CONTAINER WITH CONFIGURABLE LID

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/673,586, filed Jul. 19, 2024, entitled “CONTAINER WITH CONFIGURABLE LID,” the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

A beverage container for containing a fluid therein is provided. The container can include a lid that can include adjustable configurations.

BACKGROUND

Drinkware containers can be used to contain fluids therein for consumption by a user. Lids are used for containing the fluids within the containers. Lids can be removably coupled to the container and can be configured to allow fluid to pass from within the container, through the lid, to outside of the container.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a container is provided. In one embodiment, the container can include a cylindrical body having an open first end and a closed second end. The cylindrical body can be configured to contain a fluid therein. The container can also include a lid configured to removably couple with the open first end of the cylindrical body. The lid can include a lid base having at least one first opening therein and a lid cap can be rotatably coupled to the lid base and can have a second opening. Responsive to rotating the lid cap from a first position corresponding to a storage configuration to a second position corresponding to a dispensing configuration, the at least one first opening of the lid base and the second opening of the lid cap can be aligned and a flexible straw removably coupled to the lid base can transition from a stored configuration to a deployed configuration in which the flexible straw extends through the second opening of the lid cap. The second opening can be spaced radially inward from a perimeter of the lid cap.

One or more additional embodiments can include one or more of the following features alone or in combination. For example, in some embodiments, in the storage configuration, the at least one first opening of the lid base is sealed by the lid cap. In some embodiments, the lid base can also include a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a cylindrical wall extending from the second side, and a conduit wall protruding from the cylindrical wall to surround the at least one first opening of the lid base and forming a cavity therein. The flexible straw can be positioned within the cavity. In some embodiments, the flexible straw can include a flange portion abutting the second side of the lid base. The flange portion can form a receiving cavity in which a one-way valve is positioned. In some embodiments, the receiving cavity can be configured to receive a straw housing removably coupling a rigid straw thereto. The rigid straw can extend into the cylindrical body when the lid is coupled to the thereto.

In some embodiments, the lid base can include an arc-shaped channel positioned on a first side of the lid base. The arc-shaped channel can be configured to retain the flexible straw therein in the stored configuration. In some embodiments, the lid base can include a second opening and a first gasket positioned therein. The first gasket can include the at least one first opening formed therein. In some embodiments, a first side of the lid base can include a circular recess configured therein defining a rotational range of the lid cap to rotate relative to the lid base. In some embodiments, the circular recess can include at least one protrusion defining the rotational range of the lid cap to rotate relative to the lid base. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion can be associated with the first position associated with the storage configuration and with the second position associated with the dispensing configuration.

In some embodiments, a second side of the lid base can include a locking actuator received within a cylindrical cavity of the second side of the lid base. The second cavity can include a protrusion configured to secure the lid cap to the lid base while permitting rotation of the lid cap relative to the lid base. In some embodiments, responsive to rotating the locking actuator from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, the lid cap can be configured to detach from the lid base. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body can include a first body portion releasably coupled to a second body portion. The first body portion can be configured to removably couple the cylindrical body with the lid. In some embodiments, the first body portion can include a handle having a first end extending from a sidewall of the first body portion and a second end, opposite the first end, spaced apart from the sidewall of the first body portion. The second end of the handle can include an elastic material or a deformable material.

In some embodiments, the second opening can be positioned radially inward from the perimeter of the lid cap a distance between 1-5 mm relative to the central vertical axis extending through the lid cap. In some embodiments, a first surface of the lid cap can include a central planar portion and a peripheral sloped portion extending radially outward from the central planar portion and sloping upward to the perimeter of the lid cap relative to a central vertical axis extending through the lid cap. The first surface can include the second opening. In some embodiments, a first surface of the lid cap can include a central planar portion and a sloped portion extending radially outward from the central planar portion and sloping upward to the perimeter of the lid cap relative to a central vertical axis extending through the lid cap. The first surface can include the second opening. In some embodiments, the second opening of the lid cap can include a first sidewall positioned in the central planar portion of the lid cap and a second sidewall positioned adjacent to the sloped portion of the lid cap.

