U.S. patent application number 15/628773 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-18 for lid assembly for drinking vessel and drinking vessel including the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tervis Tumbler Company. Invention is credited to Aaron Abroff, Erik Steven Brown, Kurt Karussi, Joongoo Lee.
Application Number | 20180014671 15/628773 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60941820 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180014671 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karussi; Kurt ; et
al. |
January 18, 2018 |
LID ASSEMBLY FOR DRINKING VESSEL AND DRINKING VESSEL INCLUDING THE
SAME
Abstract
A lid assembly for a drinking vessel holding a beverage is
disclosed. The lid assembly includes a lid and a slider. The lid
comprises a top wall having a port and a vent hole, each configured
for communication with the interior of the vessel when the lid
assembly is mounted thereon. The slider is mounted on the top wall
and is slidable along an axis between a closed state and an open
state, and vice versa. In the closed state, the slider seals the
port. In the opened state it exposes the port, whereupon a person
can drink the beverage through the port. The slider includes a slot
extending transversely to the axis and is configured such that any
liquid attempting to exit through the vent hole when the slider is
in the open state is channeled away from the face of the user as
the user drinks the beverage from the port.
Inventors: |
Karussi; Kurt; (Osprey,
FL) ; Brown; Erik Steven; (Sarasota, FL) ;
Abroff; Aaron; (Acton, MA) ; Lee; Joongoo;
(Quincy, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tervis Tumbler Company |
North Venice |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60941820 |
Appl. No.: |
15/628773 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62361224 |
Jul 12, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/12 20130101;
B65D 2543/00546 20130101; B65D 47/286 20130101; B65D 43/26
20130101; A47G 19/2288 20130101; B65D 43/0218 20130101; A47G
19/2272 20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D 47/32 20130101;
B65D 43/022 20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D 2543/00555
20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/0049 20130101; A47G
19/2211 20130101; B65D 2543/00046 20130101; A47G 2019/225
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22; B65D 43/02 20060101 B65D043/02; B65D 43/12 20060101
B65D043/12 |
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 through the said
assembly, the hollow body having an annular rim at a top edge
thereof, said lid assembly comprising: a lid comprising a top wall
and a peripheral sidewall extending about said top wall, said top
wall including a port in communication with the internal cavity
when said lid assembly is mounted on the vessel and a vent hole in
communication with the internal cavity when said lid assembly is
mounted on the vessel; a slider located at said top wall and
slidably connected thereto along a longitudinal axis between a
closed state and an open state, and vice versa, said slider when in
said closed state sealing said port and when in said opened state
exposing said port, whereupon a person can drink the beverage
through said port, said slider including a portion sealing said
vent hole when said slider is in said closed state and a portion
exposing said vent hole when said slider is in said opened state,
said slider including a slot extending transversely to said
longitudinal axis and being configured such that any beverage or
steam attempting to exit through said vent hole when said slider is
in said open state is channeled by said slot away from the face of
the user as the user drinks the beverage from said port.
2. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein said vent hole is located
in said top wall remote from said port and laterally of said
longitudinal axis.
3. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein said lid comprises a
peripheral sidewall extending about said top wall, said peripheral
sidewall having a top edge located above said top wall and an inner
surface tapering downward from said top edge to said top wall, said
inner surface merging with said top wall at gently curved
interface.
4. The lid assembly of claim 1 additionally comprising a detent
mechanism for holding said slider in either said closed state or
said opened state.
5. The lid assembly of claim 4, wherein said detent mechanism
comprises a rounded projection and a pair of rounded recesses,
wherein one of said rounded recesses is located on said
longitudinal axis adjacent said port and the other of said rounded
recesses is located on said longitudinal axis remove from said
port, and wherein said rounded projection is located on said slider
and configured for selective receipt in either of said rounded
recesses.
6. The lid assembly of claim 1 wherein said slider includes an
outer surface in the form of a depression configured for engagement
by the finger of a user to facilitate the sliding of said slider
between said closed state and said opened state, and vice
versa.
7. The lid assembly of claim 1 wherein said slider is releasably
secured to said top wall of said lid.
8. The lid assembly of claim 7 wherein said top wall includes at
least one slot extending parallel to said longitudinal axis, and
wherein said slider includes an undersurface having at least one
tab projecting downward therefrom, said at least one tab being
configured for releasable receipt within said at least one slot,
whereupon when said tab is within said at least one slot said
slider is enabled to slide along said at least one slot to carry
said slider between said closed state and said opened state, and
vice versa.
