rounded or
contoured, and wherein the retaining portion is cup shaped and
adapted to receive the end portion of the head portion when the
actuation member is in the first actuation position, and wherein
the head portion contacts a ridge of the retaining portion as the
actuation member pivots from the first actuation position to the
second actuation position.
21. The lid assembly of claim 20, wherein a pair of coupling tabs
extend from a bottom surface of the base member, and each of the
pair of coupling tabs has an aperture that receives a corresponding
projection of a corresponding first and second arm portion of the
seal member to pivotably secure the seal member to the base
member.
22. A lid assembly for a container, the lid assembly comprising: a
base member having a fluid aperture and a retaining portion, the
base member being adapted to be removably coupled to the container;
an actuation member coupled to the base member, the actuation
member being displaceable relative to the base member from a first
actuation position to a second actuation position; a securing
portion coupled to the actuation member and adapted to engage the
retaining portion of the base member to provide a detent force when
the actuation member is pivoted from the first actuation position
to the second actuation position, wherein the securing portion
includes a head portion having an end portion that is rounded or
contoured, and wherein the retaining portion is cup-shaped and
adapted to receive the end portion of the head portion when the
actuation member is in the first actuation position, and wherein
the head portion slides over a ridge of the retaining portion as
the actuation member pivots from the first actuation position to
the second actuation position.
24. The lid assembly of claim 23, wherein a securing biasing member
biases the head portion into contact with the ridge as the
actuation member pivots from the first actuation position to the
second actuation position.
25. The lid assembly of claim 23, further comprising: a seal member
coupled to the base member, the seal member being pivotably coupled
to the base member, wherein the seal member rotates relative to the
base portion from a sealed position to a first open position and
from the sealed position to a second open position; and a sealing
biasing member coupled to the base member and the sealing member
that biases the sealing portion of the sealing member towards the
fluid aperture of the base member, wherein the force provided by
the sealing biasing member is sufficient to close the seal member
when the actuation member is in the first actuation position, but
the force provided by the securing biasing member prevents the
sealing biasing member from closing the seal member when the
actuation member is in the second actuation position.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a lid assembly for
containers, and more particularly, to a re-closable dual drink mode
lid assembly for beverage containers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Refillable beverage containers typically include a removable
lid that includes a fluid aperture, and a consumer typically fills
the interior of the container (e.g., an insulated container) with a
beverage (e.g., juice or iced coffee) when the lid is removed. To
drink the beverage, the consumer typically tips the container to
allow the beverage to pass through the fluid aperture, and the
consumer sips the beverage as the beverage exits the fluid
aperture. To prevent the beverage from spilling out of the fluid
aperture if the container is accidentally tipped, refillable
beverage containers can include a selective sealing mechanism
coupled to the lid that allows fluid to pass through the fluid
aperture only when the sealing mechanism is in a desired position.
A typical sealing mechanism includes a lever or button that is
displaced by the consumer prior to (or while) sipping the beverage,
and the lever or button displaces a seal member away from the fluid
aperture.
[0003] In some instances, it may be desired to drink the beverage
with a straw instead of drinking directly through the fluid
aperture. Typically, the seal member of the sealing mechanism that
is adjacent to or within the fluid aperture obstructs the fluid
aperture in both the open and locked positions, and therefore a
straw may not be inserted. However, in instances when a locking
mechanism is included (e.g., a slide lock that selectively covers a
fluid aperture), the locking mechanism must typically be placed or
locked into an open position prior to inserting the straw through
the drinking aperture. If the consumer forgets to lock the locking
device after the removal of the straw, the fluid aperture remains
unobstructed and tipping over the container will cause the beverage
to spill out of the fluid aperture.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] A lid assembly is adapted to be removably coupled to a
container, and the lid assembly includes a base member that extends
from a first end to an open second end along a lid reference axis.
A base axis extends through a portion of the base member adjacent
to the lid reference axis, and the base axis is normal to the lid
reference axis. A fluid aperture is defined in a portion of the
base member. The lid assembly also includes an actuation member
coupled to the base member, the actuation member extending from a
first end and a second end. The actuation member has an engagement
portion disposed at or adjacent to the second end or between the
first end and the second end, and the actuation member is
displaceable relative to the base member from a first actuation
position to a second actuation position. The lid assembly further
includes a seal member coupled to the base member, and the seal
member extends along a seal axis from a first end to a second end,
the seal member being pivotably coupled to the base member at or
adjacent to the first end of the seal member. A sealing portion of
the sealing member is disposed between the first end and the second
end of the seal member, and an engagement potion of the seal member
is disposed between the first end and the second end of the seal
member. The seal member rotates relative to the base portion from a
sealed position to a first open position and from the sealed
position to a second open position. In the sealed position, the
sealing portion is disposed adjacent to or in contact with a
portion of the base member surrounding the fluid aperture. In the
first open position, the seal axis of the seal member is disposed
at a first angular distance from the base axis of the base member.