In another aspect, a container is provided and in one embodiment, the container can include a cylindrical body having an open first end. The cylindrical body can be configured to contain a fluid therein. The container can also include a lid configured to removably couple with the open first end of the cylindrical body. The lid can be selectively configurable to rotate an opening of the lid into at least one of a dispensing configuration and a storage configuration. The fluid can be conveyed through a straw extending through the opening when the lid is in the dispensing configuration and the straw is retained in a channel of the lid when the lid is in the storage configuration. The opening can be spaced radially apart from a perimeter of the lid.

One or more additional embodiments can include one or more of the following features alone or in combination. For example, in some embodiments, at least one sidewall of the opening is positioned radially adjacent to a sloped portion of the lid forming an elevated perimeter thereof. In some embodiments, the lid can include a second opening configured to align with the opening of the lid when the lid is rotated to the dispensing configuration. The second opening can be positioned within the channel.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a first embodiment of a container described herein in a first dispensing configuration;

FIG. 1B is a side view of a first embodiment of the container of FIG. 1A in a second dispensing configuration;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of a container described herein with the lid removed;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1A illustrating the lid coupled to the container body;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the lid in the second dispensing configuration of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the lid of the container of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the conduit plug of the lid of the container of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the conduit plug of the lid of the container of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the conduit plug of the container of FIGS. 1A and 1B positioned within the lid thereof;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a lid base of the lid of the container of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a lid base of the lid of the container of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lid cap and lid base of the lid of the container of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lid configured for use with a container as described herein;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the lid of FIG. 12 including a lid cap configured to rotationally couple with a lid base;

FIG. 14A is a perspective top view of the lid base of the lid of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14B is a perspective bottom view of the lid base of the lid of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 12.

It is noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Various embodiments of containers including configurable lids are provided herein. In general, a lid can be releasably coupled to a container having a fluid therein. The fluid can be dispensed from the container via an opening or similar outlet provided in the lid. For example, container lids can include a straw through which a fluid contained within a container can be consumed by a user of the container. The lid can also include an opening therein for a user to consume the fluid within the container without using a straw. Users often prepare to consume beverages in different manners, such as from an open end of a container, through a hole in a lid, or through a straw of a lid. Users also need containers that can be easily disassembled for cleaning. Additionally, users may need to store containers in a compact configuration that can reduce the likelihood of parts getting lost or otherwise damaged during storage. It can be desirable to have a configurable lid that can provide a variety of configurations associated with different drinking styles (e.g., via a straw, or via an opening in the lid-without using a straw), as well as configurations for storage and cleaning of the container. In this way, a user can select different drinking configurations (such as through an open end of the container, through an opening of the lid, or through a straw configured in the lid) that best suit their desired preferences without requiring separate containers which may not include configurable lids. Various embodiments of an improved container with a configurable lid addressing these user preferences and problems are provided herein.

FIGS. 1A-2 illustrate an improved container 100, 200 including a configurable lid configured to provide different configurations of use, such as drinking configurations, storage configurations, and cleaning configurations. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, a first embodiment of a container 100 can include a lid 101 that can be releasably coupled to a container body 102. In some embodiments, the container 100, 200 can be configured to store a hot fluid or a cold fluid. In some embodiments, the body 102 can include a metal material arranged in one or more wall layers so as to form an insulated vacuum container. In some embodiments, the container 100, 200 can be configured in at least one of a variety of different sizes.

The lid 101 and the container body 102 can be substantially cylindrical in shape. The lid 101 can include an opening 103 through which a user can consume a fluid from within the body 102. The lid 101 can be rotatable in a first rotational direction R₁ to enable different usage configurations. For example, responsive to rotating the lid 101 in the first rotational direction R₁, the lid 101 can be configured to provide a first dispensing configuration, as shown in FIG. 1A, in which a user consumes a fluid from the container 102 via the opening 103. Responsive to further rotating the lid 101 in the first rotational direction R₁, the lid 101 can provide a second dispensing configuration in which a user can consume the fluid via a straw 104 that can protrude through the opening 103 as shown in FIG. 1B. The different dispensing configurations, as well as a storage and a cleaning configuration can also be provided by rotating the lid 101 in the first rotational direction R₁ and will be discussed in more detail later. In some embodiments, the first rotational direction R₁ can be a clockwise rotational direction. In some embodiments, the first rotational direction R₁ can be a counter-clockwise rotational direction, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.