9. The lid assembly of claim 8 wherein said at least one tab
includes a cam surface which enables said tab to be snap-fit within
said at least one slot to prevent it from coming out of that slot,
thereby preventing said slider from being accidentally disconnected
from said top wall.
10. The lid assembly of claim 7 wherein said slider includes a
first end and a second end and wherein said slider is reversibly
releasably secured to said lid, whereupon said first end can close
said port when said slider is in said closed state or said second
end can close said port when said slider is in said closed
state.
11. In combination a lid assembly and a drinking vessel, said
drinking vessel comprising a hollow body bounding an internal
cavity, said hollow body having an annular rim at a top edge
thereof, said lid assembly comprising: a lid comprising a top wall
and a peripheral sidewall extending about said top wall, said top
wall including a port in communication with the internal cavity
when said lid assembly is mounted on the vessel and a vent hole in
communication with the internal cavity when said lid assembly is
mounted on the vessel; and a slider located at said top wall and
slidably connected thereto along a longitudinal axis between a
closed state and an open state, and vice versa, said slider when in
said closed state sealing said port and when in said opened state
exposing said port, whereupon a person can drink the beverage
through said port, said slider including a portion sealing said
vent hole when said slider is in said closed state and a portion
exposing said vent hole when said slider is in said opened state,
said slider including a slot extending transversely to said
longitudinal axis and being configured such that any beverage or
steam attempting to exit through said vent hole when said slider is
in said open state is channeled by said slot away from the face of
the user as the user drinks the beverage from said port.
12. The combination of claim 11 wherein said vessel comprises a
double walled insulated vessel.
13. The combination of claim 11 wherein said lid includes an
annular recess configured for receipt of said annular rim of said
drinking vessel to releasably mount said lid assembly on said
drinking vessel.
14. The combination of claim 11 wherein said vent hole is located
in said top wall remote from said port and laterally of said
longitudinal axis.
15. The combination of claim 11 wherein said lid assembly
additionally comprises a detent mechanism for holding said slider
in either said closed state or said opened state.
16. The combination of claim 11 wherein said lid comprises a
peripheral sidewall extending about said top wall, said peripheral
sidewall having a top edge located above said top wall and an inner
surface tapering downward from said top edge to said top wall, said
inner surface merging with said wall at gently curved
interface.
17. The combination of claim 11 wherein said slider includes an
outer surface in the form of a depression configured for engagement
by the finger of a user to facilitate the sliding of said slider
between said closed state and opened state, and vice versa.
18. The combination of claim 11 wherein said slider is releasably
secured to said top wall of said lid.
19. The combination of claim 18 wherein said top wall includes at
least one slot extending parallel to said longitudinal axis, and
wherein said slider includes an undersurface having at least one
tab projecting downward therefrom, said at least one tab being
configured for releasable receipt within said at least one slot,
whereupon when said tab is within said slot said slider is enabled
to slide along said slot to carry said slider between said closed
state and said opened state, and vice versa.
20. The combination of claim 19 wherein said at least one tab
includes a cam surface which enables said tab to be snap-fit within
said at least one slot to prevent it from coming out of that slot,
thereby preventing said slider from being accidentally disconnected
from said top wall.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This utility application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/361,224 filed
on Jul. 12, 2016, entitled LID ASSEMBLY FOR DRINKING VESSEL AND
DRINKING VESSEL 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 lid assemblies for mounting on vessels holding
beverages to enable a user to drink or pour the beverage through
the lid assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Many double walled drinking vessels are commercially
available from various sources, including Tervis Tumbler Company
(hereinafter "Tervis Tumbler"), 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 beverage (hot or cold) within the vessel,
while enabling the user to drink or pour the beverage through the
lid without removing it when desired. For example, Tervis Tumbler
currently sells a line of travel lids, each of which includes a
slidable cover or slider that when opened provides access to a port
in communication with the interior of the vessel through which the
user can drink or pour the beverage. A vent hole is provided in the
lid to enable air to enter into the vessel as the user drinks from
the vessel through the port or pours the beverage from the port. In
particular, the Tervis Tumbler travel lids include a vent hole on
the centerline of the slider which when the slider is in an open
position is aligned with a vent hole in the lid so that air can
enter into the vessel through the aligned vent holes. While those
travel lids are suitable for their intended purposes, they may have
a tendency for the beverage within the vessel to "spit" or "leak"
through the vent holes. Moreover, since the vent hole in the slider
is on the centerline of the slider, it may be blocked by the user's
nose contacting it when the user drinks from the vessel through the
lid. Accordingly, there is a need to overcome those drawbacks as
well as other drawbacks of the prior art. The subject invention
addresses those needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of this invention a lid
assembly is provided 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 through the lid
assembly. The hollow body has an annular rim at a top edge thereof.