In the second open position, the seal axis of the seal member is
disposed at a second angular distance from the base axis of the
base member, the second angular distance being greater than the
first angular distance. When the actuation member displaces from
the first actuation position to the second actuation position, the
engagement portion of the actuation member contacts the engagement
portion of the seal member, thereby displacing the seal member from
the sealed position to the first open position. In addition, the
seal member is adapted to pivot from the sealed position to the
second open position by contact from a straw being inserted through
the fluid aperture and into an interior of the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid
assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 2A is a side view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1;
[0007] FIG. 2B is a top view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1, with an
actuation member removed;
[0008] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly of
FIG. 1, taken along line 2C-2C of FIG. 2B;
[0009] FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3A is a bottom view of an embodiment of a seal member
of the lid assembly of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3B is a side view of the seal member of FIG. 3A;
[0012] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
seal member of FIG. 3A, taken along line 3C-3C of FIG. 3A;
[0013] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the seal member of FIG.
3A;
[0014] FIG. 4A is a bottom view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4B is a top view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1, with
the actuation member installed;
[0016] FIG. 5A is a side cross-sectional view of the lid assembly
of FIG. 1, with a seal member in a sealed position;
[0017] FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of the lid assembly
of FIG. 1, with the seal member in a first open position;
[0018] FIG. 5C is a side cross-sectional view of the lid assembly
of FIG. 1, with the seal member in a second open position;
[0019] FIG. 6A is a top view of an actuation member of the lid
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6B is a side cross-sectional view of the actuation
member of FIG. 6A;
[0021] FIG. 6C is a bottom view of the actuation member of FIG.
6A;
[0022] FIG. 6D is a front view of the actuation member of FIG.
6A;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the lid
assembly of FIG. 1, secured to a container;
[0024] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly of
FIG. 1, with the actuation member in a first actuation position;
and
[0025] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly of
FIG. 1, with the actuation member in a second actuation
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Initially turning to FIG. 7, a lid assembly 10 may be
adapted to be removably secured to a container 12. Lid assembly 10
may include a reference axis 17 that generally corresponds to a
longitudinal axis of the container 12 when the lid assembly 10 is
secured to the container 12. The container 12 includes an interior
44 that is configured to hold a liquid. The lid assembly 10
includes a drink hole or fluid aperture (not shown in FIG. 7)
through which a consumer may access liquid stored in the interior
44 of the container 12.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2C, the lid assembly 10 may
include a base member 14 that extends from a first end 13 to an
open second end 15 along the lid reference axis 17. The base 14
includes a base axis 16 extends through a portion of the base
member 14 adjacent to the lid reference axis 17, and the base axis
16 in one embodiment may be substantially normal to the lid
reference axis 17. The fluid aperture 18 is formed in a portion of
the base member 14.
[0028] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6A, the lid assembly 10 also
includes an actuation member 20 extending from a first end 22 to a
second end 24, and, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, which is a side
cross-sectional view of the actuation member 20 taken along line
6B-6B in FIG. 6A, the actuation member 20 has an engagement portion
26 disposed at or adjacent to the second end 24 or between the
first end 22 and the second end 24. The actuation member 20 is
pivotably displaceable from a first actuation position or closed
position (illustrated in FIG. 5A) to a second actuation position or
a first open position (illustrated in FIG. 5B) when the first end
22 of the engagement portion 20 is pivoted relative to the base
member 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3C and 4A, the lid
assembly 10 further includes a seal member 28, and as illustrated
in FIG. 3A, the seal member 28 extends along a seal axis 30 from a
first end 32 to a second end 34. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the
seal member 28 is pivotably coupled to the base member 14 at or
adjacent to the first end 32 of the seal member 32. A sealing
portion 36 of the seal member 28 may be disposed between the first
end 32 and the second end 34, and an engagement potion 38 of the
seal member 28 is disposed between the first end 32 and the second
end 34 (e.g., between the sealing portion 36 and the first end 32).
The seal member 28 rotates relative to the base portion from a
sealed position (illustrated in FIG. 5A) to a first open position
(illustrated in FIG. 5B) or from the sealed position or first
position (illustrated in FIG. 5A) to a first open position or
second position (illustrated in FIG. 5B), and to a second open
position or a third position (illustrated in FIG. 5C). Generally,
the second position (FIG. 5B) allows fluid to exit the fluid
aperture 18 for a consumer to sip from the lid assembly 10, while
the third position (FIG. 5C) allows the seal member 28 to pivot far
enough to allow a straw to be inserted through the fluid aperture
18, for accessing fluid in the container 12.
[0029] More specifically, in the sealed position illustrated in
FIG. 5A, the sealing portion 36 is disposed adjacent to or in
contact with a portion 40 of the base member 14 surrounding the
fluid aperture 18. In particular, the sealing portion 36 is in
contact with a drink seal 301. In this sealed position, the fluid
aperture 18 of the base member 14 is sealed or substantially sealed
by the sealing portion 36 such that fluid within the interior 44 of
the container 12 is prevented (or hindered) from exiting through
the fluid aperture 18 if the container 12.
