U.S. patent application number 15/339131 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-03 for leak-proof push button lid.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alfay Designs. Invention is credited to Daniel Gatto, Al SMALDONE.
Application Number | 20180118417 15/339131 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62020208 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180118417 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SMALDONE; Al ; et
al. |
May 3, 2018 |
Leak-Proof Push Button Lid
Abstract
A lid having an upper half configured to remain external when
the lid is coupled to a liquid vessel holding a liquid therein, a
lower half configured to be received in the liquid vessel when the
lid is coupled to the liquid vessel and an actuator configured to
move the lid between a first configuration and a second
configuration, the first configuration sealing the liquid in the
liquid vessel from a plunger being adjacent to a gasket that is
coupled to a bottom edge of the lower half, the second
configuration allowing the liquid to be removed using a
predetermined manner through the lid from the plunger being
separated from the gasket to create a space therebetween.
Inventors: |
SMALDONE; Al; (Brooklyn,
NY) ; Gatto; Daniel; (Brooklyn, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Alfay Designs |
|
|
|
|
|
Family ID: |
62020208 |
Appl. No.: |
15/339131 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/32 20130101;
B65D 47/248 20130101; B65D 51/1683 20130101; A47G 19/2272 20130101;
A47J 41/0022 20130101; B65D 47/247 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/04 20060101
B65D041/04; B65D 47/06 20060101 B65D047/06; B65D 47/32 20060101
B65D047/32 |
Claims
1. A lid, comprising: an upper half configured to remain external
when the lid is coupled to a liquid vessel holding a liquid
therein; a lower half configured to be received in the liquid
vessel when the lid is coupled to the liquid vessel; and an
actuator configured to move the lid between a first configuration
and a second configuration, the first configuration sealing the
liquid in the liquid vessel from a plunger being adjacent to a
gasket that is coupled to a bottom edge of the lower half, the
second configuration allowing the liquid to be removed using a
predetermined manner through the lid from the plunger being
separated from the gasket to create a space therebetween.
2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the lower half includes a coupling
mechanism disposed on a periphery thereof that engages a
corresponding coupling mechanism disposed on an inner surface of
the liquid vessel.
3. The lid of claim 2, wherein the coupling mechanism is a
threading.
4. The lid of claim 1, wherein the gasket seals the coupling
between the lid and liquid vessel.
5. The lid of claim 1, further comprising: a vent configured to be
closed when the lid is in the first configuration and open when the
lid is in the second configuration, the vent including a first port
adjacent an actuating end of the actuator and a second port
adjacent the plunger.
6. The lid of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a biasing
mechanism configured to bias the lid into one of the first and
second configurations.
7. The lid of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a locking
mechanism configured to lock the lid into at least one of the first
and second configurations.
8. The lid of claim 1, further comprising: a reservoir configured
to hold the liquid when the liquid passes from the liquid vessel
and through the space when the lid is in the second
configuration.
9. The lid of claim 8, further comprising: a spout disposed on the
upper half, the spout in fluid communication with the
reservoir.
10. The lid of claim 1, wherein the gasket is made of silicon.
11. A system, comprising: a liquid vessel configured to hold a
liquid therein; and a lid configured to couple to the liquid
vessel, the lid comprising: an upper half configured to remain
external when the lid is coupled to the liquid vessel; a lower half
configured to be received in the liquid vessel when the lid is
coupled to the liquid vessel; and an actuator configured to move
the lid between a first configuration and a second configuration,
the first configuration sealing the liquid in the liquid vessel
from a plunger being adjacent to a gasket that is coupled to a
bottom edge of the lower half, the second configuration allowing
the liquid to be removed using a predetermined manner through the
lid from the plunger being separated from the gasket to create a
space therebetween.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the lower half includes a
coupling mechanism disposed on a periphery thereof and the liquid
vessel includes a corresponding coupling mechanism disposed on an
inner surface thereof, the coupling mechanism engaging the
corresponding coupling mechanism.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the coupling mechanism is a
threading.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the gasket seals the coupling
between the lid and the liquid vessel.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the lid further comprises a
vent configured to be closed when the lid is in the first
configuration and open when the lid is in the second configuration,
the vent including a first port adjacent an actuating end of the
actuator and a second port adjacent the plunger.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the actuator includes a biasing
mechanism configured to bias the lid into one of the first and
second configurations.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the actuator includes a locking
mechanism configured to lock the lid into at least one of the first
and second configurations.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein the lid further comprises a
reservoir configured to hold the liquid when the liquid passes from
the liquid vessel and through the space when the lid is in the
second configuration.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the lid further comprises a
spout disposed on the upper half, the spout in fluid communication
with the reservoir.
