PLASTIC INSULATED CONTAINER WITH INTERCHANGEABLE LID

Description

BACKGROUND

A plastic insulated container may be configured to store a volume of liquid. In one example, an opening in the container may be sealed with a removable and interchangeable lid. As such, in order to extract the liquid from the container, a cap on the lid may first be manually removed and set aside.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In certain examples, an insulating plastic container may have a canister, which can include an insulated double wall, a first end to support the canister on a surface, a second end, and a sidewall. The canister may also have an opening in the second end that extends through the insulated double wall. A neck structure may encircle the opening and extend in an axial direction.

In certain examples, a container may comprise: a canister and a lid adapted to seal an opening of the canister. The canister may comprise a double wall structure comprising: an interior lower portion; an exterior lower portion; a cavity located between the interior lower portion and the exterior lower portion; a first end, configured to support the canister on a surface; and a second end. The first end and the second end may be separated by a curved sidewall forming a substantially cylindrical shape of the canister. The curved sidewall may comprise one or more indented sidewall portions located within a portion of the curved sidewall. The one or more indented sidewall portions may include a tapered portion located between the indented sidewall portion and the curved sidewall. The canister may also comprise an opening in the second end extending through the double wall structure. The canister may also comprise a neck structure encircling the opening and extending in an axial direction. The lid may comprise a threaded sidewall configured to be received onto the neck structure. Additionally, the cavity may be filled with one of the following: air to form an air pocket within the cavity or an insulating material, wherein the insulating material is a polymer foam material. The one or more indented sidewall portions may be indented between 2 mm and 6 mm from the curved sidewall. A vacuum may be maintained between the interior lower portion and the exterior lower portion forming a vacuum cavity between the interior lower portion and the exterior lower portion.

In one example, the lid may further comprise a lid top and a lid bottom, the lid top having a top surface. The top surface may further comprise: a spout; a removable cap adapted to resealably seal the spout, and comprising a magnetic top surface; and a depression structure, recessed relative to the top surface. The depression structure may further comprise a magnetic surface onto which the magnetic top surface of the cap is magnetically attracted and retained when the cap is manually removed from the spout and positioned within a proximity of the depression structure. The lid may further include a vent channel that extends from a first vent opening in the spout to a second vent opening in a bottom surface of the lid.

In another example, the lid may further comprise a lid top and a lid bottom, the lid top having a top surface. The top surface may further comprise: a spout; a removable cap adapted to resealably seal the spout; and a tether connected between the removable cap and an anchor point on the top surface, wherein the tether comprises a flexible material. The lid may further include a vent channel that extends from a first vent opening in the spout to a second vent opening in a bottom surface of the lid.

In yet another example, the lid may further comprise a lid top and a lid bottom. The lid top may have a top surface and a slider to slidably cover a rotatable spout when the rotatable spout is in a closed position. The rotatable spout may rotate between a closed position and an open position. The rotatable spout may include a first end that includes a drinking end and a second end opposite the first end that includes a valve that opens and closes with rotation of the rotatable spout. The slider may be configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position to selectively cover or uncover the rotatable spout. The top surface may include a spout slot that contains the rotatable spout when the rotatable spout is in the closed position. The lid bottom may include a straw and a straw port extending from the lid bottom and in communication with the rotating spout. The straw port may be sized and shaped to accept the straw configured for dispensing the contents of the container. The slider may move along a guide channel located in a central opening on the lid top causing one or more flanges of the slider to uncover the rotatable spout. The lid may further comprise one or more magnets, with a first positioning magnet located within the slider, a second positioning magnet and a third positioning magnet located within the lid top. The first positioning magnet may align with the second positioning magnet to selectively maintain the slider in the unlocked position where the slider uncovers the rotatable spout. The first positioning magnet may align with the third positioning magnet to selectively maintain the slider in the locked position where the slider covers the rotatable spout.

In certain other examples, a canister may be configured to separately receive at least three different removable lid assemblies and may be interchangeable with the canister. The canister may comprise a double wall, insulated structure comprising: an interior lower portion; an exterior lower portion; a cavity located between the interior lower portion and the exterior lower portion; a first end, configured to support the canister on a surface; and a second end. The first end and the second end may be separated by a curved sidewall forming a substantially cylindrical shape of the canister. The canister may further comprise an opening in the second end extending through the double wall, insulated structure. The canister may comprise a neck structure encircling the opening and extending in an axial direction. The at least three different removable lid assemblies may comprise a threaded sidewall configured to be received onto the neck structure and adapted to seal the opening.

The at least three different removable lid assemblies may comprise: a first removable lid assembly, a second removable lid assembly, and a third removable lid assembly. The first removable lid assembly may comprise: a lid top and a lid bottom, the lid top having a top surface. The top surface may comprise: a spout; a removable cap adapted to resealably seal the spout, and comprising a magnetic top surface; and a depression structure, recessed relative to the top surface. The depression structure may further comprise a magnetic surface onto which the magnetic top surface of the cap is magnetically attracted and retained when the cap is manually removed from the spout and positioned within a proximity of the depression structure. The second removable lid assembly may comprise: a lid top and a lid bottom, the lid top having a top surface. The top surface may further comprise: a spout; a removable cap adapted to resealably seal the spout; and a tether connected between the removable cap and an anchor point on the top surface, wherein the tether comprises a flexible material. The third removable lid assembly may comprise: a lid top and a lid bottom. The lid top may have a top surface and a slider to slidably cover a rotatable spout when the rotatable spout is in a closed position. The rotatable spout may rotate between a closed position and an open position. The rotatable spout may include a first end that includes a drinking end and a second end opposite the first end that includes a valve that opens and closes with rotation of the rotatable spout. The slider may be configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position to selectively cover or uncover the rotatable spout. The top surface may include a spout slot that contains the rotatable spout when the rotatable spout is in the closed position. The lid bottom may include a straw and a straw port extending from the lid bottom and in communication with the rotating spout. The straw port may be sized and shaped to accept the straw configured for dispensing the contents of the container.

In certain examples, a container may comprise a bottom portion, a lid adapted to resealably seal an opening on the bottom portion, and a carry handle, rotatably coupled to the lid. The bottom portion may comprise a double wall insulated structure comprising an interior lower portion, an exterior lower portion, and a cavity located between the interior lower portion and the exterior lower portion. The bottom portion may also comprise a first end configured to support the container on a surface; a second end having an opening; a curved sidewall extending between the first end and the second end forming a substantially cylindrical shape of the bottom portion, and a neck structure encircling the opening and extending in an axial direction. The lid may comprise: a threaded sidewall configured to be received onto the neck structure; a lid top; and a lid bottom. The lid top may have a top surface and a slider to slidably cover a rotatable spout when the rotatable spout is in a closed position. The rotatable spout may rotate between a closed position and an open position. The slider may be configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position to selectively cover or uncover the rotatable spout. The lid bottom may include a straw configured for dispensing the contents of the container.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1A depicts an isometric view of two different sizes of a plastic container with a removable and interchangeable lid, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 1B depicts an isometric view of two different sizes of a plastic container with another removable and interchangeable lid, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 1C depicts an isometric view of two different sizes of a plastic container with another removable and interchangeable lid, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of a container, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict front and side views of the container from FIG. 2, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 3C depicts a cross-section view along 3C-3C of the container from FIG. 3A, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts an isometric view of a canister from the container from FIG. 2, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict front and side views of the canister from FIG. 4, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 5C depicts a cross-section view along 5C-5C of the canister from FIG. 5A, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 6A depicts an assembly view of the components of the canister from FIG. 4, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 6B depicts a front and side view of an interior lower portion and an interior neck portion of the canister from FIG. 4, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 6C depicts a cross-section view along 6C-6C of the interior lower portion and the interior neck portion of the canister from FIG. 6B, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 6D depicts a front and side view of the canister from FIG. 4, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 6E depicts a cross-section view along 6E-6E of the canister from FIG. 6D, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 7A depicts a perspective view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 1A, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 7A, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 7C illustrates a bottom view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 7A, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 7D illustrates a cross-sectional view along 7D-7D of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 7B, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 8A depicts a perspective view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 1B, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 8B depicts a top view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 8A, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 8C depicts a bottom view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 8A, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 8D depicts a cross-sectional view along 8D-8D of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 8B, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 8E depicts a perspective view of the cap and tether on the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 8A, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 8F depicts a side view of the cap and tether from FIG. 8E on the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 8A, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 9A depicts a perspective view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 1C, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 9B depicts a perspective view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 9A with a straw, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 9C depicts a top view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 9A, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 9D depicts a bottom view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 9A, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 9E depicts a cross-sectional view along 9E-9E of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 9C, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 10A depicts an isometric view of the container and the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 9A with the slider in the locked/closed position, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 10B depicts a top view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 9A with the slider in the locked/closed position, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 10C depicts an isometric view of the container and the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 9A with the slider in the unlocked/open position and the spout in the closed position, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 10D depicts a top view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 9A with the slider in the unlocked/open position and the spout in the open position, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 10E depicts an isometric view of the removable and interchangeable lid from FIG. 9A with the slider in the unlocked/open position and the spout in the open position, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict views of a handle for a container with an integrated fence hook, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict views of another handle for a container with another integrated fence hook, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict views of another handle for a container with another integrated fence hook, according to one or more aspects described herein.