[0030] When the consumer wants to drink directly from the fluid
aperture 18, the consumer pivots the actuation member 20 from the
first actuation position (FIG. 5A) to the second actuation position
(FIG. 5B), and the engagement portion 26 of the actuation member 20
contacts the engagement portion 38 of the seal member 28 to
displacing the seal member 28 from the sealed position to the first
open position. In the first open position illustrated in FIG. 5B,
the seal axis 30 of the seal member 28 is disposed at a first
angular distance .theta.1 from the base axis 16 of the base member
14, thereby allowing fluid from an interior 44 of the container to
pass through the fluid aperture 18. In this first open position,
the consumer may drink directly from the fluid aperture 18.
[0031] Instead of drinking directly from the fluid aperture 18, the
consumer may wish to use a straw (that may be stored or secured to
the lid assembly 10 by a straw attachment portion 142) to drink
liquid in the container. In such a case, the consumer may insert an
end of the straw 42 through the fluid aperture 18 towards a bottom
of the container 12. The end of the straw 42 may contact a portion
of the seal member 28 to pivot the seal member 28 from the sealing
position (of FIG. 5A) to the second open position illustrated in
FIG. 5C. In the second open position, the seal axis 30 of the seal
member 28 is disposed at a second angular distance .theta.2 from
the base axis 16 of the base member 28, and the second angular
distance .theta.2 being greater than the first angular distance
.theta.1. Accordingly, the lid assembly 10 allows a consumer to
drink directly through the fluid aperture 18 or to easily
transition to the use of the straw 42 that is conveniently attached
to the lid assembly 10. Importantly, when the consumer is not
drinking, such as when the straw 42 is removed from the fluid
aperture 18, the seal member 18 may be maintained in the sealing
position (for example, by a biasing member 140 of FIG. 4A) to
prevent inadvertent spills if the container 12 falls over.
[0032] Turning to the lid assembly 10 in more detail, and referring
to FIGS. 2A to 2D, the base member 14 extends from the first end 13
to an open second end 15 along the lid reference axis 17. The base
member also includes a top surface 46 (illustrated in FIG. 2B) and
a bottom surface 48 (illustrated in FIG. 2D) opposite the top
surface. The top surface 46 and the bottom surface 48 of the base
member 14 may generally extend in a direction normal to the lid
reference axis 17, and the lid reference axis 17 may extend in a
vertical (i.e., along or parallel to the Z-axis of the reference
coordinate system of FIGS. 2C and 7) or substantially vertical
direction when the container 12 is upright. The top surface 46 and
the bottom surface 48 may have any suitable shape or combination of
shapes to allow the base member 14 to act as a support for the
actuation member 20 and/or the seal member 28 and to provide a
barrier between the interior 44 of the container 12 and the outside
of the lid assembly 10. For example, portions of the bottom surface
48 and the top surface 46 may be planar and/or contoured or
otherwise curved. As illustrated in FIG. 2B and 2C, a portion 50 of
the top surface 46 may be planar or substantially planar and may be
downwardly angled so as to define a drinking recess 72 that
surrounds or partially surrounds the fluid aperture 18. As
illustrated in FIG. 2B, a perimeter edge 52 may define an outward
perimeter of the top surface 46 of the base member 14, and the
perimeter edge 52 may have any suitable shape or combination of
shapes. For example, the perimeter edge 52 may have a generally
circular shape. The base member 14 may be a single part or may be
an assembly of two or more parts that cooperate to form the base
member 14.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the fluid aperture 18 may extend
through the base member 14 from the top surface 46 to the bottom
surface 48. A portion of the fluid aperture 18 may be provided by a
boss 54 extending away from the bottom surface 48 of the base
member 14, and an inner surface 55 of the boss 54 may define the
portion of the fluid aperture 18. The portion 40 of the base member
14 surrounding the fluid aperture 18 (that is contacted by the
sealing portion 36 of the seal member 28 in the sealed position)
may be an end portion of the boss 54, or the drink seal 301 (FIGS.
5A-5C). The base axis 16 may extend through or immediately adjacent
to the end portion of the boss 54 (or through or immediately
adjacent to the drink seal 301), and the base axis 16 may intersect
and/or be normal to the lid reference axis 17. The fluid aperture
18 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape or combination of
shapes, and the cross sectional shape may vary (when viewed in a
direction parallel to or along the lid reference axis 17) provided
that it permits fluid flow therethrough. For example, the fluid
aperture 18 may have the cross-sectional shape of a circle or that
of an oval.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the lid assembly 10 may also
include a skirt portion 58 that may downwardly extend from a
portion of the bottom surface 48 of the base member 14. More
specifically, the skirt portion 58 may extend along the lid
reference axis 17 from a radially (i.e., normal to the lid
reference axis 17) outer portion 60 of the bottom surface 48 of the
base member 14 to the open second end 15 of the base member 14. The
skirt portion 58 may be at least partially defined by an interior
surface 63 and an exterior surface 64, and the exterior surface 64
may be outwardly offset (in a direction away from the lid reference
axis 17) from the interior surface 63 when viewed along the lid
reference axis 17. The skirt portion 58 may have any suitable
cross-sectional shape or combination of shapes (when viewed normal
to the lid reference axis 17). For example, the interior surface 63
and/or the exterior surface 64 of the skirt portion 58 may be
cylindrical. A threaded portion 57 of the interior surface 63 of
the skirt portion 58 may be adapted to engage a threaded portion of
the container 12. In other embodiments, the threaded portion 57 may
be on the exterior surface 54 of the skirt portion 58 or both the
interior surface 63 and the exterior surface 64. A circumferential
seal 303 may extend around a portion of the interior surface 63 of
the skirt portion 58 above the threaded portion 57 to prevent
leakage when the lid assembly 10 is secured to the container
12.