As further shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the container 100 can include a handle 105 positioned on the body 102. The handle 105 can be configured for grasping the container 100. The handle 105 can include a first end 106 that can be coupled to and extend from a wall 108 of the body 102. A second end 107 of the handle 105 can be spaced apart from the wall 108 of the body 102. Advantageously, spacing the second end 107 of the handle 108 apart from the wall 108 can provide a gap through which the handle 105 can be coupled or otherwise secured to an element to carry the container 100. For example, the gap or spacing provided at the second end 107 can enable a user to couple the container 100 to a strap, a rope, or any a similar clement to which a user wishes to couple the container 100 to. In some embodiments, the second end 107 of the handle 105 can include a flexible material configured to deform and allow the spacing or gap to increase in size to accommodate different sized elements that a user may wish to attach the container 100 to.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a container 200 including a body 202′ that has detachably coupled upper 201 and lower 202 portions. The embodiment of the container 200 is shown in FIG. 2 excluding a configurable lid as described herein and is otherwise similar to the container 100 described elsewhere except where noted otherwise. For example, an upper portion 201 of the body 202′ can include a handle 205 having a first end 206 coupled to a wall 208 of the upper portion 201 and a second end 207 spaced apart from the wall 208. The upper portion 201 can be detachably coupled from the lower portion 202 via a plurality of attachment mechanisms, such as threads, snap fitting, friction fitting, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper portion 201 can include a plurality of threads 211 arranged on an inner surface of the first end 210 of the upper portion 201. The second end 204 of the upper portion 201 can include a plurality of threads or similar attachment mechanisms configured to receive the threads or corresponding threads 209 positioned on the first end 203 of the lower portion 202. In this way, the second end 204 of the upper portion 201 can be detachably coupled to the first end 203 of the lower portion 202, or vice versa.

Returning to the embodiment of container 100 as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, the lid 101 can include a lid cap 101′ that can be releasably coupled to a lid base 109. For example, the lid base 109 can include attachment mechanisms 112 (e.g., thread) configured on an outer surface thereof that can be configured to detachably couple with corresponding attachment mechanisms 113 (e.g., threads) configured on an inner surface of the body 102. The lid base 109 can also include a gasket 111 that can seal the lid 101 and the body 102. The gasket 111 can be positioned against a flange 114 protruding from the cylindrical wall 124 of the lid base 109. When coupled, as shown in FIG. 3, the flange 114 can abut top portion of the body 102 and the gasket 111 can fluidically seal the lid 101 and the body 102.

Additionally, the lid cap 101′ can be releasably coupled to the lid base 109 via one or more protrusions 116 that can protrude from an inner surface of the lid cap 101′. The protrusions 116 of the lid cap 101′ can be positioned to engage a flange 115 including one or more flange portions positioned on an exterior surface of the lid base 109. The lid cap 101′ can rotate relative to the lid base 109 in the rotational direction R₁ as described earlier. When coupled, the bottom surface 121 of the lid cap 101′ can be positioned adjacent to the upper surface 122 of the lid base 109. An air passage can be provided between the lid cap 101′ and the lid base 109 via a vent 117 that can fluidically couple the interior of the container 100 to the ambient environment. The vent 117 can be positioned within a cylindrical protrusion 118 formed in the end wall 138 of the lid base 109 and can include a valve element 119 configured to fluidically seal the lid base 109. The valve clement 119 can deform, for example deform downwards in the view of FIG. 3, to allow an air flow to pass from the ambient environment outside the container 100, between the lid cap 101′ and the lid base 109, into the vent 117, through the valve element 119, and into the cavity 137 and the interior of the body 102. In some embodiments, the valve 119 can include an umbrella valve that can allow air into the container 100 when a suction or vacuum force is applied to the straw 104, such as when a user drinks through the straw 104 in the second dispensing configuration described herein.

The lid base 109 can include a channel 110 formed therein adjacent to the upper surface 122 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The channel 110 can have an arc-shape and can be positioned radially adjacent to the wall 155 of the cylindrical portion 148 of the lid base 109. The channel 110 can be configured to retain a straw 104 therein. Responsive to rotating the lid cap 101′in the rotational direction RI relative to a central vertical axis A extending through the lid 101, the opening 103 can rotate into a dispensing position to allow the straw 104 to transform from a stored configuration within the channel 110 to a deployed configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, in which the straw 104 extends through the opening 103 of the lid cap 101′. In some embodiments, the straw 104 can include a flexible or elastic material.

As further shown in FIG. 4, the lid cap 101′ can include a first side 120. The first side 120 can include a substantially flat or planar portion 120A extending at least partially across a portion of the first side 120. The first side 120 can also include a sloped portion 120B positioned radially adjacent to the planar portion 120A. The sloped portion 120B can have a substantially linear or non-linear profile, such that a slope extending across the sloped portion 120B can be substantially angled or curved. The sloped portion 120B can terminate at a perimeter 120C of the lid cap 101′. The perimeter 120C can be raised or elevated relative to the planar portion 120A. Advantageously, the configuration of the sloped portion 120B and the perimeter 120C can provide a user with a more accessible engagement surface when the user's lips are in contact with the lid 101, such as during a dispensing configuration in which the user drinks fluid in the container directly via the opening 103 (and not via the straw 104). Additionally, the opening 103 can be positioned radially apart from the perimeter 120C. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the opening 103 can be spaced apart from the perimeter 120C by a distance D. In some embodiments, the distance can be between 1 and 5 mm, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 mm apart.

Components of the lid 101 are shown in an unassembled configuration in FIG. 5. For example, the straw 104 can be detachably coupled to first opening provided in a first end 127 of a conduit plug 125. In some embodiments, the conduit plug 125 can include a flexible or an elastic material. In some embodiments, the straw 104 may be fixedly coupled to the conduit plug 125. The conduit plug 125 can include a second opening 130 positioned at the second end 128. The second opening 130 can be configured to receive a first end 129 of the straw 153. The second end 130 of the straw 153 can be positioned within the body 102 of the container. The conduit plug 125 can be configured to provide a fluidic passage of the fluid in the container 102 therethrough and to a user via the straw 104. In some embodiments, the straw 153 can include a rigid material. In some embodiments, the straw 153 can include a gasket adjacent to the first end 129 configured to seal the first end 129 of the straw 153 with the conduit plug 125.

The conduit plug 125 can include a protrusion 126 protruding from the second end of the conduit body 136. The protrusion 126 can enable a user to grasp the conduit plug 125 for removal and cleaning of the lid 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the conduit plug 125 can be received within a cavity 133 formed by a conduit wall 132 protruding from the inner surface 131 of the cylindrical wall 124 of the lid base 109. When received within the cavity 133, the straw 104 can protrude through the hole 154, shown in FIGS. 9-10. The straw 104 can include a gasket 135 adjacent to the first end 127 of the conduit body 136. The gasket 135 can be configured to fluidically seal the hole 154 when the conduit plug 125 is secured within the cavity 133 and the straw 104 is positioned within the hole 154.

As further shown in FIG. 6, the straw 104 can include a sealing mechanism 156 configured to open only when a suction force is applied to the straw 104, such as when a user consumes fluid through the straw by sucking the fluid into the straw 104. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism can be a gravity lock that can be configured as a cut cross seal having a ‘X’ shape. The sealing mechanism 156 can be configured to prohibit fluid flow through the straw in the absence of a suction force. This can advantageously eliminate leaking when the container 100 is dropped or otherwise inverted when the straw is in a deployed configuration as in the second dispensing configuration described herein.

As shown in FIG. 7, the conduit plug 125 can include one or more flanges 134 arranged around a circumference of the conduit body 136. The flanges 134 can be configured to seal the conduit plug 125 within the cavity 133. In an assembled configuration of the lid 101, as shown in FIG. 8, the straw 153 can be received within the opening 130 of the conduit plug 125.

The lid base 109 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 with the lid cap 101′ removed for clarity. The lid base 109 can include a number of features configured to enable the lid 101 to be selectively configured in at least one dispensing configuration, as well as a storage configuration and a cleaning configuration. As discussed earlier, the lid cap 101′ can be rotationally and removably coupled to the lid base 109 via the protrusions 116 shown in FIGS. 3 and 11. The protrusions 116 can be received within the slots 146 to allow the protrusions to be seated for rotation under portions of the flange 115 that can extend circumferentially around a cylindrical portion 148 of the lid base 109 adjacent to the first end 122 and extending from the flange 114 thereof.

As further shown in FIG. 9, the cylindrical portion 148 of the lid base 109 can include an opening 139. The opening 139 can be configured to receive a gasket 140 as shown in FIG. 10. The gasket 140 can include an opening 141 therein. The opening 141 can be configured to be fluidically coupled to the opening 103 when the lid cap 101′ is positioned in the first dispensing configuration in which the user can consume a fluid in the body 102 directly via the openings 141 in the lid base 109 and opening 103 in the lid cap 101′ without using the straw 104. The first dispensing configuration can also be seen in FIG. 1A. The first dispensing configuration can be advantageous for quick flow drinking where a larger aperture (corresponding to opening 103 aligned with opening 141) can provide an increase flow rate, such as shakes, smoothies, or similar high-viscosity fluids.

In a second dispensing configuration, such as that shown in FIGS. 1B and 4, the straw 104 can protrude through the hole 103 of the lid cap 101′ to allow a user to consume fluid from the body 102 of the container 101. In the first dispensing configuration (as well as in the storage configuration described below), the straw 104 can be retained within the channel 110. The channel 110 can include one or more sloped protrusions 144, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, configured to aid the straw 104 to transition out of the channel 110. For example, responsive to rotating the lid cap 101′ to a rotational position corresponding to the second dispensing configuration, the sloped protrusions 144 can provide a surface against which the elastic forces of the straw 104 can act to cause the straw 104 to transform from the stored configuration within the channel to a deployed configuration in which the straw is substantially, if not fully, extended vertically through the hole 103 of the lid cap 101′ as shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the ridge 145 adjacent to the opening 154 can also aid transforming the straw 104 from the stored configuration to the deployed configuration. Advantageously, the first dispensing configuration can enable the straw 104 to be deployed without the user having to touch the straw 104 to configure it for drinking therethrough. The user simply rotates the lid cap 101′ relative to the lid base to the rotational position corresponding to the first dispensing configuration and the straw 104 is configured to self-deploy through the opening 103 into a vertical or substantially vertical orientation.

In some embodiments, configuration indicators associated with the first and second dispensing configurations can be provided on the lid 101 (such as on the lid cap 101′ or the lid base 109). In some embodiments, the configuration indicators can include graphical or textual indicators identifying to a user a rotational position of the lid cap 101′ relative to the lid base 109 that configure the lid 101 in the first or second dispensing configuration.

The rotation of the lid cap 101′ relative to the lid base 109 can also be configured to provide additional configurations, such as a storage configuration and a cleaning configuration. For example, in the storage configuration, the lid cap 101′ can be rotated in the rotational direction R₁ so that the opening 103 is aligned over the configuration indicator “Locked” provided on the surface of the cylindrical portion 148. In this configuration, the gasket 140 will seal the opening 141 extending through the base lid 109 with the bottom surface 121 of the lid cap 101′. The straw 104 will be retained in the channel 110 and the ridge 145 will act as a crimp to seal or otherwise prevent fluid from entering straw 153 and passing out of straw 104. In the storage configuration the lid 101 is locked in place and completely sealed to prohibit fluid from being released.

In the cleaning configuration, the lid cap 101′ can be rotated in the rotational direction R₁ so that the opening 103 is aligned over the configuration indicator “Wash” provided on the cylindrical portion 148 and the protrusions 116 are aligned with the slots 146 to allow the lid cap 101′ to be removed from first end 122 of the lid base 109. The conduit plug 125 can be removed from the cavity 133 and the straws 104 and 153 can be detached from the conduit body 136. In this way, all components of the lid 101 can be separated and cleaned separately.

The storage and cleaning configurations, as well as the first and second dispensing configurations, can be achieved via rotation of the lid cap 101′ relative to the lid base 109 in the rotational direction R₁ using a plurality of protrusions 147 arranged on the wall 155 of the cylindrical portion 148 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The protrusions 147 can be spaced around the wall 155 so as to correspond to each of the first and second dispensing configurations, the storage configuration, and the cleaning configuration. The protrusions 147 can be spaced to correspond to the grooves 151 arranged on the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 152 of the lid cap 101′ as shown in FIG. 11. The arrangement of the protrusions 147 and the groves 151 can provide a user with tactile feedback indicating that the lid 101 is configured in at least one of the first dispensing configuration, the second dispensing configuration, the storage configuration, or the cleaning configuration.

The cylindrical portion 148 can also include a recess 142. The recess 142 can be configured to provide a rotational range of motion corresponding to an angle a through which the lid cap 101′ can be rotated in the rotational direction Ri relative to the lid base 109. For example, in some embodiments, the rotational range of motion (and thus the angle a) can be between 300-305 degrees, 305-310 degrees, 310-315 degrees, or 315-320 degrees. The rotational range of motion can be defined by size and angular shape of the wedge 143. A protrusion 150 extending from the second surface 121 of the lid cap 101′, as shown in FIG. 11, can be received within the recess 142 and can be rotated through the rotational range of motion corresponding to the angle α. In some embodiments, the protrusion 150 can have a triangular shape, as shown, although other shaped can be envisioned.

Within the rotational range of motion corresponding to the angle α, the rotational positions associated with individual lid configurations can vary. For example, in some embodiments, the arrangement of a first protrusion 147 on the wall 155 can be positioned at about 105-110, 110-115, 115-120, or 120-125 degrees relative to the wedge 143 so as to indicate the first dispensing configuration. In some embodiments, the arrangement of a second protrusion 147 on the wall 155 can be positioned at about 260-265, 265-270, 270-275, or 275-280 degrees relative to the wedge 143 so as to indicate the second dispensing configuration. In some embodiments, the arrangement of a third protrusion 147 on the wall 155 can be positioned at about 300-305, 305-310, 310-315, or 315-320 degrees relative to the wedge 143 so as to indicate the cleaning configuration. Thus, a variety of rotational positions and rotational ranges corresponding to different dispensing, storage, and cleaning configurations can be envisioned.

Another embodiment of a lid 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 12-15. The lid 300 can correspond to the lid 101 described in relation to FIGS. 1A-1B and FIGS. 3-5 and 8 as described herein except where noted otherwise. The lid 300 can be configured to releasably couple with a container configured to receive and contain a fluid therein, such as the container 102 and 200 shown and described in relation to FIGS. 1A-2. The lid 300 can be configured to allow a user to configure the lid 300 into one of a plurality of configurations, such as a storage configuration, a dispensing configuration, or a cleaning configuration as will be described further herein.

As shown in FIG. 12, the lid 300 can include a lid cap 301 that can be releasably coupled to a lid base 302 configured to releasably couple to a container having a fluid therein. The lid base 302 can have a gasket 306 extending circumferentially therearound and configured to seal the lid base 302 into releasably saleable contact with an upper edge of the container. A first straw 303 can be coupled to the lid base 302 and extend through the lid cap 301 when the lid 300 is configured in a dispensing configuration for a user to drink the fluid in the container. In some embodiments, the first straw 303 can be a flexible straw formed from a plastic or silicone material. A second straw 304 can be coupled to the lid base 302 and can extend into an inner volume of the container when the lid as attached thereto. The first straw 303 can be fluidically coupled to the second straw 304.

The lid 300 can also include a retainer 305 configured to retain the lid cap 301 in relation to the lid base 302. For example, as shown in the exploded view of the lid 300 illustrated in FIG. 13, the retainer 305 can be received within an opening 309 of the lid cap 301. The retainer 305 can include a substantially flat upper portion which can engage the lid cap 301 and a cylindrical lower portion protruding from the flat upper portion and extending through the opening 309 and into an opening 308 of the lid base 302. A retainer lock 307 can include a substantially flat lower portion and a cylindrically protruding upper portion that can extend through the opening 308 and can be received within the cylindrical lower portion of the retainer 305. The retainer lock 307 can rotationally engage the retainer 305 in a releasable manner so as to retain the lid cap 301 in releasable engagement with the lid base 302, while still permitting the lid cap 301 to rotate relative to the lid base 302.

As further shown in FIG. 13, the lid cap 301 can include an opening 310. The opening 310 can be configured to rotationally translate to one or more configurations of the lid 300. For example, in a dispensing configuration, as shown in FIG. 12, the opening 310 is positioned relative to the lid base 302 to allow the straw 303 to extend upward from a channel 311 of the lid base 302 and through the opening 310 to allow a user to consume the fluid in the container. In a storage configuration, the opening 310 may open to an upper surface of the lid base 302 and the straw 303 can be retained within the channel 311 of the lid base such that the lid cap 301 is in scalable engagement with the lid base 302. The length of the hole 310 can advantageously be configured relative to the length of the straw 303 to allow the straw 303 to transition from a stored configuration (e.g., stored in the channel 311) to a deployed configuration (e.g., extending through the opening 310).

The channel 311 can be configured as a recessed portion in an upper surface 312 of the lid base 302 as shown in FIG. 14A. The channel 311 can be arc-shaped or substantially curved and can include at least one side wall of the lid base 302. At least one side wall of the channel 311 can form a portion of the opening 308 of the lid base 302 in which the retainer 307 is received. The channel 311 can also include one or more vent openings 313 that can be fluidically coupled to a flexible valve 314 shown on the lower surface 315 of the lid base 302 as illustrated in FIG. 14B. The valve 314 can be configured to open responsive to a user applying a suction force to the straw 303. The air entering the vent openings 313 can create a positive head pressure to aid the delivery of the fluid from the container and through the straws 304, 303 to the user.

The upper surface 312 of the lid base 302 can also include one or more protrusions 320 arranged in a sidewall 332 of a cavity 331 formed by the opening 308. The protrusions 320 can protrude from the sidewall 332 into the cavity 331 and can define a rotational range R₂ of the lid cap 301 relative to a central vertical axis B extending through the lid base 302 (and the lid cap 301) and can be associated with one or more configurations of the lid 300, such as the storage configuration or the dispensing configuration.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, the lid base 302 can include protrusions 320A-320C. The protrusion 320A can be configured to prevent the lid cap 301 from over-rotating relative to the lid base 302 or in other words, to cause the opening 310 be positioned such that the straw 303 extends through the opening 310 and the lid cap 301 is not over-rotated past the dispensing configuration. Thus, the protrusion 320A defines at least one portion of the rotational range R₂ of the lid cap 301 relative to the central vertical axis B extending through the lid base 302 (and the lid cap 301). The protrusion 320B can be a detent that can protrude from the sidewall 332 into the cavity 308 and can provide haptic feedback to the user during rotation of the lid cap 301 in regard to the dispensing configuration and the storage configuration. The protrusion 320C can be similarly configured as the protrusion 320A, but at an opposite end of the rotational range R₂. For example, the protrusion 320C can be configured to prevent the lid cap 301 from over-rotating relative to the lid base 302 or in other words, to cause the opening 310 be positioned over the upper surface 312 of the lid base 302 such that the straw 303 is maintained in the channel 311 and the lid cap 301 is not over-rotated past the storage configuration. Thus, the protrusion 320C defines at least one second portion of the rotational range R₂ of the lid cap 301 relative to the central vertical axis B extending through the lid base 302 (and the lid cap 301).

The lower surface 315 of the lid base 302 can include a recess 316, a portion of which can form the sidewall 332 of the cavity 331 defining the opening 308. The sidewall 332 can include at least one protrusion 317 extending therefrom. The retainer lock 307 can include one or more notches positioned around the flat lower portion and configured to engage the protrusion 317 when the retainer lock 307 is rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise. For example, the notch 318 can be associated with an unlocked configuration in which the retainer lock 307 can disengage from the retainer 305 to allow the lid cap 301 to be removed from the lid base 302. The notch 319 can be associated with a locked configuration in which the retainer lock 307 can engage the retainer 305 so as to retain the lid cap 301 in contact with the lid base 302. For example, a user can actuate the retainer lock 307 via protrusions 321 extending from the flat lower portion of the retainer lock 307 as shown in FIG. 15 to rotationally cause the at least one of the notches 318 or 319 to engage the protrusion 317.

The lid base 302 can include an opening 325 through which the straw 303 can extend. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15, the straw 303 can include a flanged portion 326 that can be received within the opening 325 and retained via a sidewall 330 extending from the lower surface 315 of the lid base 302. The straw 303 can extend from the flange portion 326 through the opening 325. Within the flange portion 326, a valve outer housing 328 can be positioned. The valve outer housing 328 can releasably or fixedly couple with the straw 303. The valve outer housing 328 can retain an internal straw housing 327 that can be configured to releasably couple to the straw 304. The valve outer housing 328 can also include a valve housing 329 and a valve 333 therein. In some embodiments, the valve 333 can include a one-way valve. The valve 333 can include a flap-style valve, a butterfly valve, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more valve elements can be formed from a sidewall portion of the straw 303 or the valve housing 329. In some embodiments, the valve 333 can be configured in the straw 303. In some embodiments, one or more valve portions can be formed from a sidewall portion of the straw 303. The arrangement of the within the valve outer housing 328 and the internal straw housing 327 within the flange portion 326 can advantageously permit coupling and decoupling of the straw 304 from the lid base 302 for cleaning or disassembly and storage.

As further shown in FIG. 15, lid cap 301 can include a substantially planar central portion 323 adjacent to and radially disposed from the retainer 305. Continuing radially outward, the lid cap 301 can include a sloped portion 324 extending from the planar central portion 323 toward a perimeter 322 of the lid cap 301. At least one sidewall 334 of the opening 310 can be positioned in the planar central portion 323 and at least one second sidewall 335 can be positioned adjacent to the sloped portion 324 of the lid cap 301. The sloped portion 324 can be linearly angled or curved in its profile as it extends from the planar central portion 323 to the perimeter 322. Thus, the perimeter 322 of the lid cap 301 can be elevated relative to the central vertical axis B of the lid 300, such that the perimeter 322 is positioned above the planar central portion 323.

As further shown in FIG. 15, the opening 310 (and thus the straw 303) can be positioned radially inward from the perimeter 322 of the lid cap 301 by a distance D. In some embodiments, the opening 310 can be spaced from about 1 mm (inclusive) to about 5 mm (inclusive) radially inward from the perimeter 322. In some embodiments, the opening 310 can be spaced from about 1 mm (inclusive) to about 4 mm (inclusive) radially inward from the perimeter 322. Positioning the opening 310 and thus the straw 303 radially inward from the perimeter 322 can advantageously provide an enhanced drinking experience for a broad variety of users having different anatomical characteristics compared to locating the opening 310 (or the straw 303) at or on the perimeter 322. The distance D is configured to maintain the straw 303 in a substantially vertical position when the straw is in use during the deployed configuration associated with the dispensing configuration of the lid 300. As a result, cleaning of the straw 303 can be improved since the prevalence of kinking or crimping of the straw 303 as it transitions between stored and deployed configurations can be reduced and the straw 303 is maintained in its original shape. The distance D is configured to achieve a substantially vertical deployed configuration of the straw 303 while further accounting for the dimensions of the attachment features 336 of the lid base 302, such as the threads extending around and protruding from the lid base 302. In this way, the distance D is configured to account for the size and orientation of the attachment features 336 and to position the opening 325 and 310 radially inward from the perimeter 322 of the lid cap 301 to allow the straws 303, 304 to be substantially vertical when the lid is in the dispensing configuration.

Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the present application is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.