Further, it is to be understood that the drawings may represent the scale of different components of one single embodiment; however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to that particular scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of this disclosure relate to a double-wall insulated plastic container configured to store a volume of liquid. In one example, the plastic container may include a lid assembly with a removable lid and cap. The plastic container may include various interchangeable removable lids. In a first example, the removable lid may have a spout opening that is sealed with a removable cap. Accordingly, the removable cap may be configured with a magnetic top surface such that when removed, the cap may be magnetically affixed to one or more surfaces of the container for temporary storage while the liquid is being poured from the container. In another example, the removable lid may include a removable cap that may be configured with a tether connected between the cap and the lid. In yet another example, the removable lid may include a slider with a rotatable spout and straw.

In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1A-1C depict isometric views of a plastic container 100, according to one or more aspects described herein. The plastic containers 100A1, 100A2, 100B1, 100B2, 100C1, 100C2 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C depict a plastic container with two different sizes of the plastic container 100A1, 100A2, 100B1, 100B2, 100C1, 100C2 with various different removable and interchangeable lid assemblies 104A, 104B, 104C. The same removable and interchangeable lid assemblies 104A, 104B, 104C may be utilized for both the small container 100A1, 100B1, 100C1 and for the large container 100A2, 100B2, 100C2. In one example, the plastic containers 100A1, 100A2, 100B1, 100B2, 100C1, 100C2 depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C may be configured to store a volume of liquid. In one implementation, the smaller plastic containers 100A1, 100B1, 100C1 may be configured to store approximately ½ gallon (approximately 1.89 L) of a liquid. In another implementation, the larger plastic containers 100A2, 100B2, 100C2 may be configured to store approximately 1 gallon (approximately 3.79 L) of a liquid. In another implementation, the plastic container, without departing from the scope of these disclosures, may be configured to store at least approximately 30 ounces (approximately 0.89 L), at least approximately 50 ounces (approximately 1.48 L), at least approximately 70 ounces (approximately 2.07 L), at least approximately 80 ounces (approximately 2.37 L), at least approximately 90 ounces (approximately 2.66 L), at least approximately 100 ounces (approximately 2.96 L), at least approximately 110 ounces (approximately 3.25 L), or at least approximately 120 ounces (approximately 3.55 L) of a liquid, among others.

In one example, the plastic container 100A1, 100A2, as depicted in FIG. 1A depicts two different sizes of the plastic container 100A1, 100A2 with a removable and interchangeable lid 104A. The removable and interchangeable lid 104A may comprise a cap 108 that is configured to removably-couple to, and resealably seal a spout 110 of the lid 104A. The cap 108, when removed from the spout, may be positioned within a magnetically attracted dimple 130. This removable and interchangeable lid 104A is depicted in further detail in FIGS. 7A-7D.

In another example, the plastic container 100B1, 100B2, as depicted in FIG. 1B depicts two different sizes of the plastic container 100B1, 100B2 with a removable and interchangeable lid 104B. The removable and interchangeable lid 104B may comprise a cap 108 that is configured to removably-couple to, and resealably seal a spout 110 of the lid 104B. The cap 108, when removed from the spout, may be attached to the lid 104B via a tether 144 connected between the cap 108 and the lid 104B. This removable and interchangeable lid 104B is depicted in further detail in FIGS. 8A-8D.

In another example, the plastic container 100C1, 100C2, as depicted in FIG. 1C depicts two different sizes of the plastic container 100C1, 100C2 with a removable and interchangeable lid 104C. The removable and interchangeable lid 104C may comprise a rotatable drinking spout 110 and valve that is configured to flip and rotate between a closed/sealed position to an open position to allow drinking through the drinking spout 110 and a straw from the plastic container 100C1, 100C2. The lid 104C may also comprise a slider 131 that is configured to move between a covered position and an uncovered position to selectively cover or uncover a rotatable drinking spout 110. This removable and interchangeable lid 104C is depicted in further detail in FIGS. 9A-9E.

FIGS. 2-3C depict views of an exemplary container 200 with a lid assembly 204. FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of a container 200. FIGS. 3A and 3B depict front and side views of the container 200. FIG. 3C depicts a cross-section view along 3C-3C from FIG. 3B. In one example, container 200 may comprise a canister 202 having a lid assembly 204 removably-coupled thereto. FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, and 5C depict various views of the canister 202, with FIG. 4 depicting an isometric view of the canister 202. FIGS. 5A and 5B depict front and side views of the canister 202. FIG. 5C depicts a cross-section view along 5C-5C from FIG. 5B. Any of the removable and interchangeable lids 104A, 104B, 104C may be used with the canister 202 and in place of the lid assembly 204. Further, the canister 202 may be referred to as a bottom portion, base, or insulated base structure that has a substantially cylindrical shape, among others. Carry handle 206 may be rotatably-coupled to the lid assembly 204. The carry handle 206 depicted in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B include an integrated fence hook 207 that allows the user to store the container 200 by hanging the container using the integrated fence hooks 207. The carry handle 206 of FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B include a fence hook 207 extending from the sides of each of the handles of the carry handle 206. Each of the various lid assembly 204 will be described and detailed below in FIGS. 7A-7D (spout with a cap positioned within a magnetically attracted dimple), FIGS. 8A-8D (spout with a cap attached to the lid via a tether), and FIGS. 9A-9E (rotatable drinking spout and valve).

In one example, the canister 202 may be configured to store a volume of liquid. In one implementation, the canister 202 may be configured to store approximately 1 gallon (approximately 3.79 L) of a liquid. In another implementation, the canister 202 may be configured to store approximately ½ gallon (approximately 1.89 L) of a liquid. In another implementation, the canister 202 may be configured to store at least approximately 30 ounces (approximately 0.89 L), at least approximately 50 ounces (approximately 1.48 L), at least approximately 70 ounces (approximately 2.07 L), at least approximately 80 ounces (approximately 2.37 L), at least approximately 90 ounces (approximately 2.66 L), at least approximately 100 ounces (approximately 2.96 L), at least approximately 110 ounces (approximately 3.25 L), or at least approximately 120 ounces (approximately 3.55 L) of a liquid, among others.