[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2B, the base member 14 may
also include a straw attachment portion 142 that may be coupled to
a portion of the skirt portion 58 (and/or a portion of a ridge
portion 59 that will be described in more detail below) and may be
adapted to releasably secure the straw 42 to the base member 14. As
illustrated in FIG. 2B, the straw attachment portion 142 may
include or comprise a first projection 146a and a second projection
146b that radially extend from the skirt portion 58. That is, the
first projection 146a and the second projection 146b may outwardly
extend (e.g., extend in a direction normal or substantially normal
to the lid reference axis 17) from the exterior surface 63 of the
skirt portion 58. The first projection 146a and the second
projection 146b may define a gap 148 therebetween, the gap 148
being sized to receive a portion of the straw 42. The first
projection 146a and the second projection 146b are shaped and
dimensioned to releasably secure the straw within the gap 148 when
the straw is not in use. In some embodiments, the first projection
146a and the second projection 146b are fixed to the skirt portion
58 such that a reference axis R bisecting the first projection 146a
and the second projection 146b makes an angle .alpha. (e.g.,
between approximately 10.degree. and approximately 45) with the
recess axis 80 (when viewed along the lid reference axis 17). By
placing the straw attachment portion 142 in this range, the
likelihood that a consumer would attempt to drink from the fluid
aperture 18 with the straw 42 attached to the lid assembly 10 is
reduced or eliminated because the straw 42 is in the consumer's
field of view and the consumer will observe the straw 42 before
bringing the straw 42 into contact with his or her face. In other
embodiments, the first projection 146a and the second projection
146b may both be rotatable and/or displaceable about a
circumference of the skirt portion 58. For example, the first
projection 146a and the second projection 146b may both be formed
on a collar (not shown) that may be disposed round all or part of
the circumference of the skirt portion 58, and the collar may be
rotatable relative to the skirt portion 58 such that the consumer
can position the first projection 146a and the second projection
146b (and the straw 42 stored therebetween) in a desired radial
position.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the base member 14 may also
include the ridge portion 59 that may upwardly extend from a
portion of the top surface 46 of the base member 14. More
specifically, the ridge portion 59 may extend along the lid
reference axis 17 from a radially outer portion 62 (illustrated in
FIG. 2B) of the top surface 46 of the base member 14 to the first
end 13 of the base member 14, as illustrated in FIG. 2C. The ridge
portion 59 may completely or partially surround the top surface of
the base member 14. The ridge portion 59 may be at least partially
defined by an interior surface 69 and an exterior surface 70, and
the exterior surface 70 may be outwardly offset (in a direction
away from the lid reference axis 17) from the interior surface 69
when viewed along the lid reference axis 17. In some embodiments,
the ridge portion 59 may have a cross-sectional shape (when viewed
normal to the lid reference axis 17) that may correspond to the
shape of the radially outer portion 62 of the top surface 46. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the interior surface 69 and/or the
exterior surface 70 of the ridge portion 59 may be cylindrical or
generally cylindrical. That is, the interior surface 69 and/or the
exterior surface 70 of the ridge portion 59 may have a circular
cross-sectional shape when viewed along the lid reference axis 17.
However, the diameter of the circle corresponding to the interior
surface 69 and/or the exterior surface 70 of the ridge portion 59
may vary along the lid reference axis 17. For example, the exterior
surface 70 may have a slight concave shape and the interior surface
69 may have a slight convex shape. Of course, other shapes are also
possible.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2B, 2C, and 2D, a lid recess 66 may be
disposed in the base member 14, and the lid recess 66 may be
positioned and dimensioned to receive the actuation member 20 such
that the engagement portion 26 of the actuation member 20 is at
least partially disposed within an actuation aperture 68 when the
actuation member 20 is in the second actuation position (of FIG.
5B). Specifically, the lid recess 66 may include or be partially
defined by a planar or substantially planar recess surface 74 (that
may be normal or substantially normal to the lid reference axis 17)
that may be downwardly offset (e.g., along the lid reference axis
17 and towards the second end 15 of the base member 14) from the
top surface 46 of the base member 14. The lid recess 66 may extend
from a first end 76 (adjacent to or at the radially outer portion
62 of the top surface 46 of the base member 14) to a second end 78
along an recess axis 80 that may be normal to (and may intersect)
the lid reference axis 17. The second end 78 of the lid recess 66
may be disposed between the lid reference axis 17 and the first end
76, and the second end may be adjacent to the lid reference axis
17.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the lid recess 66 may be defined
by a pair of side walls 82a, 82b that may be parallel to the recess
axis 80 and may be separated by a distance W that is slightly
greater than a corresponding width of the actuation member 20. A
vent aperture 67 may extend through the recess surface 74 (e.g.,
extend from the recess surface 74 to and through the bottom surface
48), and a diameter of the vent aperture 67 may be between 5% and
15% of the distance W. In addition, the actuation aperture 68 may
be disposed through the recess surface 74 (e.g., extend from the
recess surface 74 to and through the bottom surface 48), and the
actuation aperture 68 may generally extend along an axis that may
be disposed along (and may be normal to) the recess axis 80. A
recess counterbore 84 may surround (e.g., symmetrically surround)
the actuation aperture 68, and the recess counterbore 84 may
include a counterbore surface 86 that may be planar or
substantially planar and may be offset from the recess surface 74.