The lid assembly comprises a lid and a slider. The lid comprises a
top wall and a peripheral sidewall extending about the top wall.
The top wall includes a port in communication with the internal
cavity when the lid assembly is mounted on the vessel. The top wall
also includes a vent hole in communication with the internal cavity
when the lid assembly is mounted on the vessel. The slider is
located at the top wall and is slidably connected thereto along a
longitudinal axis between a closed state and an open state, and
vice versa. The slider, when in the closed state, seals the port
and when in the opened state exposes the port, whereupon a person
can drink the beverage through the port. The slider includes a
portion sealing the vent hole when the slider is in the closed
state and a portion exposing the vent hole when the slider is in
the opened state. The slider includes a slot extending transversely
to the longitudinal axis and is configured such that any beverage
or steam attempting to exit through the vent hole when the slider
is in the open state is channeled by the slot away from the face of
the user as the user drinks the beverage from the port.
[0007] In accordance with one preferred aspect of the lid assembly
the vent hole is located in the top wall remote from the port and
laterally of the longitudinal axis.
[0008] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the lid
assembly the lid comprises a peripheral sidewall extending about
the top wall. The peripheral sidewall has a top edge located above
the top wall and an inner surface tapering downward from the top
edge to the top wall. The inner surface merges with top wall at
gently curved interface.
[0009] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the lid
assembly a detent mechanism is provided for holding the slider in
either the closed state or the opened state.
[0010] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the lid
assembly the slider includes an outer surface in the form of a
depression configured for engagement by the finger of a user to
facilitate the sliding of the slider between the closed state and
the opened state, and vice versa.
[0011] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the lid
assembly the slider is releasably secured to the top wall of the
lid.
[0012] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the lid
assembly the top wall includes at least one slot extending parallel
to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the slider includes an
undersurface having at least one tab projecting downward therefrom.
The at least one tab is configured for releasable receipt within
the at least one slot, whereupon when the tab is within the at
least one slot the slider is enabled to slide along the at least
one slot to carry the slider between the closed state and the open
state, and vice versa.
[0013] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the lid
assembly the least one tab includes a cam surface which enables the
tab to be snap-fit within the at least one slot to prevent it from
coming out of that slot, thereby preventing the slider from being
accidentally disconnected from the top wall.
[0014] Another aspect of this invention constitutes the combination
of a drinking vessel and a lid assembly. The drinking vessel
comprises a hollow body bounding an internal cavity. The hollow
body has an annular rim at a top edge thereof. The lid assembly is
constructed as set forth above and configured to be releasably
secured to the top edge of the drinking vessel.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0015] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of exemplary drinking
vessel and a lid assembly constructed in accordance with this
invention for releasable mounting on the drinking vessel, with the
lid assembly including a lid and a slider, with the slider shown in
its closed state on the lid;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an enlarged isometric view of the lid assembly
shown in FIG. 1, but with the lid assembly being shown with its
slider in its open state;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 2 but showing
only lid;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an enlarged isometric view of the slider showing
the configuration of its top surface;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevation view of the slider;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an enlarged end elevation view of the slider;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an even more enlarged isometric view of the slider
showing details of its undersurface;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an isometric sectional view taken along line 8-8
of FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an enlarged isometric sectional view of the lid
taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 10 is an enlarged isometric sectional view of the lid
taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 3;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an enlarged isometric sectional view of the lid
taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the lid shown in FIGS. 1
and 2;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the lid assembly showing
the slider in the closed state; and
[0028] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the lid assembly like that
of FIG. 12, but showing the slider in the open state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] 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 one exemplary embodiment of the combination a drinking
vessel 22 and a lid assembly 24 constructed in accordance with this
invention. The drinking vessel is configured holding a beverage,
e.g., a hot beverage, therein. The lid assembly is configured for
releasable securement to the vessel to close off the top of the
vessel, while enabling a person to drink the beverage through the
lid assembly or to pour the beverage through the lid assembly, when
desired. Moreover, as will be described later, the lid assembly
includes a vent hole to permit air to enter the vessel while a
person is drinking from the vessel through the lid assembly or
pouring the beverage out of the vessel through the lid
assembly.