20. An actuator, comprising: an activating end including a surface
upon which the actuator is used; a connecting end configured to
couple to a plunger; and a connector including a first end coupled
to the activating end and a second end coupled to the connecting
end, wherein the actuator is configured to move a lid that is
coupled to a liquid vessel between a first configuration and a
second configuration, wherein the first configuration seals the
liquid in the liquid vessel from a plunger being adjacent to a
gasket that is coupled to a bottom edge of the lid, wherein the
second configuration allows the liquid to be removed using a
predetermined manner through the lid from the plunger being
separated from the gasket, to create a space therebetween.
Description
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0001] A liquid vessel may be used to store a liquid therein. The
liquid vessel may be equipped with a variety of features such as
temperature retaining surfaces. The liquid vessel may also be
configured to couple a lid on a surface of the liquid vessel. The
lid may effectively seal the liquid vessel such that liquid stored
in the liquid vessel does not leak or spill out unless the lid is
removed and/or a mechanism of the lid enables the liquid to be
removed from the liquid vessel. However, the lid may still be
susceptible to inadvertent leakage or spillage despite being
securely coupled to the liquid vessel.
SUMMARY
[0002] The exemplary embodiments describe a lid having an upper
half configured to remain external when the lid is coupled to a
liquid vessel holding a liquid therein, a lower half configured to
be received in the liquid vessel when the lid is coupled to the
liquid vessel and an actuator configured to move the lid between a
first configuration and a second configuration, the first
configuration sealing the liquid in the liquid vessel from a
plunger being adjacent to a gasket that is coupled to a bottom edge
of the lower half, the second configuration allowing the liquid to
be removed using a predetermined manner through the lid from the
plunger being separated from the gasket to create a space
therebetween.
[0003] The exemplary embodiments further describe a system having a
liquid vessel configured to hold a liquid therein and a lid
configured to couple to the liquid vessel. The lid includes an
upper half configured to remain external when the lid is coupled to
the liquid vessel, a lower half configured to be received in the
liquid vessel when the lid is coupled to the liquid vessel and an
actuator configured to move the lid between a first configuration
and a second configuration, the first configuration sealing the
liquid in the liquid vessel from a plunger being adjacent to a
gasket that is coupled to a bottom edge of the lower half, the
second configuration allowing the liquid to be removed using a
predetermined manner through the lid from the plunger being
separated from the gasket to create a space therebetween.
[0004] The exemplary embodiments also include an actuator having an
activating end including a surface upon which the actuator is used,
a connecting end configured to couple to a plunger and a connector
including a first end coupled to the activating end and a second
end coupled to the connecting end, wherein the actuator is
configured to move a lid that is coupled to a liquid vessel between
a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the first
configuration seals the liquid in the liquid vessel from a plunger
being adjacent to a gasket that is coupled to a bottom edge of the
lid, wherein the second configuration allows the liquid to be
removed using a predetermined manner through the lid from the
plunger being separated from the gasket to create a space
therebetween.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a lid according to the
exemplary embodiments.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the lid of FIG. 1 according to
the exemplary embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the lid of FIG. 1 according to
the exemplary embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the lid of FIG. 1 according to
the exemplary embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 1
according to the exemplary embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 6 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the lid
of FIG. 1 according to the exemplary embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 7 shows a fluid flow for the lid of FIG. 1 according to
the exemplary embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 8 shows the lid of FIG. 1 coupled to a liquid vessel
according to the exemplary embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The exemplary embodiments may be further understood with
reference to the following description and the related appended
drawings, wherein like elements are provided with the same
reference numerals. The exemplary embodiments are related to a
leak-proof push button lid. Specifically, the exemplary embodiments
provide a lid that couples to a liquid vessel that creates a seal
therewith and prevents any liquid from within the vessel from
leaking or spilling. The lid may also be equipped with various
features to enable liquid to be removed, equalize pressure
associated therewith, and reduce issues associated with other
lids.