The actuation aperture 68 (and recess counterbore 84) may have any
suitable shape to accommodate the engagement portion 26 of the
actuation member 20, such as a circular shape (when viewed normal
to the recess surface 74). A first distance between a center point
of the actuation aperture 68 and the second end 78 of the lid
recess 66 may be less than a second distance between the center
point of the actuation aperture 68 and the first end 76 of the lid
recess 66.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 2D, a pair of coupling tabs 88a, 88b
may downwardly extend (e.g., extend along the lid reference axis
17) from the bottom surface 48 of the base member 14. Each of the
coupling tabs 88a, 88b may have any shape or geometry to pivotably
couple to the seal member 28 at or adjacent to the first end 32 of
the seal member 28, as illustrated in FIG. 4A. For example, with
reference to FIG. 4A, each coupling tab 88a, 88b may have an
aperture that receives a corresponding projection 90a, 90b of a
corresponding first and second arm portion 93a, 93b of the seal
member 28. In other example embodiments, each coupling tab 88a, 88b
may have a projection inserted into a corresponding aperture of the
corresponding first and second arm portion 93a, 93b of the seal
member 28.
[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 6A to 6D, the lid assembly 10 may
also include the actuation member 20. As illustrated in FIG. 6A,
the actuation member 20 may extend from the first end 22 to the
second end 24 along an actuator axis 90, and the actuator axis 90
may be aligned with the recess axis 80 (of FIG. 2B) when the
actuation member 20 is coupled to the base member 14. As
illustrated in FIG. 4B, the first end 22 of the actuation member 20
may be disposed at or adjacent to the first end 76 of the lid
recess 66 (of FIG. 2B) and the second end 24 of the actuation
member 20 may be disposed at or adjacent to the second end 78 of
the lid recess 66 (of FIG. 2B). Referring to FIG. 6A, the actuation
member 20 may include a center portion 91 that extends between a
pair of elongated side surfaces 92a, 92b that may extend along the
actuator axis 90, and the elongated side surfaces 92a, 92b may be
separated by a transverse distance that is slightly less than the
distance W separating the side walls 82a, 82b of the lid recess (of
FIG. 2B). The center portion 90 may be substantially planar and may
have a top surface 94 and a bottom surface 96 opposite the top
surface 94. When the actuation member 20 is in the first actuation
position, the top surface 94 is substantially aligned with the top
surface 46 of the base member 14.
[0041] The actuation member 20 is pivotably displaceable relative
to the base member 14 from the first actuation position
(illustrated in FIG. 5A) to the second actuation position
(illustrated in FIG. 5B) by a consumer. For example, the consumer
may pivot the second end 24 of the engagement portion 20 about a
pivot axis 98, and the pivot axis 98 may be normal to the actuator
axis 90 and to the lid reference axis 17. The actuation member 20
may be pivotably coupled to the base member 14 in any suitable
manner. For example, as illustrate in FIG. 6A, each of a pair of
projections 97a, 97b may extend from a corresponding one of the
side surfaces 92a, 92b along the pivot axis 98, and each of the
pair of projections 97a, 97b may be received in a corresponding
aperture or depression in the corresponding one of the side walls
82a, 82b of the lid recess 66 (illustrated in FIG. 2B).
[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 6B and 6D, the actuation member 20
has the engagement portion 26 disposed at or adjacent to the second
end 24 of the actuation member 20 or between the first end 22 and
the second end 24 of the actuation member 20. The engagement
portion 26 may be any feature or combination of features that is
adapted to contact the engagement portion 38 of the seal member 28
such that when the actuation member 20 displaces (e.g., pivots
about the pivot axis 98) from the first actuation position to the
second actuation position, the engagement portion 26 of the
actuation member 20 acting on the engagement portion 38 of the seal
member 28 and thereby displaces the seal member 28 from the sealed
position to the first open position.
[0043] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6B and 6D, the
engagement portion 26 may be disposed at an end portion 103 of a
protrusion 99 that extends along a protrusion axis 100 from a first
end 101 to a second end 102. More specifically, with reference to
FIG. 6B, the first end 101 of the protrusion 99 may be adjacent to
the bottom surface 96 of the center portion 91 of the actuation
member 20 and the end portion 103 (and the engagement portion 26)
may be at or adjacent to the second end 102. The end portion 103 of
the protrusion 99 may have a pointed portion 104, and an end of the
pointed portion 104 may be the engagement portion 26. The end
portion 103 of the protrusion may be sized and dimensioned to be
disposed within (and through) the actuation aperture 68 of the lid
recess 66 of the lid member 14 when the actuation member 20 pivots
about from the first actuation position to the second actuation
position.