[0030] It should be pointed out at this juncture that the
particular lid assembly 24 shown and described herein is 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.
[0031] As can be seen in FIG. 1 the vessel 22 is in the form of a
tumbler that is similar in construction to those conventional 16
oz. insulated decorative tumblers sold by Tervis Tumbler. 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 A. The outer vessel can be formed in any
manner, e.g., it can be blow molded or injection molded of any
suitable plastic material, e.g., a clear plastic material, such as
Eastman Tritan.TM. copolyester sold by Eastman Chemical Company.
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 A. 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).
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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 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.
[0034] The lid assembly 24 basically comprises a lid 28 and a
slider 30. The lid 28 is an integral unit formed of any suitable
material, e.g., polypropylene, and includes a planar top wall 32
and a peripheral sidewall 34 extending about the top wall. The top
wall is planar and of generally circular profile. The top wall
includes an opening or port 36 adjacent the front of the lid. The
port 36 is located on a central longitudinal axis B (FIGS. 13 and
14) of the lid. The axis B extends from the front 38 of the lid to
the rear 40 of the lid. The port 36 is in fluid communication with
the internal cavity 22D of the vessel 22 and serves to enable a
person to drink or pour the beverage through it. Drinking is
accomplished by the user placing his or her lips on the portion of
the peripheral sidewall 34 located adjacent the port 36.
[0035] The slider 30 of the lid assembly serves to close off the
port 36 to keep the beverage within the vessel until access to the
beverage via the port is desired. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4-8,
the slider 30 is a somewhat elongated member having a pair of
linear side edges 30A and 30B, and a pair of arcuate end edges 30C
and 30D. The slider 30 is located within a somewhat elongated
recess 42 (FIGS. 3 and 9-11) in the top wall 32. The recess 42 is
centered on and extends along the longitudinal axis B and includes
a front arcuate edge 42C, a rear arcuate edge 42D, and a pair of
linear side edges 42A and 42B. The shape of each of the arcuate end
edges 42C and 42D of the recess 42 is the same as the shape of the
arcuate end edges 30C and 30D of the slider. The length of the
recess 42 is longer than the length of the slider. The slider is
located within the recess and slidable therealong between an open
position or state, like shown in FIG. 2, whereupon the port 36 is
exposed, and a closed position or state, like shown in FIG. 1,
whereupon the port is covered or closed.
[0036] The outer or upper surface of the slider 30 is ergonomically
designed to facilitate the sliding of the slider to either the
closed or opened position by a finger of the user. To that end as
best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper surface of the slider is
undulated, e.g., in the form of a pair of convex arcuate ridges 30E
and 30F and a concave arcuate depression or valley 30G interposed
between the ridges. The ridges and the depression extend
transversely to the longitudinal axis B. The depression 30G and a
contiguous portion of the ridge 30E are configured for engagement
by a finger of the user to slide the slider 30 to the closed
position. Similarly, the depression 30G and a contiguous portion of
the ridge 30F is configured for engagement by a finger of the user
to slide the slider to the opened position. Thus, the undulating
top surface of the slider provides more stability for moving the
slider to the open or closed position than does a flat or planar
slider, such as that found in the prior art Tervis Tumbler travel
lids.
[0037] The slider 30 is releasably secured within the recess 42 by
a pair of linear walls 44. The walls 44 are in the form of two
short length tabs that project downward from the underside of the
slider. The walls are configured to be releasably received within
respective ones of a pair of linear slots 46 in the recess 42. The
slots 46 extend parallel to and along the central longitudinal axis
B of the lid on opposite sides of that axis and are spaced from
each other by the spacing between the walls 44. As best seen in
FIGS. 6-8 each wall 44 includes an outwardly projecting flanged cam
surface 44A that enables each wall to be snap-fit within its
associated slot 46 to prevent it from coming out of that slot,
thereby preventing the slider 30 from being accidentally
disconnected from the lid. The slider can be readily removed from
the lid when desired, e.g., for cleaning the lid assembly. The
removal of the slider is accomplished by squeezing the bottom ends
of the walls 44 together so that the outwardly projecting flanged
cam surface 44A of each wall is within the outer edge portion of
its associated slot 46, whereupon the slider is freed and can be
lifted out of the recess 42. The slider can be reconnected within
the recess 42 by merely inserting the bottom edge of its walls 44
into the slots 46 and pressing downward, whereupon the cam surface
44A of each of those walls will ride over the outer edge portion of
the associated slots flexing the walls toward each other until the
cam surfaces clear those edges of the slots, whereupon the walls
will snap back into place thereby holding the walls within the
slots.