Turning again to FIGS. 2-6E, in various examples, the canister 202 may be a double-wall insulated plastic canister. The canister 202 may comprise a first end 212 forming a base configured to support the canister 202 on an external surface. In one example, for the implementation of container 200 having a substantially cylindrical bottom portion (canister 202), the first end 212 may have a substantially circular shape. The canister 202 may comprise a second end 214 having an opening 216 therein, as depicted in FIG. 4. Further, the first end 212 and the second end 214 may be separated by a curved sidewall 218A forming a substantially cylindrical shape of the canister 202. In another example to that implementation depicted FIGS. 2-6E, the canister 202 may be substantially cuboidal, or prismoidal (e.g. a pentagonal prism, hexagonal prism, heptagonal prism, among others) in shape. In one implementation, the opening 216 may be configured to allow a liquid to be introduced into, or removed from the canister 202.

The curved sidewall 218A may also include one or more indented sidewall portions 222 located within a portion of the curved sidewall 218A. The one or more indented sidewall portions 222 may be utilized by a user to assist with holding the canister 202 and the container 200. The one or more indented sidewall portions 222 may include a tapered portion 224 located between the indented sidewall portion 222 and the curved sidewall 218A. In one example, the indented sidewall portion 222 may be indented approximately 4 mm from the curved sidewall 218A. In another example, the indented sidewall portion 222 may be indented in a range between 2 mm to 6 mm. In another example, the indented sidewall portion 222 may be indented in a range between 2 mm to 10 mm.

In one implementation, the container 200 may include one or more insulating elements configured to reduce a rate of heat transfer to or from a material stored within the container. In one example, the canister 202 may be configured with a sealed insulating structure, otherwise referred to as a sealed double wall structure, or an insulated double wall structure, sealed between an inner wall and an outer wall of the canister 202. In one implementation, a sealed cavity 280 may be sandwiched between the inner wall and the outer wall. In other examples, specific implementations of insulating structures that utilize one or more chambers to reduce heat transfer by conduction, convection and/or radiation may be utilized within canister 202, without departing from the disclosures described herein. In another implementation, the container 200 may include an insulated double wall comprising an interior lower portion 278 and an exterior lower portion 218.

In one example, a cavity 280 between the interior lower portion 278 and the exterior lower portion 218 may be filled with air to form an air pocket. In another example, the cavity 280 may be filled with an insulating material, such as an insulating foam (e.g. polystyrene). In another example, the canister 202 may be configured with a vacuum-sealed insulating structure, otherwise referred to as a vacuum-sealed double wall structure, and such that a vacuum is maintained between the interior lower portion 278 and the exterior lower portion 218 of the canister 202, thereby forming a vacuum cavity between the interior lower portion 278 and the exterior lower portion 218 of the canister 202.

In one example, the combination of the interior lower portion 278 and the exterior lower portion 218 may be referred to as an insulated wall. In one implementation, the first end 212, the second end 214, the curved sidewall 218A, and/or the neck structure 220 may comprise a sealed insulated wall between the interior lower portion 278 and the exterior lower portion 218. Further, an inner surface of one or more of the interior lower portion 278 or the exterior lower portion 218 may comprise a surface configured to reduce heat transfer. The neck structure 220 may include an interior neck portion 221 and an exterior neck portion 223, as depicted in FIGS. 6A-6E.

In one implementation, canister 202 may comprise a concave structure 213 formed in a bottom of the first end 212. In one example, the concave structure 213 may provide added rigidity to the first end 212, and such that the concave structure 213 reduces, or prevents, deformation of the first end 212. Accordingly, the concave structure 213 may have any radius or multiple radii of curvature (i.e. the concave structure 213 may comprise a geometry having multiple radii of curvature), without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

In another implementation, the cavity 280 between the interior lower portion 278 and the exterior lower portion 218 may be filled with an insulating material that exhibits low thermal conductivity. As such, the cavity 280 may, in one example, be filled with a polymer material, or a polymer foam material. In one specific example, the cavity 280 may be filled with a pre-formed foam container insert 281 made of polymer foam, such as polystyrene. Additional or alternative insulating materials may be utilized to fill the cavity 280, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In one example, a thickness of the cavity 280 may be embodied with any dimensional value, without departing from the scope of these disclosures

In one example, the canister 202 may be constructed from one or more plastics. Additionally, the canister 202 may be constructed using one or more processes (e.g. injection molding, extrusion blow molding, or injection stretch blow molding, among others). In one implementation, the canister 202 may be constructed using a polymer material. In one specific example, the canister 202 may be formed substantially of polypropylene. Other plastics, such as polyester or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), among others, may be used for construction.

FIGS. 3C and 5C depict cross-sectional views of one implementation of the container 200 and canister 202. In one example, the lid assembly 204 may be removably coupled to the canister 202 using a threaded fastening mechanism. Accordingly, in one implementation, the neck structure 220 may have a smooth outer surface 260 and a threaded outer surface 262. In this way, the threaded outer surface 262 may be configured to interface with a threaded inner wall 264 of the lid assembly 204. As such, when coupled to the canister 202, an outer wall 266 of the lid assembly 204 may cover the neck structure 220.

Additional or alternative coupling mechanisms may be utilized to removably couple the lid assembly 204 to the canister 202, such as snapping mechanisms, quarter-turn mechanisms, or other mechanical coupling mechanisms, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. For example, the neck structure 220 may be embodied with a threaded outer surface (e.g. outer surface may be threaded) and configured to interface with a corresponding inner threaded wall 264 on the lid assembly 204. In one example, this additional or alternative threaded structure on the lid assembly 204 may be on an inside surface of the outer wall 266 (e.g. threads may be formed on inside surface of the outer wall 266), among others.

In one example, and as depicted in FIG. 3C, the lid assembly 204 may be embodied with a cavity 282. As such, this cavity 282 may be formed between a lid top 232 and a lid bottom 234 of the lid. The cavity 282 may also be formed between a top surface 228 of the lid and a bottom surface 284 of the lid. In this way, the cavity 282 may provide further insulation to the container 200 by containing one or more of an air pocket, a vacuum-sealed cavity, or by containing a mass of an insulating material, among others. In one specific example, the cavity 282 may be filled with a pre-formed foam lid insert 283 made of polymer foam, such as polystyrene. Additional or alternative insulating materials may be utilized to fill the cavity 282, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

In one example, a connection mechanism configured to removably couple the lid assembly 204 to the canister 202 may be designed such that the coupling is fully engaged upon rotation of the lid assembly 204 relative to the canister 202 by any number of revolutions, or by any fraction of a revolution. For example, the lid assembly 204 may be fully engaged with the canister 202 upon placing the lid assembly 204 on the neck structure 220, and rotating the lid assembly 204 by approximately ¼ of one full revolution, approximately ⅓ of one full revolution, approximately ½ of one full revolution, approximately one full revolution, approximately two full revolutions, approximately three full revolutions, at least one revolution, or at least five revolutions, among many others.

In one implementation, a removable coupling between the lid assembly 204 and the canister 202 may comprise one or more gaskets configured to seal the coupling such that, in one example, liquid may not escape from the canister 202 while the removable coupling between the lid assembly 204 and the canister 202 is engaged.

FIG. 6A depicts an assembly view of the components that may form the canister 202. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the canister 202 may include an interior lower portion 278 that fits inside an exterior lower portion 218, an interior neck portion 221, an exterior neck portion 223, and one or more plugs 225 for the bottom of the canister 202. Additionally, the canister 202 may include a pre-formed foam container insert 281 that is located between the interior lower portion 278 and the exterior lower portion 218. The canister 202 may also include a lower RF coil 279 to seal the interior neck portion 221 to the interior lower portion 278, as depicted in FIGS. 6B and 6C. The canister 202 may also include an upper RF coil 233 to seal the exterior neck portion 223 to the interior neck portion 221 and the exterior lower portion 210 to form the neck structure 220 and the canister, as depicted in FIGS. 6D and 6E.

As stated above, the plastic containers depicted in FIGS. 1A-6E may utilize various different removable and interchangeable lid assemblies. The same removable and interchangeable lid assemblies may be utilized for any of various sizes of plastic containers. The exemplary various lid assemblies will be described and detailed below in FIGS. 7A-7D (lid assembly 704—spout with a cap positioned within a magnetically attracted dimple), FIGS. 8A-8D (lid assembly 804—spout with a cap attached to the lid via a tether), and FIGS. 9A-9E (lid assembly 904—rotatable drinking spout and valve).

FIGS. 7A-7D depict a lid assembly 704 with a spout with a cap that may be positioned within a magnetically attracted dimple. FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of the lid assembly 704. FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of the lid assembly 704. FIG. 7C illustrates a bottom view of the lid assembly 704. FIG. 7D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly 704. The lid assembly 704 is similar to aspects of the lid assembly as described above with respect to lid assembly 104A and lid assembly 204. The lid assembly 704 may be interchangeable with any of the lid assemblies 104A, 104B, 104C, 204, 804, 904 in accordance with embodiments of this invention.

As depicted in FIGS. 7A-7D, the lid assembly 704 may include: a lid top 732 and a lid bottom 734. The lid bottom 734 may include a vent channel 740 that extends between the lid top 732 and the lid bottom 734 as will be described and detailed below. The lid top 732 may include the spout 710. The lid bottom 734 may include one or more gaskets to be located between the lid assembly 704 and the lid bottom 734 and the container 200. The lid top 732 may include a top surface 728 and a cap 708 to cover the spout 710. The carry handle structure 706 may be attached to opposite sides of the lid top 732 using a fastener 750. The carry handle structure 706 may also include a grip structure 758.

As depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7D, the lid 704 may include a carry handle structure 706 that may be rotatably coupled to the lid assembly 704, such that the carry handle structure 706 may be rotated between various positions. For example, the carry handle structure 706 may be rotatable about an axis through a fastener 750 that couples the carry handle structure 706 to the lid assembly 704 without locking and unlocking of the handle assembly in any positions. In another embodiment, the carry handle structure 706 may be rotated between various positions with handle indexing. The carry handle structure 706 may include a spring-ball plunger and detents or other locking structures for handle indexing. The spring-ball plunger may cooperate and fit within one or more detents on a handle detent plate. The handle indexing may include three handle detents: a first handle detent for locking the carry handle structure 706 at the zero degrees (horizontal-right) position, a second handle detent for locking the carry handle structure 706 at the ninety degrees (vertical) position, and a third handle detent for locking the carry handle structure 706 at the 180 degrees (horizontal-left) position. The carry handle structure 706 may have other numbers of handle detents without departing from the scope of these disclosures, thereby providing different index locking positions for the carry handle structure 706.

In one implementation, the carry handle structure 706 may be rotatable about a horizontal axis through an angular range of greater than 320°. In another example, the carry handle structure 706 may be rotatable about the horizontal axis through an angular range of greater than 300°, greater than 280°, greater than 260°, greater than 240°, or greater than 220°, among others. In some embodiments, the carry handle structure 706 may be rotatable in an angular range of less than 320°, 300°, 280°, 260°, or 240°, among others. The carry handle 706 may comprise a grip structure 758. The grip structure 758 may be a sleeve. The grip structure 758 may have a larger diameter than the carry handle 706. The grip structure 758 may have a different color, texture, material, or hardness as compared to the rest of the carry handle 706.

As depicted in FIG. 7D, the lid 704 may include a vent channel 740 that extends from a first vent opening 742 in the spout 710 to a second vent opening 744 in a bottom surface 784 of the lid 704. The vent channel 740 may start at the first vent opening 742 in the spout 710. The first vent opening 742 may be a slot, opening, or hole in the side of the spout 710, and opening to the outside of the canister 202 through the spout 710. The vent channel 740 may end at the second vent opening 744 in the bottom surface 784 of the lid 704. The second vent opening 744 may be a hole or opening in the bottom surface 784 of the lid 704, and opening to the inside of the canister 202. The vent channel 740 may provide an unrestricted and direct path with the spout 710 through to the inside of the canister 202. The vent channel 740 may help eliminate potential glug sounds and splashing with pouring the container 200 with air flowing through the vent channel 740 within the spout 710 when pouring the container 200. The vent channel 740 may be linear, extending from the spout 710 to the bottom surface 784 of the lid 704. The vent channel 740 may be angled from the first vent opening 742 on the spout 710 to the second vent opening 744 on the bottom surface 784 of the lid 704. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 7D, the vent channel 740 may be positively inclined upward from the second vent opening 744 to the first vent opening 742 with respect to a horizontal plane when the lid 704 is oriented horizontally. In some embodiments, the vent channel 740 may be positively inclined at an angle between 15 and 20 degrees between the second vent opening 744 and the first vent opening 742 with respect to a horizontal plane when the lid 704 is oriented horizontally. In one embodiment, the vent channel 740 may have a rectangular cross section extending from the first vent opening 742 on the spout 710 to the second vent opening 744 on the bottom surface 784 of the lid 704. In other embodiments, the vent channel 740 may have various other shaped cross sections and other various shapes without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

In one implementation, the lid 704 may be configured with a circular domed (convex) top surface 728. In one implementation, the cap 708, when removed from the spout 710, may be positioned within a dimple 730, otherwise referred to as a recess structure 730 (depicted in the views of lid assembly 704 of FIGS. 7A and 7B). In one implementation, when positioned within the dimple 730, the cap 708 may be angled away from the spout 710 in relation to the top surface 728.

Additionally, the cap 708 may be removed from the spout 710 and positioned within the dimple 730. In various examples, the spout 710 extends from the substantially convex geometry of the circular domed top surface 728. Advantageously, and in various examples, the relative positioning of the spout 710 and the cap 708 may allow for improved separation, such that the cap 708 is not contacted when a user is drinking from or pouring from the spout 710.

In another implementation, the lid assembly 704 may be configured with other top surface geometries than that circular domed top surface 728 depicted in FIG. 7A. For example, the lid assembly 704 may have a substantially planar, or a substantially concave top surface, among others (not pictured).

In one implementation, the dimple 730 may have a substantially circular geometry. In particular, the dimple 730 may have a concave geometry. Accordingly, a concave geometry of dimple 730 may be embodied with any radius of curvature, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In another example, the dimple 730 may have a flat bottom (i.e. substantially planar) surface 731 connected to the circular domed top surface 728 by a sidewall 733. In one example, the sidewall 733 may be straight, chamfered, or filleted. As such, in one implementation, the dimple 730 may have an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a depth. For that implementation of dimple 730 having a straight sidewall 733 between the bottom surface 731 and surface 728, the inner diameter may be approximately equal to the outer diameter.

In one specific example, the inner diameter of the dimple 730 may measure approximately 25.5 mm (+/−5%), and the outer diameter may measure approximately 29.4 mm (+/−5%). In another example, the inner diameter of the dimple 730 may measure up to approximately 28 mm, and the outer diameter may measure up to approximately 30 mm. In other examples, the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the dimple 730 may be embodied with any dimensions, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In one implementation, the depth of the dimple 730 may range from 1 mm or less to 5 mm or more. The depth may be embodied with any value, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Further, the sidewall 733, if chamfered, may be angled at any angular value between the bottom surface 731 and the surface 728. Similarly, the sidewall 733, if filleted, may have any radius of curvature between the bottom surface 731 and the surface 728.

In one implementation, the bottom surface 731 may be magnetic and may comprise a polymer outer layer over a ferromagnetic structure 731A. In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic structure 731A may include a metal plate positioned below the magnetic bottom surface 731 in order for the magnetic bottom surface 731 to attract a magnet embedded within a magnetic top surface 736 of the cap 708. In another implementation, the magnetic bottom surface 731 may comprise a polymer overmolded over a magnet structure (i.e. a magnet may be positioned within the lid assembly 704 as it is being molded.

The term “magnetic,” as utilized herein, may refer to a material (e.g., a ferromagnetic material) that may be magnetized. As such, the term “magnetic” may imply that a material (e.g., a surface, or object, and the like) may be magnetically attracted to a magnet (e.g., a temporary or permanent magnet) that has an associated magnetic field. In one example, a magnetic material may be magnetized (e.g., may form a permanent magnet). Additionally, various examples of magnetic materials may be utilized with the disclosures described herein, including nickel, iron, and cobalt, and alloys thereof, among others.

In one implementation, the lid assembly 704 may be constructed from a polymeric material. In one example, the lid assembly 704 may be injection molded. In one implementation, dimple 730 may comprise a ferromagnetic structure, or plate, that is overmolded to form the lid assembly 704. In this way, upon manual removal of the cap 708 from the spout 710, the magnetic top surface 736 of the cap 708 may be magnetically attracted to the dimple structure 730 when positioned within a given proximity of the dimple structure 730. In another example, dimple 730 may comprise a ferromagnetic structure, or plate, that is positioned behind the bottom surface 731 (e.g., glued, or ultra-sonically welded or otherwise attached to an interior side of the lid assembly 704 within the cavity 782).

In one example a force needed to remove the cap 708 from the dimple structure 730 (i.e. a force to overcome a magnetic attraction between the cap 708 and the dimple structure 730) may measure approximately 10 N. In another example, the force to remove cap 708 from the dimple structure 730 may range between approximately 7 and 15 N.

In another implementation, there may be a specific distance/proximity within which magnetic attraction is exerted between the magnetic top surface 736 of the cap 708, and the ferromagnetic structure of the dimple 730. This proximity may be dependent upon a strength (magnetic field strength, and the like) of the magnet contained within the magnetic top surface 736, among other factors. As such, there may exist a proximity within which the magnetic top surface 736 of the cap 708 may be positioned relative to the dimple structure 730 in order to magnetically couple the two structures may be embodied with any distance value. This proximity may be embodied with any value, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. Accordingly, any strength of magnet may be utilized with the disclosures described herein. Additionally, various ferromagnetic materials may be utilized within the dimple structure 2030, without departing from the disclosures described herein.

In another example, a ferromagnetic material may be positioned within the dimple structure 730, and such that an overmolding process is not utilized to cover the ferromagnetic material. Similarly, a magnet may be positioned on the magnetic top surface 736 of the cap 708, and such that the magnet is exposed, rather than being overmolded or covered.

In various examples, a magnetic top surface 736 of the cap 708 may be configured to magnetically couple to one of a plurality of locations on the lid assembly 704. In particular, in one example, the circular domed top surface 728 of the lid assembly 704 may comprise a plurality of overmolded ferromagnetic pieces configured to magnetically couple to the magnetic top surface 736 of the cap 708. In another example, the lid assembly 704 may be constructed using, or coated with, a metallic material that may be attracted to a magnetic field.

In various examples, the recess or dimple 730 may comprise an overmolded, or otherwise covered, permanent magnet, and the magnetic top surface 736 of the cap 708 may comprise an overmolded ferromagnetic material (e.g. iron). In yet another example, both the magnetic top surface 736 and the recess structure 730 may comprise overmolded, or otherwise covered, permanent magnets configured to attract one another, and the like.

In one example, the cap 708 may comprise a substantially planar magnetic top surface 736. In this way, the substantially planar magnetic top surface 736 may be configured to interface with a substantially planar surface of the recess 730. In another example, a cap 708 may be configured with different geometries. For example, the cap 708 may comprise a curved top surface 736. In another example, the cap 708 may have a magnetic channel structure configured to allow the cap 708 to be magnetically coupled to a curved surface. In one implementation, the magnetic channel structure may be configured to magnetically couple to one or more curved surfaces of the carry handle structure 706. In this way, the carry handle structure 706 may be configured with one or more magnetic materials (overmolded, covered, or exposed magnetic materials). In one implementation, one or more portions of the carry handle structure 706 may comprise a magnet and such that one or more portions of the carry handle structure 706 may be magnetically attracted to, and held in position when brought into contact with, the curved sidewall 218A. As such, the magnetic channel structure may comprise one or more overmolded, or otherwise covered, permanent magnet structures, similar to the magnetic top surface 736 of cap 708.

The cap 708 may be configured with a substantially cylindrical geometry. In one implementation, the cap 708 may comprise a magnetic top surface 736. As such, the cap 708 may be configured to removably couple to, and seal, the spout 710. Further, upon manual removal of the cap 708 from the spout 710, the magnetic top surface 736 may be configured to magnetically couple to a magnetic surface 731 of the dimple 730. As such, the dimple 730 may comprise a magnetic material to which the magnetic top surface 736 may be magnetically attracted.

In one example, the cap 708 may be constructed from a polymer material, and formed using one or more injection molding processes. As such, the magnetic top surface 736 may comprise an overmolded permanent magnet. Various permanent magnet materials may be utilized with the magnetic top surface 736 of cap 708, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. In one particular example, the magnetic top surface 736 may comprise a neodymium magnet of grade N30, among others. Furthermore, various overmolding methodologies may be utilized to encapsulate a magnet within the cap 708, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. In another example, the cap 708 may comprise a permanent magnet coupled below the polymeric magnetic top surface 736 such that the permanent magnet may be ultra-sonically welded, or glued onto a surface within the cap 708 (e.g. magnet may be retained within the cap 708, which may comprise a polymer plate that is ultra-sonically welded, glued, or otherwise coupled to the cap 708).

Advantageously, a magnetic coupling between the magnetic top surface 736 of cap 708, and the magnetic surface 731 of dimple 730 may provide for fast, temporary storage of cap 708 while a liquid is being poured from container 200. In this way, a user may quickly affix cap 708 into dimple 730 such that cap 708 may not be set aside on an external surface where it may be misplaced or contaminated. Further advantageously, a magnetic coupling between the magnetic top surface 736 of the cap 708 and a magnetic surface 731 of the dimple 730 may encourage surfaces 736 and 731 to contact one another such that a bottom surface of cap 708 does not contact the magnetic surface 731 of the dimple 730. In this way one or more surfaces, including the bottom surface of cap 708 may be exposed to fewer contaminants, and thereby reduce transmission of fewer contaminants to spout 710 upon re-coupling of the cap 708 with the spout 710. It is noted that the previously described advantages with regard to magnetically coupling the cap 708 into the dimple 730 may, additionally or alternatively, be realized with cap 708 from container 200.

In one example, the spout 710 may be off-center on the circular domed top surface 728. In particular, the spout 710 may be positioned substantially at a perimeter of the circular domed top surface 728. Further, in one implementation, the recess 730 may be diametrically opposed to the spout 710. The spout 710 may be positioned in other locations on the lid 704, without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein. For example, the spout 710 may be positioned substantially at a center of the circular domed top surface 728. In another example, the spout 710 may be positioned on a curved sidewall of the lid assembly 704. In another example, the recess 730 may not be diametrically opposed to the spout 710. As such, in one example, the recess 730 may be positioned substantially at a center of the domed top surface 728, while the spout 710 may be positioned substantially at the perimeter of the circular domed top surface 728.

The spout 710 may include a threaded outer wall 768 for receiving a correspondingly threaded inner wall 770 of the cap 708. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7D, the cap 708 may comprise a threaded inner wall 770 configured to be screwed onto a threaded cylindrical outer wall 768 of the spout 710. In another example, the spout 710 may be configured with an annular ridge 711. As such, the cap 708 may be configured to be removably-coupled to the spout 710 using an interference fit between the annular ridge 711 on a cylindrical outer wall of the spout 710, and a corresponding ridge 709 on an inner surface of the cap 708.

In one example the cap 708 may be fully engaged with the threaded fastening mechanism of the spout 710 by rotating the cap 708 relative to the spout 710 through an angle. For example, the cap 708 may be fully engaged with the spout 710 by rotating the cap 708 by approximately ¼ of one full revolution, approximately ⅓ of one full revolution, approximately ½ of one full revolution, approximately one full revolution, approximately two full revolutions, approximately three full revolutions, at least one revolution, or at least five revolutions, among many others.

In one implementation, the cap 708 may seal the spout 710 using one or more deformable gaskets structures that are compressed when the cap 708 is brought into a removable coupling with the spout 710.

FIGS. 8A-8D depict a lid assembly 804 with a spout with a cap that may be tether connected between the cap and the lid. FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of the lid assembly 804. FIG. 8B illustrates a top view of the lid assembly 804. FIG. 8C illustrates a bottom view of the lid assembly 804. FIG. 8D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly 804. The lid assembly 804 is similar to aspects of the lid assembly as described above with respect to lid assembly 104B and lid assembly 204. The lid assembly 804 may be interchangeable with any of the lid assemblies 104A, 104B, 104C, 204, 704, 904 in accordance with embodiments of this invention.

In one implementation, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D, the cap 808 may be embodied with a tether 880 connected between the cap 808 and an anchor point 830 on the lid assembly 804. Advantageously, the tether may be utilized to prevent separation of the cap 808 and the lid assembly 804. The tether 880 may be utilized in combination with a magnetic coupling between a magnetic top surface and a recess as described and detailed in FIGS. 7A-7D, such that the magnetic coupling prevents the cap 808 from falling into a stream of liquid being poured from the spout 810, among others. As such, the tether 880 may comprise any flexible material, such as a polymer, a metal, or an alloy, among others, and may be embodied with any length.

As depicted in FIGS. 8A-8D, the lid assembly 804 may include: a lid top 832 and a lid bottom 834. The lid bottom 834 may include a vent channel 840 that extends between the lid top 832 and the lid bottom 834 as will be described and detailed below. The lid top 832 may include the spout 810. The lid bottom 834 may include one or more gaskets to be located between the lid assembly 804 and the lid bottom 834 and the container 200. The lid top 832 may include a top surface 828 and a cap 808 to cover the spout 810. The carry handle structure 806 may be attached to opposite sides of the lid top 832 using a fastener 850. The carry handle structure 806 may also include a grip structure 858.

As depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8D, the lid 804 may include a carry handle structure 806 that may be rotatably coupled to the lid assembly 804, such that the carry handle structure 806 may be rotated from various positions. For example, the carry handle structure 806 may be rotatable about an axis through a fastener 850 that couples the carry handle structure 806 to the lid assembly 804 without locking and unlocking of the handle assembly in any positions. In another embodiment, the carry handle structure 806 may be rotated from various positions with handle indexing as described and detailed above with reference to the carry handle structure 706.

In one implementation, the carry handle structure 806 may be rotatable about a horizontal axis through an angular range of greater than 320°. In another example, the carry handle structure 806 may be rotatable about the horizontal axis through an angular range of greater than 300°, greater than 280°, greater than 260°, greater than 240°, or greater than 220°, among others. In some embodiments, the carry handle structure 806 may be rotatable in an angular range of less than 320°, 300°, 280°, 260°, or 240°, among others. The carry handle 806 may comprise a grip structure 858. The grip structure 858 may be a sleeve. The grip structure 858 may have a larger diameter than the carry handle 806. The grip structure 858 may have a different color, texture, material, or hardness as compared to the rest of the carry handle 806.

As depicted in FIG. 8D, the lid 804 may include a vent channel 840 that extends from a first vent opening 842 in the spout 810 to a second vent opening 844 in a bottom surface 884 of the lid 804. The vent channel 840 may start at the first vent opening 842 in the spout 810. The first vent opening 842 may be a slot, opening, or hole in the side of the spout 810, and opening to the outside of the canister 202 through the spout 810. The vent channel 840 may end at the second vent opening 844 in the bottom surface 884 of the lid 804. The second vent opening 844 may be a hole or opening in the bottom surface 884 of the lid 804, and opening to the inside of the canister 202. The vent channel 840 may provide an unrestricted and direct path with the spout 810 through to the inside of the canister 202. The vent channel 840 may help eliminate potential glug sounds and splashing with pouring the container 200 with air flowing through the vent channel 840 within the spout 810 when pouring the container 200. The vent channel 840 may be linear, extending from the spout 810 to the bottom surface 884 of the lid 804. The vent channel 840 may be angled from the first vent opening 842 on the spout 810 to the second vent opening 844 on the bottom surface 884 of the lid 804. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 8D, the vent channel 840 may be positively inclined upward from the second vent opening 844 to the first vent opening 842 with respect to a horizontal plane when the lid 804 is oriented horizontally. In some embodiments, the vent channel 840 may be positively inclined at an angle between 15 and 20 degrees between the second vent opening 844 and the first vent opening 842 with respect to a horizontal plane when the lid 804 is oriented horizontally. In one embodiment, the vent channel 840 may have a rectangular cross section extending from the first vent opening 842 on the spout 810 to the second vent opening 844 on the bottom surface 884 of the lid 804. In other embodiments, the vent channel 840 may have various other shaped cross sections and other various shapes without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

In one implementation, the lid assembly 804 may be configured with a circular domed (convex) top surface 828. In one implementation, the top surface 828 may include an anchor point 830 and a tether 880. FIG. 8E depicts a perspective view of the tether 880 with the cap 808 and FIG. 8F depicts a side view of the tether with the cap 808. The tether 880 may include a first end 882 attached to or coupled to the anchor point 830. The anchor point 830 may include a fastener 886. The fastener 886 may extend through an anchor hole 887 in the first end 882 of the tether 880 to couple to the top surface 828 of the lid 804. The anchor point 830, fastener 886, and anchor hole 887 configuration may allow The tether 880 may also include a second end 885 opposite the first end 882 attached to or coupled to the cap 808. The second end 885 may include a cap hole sized and shaped to fit around the cap 808. The cap 808 may also include a tether channel 888 that extends circumferentially around a side surface of the cap 808. The second end 885 and the cap hole may fit around and within the tether channel 888 to attach to and couple the cap 808 to the lid 804 with the tether 880.

In another implementation, the lid assembly 804 may be configured with other top surface geometries than that circular domed top surface 828 depicted in FIG. 8A. For example, the lid assembly 804 may have a substantially planar, or a substantially concave top surface, among others (not pictured).

In one implementation, the lid assembly 804, the cap 808, and the tether 880 may be constructed from a polymeric material. In one example, the lid assembly 804, the cap 808, and the tether 880 may be injection molded.

In one example, the spout 810 may be off-center on the circular domed top surface 828. In particular, the spout 810 may be positioned substantially at a perimeter of the circular domed top surface 828. The spout 810 may be positioned in other locations on the lid 804, without departing from the scope of the disclosure described herein. For example, the spout 810 may be positioned substantially at a center of the circular domed top surface 828. In another example, the spout 810 may be positioned on a curved sidewall of the lid assembly 804.

The spout 810 may include a threaded outer wall 868 for receiving a correspondingly threaded inner wall 870 of the cap 808. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8D, the cap 808 may comprise a threaded inner wall 870 configured to be screwed onto a threaded cylindrical outer wall 868 of the spout 810. In another example, the spout 810 may be configured with an annular ridge. As such, the cap 808 may be configured to be removably-coupled to the spout 810 using an interference fit between the annular ridge on a cylindrical outer wall of the spout 810, and a corresponding ridge on an inner surface of the cap 808.

In one example the cap 808 may be fully engaged with the threaded fastening mechanism of the spout 810 by rotating the cap 808 relative to the spout 810 through an angle. For example, the cap 808 may be fully engaged with the spout 810 by rotating the cap 808 by approximately ¼ of one full revolution, approximately ⅓ of one full revolution, approximately ½ of one full revolution, approximately one full revolution, approximately two full revolutions, approximately three full revolutions, at least one revolution, or at least five revolutions, among many others.

In one implementation cap 808 may seal the spout 810 using one or more deformable gaskets structures that are compressed when the cap 808 is brought into a removable coupling with the spout 810.

FIGS. 9A-9E depict a lid assembly 904 with a slider 931 that is configured to move between a covered position and an uncovered position to selectively cover or uncover a rotatable spout 910 and a straw 911. FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of the lid assembly 904. FIG. 9B illustrates a perspective view of the lid assembly 904 with the straw 911. FIG. 9C illustrates a top view of the lid assembly 904. FIG. 9D illustrates a bottom view of the lid assembly 904. FIG. 9E illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly 904. The lid assembly 904 is similar to aspects of the lid assembly as described above with respect to lid assembly 104C and lid assembly 204. The lid assembly 904 may be interchangeable with any of the lid assemblies 104A, 104B, 104C, 204, 704, 804 in accordance with embodiments of this invention.

As depicted in FIGS. 9A-9E, the lid assembly 904 may include: a lid top 932 and a lid bottom 934. The lid bottom 934 may include a vent channel 940 that extends between the lid top 932 and the lid bottom 934 as will be described and detailed below. The lid top 932 may include the rotatable spout 910. The lid bottom 934 may include one or more gaskets to be located between the lid assembly 904 and the lid bottom 934 and the container 200. The lid top 932 may also include a top surface 928 and a slider 931 to slidably cover the rotatable spout 910 when the spout 910 is in the closed position. A carry handle structure 906 may be attached to opposite sides of the lid top 932 using a fastener 950. The carry handle structure 906 may also include a grip structure 958.

As depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the lid 904 may include a carry handle structure 906 that may be rotatably coupled to the lid assembly 904, such that the carry handle structure 906 may be rotated from various positions. For example, the carry handle structure 906 may be rotatable about an axis through a fastener 950 that couples the carry handle structure 906 to the lid assembly 904 without locking and unlocking of the handle assembly in any positions. In another embodiment, the carry handle structure 906 may be rotated from various positions with handle indexing as described and detailed above with reference to the carry handle structure 706.

In one implementation, the carry handle structure 906 may be rotatable about a horizontal axis through an angular range of greater than 320°. In another example, the carry handle structure 906 may be rotatable about the horizontal axis through an angular range of greater than 300°, greater than 280°, greater than 260°, greater than 240°, or greater than 220°, among others. In some embodiments, the carry handle structure 906 may be rotatable in an angular range of less than 320°, 300°, 280°, 260°, or 240°, among others. The carry handle 906 may comprise a grip structure 958. The grip structure 958 may be a sleeve. The grip structure 958 may have a larger diameter than the carry handle 906. The grip structure 958 may have a different color, texture, material, or hardness as compared to the rest of the carry handle 906.

In one implementation, the lid 904 may include a rotatable spout 910 and an associated straw 911 for dispensing the contents of the container 200. The rotatable spout 910 may rotate between a closed position and an open position. The rotatable spout 910 may include a first end 980 that includes the drinking end for the user. The rotatable spout 910 may include a second end 982 opposite the first end 980. The second end 982 may be attached to and/or connected to the lid 904. The second end 982 may include a valve 984 that opens and closes with the rotation of the rotatable spout 910. The rotatable spout 910 may also include a spout tab 912 that is located between the first end 980 and the second end 982. The spout tab 912 may help a user rotate the rotatable spout 910 between the closed position and the open position.

The rotatable spout 910 may also include a spout fluid path or channel 986 that extends from the first end 980 to the second end 982. The spout fluid path or channel 986 may be a straight line, curved, or angled in accordance with embodiments of this invention. The spout fluid path or channel 986 may have a rectangular cross section extending from the first end 980 to the second end 982. In other embodiments, the spout fluid path or channel 986 may have various other shaped cross sections and other various shapes, such as circular, oval, etc., without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

The lid top 932 may include a spout slot 936 that contains and/or holds the rotatable spout 910 when the rotatable spout 910 is in the closed position. The spout slot 936 may be sized and shaped to fit the rotatable spout 910. The spout slot 936 may be indented into the lid top 932.

Additionally, the spout slot 936 may include a vent channel 940 or a vent hole 940 that extends between the lid top 932 and the lid bottom 934. The vent channel 940 or vent hole may allow air back into the canister 202 as the user drinks from the container 200. The rotatable spout 910 may also include a vent closure 942 that extends from the rotatable spout 910. The vent closure 942 may be lined up and sized with the vent channel 940 or vent hole, such that when the rotatable spout 910 is rotated to the closed position, the vent closure 942 may close the vent channel 940 or vent hole. As depicted in FIG. 9E, the vent closure 942 is a pointed cylinder that extends from the rotatable spout 910 and the vent hole 940 is a circular hole sized and shaped to accept the pointed cylinder vent closure 942. The vent channel/vent hole 940 and vent closure 942 configuration may also include one or more flexible materials, such as one or more rubber or plastic gaskets 944, etc. to help seal and close the vent channel/vent hole 940.

Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 9E, the lid bottom 934 may include a straw port 913 extending from the lid bottom 934. The straw port 913 may be sized and shaped to accept either end of the straw 911. The straw port 913 may be lined up with the valve 984 and the spout fluid path or channel 986 when the rotatable spout 910 is in the open position, thereby opening up the drink path for the user to drink from the rotatable spout 910 for dispensing the contents of the container 200.

As depicted in FIGS. 10A-10D, when the rotatable spout 910 is in the closed position, both the drink path and the vent hole 940 are sealed and the rotatable spout 910 is fit within the spout slot 936 of the lid top 932. Additionally, when the rotatable spout 910 is in the closed position, the valve 984 is closed and the spout fluid path or channel 986 is not lined up with the straw port 913 and the straw 911, thereby making the drink path closed for the user to drink from the rotatable spout 910 and preventing the contents of the container 200 from spilling from the container 200. Additionally, when the rotatable spout 910 is in the closed position, the vent closure 942 on the rotatable spout 910 is fit within the vent path/vent hole 940, thereby sealing the vent path/vent hole 940 to the canister 202.

As depicted in FIG. 10E, when the rotatable spout 910 is in the open position, both the drink path and the vent hole 940 are opened and the rotatable spout 910 is fully rotated to the open position and vertical compared to the lid top 932. Additionally, when the rotatable spout 910 is in the open position, the valve 984 is opened and the spout fluid path or channel 986 is lined up with the straw port 913 and the straw 911, thereby making the drink path open for the user to drink from the rotatable spout 910. Additionally, when the rotatable spout 910 is in the open position, the vent path/vent hole 940 is open as the vent closure 942 is rotated away from and out of the vent path/vent hole 940, thereby allowing air back into the canister 202 as the user drinks from the container 200.

Additionally, as depicted in FIGS. 9A-9C, 9E, and 10A-10E, the lid 904 and lid top 932 may include a slider 931. The slider 931 may be configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position to selectively cover or uncover the rotatable spout 910. FIG. 10A depicts an isometric view of the container 200 and an example lid assembly 904 with the slider 931 in the locked/closed position on the lid top 932, and FIG. 10B depicts a top view of the lid assembly 904 with the slider 931 in the locked/closed position on the lid top 932. FIG. 10C depicts an isometric view of the container 200 and the lid assembly 904 with the slider 931 in the unlocked/open position on the lid top 932 and the rotatable spout 910 in the closed position. FIGS. 10D and 10E depict views of the lid assembly 904 with the slider 931 in the unlocked/open position on the lid top 932 and the rotatable spout 910 in the open position.

To operate the slider 931, the user can move the slider 931 from the locked (covered) position to the unlocked (uncovered) position by grasping the slider handle 990. When the user moves the slider 931 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the slider 931 moves along a guide channel 992 located in a central opening 994 on the lid top 932 causing one of the flanges 996A, 996B of the slider 931 to uncover the rotatable spout 910. Likewise, when the user moves the slider 931 from the unlocked position to the locked position, the slider 931 moves along the guide channel 992 and the central opening 994 causing the flange 996A, 996B of the slider 931 to cover the rotatable spout 910 to maintain the rotatable spout 910 in the closed position and to seal the rotatable spout 910 to keep the rotating spout 910 closed and help prevent the contents of the container 200 from spilling from the container 200. In another embodiment, when the user moves the slider 931 between the locked position and/or the unlocked position, detents (not shown) may engage openings in the lid 904 or the slider 931 to secure the slider 931 in either the locked or unlocked position.