[0044] Still referring to FIG. 6B, the first end 101 and the second
end 102 of the protrusion 99 may be separated along the protrusion
axis 100 by a distance D. The distance D may be any suitable
distance that allows the engagement portion 26 of the protrusion 99
to contact the engagement portion 38 of the seal member 28 to
displace the seal member 20 from the sealed position to the first
open position when the actuation member 20 pivots about from the
first actuation position to the second actuation position. In
addition, the distance D may be any suitable distance in which the
engagement portion 26 does not contact (and/or not displace) the
engagement portion 38 of the seal member 28 when the actuation
member 20 is in the first actuation position.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, a securing portion 106 may be
coupled to the actuation member 20, and the securing portion 106
may be adapted engage a retaining portion 108 of the base member 14
to provide a detent force that prevents an accidental pivoting of
the actuation member 20 from the first actuation position to the
second actuation position. More specifically, the securing portion
106 may extend from a first end 110 to a second end 112 along a
securing axis 114, and an intermediate point 116 may be disposed
between the first end 110 and the second end 112. The securing
portion 106 may include a body portion 118 that may be non-movably
secured to the projection 99 and a head portion 120 that may be
movable or displaceable (e.g., along the securing axis 114)
relative to the body portion 118. One end of the head portion 120
may have a hemispherical or ball shape, thus forming a ball-piston.
The body portion 118 may include a shaft 122 that extends from the
second end 112 to the intermediate point 116, and a cup portion 124
may be coupled to the shaft 122 and may extend from the
intermediate point 116 towards the first end 110. The head portion
120 may be at least partially disposed within the cup portion 124,
and a first end 126 of the head portion 120 may be rounded or
contoured and adapted to engage the retaining portion 108. The head
portion 120 may be biased away from the intermediate point 116
along the securing axis 114 by a biasing member 128 and the biasing
member 128 may disposed in any suitable location to directly or
indirectly act on the head portion 120 to provide such a biasing
force. For example, the biasing member 128 may be a spring (e.g., a
leaf spring, dome spring, or coil spring) disposed between the head
portion 120 and a surface of the cup portion 124.
[0046] When the actuation member 20 is in the first actuation
position, the head portion 120 of the securing portion 106 may be
engaged with or disposed within a portion of the retaining portion
108 of the base member 14. For example, the retaining portion 108
may be a feature formed on or coupled to the base member 14, and
the retaining portion 108 may be formed on or coupled to a surface
or a portion of the lid recess 66. The retaining portion 108 may
have the shape if a cup or a dish (e.g., a concave shape) that
intersects (or may be symmetrical about) the securing axis 114 when
the actuation member 20 is in the first actuation position. The
cup-shaped retaining portion 108 is shaped and dimensioned to
correspond to (and receive) the first end 126 of the head portion
120. The retaining portion 108 may have a ridge 130 offset from the
recess surface 74 of the lid recess 66 at an upper portion of the
cup-shaped retaining portion 108, and the ridge 130 may be an upper
lip of the concave retaining portion 108.
[0047] As a consumer begins to pivot the actuation member 20 from
the first actuation position (illustrated in FIG. 8A) to the second
actuation position (illustrated in FIG. 8B), the first end 126 of
the head portion 120 comes in contact with the ridge 130 of the
retaining portion 108, and this gradual contact forces the head
portion 120 towards the shaft 122 along the securing axis 114
against the biasing force provided by the biasing member 120. Thus,
this contact against the biasing force provides a detent force that
prevents an accidental pivoting of the actuation member 20 from the
first actuation position to the second actuation position. As the
consumer continues to pivot the actuation member to the second
actuation position, the first end 126 of the head portion 120
rotates past the ridge 130 and into the second actuation position
illustrated in FIG. 8B. To pivot the actuation member 20 from the
second actuation position to the first actuation position, the
first end 126 of the head portion 120 begins to come in contact
with the ridge 130 of the retaining portion 108 as the actuation
member begins to rotate. The first end 126 of the head portion 120
rotates past the ridge 130 as the actuation member 20 pivots into
the first actuation position.
[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the actuation member 20
may also have a vent projection 144 adapted to cooperate with the
vent aperture 67 of the base member 14 (illustrated in FIG. 2B) to
safely vent any hot gasses contained in the interior 44 of the
container 12 prior to a consumer drinking from the fluid aperture
18. The vent projection 144 may extend away from the bottom surface
96, and may be dimensioned and position such that an end portion of
the vent projection 144 may be inserted (or adapted to be inserted)
into a top portion of the vent aperture 67 extending through the
recess surface 74 (illustrated in FIG. 2B) when the actuation
member 20 is in the first actuation position. In use, when the
consumer begins to pivot the actuation member 20 from the first
actuation position towards the second actuation position, the end
of the vent projection 144 disengages from the top portion of the
vent aperture 67 prior to (or as) the engagement portion 26 of the
actuation member 20 engages the engagement portion 38 of the seal
member 28 to begin to rotate the seal member 28 form the sealed
position to the first open position. More specifically, in the
closed position, there is a gap 305 (FIG. 2C) between the
engagement portion 26 and the engagement portion 38. In some
embodiments, the gap 305 may be approximately 0.5 mm. As a result,
the actuation member 20 may be rotated a small amount, which allows
the vent projection 144 to disengage from the vent aperture before
the engagement portion 26 contacts the engagement portion 38 to
begin rotating the seal member 28. This action results in
pre-venting of pressure within the container 12 before the fluid
aperture 18 is opened. Accordingly, while the fluid aperture 18 is
still sealed by the seal member 28, hot gasses from within the
interior 44 of the container may exit through the unobstructed vent
aperture 67 and to the atmosphere. Therefore, when the seal member
28 disengages from the portion 40 of the base member 14 surrounding
the fluid aperture 18, no significant amount of gasses vent through
the fluid aperture 18, thereby avoiding injuring a consumer that
may be beginning to drink as the actuation member 20 is pivoted out
of the first actuation position.