[0014] FIGS. 1-4 show various views of a lid 100 according to the
exemplary embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a perspective
view, FIG. 2 shows a top view, FIG. 3 shows a side view, and FIG. 4
shows a bottom view. The lid 100 is configured to enable a user to
seal liquid held in a liquid vessel 200 (see FIG. 8). Specifically,
the lid 100 may couple to the liquid vessel 200 (e.g., with a flush
external surface between the lid 100 and the liquid vessel 200). As
will be described in further detail below, the lid 100 may include
a plurality of components that enable the coupling between the lid
100 and the liquid vessel 200 to be sealed to prevent any liquid
from escaping. As will also be described in further detail below,
the lid 100 may include further components to enable liquid to be
dispensed or removed from the liquid vessel 200 via the lid
100.
[0015] The lid 100 may have a substantially circular
cross-sectional shape in a lateral direction such as when viewed
from the top view (e.g., FIG. 2) or the bottom view (e.g., FIG. 4).
However, the lateral cross-sectional shape of the lid 100 being
circular is only exemplary. Those skilled in the art will
understand that the lid 100 may have any lateral cross-sectional
shape such as square, rectangular, asymmetrical, etc. The lateral
cross-sectional shape of the lid 100 may be substantially similar
to that of the liquid vessel 200 as well. However, this too is only
exemplary and the lateral cross-sectional shape of the lid 100 is
not required to be the same or similar to the liquid vessel
200.
[0016] The lid 100 may have an upper half 102 and a lower half 104
as illustrated in FIG. 3. When the lid 100 is coupled to the liquid
vessel 200, the upper half 102 may be a portion of the lid 100 that
remains outside the liquid vessel 200 while the lower half 104 may
a portion of the lid 100 that is received in the liquid vessel 200.
However, depending on the coupling mechanism (to be discussed in
further detail below), the lid 100 may not include a portion that
is received in the liquid vessel 200. For example, the lid 100 may
couple such that a bottom edge of the lid 100 engages a top edge of
the liquid vessel 200 such that the entire lid 100 remains outside
the liquid vessel 200. It is also noted that the lid 100 coupling
to the liquid vessel 200 along a top side of the liquid vessel 200
is only exemplary. Those skilled in the art will understand that
the lid 100 may couple to any side of the liquid vessel 200 in a
configuration that maintains the features of the exemplary
embodiments.
[0017] The lid 100 may include a spout 105 along a top edge on the
upper half 102 where the liquid from within the liquid vessel 200
may be dispensed when the lid 100 is in a particular configuration.
Specifically, the lid 100 may be placed into a first configuration
that wholly seals the liquid within the liquid vessel 200. The lid
may 100 also be placed into a second configuration that enables the
liquid to be removed from the liquid vessel 200. When the lid 100
is in the second configuration, the spout 105 may provide an egress
point. It should be noted that the spout 105 having the illustrated
shape and position is only exemplary. That is, the top disposition
and the lip shape of the spout 105 is only exemplary. Those skilled
in the art will understand that in other exemplary embodiments, the
spout 105 may be any shape (e.g., cylindrical projection), may have
no shape (e.g., a hole on a surface of the lid 100), may be
disposed at appropriate positions on the lid 100, etc.
[0018] The lid 100 may couple to the liquid vessel 200 in a variety
of different manners. As illustrated, the lid 100 may include
threading 110 disposed around a periphery of the lower half 104 of
the lid 100. Accordingly, the liquid vessel 200 may include
corresponding threading. Thus, to couple the lid 100 to the liquid
vessel 200, the lid 100 may be rotated in a first direction for the
lower half 104 to be received into the liquid vessel 200 and the
threading 110 engages the corresponding threading. The lid 100 may
be rotated until a bottom edge of the upper half 102 is flush
against a top edge of the liquid vessel 200. In an opposite
operation, to decouple the lid 100 from the liquid vessel 200, the
lid 100 may be rotated in a second direction opposite the first
direction for the lower half 104 to be removed from the liquid
vessel 200 and the threading 110 disengaging the corresponding
threading.