[0038] It should be pointed out at this juncture that the slider 30
is reversible. In particular, it can be connected within the recess
42 so that its arcuate end edge 30C engages the front edge 42C of
the recess when the slider is in the closed state, or can be
connected within the recess 42 so that its arcuate edge 30D engages
the front edge 42C of the recess when the slider is in the closed
state.
[0039] As best seen in FIG. 12, the bottom edge 34A of the
peripheral sidewall 34 is planar, whereas the top edge 34B of that
sidewall changes elevation along its periphery. In particular, the
top edge of the sidewall is of a higher elevation above the bottom
edge at the front 38 of the lid to serve as the drinking lip of the
lid assembly. A tab, to be described later, projects outward from
the rear of the lid assembly 24 and serves as a means for removing
the lid assembly from the vessel. As best seen in FIG. 9, the top
wall 32 of the lid tilts or slopes downward in the direction toward
the front of the lid and hence toward the port 36. As best seen in
FIGS. 9-11, the portion of the surface of the peripheral sidewall
34 from its top edge 34B to the periphery of the planar top wall 32
tapers inward to form an inner funnel-shaped surface 34C. The
funnel-shaped surface 34C merges with the periphery of the top wall
32 at gently curved or large radius interface 34D (best seen in
FIG. 11). Accordingly, if any beverage should gain access to the
top wall it will flow down the downwardly tilted top wall guided by
the curved interface to be directed back into the port when the
slider is in the open state. This action prevents puddling of any
beverage on the lid. Moreover, the relatively large radius of
curvature of the interface 34D enables the lid to be readily
cleaned, i.e., it doesn't form a narrow crease in which liquid
debris or "gunk" could accumulate and be difficult to remove when
cleaning the lid. Hence, the lid assembly of this invention offers
an improvement over the prior art Tervis Tumbler travel lids since
they make use of a relatively tight crease or corner in which such
liquid debris or gunk can get caught, thereby rendering such prior
art lids more difficult to clean when they get dirty.
[0040] As mentioned earlier, the lid assembly 20 includes a vent to
enable air to enter the vessel when the beverage is drank or poured
out of the port 36. That vent is in the form of a small hole or
aperture 48 in the lid 28. In particular, as best seen in FIGS. 3,
10, 13 and 14 the vent hole 48 is located in the recess 42
laterally of the central longitudinal axis B adjacent the end of
one of the slots 46 so that it will be covered and closed by the
underside of the slider when the slider is in the closed state. The
slider includes two slots or channels 50A and 50B. The channel 50A
extends transversely to the central longitudinal axis B from the
side edge 30A and is located slightly beyond the center of the
slider towards the end edge 30C. The slot or channel 50B extends
transversely to the central axis B from the side edge 30B and is
located slightly beyond center of the slider towards the end edge
30D. The distance between each slot and the longitudinal center of
the slider is the same. Depending upon the orientation of the
slider within the recess 42, i.e., which end edge 30C or 30D of the
slider is facing the front 38 of the lid when the slider is mounted
within the recess 42, either the channel 50A or the channel 50B
will be in fluid communication with the vent hole 48. For example,
as shown in FIG. 14, when the slider is mounted in the recess 42 so
that its end edge 30C is directed towards the front 38 of the lid,
the slot 50B will be in fluid communication with the vent hole 48
when the slider is in the open state. Thus, any steam or liquid
that may attempt to exit from the vent hole 48 when the slider is
in the open state will be directed down the slot or channel 50B to
exit the lid assembly at the side edge 42B of the recess, i.e., at
the narrow space forming the interface between the side of the
slider and the side of the recess. This is of considerable
importance since that steam or liquid will be directed laterally
away from the central longitudinal axis B and hence away from the
face of the user when the user drinks from the vessel. Moreover,
since the slot or channel 50A or 50B, as the case may be, is
directed laterally to that narrow space forming the interface
between the side of the slider and the side of the recess, when the
user brings the front of the lid assembly to his/her mouth, with
the slider 30 being in the open position to drink through the port
36, his/her nose will not block the vent from enabling air to enter
into the vessel. In particular, air will enter into the interface
between the side of the slider and the side of the recess from
whence it will flow into the associated slot or channel 50A or 50B,
as the case may be, and from there through the vent hole 48 into
the interior 22D of the vessel 22.