[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3D and 4A, the lid assembly 10
further includes the seal member 28, and as illustrated in FIG. 3A,
the seal member 28 extends along a seal axis 30 from a first end 32
to a second end 34. The seal member 28 may include a main portion
132 and the first and second arm portions 93a, 93b disposed at
opposite sides of the main portion 132. The main portion 132 may
extend along the seal axis 30 from a point at or adjacent to the
first end 32 to the second end 34. The main portion 132 may be
planar or substantially planar and may have a top surface 133 and a
bottom surface 134, and the seal axis 30 may extend along the top
surface 133. A portion of the top surface 133 may include the
sealing portion 36 of the seal member 28, and the sealing portion
36 may be disposed between the first end 32 and the second end 34
of the seal member 28. The seal axis 30 may intersect (e.g.,
bisect) the sealing portion 36. The sealing portion 36 may have any
shape and dimensions to allow the sealing portion to sealingly
engage (e.g., be disposed adjacent to or in contact with) the
portion 40 of the base member 14 surrounding the fluid aperture 18
when the seal member 28 is in the sealed position of FIG. 5A. For
example, the sealing portion 36 may be a planar portion of the top
surface 133.
[0050] The main portion 132 may also include the engagement potion
38 of the seal member 28. The engagement potion 38 of the seal
member 28 may be disposed at any suitable location of the seal
member 28 such that when the actuation member 20 pivots from the
first actuation position to the second actuation position, the
engagement portion 26 of the actuation member 20 is able to contact
and/or engage the engagement portion 38 of the seal member 28 to
displace the seal member 28 from the sealed position to the first
open position. For example, the engagement potion 38 of the seal
member 28 may be disposed on a portion of the main portion 132 that
is along the seal axis 30 between the first end 32 of the seal
member 28 and the second end 34 of the seal member 28, and the
engagement potion 38 may be between the sealing portion 36 and the
first end 32. The engagement potion 38 may be a surface of a
concave depression 136 that downwardly extends from the top surface
133 of the main portion 132. The main portion 132 may also include
a tab 136 that may extend away from the bottom surface 134 of the
main portion, and the tab 136 may be adapted to be grabbed by a
consumer to pivot the seal member 28 away from the fluid aperture
18 to allow the portion 40 surrounding the fluid aperture 18 to be
cleaned.
[0051] The seal member 28 may also include the first and second arm
portions 93a, 93b that may be coupled to opposite sides of the main
portion 132, and the first and second arm portions 93a, 93b may be
symmetrically disposed about the seal axis 30. Each of the first
and second arm portions 93a, 93b may be planar and may extend in a
direction normal to the main portion 132 (e.g., normal to the seal
axis 30). First and second projections 90a, 90b of may extend from
a corresponding arm portion 93a, 93b, and the first and second
projections 90a, 90b may be coaxially aligned with a seal rotation
axis 138. The seal rotation axis 138 may be normal to (and/or
offset from) the seal axis 30.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, a least one biasing member 140
may act on a portion of the seal member 28 and/or the base member
14 to bias the sealing portion 36 of the seal member 28 towards (or
into sealing engagement with) the portion 40 of the base member 14
surrounding the fluid aperture 18. For example, a first and second
biasing member 140a, 140b (which may be a torsional spring) may be
coupled to (e.g., at least partially disposed around) each of the
first and second projections 90a, 90b of the arm portions 93a, 93b
of the seal member 28. A first end of each of the first and second
biasing member 140a, 140b may be coupled to or contact a portion of
the bottom surface 48 of the base member 14, and a second end of
each of the first and second biasing member 140a, 140b may be
coupled to or contact a portion of a corresponding one of the first
and second arm portions 93a, 93b of the seal member 28. The total
biasing force provided by the at least one biasing member 140 must
be less than the detent force (which, as previously explained, is
generated when the securing portion 106 of the actuation member 20
engages the retaining portion 108 of the base member 14) so that
the seal member 28 does not force the actuation member 20 from the
second actuation position to the first actuation position.
Moreover, the biasing force provided by the at least one biasing
member 140 must allow the seal member 28 to be capable of rotating
at approximately 90.degree. to allow easy cleaning of the seal
member 28.