[0019] It should be noted that the use of the threading 110 as the
coupling mechanism is only exemplary. The lid 100 may couple to the
liquid vessel 200 using any type of coupling mechanism. In a first
example, the bottom half 104 may have an outer circumference that
is substantially similar to an inner circumference of the liquid
vessel 200. The bottom half 104 may also be manufactured with a
high coefficient of friction material. Accordingly, the coupling
mechanism may be a friction fit. In a second example, the bottom
half 104 may include other types of mechanical coupling mechanisms
such as snaps, clips, etc. In a third example, the bottom half 104
may include other types of coupling mechanisms such as magnets.
Therefore, the lid 100 may utilize any of these types of coupling
mechanisms to couple the lid 100 to the liquid vessel 200.
[0020] As discussed above, the lid 100 may be moved between a first
configuration and a second configuration. Again, the first
configuration may prevent any liquid from within the liquid vessel
200 from escaping, particularly through the lid 100. The second
configuration may enable liquid to be removed through the lid 100.
The lid 100 may include an actuator 115 that moves the lid 100
between the first and second configurations. The actuator 115 may
be a button that may be depressed into the lid 100 from a top side
as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the actuator 115 may be
manually operated to move the lid 100 into the proper configuration
as desired. The actuator 115, its components, and the mechanism by
which the actuator 115 operates will be described in further detail
below.
[0021] The lid 100 may include a gasket 120. The gasket 120 may be
a component that enables the leak and spill proof nature of the lid
100. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gasket 120 may be a
substantially disc-shaped component that is coupled to a bottom
edge of the lower half 104. The gasket 120 may be coupled to the
lower half 104 using any known mechanism such as a mechanical
attachment (e.g., corresponding shapes interconnecting to one
another), an adhesive attachment (e.g., glue), etc. The gasket 120
may be manufactured with any known material that provides sealing
features when surfaces are adjacent thereto. For example, the
gasket 120 may be a silicon gasket. As will be described in further
detail below, the substantially disc-shape of the gasket 120 may
also include a hole near a center portion to accommodate a plunger
125.
[0022] The gasket 120 may be sized and shaped to extend from the
bottom edge of the lower half 104 such that the gasket 120 contacts
an inner side of the liquid vessel 200. Accordingly, when the lid
100 is coupled to the liquid vessel 200, the gasket 120 may create
a seal with the inner side of the liquid vessel 200. This seal may
prevent any liquid from spilling out of the liquid vessel 200
through inadvertent leakage passed the gasket 120. Accordingly,
this is one way that the lid 100 provides the leak and spill proof
nature of the exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that this
feature may be present so long as the lid 100 has been properly
coupled to the liquid vessel 200. Thus, independent of whether the
lid 100 is in the first or second configuration, the gasket 120 may
prevent liquid from escaping along an outer edge of the gasket
120.
[0023] As discussed above, the gasket 120 may include a hole near a
center portion to accommodate the plunger 125.
[0024] Accordingly, the lid 100 may include the plunger 125 which
is a component that cooperates in the operation performed by the
actuator 115. Specifically, the plunger 125 may be moved from a
first position to a second position where the first position
corresponds to the first configuration of the lid 100 that prevents
any liquid from being removed and the second position corresponds
to the second configuration of the lid 100 that enables liquid to
be removed through the lid 100 out the spout 105. As illustrated in
FIG. 3, the plunger 125 may be disposed beneath the gasket 120 such
that the gasket 120 is disposed between the bottom half 104 and the
plunger 125. Thus, the lid 100 may be arranged such that the bottom
half 104 is coupled to a top side the gasket 120 with the plunger
125 being adjacent to a bottom side of the gasket 120. It should be
noted that the orientation and descriptors of top and bottom is
specific to the embodiment illustrates in FIGS. 1-4. However, it is
again noted that the orientation and descriptors may be relative to
the other embodiments such as when the lid 100 couples to the
liquid vessel 200 along a different surface.
[0025] As will be described in further detail below, the plunger
125 may be moved via the actuator 115 between the first and second
positions. In the first position, the plunger 125 may be adjacent
the gasket 120. As those skilled in the art will understand, the
gasket 120 is any component that seals a junction between two
surfaces. In the exemplary embodiments, the two surfaces may be the
bottom half 104 (specifically a bottom surface) and the plunger 125
(specifically a top surface). Thus, when the lid 100 is in the
first configuration and the plunger 125 is in the first position, a
seal may be created to prevent liquid from escaping through the lid
100 and out the spout 105. In the second position, the plunger 125
may be separated from the gasket 120. That is, the plunger 125 may
be moved away from the gasket 120 to create a space therebetween.
This space may enable the liquid to be moved into the space and
escape through the lid 100 and out the spout 105.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the lid 100 of FIG. 1
according to the exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6 shows a perspective
cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 1 according to the
exemplary embodiments. The cross-sectional view of the lid 100 may
be along a plane perpendicular to the top view of FIG. 2 or along a
plane parallel to the side view of FIG. 3. The cross-sectional
views show the above described components of the spout 105, the
threading 110, the actuator 115, the gasket 120, and the plunger
125. The cross-sectional views also show a reservoir 130,
components of the actuator 115 including an activating end 135, a
connecting end 140, and a connector 145, and a locking feature
including a locking mechanism 150 and a corresponding locking
mechanism 155. Furthermore, the cross-sectional views show an
exterior vent port 160 (a relative position of which is also shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2), an interior vent port 165 (a relative position
of which is also shown in FIG. 4), and a vent 170.
[0027] As described above, the spout 105 may be a conduit in which
the liquid may be removed from the liquid vessel 200 when the lid
100 is in the second configuration and the plunger 125 is in the
second position. As illustrated in the cross-sectional view, the
spout 105 may include a cylindrical space extending from an inner
end to an outer (external) end. The outer end of the spout 105 may
be shaped to accommodate a person directly contacting the spout 105
such as a person's mouth. The inner end of the spout 105 may be
coupled to the reservoir 130. That is, the spout 105 may be in
fluid communication with the reservoir 130. The reservoir 130 may
be configured to hold the liquid being moved from within the liquid
vessel 200 prior to being moved out of the lid 100 via the spout
105 (when the lid 100 is in the second configuration). The
reservoir 130 may therefore be a small linear chamber to provide
this feature. Accordingly, the liquid from within the liquid vessel
200 may travel from a space of the liquid vessel 200, passed the
plunger 125 into the space created between the plunger 125 and the
gasket 120, into the reservoir 130, and out the spout 105.
[0028] It is noted that the use of the reservoir 130 is only
exemplary. That is, the cylindrical space of the spout 105 may
extend directly to the space created from the plunger 125 being
moved to the second position. However, through inclusion of the
reservoir 130, the lid 100 may be configured to substantially
reduce residual droplets from accumulating which may result in
liquid being inadvertently spilling out of the lid 100 despite the
seals being present. It should also be noted that the relative size
of the reservoir 130 in the cross-sectional view is only exemplary.
That is, the reservoir 130 may be adjusted to further optimize the
functionality of the reservoir 130. It is further noted that the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 (as well as the other views of FIGS.
1-4 and 6-8) are not necessarily to scale.
[0029] The cross-sectional view of the gasket 120 and the plunger
125 also illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a shape that may be
used for these components. As described above, the gasket 120 may
have a substantially disc-shape with a hole at a center portion.
Specifically, the disc-shape may relate to a cross-section taken
along a plane perpendicular to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5.
However, the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 also illustrates that
the gasket 120 may have portions that extend from the top surface
as well as extend from the bottom surface. The extensions from the
top surface may also be shaped so that it corresponds to recesses
and/or spaces in the lower half 104 for coupling thereto. This
coupling between the gasket 120 and the lower half 104 may be
shaped and sized for a permanent coupling and may also be
reinforced beyond a mechanical mating such as using an adhesive.
The extensions from the bottom surface may also be shaped so that
portions of the lower half 104 extending out may be received in
these bottom extensions such as to hold the gasket 120 in a desired
orientation and position.
[0030] As illustrated in the cross-sectional view, the gasket 120
and the plunger 125 may have corresponding shapes. Specifically,
the gasket 120 may have a first shape on the bottom surface near
the hole (and extending therefrom toward an outer edge). The
plunger 125 may have a second shape corresponding to the first
shape on the top surface such that actuation of the actuator 115
that places the lid 100 in the first configuration moves the
plunger 125 toward the gasket 120 and is adjacent thereto. Although
the gasket 120 and the plunger 125 may have any shape, the
cross-sectional view according to the exemplary embodiments shows
the gasket 120 to have a concave surface while the plunger 125 has
a convex surface. Thus, in the first configuration of the lid 100,
the plunger 125 may nest in the gasket 120. It is noted that the
plunger 125 may have a substantially flat bottom surface although
this too is only exemplary.
[0031] As discussed above, the actuator 115 may be configured to
move the lid 100 between the first and second configurations.
Accordingly, the actuator 115 may also be configured to move the
plunger 125 between the first and second positions. As will be
described in further detail below, the actuator 115 may further be
configured to move the locking feature between a first locking
position and a second locking position as well. Thus, the actuator
115 may be used to move the lid 100 between the first configuration
in which the plunger 125 is in the first position and the locking
feature is in the first locking position and the second
configuration in which the plunger 125 is in the second position
and the locking feature is in the second locking position.
[0032] The actuator 115 may include a plurality of components
including the activating end 135, the connecting end 140, and the
connector 145. The activating end 135 may be an end or surface used
for manual activation to move the lid 100 between the first and
second configurations. As illustrated, the activating end 135 may
be a button that is pressed down for actuation. The mechanism by
which the actuator 115 is utilized may depend on the mechanical
aspects used with the lid 100. For example, the activating end 135
may simply be moved down for the lid 100 to move from the first
configuration to the second configuration. Subsequently, the
activating end 135 may be moved up for the lid 100 to return from
the second configuration to the first configuration. Further
examples of how the actuator 115 may be used will be described
below.
[0033] The connecting end 140 may be an opposing side of the
actuator 115 relative to the activating end 135. The connecting end
140 may be configured to couple with the plunger 125. In this
manner, the actuator 115 may be coupled to the plunger 125 such
that moving the lid 100 between the first and second configurations
also results in the plunger moving between the first and second
positions, respectively. The connecting end 140 may couple with the
plunger 125 using any type of coupling such as those discussed
above and may also be a permanent coupling. As illustrated, the
connecting end 140 may include a threading and the plunger 125 may
include a recess that receives the connecting end 140 and includes
a corresponding threading.
[0034] The activating end 135 and the connecting end 140 may be
connected to each other via the connector 145. The connector 145
may be a substantially rod-shaped component that couples the
activating end 135 at a first end and the connecting end 140 at a
second, opposite end. The actuator 115 may be manufactured
separately and may be assembled to result in the actuator 115 shown
in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5. The actuator 115 may be
assembled using any known coupling mechanisms such as those
discussed above and may also be a permanent coupling. However, it
is noted that this assembly of the actuator 115 is only exemplary.
The actuator 115 may also be manufactured as a single piece in
which the activating end 135 may be created on a first end of the
single piece and the connecting end 140 may be created on a second
end of the single piece. It is also noted that the connector 145
may include various shapes including a straight cylindrical shape
or may have extensions or reliefs such as that shown in the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 5.
[0035] As discussed above, the actuator 115 may be used to move the
lid 100 between the first and second configurations. In a first
example noted above, the actuator 115 may be manually positioned to
correspond to the configurations as well as the positions of the
plunger 125. Accordingly, in this first example, the activating end
135 may include a surface upon which the activating end 135 may be
depressed and move the actuator 115 downward. This may translate
into a downward motion of the plunger 125 to separate from the
gasket 120. Thus, the actuator 115 may move the lid 100 from the
first configuration to the second configuration. Subsequently, the
activating end 135 may have another surface (e.g., a ring
structure) that may be pulled and move the actuator 115 upward.
This may translate into an upward motion of the plunger 125 to be
placed adjacent the gasket 120. Thus, the actuator 115 may move the
lid 100 from the second configuration to the first configuration.
The actuator 115 may be moved within the lid 100 using any type of
motion such as a sliding motion. The actuator 115 may also
incorporate features such as a frictional engagement or a
ratcheting mechanism with walls of the lid 100 so that the lid 100
may be placed into the appropriate configuration and maintained in
the desired configuration.
[0036] In a second example, the actuator 115 may utilize a biasing
mechanism (not shown) such as a spring. The biasing mechanism may
enable the actuator 115 to be biased to one of the configurations.
For example, the biasing mechanism may bias the lid 100 into the
first configuration where the liquid is sealed in the liquid vessel
200 having the lid 100 coupled thereto. Thus, the actuator 115 may
be used to move the lid 100 from the first configuration to the
second configuration and upon release of the activating end 135,
the actuator 115 may automatically move the lid from the second
configuration back to the first configuration via the biasing
mechanism. In this manner, the activating end 135 may be required
to be held and pressed to maintain the second configuration while
liquid is to be removed.
[0037] In a third example, the actuator 115 may utilize the locking
feature including the locking mechanism 150 on the actuator 115 and
the corresponding locking mechanism 155 within the lid 100 such as
within the upper half 102 and/or the lower half 104. The locking
mechanism 150 and the corresponding locking mechanism 155 may
enable the desired configuration of the lid 100 to be maintained
until the other configuration is the desired one. For example, the
locking mechanism 150 and the corresponding locking mechanism 155
may hold the lid 100 in the first configuration. Subsequently,
liquid is desired to be removed. Thus, the actuator 115 may be used
to move the lid 100 to the second configuration and the locking
mechanism 150 with the corresponding locking mechanism 155 may be
used to hold the lid 100 in the second configuration. The actuator
115 may be used such that a single motion or a series of motions
may be used to utilize the locking mechanism 150 with the
corresponding locking mechanism 155. Thus, in one example, the
motion to move the lid 100 between the first and second
configurations may also result in the locking mechanism 150
engaging the corresponding locking mechanism 155. In another
example, the actuator 115 may move the lid 100 between the first
and second configurations with a separate locking actuator (not
shown) to have the locking mechanism 150 engage/disengage the
corresponding locking mechanism 155.
[0038] In a fourth example, the actuator 115 may incorporate a
combination of the above noted features. For example, the
activating end 135 may be pressed to move the lid 100 from a biased
first configuration into a stressed second configuration but
maintained in the second configuration via the locking feature.
Subsequently, the activating end 135 may be pressed again to move
the lid 100 back to the biased first configuration from the locking
feature disengaging. Accordingly, the locking feature may only be
used for the stressed second configuration. It should be noted that
the opposite orientation where the first configuration is stressed
and the second configuration is biased may also be used.
[0039] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the
mechanism by which liquid is dispensed via the lid 100 may be more
efficient by incorporating a venting feature. Without a venting
feature, the volume occupied by liquid that has flowed out of the
liquid vessel 200 is not replaced and may cause a negative pressure
to build within the liquid vessel 200. With no fluid replacing the
liquid that has been removed since the seal was created by the
gasket 120, the negative pressure may cause the liquid to flow very
slowly out of the lid 100 or may even prevent any flow out of the
lid 100 altogether. For example, this low or no flow may be caused
by air travelling through the spout 105 in the opposite direction
of the expected fluid flow to attempt to relieve the negative
pressure, but this air flow causes the fluid within the vessel 200
to flow slowly or not at all through the spout 105. Thus, to solve
this issue, a venting feature may be built into the lid 100 to
equilibrate the negative pressure caused from the liquid flowing
out of the liquid vessel 200 and allow the liquid to continue to
flow freely through the spout 105.
[0040] According to the exemplary embodiments, the lid 100 may also
include a venting feature. Specifically, the lid 100 may include
the exterior venting port 160 on a top, exterior surface of the lid
100 (when coupled to the liquid vessel 200), the interior venting
port 165 on a bottom, interior surface of the lid 100 (when coupled
to the liquid vessel 200), and a vent 170 connecting the exterior
venting port 160 and the interior venting port 165. As shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6, the venting feature may be incorporated into the
actuator 115 and the use of the venting feature may also hinge on
using the actuator 115. That is, the exterior venting port 160 may
be disposed near a periphery of the activating end 135 of the
actuator 115, the vent 170 may be within the lid 100, and the
interior venting port 165 may be disposed near the plunger 125
adjacent the connecting end 140 of the actuator 115. Therefore, an
enabling or disabling of the venting feature may be substantially
similar to the liquid being allowed or disallowed to flow out of
the spout 105.
[0041] As described above, the actuator 115 may be used to place
the lid 100 in a first configuration or a second configuration.
Again, in the first configuration, the plunger 125 creates a seal
with the bottom half 104 of the lid 100 to prevent any liquid to
flow out of the spout 105. In the second configuration, the plunger
125 is separated from the bottom half 104 of the lid 100 to allow
liquid to flow from the liquid vessel 200, passed the plunger 125,
into the reservoir 130, and out the spout 105. In a substantially
similar manner, in the first configuration, the plunger 125 creates
a seal with the bottom half 104 of the lid to prevent any air to
flow through the vent 170. Specifically, the interior vent port 165
is closed so that air cannot flow. In the second configuration, the
plunger 125 is separated from the bottom half 105 of the lid 100 to
allow air to flow. Specifically, the interior vent port 165 is open
such that any negative pressure in the liquid vessel 200 causes air
to flow from outside the lid 100, through the exterior vent port
160, into the vent 160, out the interior vent port 165, and into
the liquid vessel 200.
[0042] It is noted that the interior vent port 165 being sealed
when the lid 100 is in the first configuration with the plunger 125
creating the seal with the bottom half 104 of the lid 100 may be a
first way to disable the venting feature. The lid 100 may also
include a further gasket around the activating end 135 of the
actuator 115. This further gasket may create a seal with the hole
of the top half 102 in which the actuator 115 is disposed. In this
manner, the lid 100 may be in the first configuration with the
actuator 115 in a first position where the further gasket creates a
seal over the exterior vent port 160. Accordingly, this may provide
a second way or additional way to disable the venting feature.
[0043] It is also noted that the venting feature according to the
exemplary embodiments are configured to compensate for any
condition in which liquid enters the vent 170 via the exterior vent
port 160 or the interior vent port 165. Specifically, any liquid
that enters the vent 170 is eventually drained through the interior
vent port 165 as air is passed into the liquid vessel 200.
[0044] FIG. 7 shows a fluid flow for the lid 100 of FIG. 1
according to the exemplary embodiments. As described above, the
fluid flow for the lid 100 includes the liquid in the liquid vessel
200 flowing out through the spout 105. As illustrated, a liquid
flow 175 is from the liquid vessel 200, passed the plunger 125,
into the reservoir 130, and out of the spout 105. Also as described
above, the fluid flow for the lid 100 may include the air flowing
into the liquid vessel 200 via the venting feature. As illustrated,
an air flow 180 is from outside the lid 100, into the exterior vent
port 160, through the vent 170, out the interior vent port 165, and
into the liquid vessel 200.
[0045] The exemplary embodiments provide a lid that couples to a
liquid vessel that seals liquid within the liquid vessel and lid
unless the lid is moved into a proper configuration to enable
liquid to be removed using a predetermined manner through the lid.
The lid may include a gasket that seals the coupling between the
lid and the liquid vessel along an outer edge of the coupling edge
of the liquid vessel. The gasket may also seal the lid with a
plunger so that liquid cannot be removed through the predetermined
manner. The lid may include an actuator that separates the seal
from the plunger so that the liquid may be removed in the
predetermined manner. While the liquid is removed, a venting
feature may compensate for any negative pressure that builds up in
the liquid vessel due to the liquid removal.
[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications may be made in the present invention, without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Thus, it
is intended that the present invention cover modifications and
variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of
the appended claims and their equivalent.
* * * * *