[0041] As can be seen in FIGS. 11, 13 and 14 an annular recess 52
is located under the top wall 32 of the lid and within the bounds
of the peripheral sidewall 34. The recess serves as the means for
releasably mounting the lid assembly 24 onto the rim 22C of the
vessel 22. In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 11 the annular
recess 52 includes a small annular ridge 54 extending thereabout
from the inner surface of the sidewall 34. The ridge 54 is arranged
to engage the slightly undercut outer surface of the vessel 22
below its rim 22C to enable the lid assembly 24 to be releasably
snap-fit onto the rim of the vessel 22 when the rim of the vessel
is within the annular recess 52.
[0042] As mentioned earlier the lid includes a tab for facilitating
the removal of the lid assembly from the vessel. That tab is best
seen in FIG. 12 and is in the form of a rounded projection 56 that
projects outward from the rear 40 of the peripheral sidewall 34.
The tab includes an outer surface which curves outward and downward
from intermediate position between the sidewall's top edge 34B and
its bottom edge 34A and terminates at the bottom edge. The tab
extends about a substantial portion of the periphery of the
sidewall 34 and merges into the circular periphery of the sidewall
30 at a point approaching the middle of the lid assembly. Due to
the size shape and placement of the tab it functions better
ergonomically to enable a user to more easily remove the lid
assembly from the vessel as compared to the small flat tab that is
found in the current Tervis Tumbler travel lids.
[0043] In accordance with one preferred aspect of this invention,
the lid assembly is designed so that the slider 30 is preferably in
either its open or closed state, and not in some partially opened
state, since partial opening may present a hazard that the beverage
within the vessel could spill out of the partially opened port
unexpectedly. To that end, the lid assembly includes a detent
mechanism for holding the slider in either the closed state or the
opened state. The detent mechanism basically comprises a pair of
rounded recesses 58A and 58B (FIGS. 9 and 10) and a rounded
projection 60 (FIGS. 7 and 8). The recesses are located within a
wall portion 58 interposed between the slots 46 in the recess 42.
In particular, the rounded recess 58A is located within that wall
portion 58 close to the forward end of the slots 46, i.e., close to
the port 36, and extends transversely to the central longitudinal
axis B. The rounded recess 58B is located close to the rear end of
those slots and also extends transversely to the central
longitudinal axis B. The rounded projection 60 is elongated and
shaped somewhat like a "speed bump". The projection 60 extends
transversely to the longitudinal central axis B and is located on
the undersurface of the slider between the walls or tabs 44. The
projection is arranged to somewhat snap-fit within the recess 58A
when the slider is in the closed state, and to snap-fit within the
recess 58B when the slider is in the open state. Thus, when the
user of the vessel slides the slider to the open position there
will be some tactile feedback to the user when the projection 60
enters (snaps) into recess 58B. Similarly, when the user slides the
slider to the closed position there will be some tactile feedback
when the projection 60 enters (snaps) into recess 58A.
[0044] As should be appreciated by those skilled in the art the lid
assemblies of this invention have particular utility as a travel
lid. However, they can be used for any application wherein they
will be mounted on a vessel or container holding a beverage to
enable a user to drink or pour the beverage through the lid,
whether the vessel or container is insulated or not. Moreover,
various changes can be made to the lid assembly within the
teachings of this invention. For example, the slider need not be
configured to be reversibly mountable. In such a case, the slider
would only need to include one channel or slot for communication
with the vent hole when the slider is in the open state. Further
still, the lid may include a pair of appropriately placed vent
holes, so that when the slider is in the open position or state one
of the slots or channels is in communication with one of the vent
holes, while the other one of those slots or channels is in
communication with the other of the vent holes. Moreover, the lid
assembly may not make use of a detent mechanism to hold the slider
in either the closed or opened position. If a detent mechanism is
desired it can be constructed differently than that described
above. Thus, for example, the components making up the detent
mechanism can be reversed, i.e., the slider may include the rounded
recesses and the lid may include the rounded projection. Many other
changes can be made to the structure of the lid assembly than those
described above, yet still be within the teachings of this
invention.
[0045] 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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