The lid 904 and slider 931 may be provided with one or more magnets. The magnets can provide one or more of (1) maintaining the slider 931 onto the lid 904, (2) maintaining the slider 931 in either the locked or unlocked positions during the use of the slider 931, and (3) limiting the movement of the slider 931 on the lid 904. The lid 904 can be provided with one or more internal magnets for interacting with one or more internal magnets in the slider 931. Also as will be discussed in further detail below, the lid 904 can be formed in a three-shot injection molding process to help in insulating the lid 904 and to secure the one or more magnets in place on the lid 904. This technique may also be applied to the other example lid assemblies discussed herein.

In maintaining the slider 931 onto the lid 904, one or more magnets can be provided in each of the slider 931 and the lid 904 to achieve the proper clamping force to maintain the slider 931 onto the lid 904. As depicted in FIG. 9E, a first positioning magnet 938A can be provided within the slider 931. Further, a second positioning magnet 938B and a third positioning magnet 938C can be provided within the lid 904. The first positioning magnet 938A may be aligned with the second positioning magnet 938B to selectively maintain the slider 931 in the unlocked/open position where the slider 931 is held out of the way of the rotatable spout 910 in the lid 904. Likewise, the first positioning magnet 938A can be aligned with the third positioning magnet 938C to selectively lock the slider 931 in a locked/closed position and covering the rotatable spout 910 in the lid 904. Additionally, when the second positioning magnet 938B and the third positioning magnet 938C on the lid 904 come into close proximity and interact with the first positioning magnet 938A on the slider 931, the slider 931 can “snap” unlocked/open or locked/closed to provide a noticeable sound indicating to the user that the slider 931 is in either the unlocked/open or locked/closed position. Additionally in certain examples, the force required to unlock/open or lock/close the slider 931 can be sufficient to keep the slider 931 locked and/or unlocked during normal operating conditions of the container 200. The force required to unlock/open or lock/close the slider 931 can be in certain instances 0.25 to 3 lbs.

The interaction between the magnet 938A in the slider 931 and the magnets 938B, 938C in the lid 904 helps to maintain the slider 931 on the lid 904 during the operation of the slider 931. The guide channel 992 in conjunction with the slider 931 and the rotatable spout 910 can help to limit the travel of the slider 931 on the lid 904 in the lateral direction or the x-direction. In one example, the clamp force can be sufficient to withstand force from the pressure of a filled container 200 being turned upside down. In this way, the slider 931 will remain in the locked/closed position while the pressure from the rotatable spout 910 and the liquid acts on the flange 996A, 996B through the lid 904.

In another example (not shown), a first clamping magnet can be provided within the slider 931 and a second clamping magnet can be provided within the lid 904. The length of the second clamping magnet can be selected such that the second clamping magnet interacts with the first clamping magnet during the entire length of travel of the slider 931 from the opened position to the closed position. Moreover, the second clamping magnet in the lid 904 can be longer than the first clamping magnet in the slider 931, so in either orientation, the second clamping magnet is underneath the first clamping magnet whether unlocked/open or locked/closed. In one example, the magnets can be polarized through the thicknesses of the magnets as opposed to the length such that the overwhelming attraction/repulsion forces are based upon the large parallel slider/lid magnet surfaces.

Various techniques for including the magnets in the lid 904 and the slider 931 are contemplated. For example, each magnet can be overmolded in the slider 931 and then magnetized afterward. In this example, each magnet can be placed into the lid 904 or the slider 931; then the lid 904 or the slider 931 can be injection molded or otherwise formed of a polymer material over each magnet. In other examples, the magnets can be assembled to the slider 931 or lid 904 with ultrasonic welds or can be attached using cover plates on the lid 904 or the slider 931.

In various implementations, the lids 904 and sliders 931 discussed herein may be formed of a single, or multiple polymer materials, including, among others, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polycarbonate or acrylic, or combinations thereof.

The slider 931 can operate in a similar fashion as the examples discussed above. The user can move the slider 931 from the unlocked/opened position to the locked/closed position by grasping the slider handle 990. When the user moves the slider 931 from the locked/closed position to the unlocked/opened position, the slider 931 moves along the guide channel 992 causing one of the flanges 996A, 996B of the slider 931 to uncover the rotating spout 910. Likewise, when the user moves the slider 931 from the unlocked/opened position to the locked/closed position, the slider 931 moves along the guide channel 992 causing one of the flanges 996A, 996B of the slider 931 to cover the rotating spout 910 to keep the rotating spout 910 closed and help prevent the contents of the container 200 from spilling from the container 200. Also, when the user moves the slider 931 between the unlocked/open position and the locked/closed position, the first positioning magnet 938A in the slider 931 interacts with the third positioning magnet 938C in the lid 904 to secure the slider 931 in the locked position. Additionally, when the user moves the slider 931 to either the unlocked/opened position or the locked/closed position the interaction of the slider 931 and the lid 904 produces a sound indicating to the user that the slider 931 is in either the unlocked/open position or the locked/closed position.

Additionally, the slider 931 may be selectively removed from the lid 904 for cleaning purposes or if the user otherwise does not desire the slider 931 to be on the lid 904. To remove the slider 931 from the lid 904, the user can simply pull or twist the slider 931 off of the lid 904 by exceeding the clamping force provided by the attraction of the first clamping magnet 938A in the slider 931 in the lid 904. Likewise, to replace the slider 931 back onto the lid 904, the user simply places the slider 931 back into the guide channel 992 such that the first clamping magnet 938A of the slider 931 is attracted to the second clamping magnet 938B in the lid 904. Because the slider 931 may be symmetrical, the slider 931 may be placed in two different orientations on the lid 904. In order for the slider 931 to be removed from the lid 904 or replaced onto the lid 904, the rotatable spout 910 may be in the open position.

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 11A-11B, a handle 206 or the container 200 may include an accessory that allows the user to store the container 200 by hanging, such as on a fence, railing, dugout, pole, etc. For example, the handle 206 of the container may include one or more fence hooks 207A. The fence hook 207A may be integrated into the handle portion of the handle 206. The fence hook 207A may include an arm portion 209A that extends away from the handle 206. The arm portion 209A may define an opening 209B located between the handle 206 and the arm portion 209A, thereby creating the fence hook 207A to hold and hang the container on a fence, railing, dugout, pole, etc. Any of the handles depicted and disclosed as part of this invention may include the fence hook 207A, such as handles 206, 706, 806, 906.

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13B, a handle 206 or the container 200 may include another type of fence hook 207B. For example, the handle 206 of the container 200 may include a fence hook 207B that slides in and out of the handle 206. The fence hook 207B may include an opening 208A, 208B located within the handle 206 for the fence hook 207B to slide in and out of. The fence hook 207B may be an integrated fence hook accessory that is integrated with the handle 206. Any of the handles depicted and disclosed as part of this invention may include the fence hook 207B, such as handles 206, 706, 806, 906.

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict an integrated fence hook 207B that extends vertically from a top opening 208A in the handle 206. FIGS. 13A and 13B depict an integrated fence hook 207B that extends horizontally from a side opening 208B in the handle 206. The integrated fence hook 207B may include a base portion 207C and a hook portion 207D that extends perpendicular to the base portion 207C. The hook portion 207D may be configured to hold and grab a fence or other similar structure to hold the container 200 on the fence or other similar structure. A fence hook may extend from the handle and/or the lid in other variations and/or examples of the invention.

The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various features and concepts related to the disclosure, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.