[0053] As previously explained, each of the first and second
projections 90a, 90b of the arm portions 93a, 93b of the seal
member 28 may be disposed a corresponding one of the coupling tab
88a, 88b (see FIG. 2D) of the base member 14 to pivotably couple
the seal member 28 to the base member 14 such that the seal member
28 is capable of pivoting about the seal rotation axis 138 from the
sealed position (illustrated in FIG. 5A) to the first open position
(illustrated in FIG. 5B) and/or from the sealed position
(illustrated in FIG. 5A) to the second open position (illustrated
in FIG. 5C). More specifically, in the sealed position, the sealing
portion 36 of the seal member 28 is disposed adjacent to or in
contact with the portion 40 of the base member 14 surrounding the
fluid aperture 18, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, and the seal axis 30
of the seal member 28 may be coaxially aligned with or disposed
parallel to (and vertically aligned with) the base axis 16 of the
base member 14. In this sealed position, the fluid aperture 18 of
the base member 14 is sealed or substantially sealed by the sealing
portion 36 such that fluid within the interior 44 of the container
12 is prevented (or hindered) from exiting through the fluid
aperture 18 unless the actuation member 20 is displaced from the
first actuation position to the second actuation position or a
straw 42 is inserted into the fluid aperture 18, as illustrated in
FIG. 5C. Thus if the container 12 and lid assembly 10 is knocked
over when not in use, substantial leakage of fluid from the
interior 44 of the container 12 out of the fluid aperture 18 is
limited or prevented.
[0054] In use, as mentioned previously, the actuation member 20 may
initially be in the first actuation position (FIG. 5A), and the
seal member 28 may be in the sealed position described above. When
the consumer desires to drink a liquid directly out of the
container 12, the consumer displaces the first end 22 of the
actuation member 20 relative to the base member 14 to pivot the
actuation member 20 from the first actuation position to the second
actuation position as previously described, which causes the
engagement portion 26 of the actuation member 20 to engage or
contact the engagement portion 38 of the seal member 28 to pivot
the seal member 28 about the seal rotation axis 138 from the sealed
position illustrated in FIG. 5A to the first open position
illustrated in FIG. 5B, the seal axis 30 of the seal member 28 is
disposed at a first angular distance .theta.1 from the base axis 16
of the base member 14. The first angular distance .theta.1 may be
any suitable angle that allows fluid to flow from the interior 44
of the container 12 through the fluid aperture 18 and into the
drinking recess 72. The first angular distance .theta.1 may be, for
example, an angle between 5.degree. and 45.degree. and may be, in
one aspect, an angle between 10.degree. and 30.degree..
[0055] When the consumer is finished drinking liquid directly out
of the fluid aperture 18 of the container 12, the consumer
displaces the first end 22 of the actuation member 20 relative to
the base member 14 to pivot the actuation member 20 from the second
actuation position to the first actuation position. This action
causes the engagement portion 26 of the actuation member 20 to
retract into or towards the actuation aperture 68, which thereby
allows the engagement portion 38 of the seal member 28 to rotate
towards the fluid aperture 18 under the force of the biasing member
140.
[0056] The consumer may also wish to drink a liquid from the
container 12 using a straw 42. In this case, the consumer may
remove the straw from the straw attachment portion 142 and insert
an end of the straw 42 through the fluid aperture 18 towards a
bottom of the container 12. The end of the straw 42 may contact a
portion of the seal member 28 (e.g., a portion adjacent to the
sealing portion 36 of the main portion 132), and further downward
movement of the end of the straw 42 into the interior 44 of the
container will continue to pivot the seal member 28 (against the
biasing force provided by the biasing member 140 acting on the seal
member 28) about the seal rotation axis 138 until the end of the
straw 42 clears the second end 34 of the seal member 42, and the
seal member 42 is maintained in this second open position
(illustrated in FIG. 5C) by contact with the outside
circumferential surface of the straw 42 as the straw 42 is further
inserted into the interior 44 of the container until the end
reaches a desired depth. In this second open position (FIG. 5C),
the seal axis 30 of the seal member 28 is disposed at a second
angular distance .theta.2 from the base axis 16 of the base member
28, and the second angular distance .theta.2 typically being
greater than the first angular distance .theta.1. The second
angular distance .theta.2 may be any angle that allows the end of
the straw 42 to be disposed at a desired location within the
interior 44 of the container 12. The second angular distance
.theta.2 may be, for example, an angle between 20.degree. and
80.degree. and may be, in one aspect, an angle between 35.degree.
and 70.degree..
[0057] When the consumer removes the straw 42 from the fluid
aperture 18, the straw 42 no longer maintains provides a force on
the seal member 28 that is opposite to and greater than the biasing
force provided by the biasing member 140, and the force provided by
the biasing member 140 pivots the seal member 28 about the seal
rotation axis 138 from the second open position to the sealed
position. As previously explained, such an automatic sealing of the
fluid aperture 18 when the straw 42 is removed from the fluid
aperture 18 prevents accidental spilling of fluid from the
container 12 if the container 12 is accidentally knocked over. The
seal member 28 could be in the first open position when the straw
42 is inserted into the fluid aperture 18 and still displace to the
second open position.
[0058] While various embodiments have been described above, this
disclosure is not intended to be limited thereto. Variations can be
made to the disclosed embodiments that are still within the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *