CONTAINER LID

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is being filed on Nov. 9, 2023, as a PCT International Patent Application that claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/423,985, filed on Nov. 9, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A beverage container often has a lid with an opening so that liquid contained therein may exit the container. This opening may be always open (e.g., not have a closable cover) so that a user can more easily drink from the container. The opening being always open, however, may allow the liquid contained therein to splash out through the lid when the container is being moved.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the technology relates to a container lid including: a lid body including: a perimeter wall defining a lid cavity; an inner structure disposed within the lid cavity; and a well wall extending between the perimeter wall and the inner structure, the well wall defines a plurality of openings disposed around the inner structure; and a lid upper including: a lid roof coupled to the inner structure such that the lid roof at least partially covers the well wall and spaced apart therefrom, wherein the lid upper is non-removably coupled to the lid body.

In an example, the well wall of the lid body includes a first wall section extending from the perimeter wall and a second wall section extending from the inner structure, the first wall section disposed at an angle relative to the second wall section. In another example, the first wall section slopes in an opposing direction relative to the second wall section. In still another example, the plurality of openings are defined at an intersection of the first wall section and the second wall section. In yet another example, the perimeter wall of the lid body includes an outer wall section and an inner wall section, a distal end of the outer wall section having a lip configured to removably couple to a container. In an example, an annular flange is spaced radially inward from the lip.

In another example, the inner structure of the lid body is a substantially cylindrical wall projecting upward from the well wall, a top end of the substantially cylindrical wall forming a shoulder for attaching the lid roof. In still another example, the lid roof includes an annular projection, the annular projection sitting on the shoulder of the substantially cylindrical wall. In yet another example, the top end of the substantially cylindrical wall is enclosed. In an example, the lid roof includes a sleeve configured to receive at least a portion of a straw, the sleeve disposed at least partially within the inner structure of the lid body.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a container lid including: a perimeter wall having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end configured to couple to a container, the first end and the second end defining a longitudinal axis; a central wall disposed within the perimeter wall and spaced apart therefrom; a well wall extending between the perimeter wall and the central wall, the well wall at least partially defining a plurality of openings spaced circumferentially around the longitudinal axis; and a lid roof coupled to the central wall, the lid roof having a perimeter diameter that at least partially covers the plurality of openings, wherein the lid roof is non-removably coupled to the central wall.

In an example, the lid roof is spaced from the well wall such that a splash chamber is defined thereby, the splash chamber fully extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis. In another example, the lid roof includes a sleeve centered around the longitudinal axis, the sleeve defining a hole extending through the lid roof. In still another example, the sleeve is radially tapered. In yet another example, the perimeter wall includes an outer wall section spaced apart from an inner wall section, the outer wall section attached to the inner wall section at the second end of the perimeter wall. In an example, the outer wall section includes a lip configured to removable couple to the container, and the plurality of openings are disposed on the same axial plane relative to the longitudinal axis as the lip.

In another example, the well wall extends from and positioned entirely below the inner wall section. In still another example, the perimeter diameter of the lid roof is smaller than the perimeter wall such that an annular gap is formed between the lid roof and the perimeter wall. In yet another example, the lid roof is offset from the second end of the perimeter wall.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a beverage container including: a container body; and a container lid, the container lid configured to removably couple to the container body, the container lid including: a perimeter wall having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end having a lip configured to couple to the container body, the first end and the second end defining a longitudinal axis; a central wall disposed within the perimeter wall and spaced apart therefrom; a well wall extending between the perimeter wall and the central wall, the well wall at least partially defining a plurality of openings spaced circumferentially around the longitudinal axis; and a lid roof coupled to the central wall, the lid roof having a perimeter diameter that at least partially covers the plurality of openings, wherein the lid roof is spaced from the well wall such that a splash chamber is defined thereby, the splash chamber fully extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis, and a flow path within the container lid is defined through the plurality of openings and the splash chamber, and wherein the lid roof is non-removably coupled to the central wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary container having a container body and a container lid.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the container lid shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the container lid shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the container lid shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the container lid shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container lid taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplary container lid.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the container lid shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container lid shown in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A lid for a beverage container (examples of which may be described as a reusable or disposable cup, tumbler, vessel, or the like) is described herein. The container lid is structured so as to resist liquids contained therein from splashing through the lid during movement of the container. The lid includes a lid body that is sealingly secured to a container body with a perimeter seal, such as a lip. The lid body includes a perimeter wall that inwardly tapers to help guide liquid within the container into a user's mouth during drinking (e.g., by letting the user position her bottom lip at or below an outermost rim portion of the perimeter wall).

The lid body is structured so as to form a perimeter well adjacent the perimeter wall. The perimeter well is disposed around an inner structure. The perimeter well includes structural features that allow for the free flow of liquid during drinking, but that resist the ejection of liquid therethrough during container movement. The depicted configuration includes a number of these structural features, but any lesser number of structural features may be combined as required or desired for a particular application, so as to prevent splashing.

For example, an underside of the lid (e.g., a surface facing the interior of the container body) pitches upward from an outermost extent proximate the perimeter wall. Thus, the majority of liquid that is forced upward along the inner wall of the container body due to container movement impacts the underside of the lid and is deflected upward and inward, within the container body.

A bottom surface of the perimeter well (opposite the underside described above) pitches downward as the bottom surface approaches the perimeter wall, such that a lowermost extent is adjacent the flared perimeter wall. As this lowermost extent, the perimeter well defines a plurality of openings through which liquid may pass during drinking. As these openings are located at a lowermost extent, liquid disposed therein (due to drinking or inadvertent liquid movement through the openings due to container movement) will drain from the perimeter well and back into the container body interior.

Liquid that moves inadvertently through the openings (e.g., due to container movement) may eject upward through the openings into the perimeter well with significant speed or force. Such liquid may contact an underside of a lid roof and be deflected back towards the openings. In the depicted configuration, the underside of the lid roof is substantially convex, which would direct ejected liquid inward and away from a gap between the perimeter wall and the lid roof. Such deflected liquid may contact the inner structure and drain downward in the perimeter well, so as to drain back through the plurality of openings.

Thus, the structure of the perimeter well, including one or more of the above features, helps prevent liquid within the container from splashing out of the container during movement thereof. The perimeter well presents a convoluted flow path that may interrupt movement of liquid therethrough so as to prevent splashing.

Additionally, the lid roof may include a sleeve configured to receive a straw for use with the container. The sleeve is discrete from the perimeter well so that the splash resistance of the lid is maintained while adding additional functionality. In the depicted examples, the lid is manufactured in two parts for ease of manufacturing, although a unitary lid may also be used. In examples, the lid roof may be non-removably coupled to the inner structure such that the container lid does not have any removable components and to facilitate ease of use and manufacturing.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary container 100 having a container body 102 and a container lid 104. The container 100 is illustrated as a reusable cup with the container lid 104 slightly decoupled from the container body 102, but may alternatively take the form of a glass, mug, tumbler, goblet, stein, tankard, vessel, beaker, drinkware, beverageware, food container, or other vessel for holding liquid beverages or food for consumption. While the container 100 is described as being for liquids, the container 100 may be used for containing any other substances, materials, or items as required or desired.

The container body 102 has an upper end portion 106, an opposite lower end portion 108, and a middle portion 110 extending therebetween. The container body 102 defines an interior chamber 112 configured to hold liquids therein. The upper end portion 106 is open for access to the interior chamber 112 and the lower end portion 108 is enclosed. The interior chamber 112 extends from the upper end portion 106 into the middle portion 110 and towards the lower end portion 108. In the example, the container body 102 has a downwardly tapered profile with a diameter of the lower end portion 108 smaller than a diameter of the upper end portion 106. In other examples, the container body 102 may have a substantially cylindrical shape with the upper end portion 106 the same diameter as the lower end portion 108. As illustrated, the container body 102 does not include a handle. In other aspects, the container body may include one or more handles as required or desired. The container body 102 may be formed from plastic. In other aspects, the container body 102 can be formed from glass, ceramics, stainless steel, etc., or combinations thereof. The container body 102 may also be manufactured so as to provide insulation for the liquids contained therein from a surrounding environment. For example, the container body 102 may have a single or a double wall construction. In other examples, one or more ribs (not shown) may be provided on the container body 102.

The container lid 104 is configured to removably couple to the container body 102. For example, the upper end portion 106 of the container body 102 includes a distal container lip 114 to be secured to the container lid 104. The container lid 104 defines one or more liquid flow paths 116 for liquid to be dispensed from the container body 102 when the container lid 104 is coupled thereto. In the example, the container lid 104 includes a lid body 118 and a lid upper 120 that are configured to reduce liquid spilling from the container 100. The liquid flow path 116 may be defined at least partially between the lid body 118 and the lid upper 120. The container lid 104 includes a lid lip 122 that is configured to engage with the container lip 114 of the container body 102 in a press fit connection so as to form a seal between the lid 104 and the container body 102 and force liquid contained therein to flow through the liquid flow path 116.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of the container lid 104. FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the container lid 104. Referring concurrently to FIGS. 2 and 3, the container lid 104 may be formed with the lid body 118 and the lid upper 120. The lid body 118 includes an outer perimeter wall 124 having a first end 126 and an opposite second end 128. The first end 126 and the second end 128 define a longitudinal axis 130 of the lid 104. The first end 126 is configured to couple to the container body 102 (shown in FIG. 1). The first end 126 includes the lid lip 122 for coupling the container lid 104 to the container body 102. When the container lid 104 is coupled to the container body 102, the lid lip 122 may at least partially cover the upper end portion 106 of the container body 102. In other aspects, the lid lip 122 of the container lid 104 may be at least partially received within the upper end portion 106 of the container body 102 in order to couple the container lid 104 to the container body 102.

The second end 128 of the outer perimeter wall 124 at least partially defines an upper lid cavity 132 that the lid upper 120 is disposed within. The liquid flow path 116 is defined within the upper lid cavity 132, and in operation, liquid flows through the upper lid cavity 132 and out the second end 128 of the outer perimeter wall 124. The second end 128 of the outer perimeter wall 124 includes a rim section 134 configured for the user to use and drink out of the container lid 104 and as described herein.

The lid body 118 also includes an inner structure 136 that is disposed within the outer perimeter wall 124 and the upper lid cavity 132. The inner structure 136 is connected to the outer perimeter wall 124 with a well wall 138 that extends therebetween. In the example, the well wall 138 extends from at least a portion of the first end 126 of the outer perimeter wall 124. The well wall 138 at least partially defines a plurality of openings 140. The openings 140 may be spaced circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 130 and form a portion of the liquid flow path 116 through the container lid 104. For example, the openings 140 may form an inlet for liquid to flow from the container body 102 into the lid 104. As liquid flows through some openings 140 from the container body 102 into the lid 104, airflow in an opposite direction from the lid 104 into the container body 102 also occurs, so as to enhance liquid flow.

The lid upper 120 includes a lid roof 142 that secures to the inner structure 136. The lid roof 142 at least partially covers the openings 140 so that the liquid flow path 116 through the lid 104 is not a linear pathway. Rather, the liquid flowing through the liquid flow path 116 must make one or more turns or be otherwise convoluted in order to be discharged from the lid 104. The lid roof 142 is spaced from an inner wall section 144 of the outer perimeter wall 124 such that a gap 146 is formed therebetween. The gap 146 may form an outlet for liquid to flow out of the lid 104. In the example, the gap 146 fully extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 130.

The outer perimeter wall 124 also includes an outer wall section 148. The rim section 134 is disposed between the outer wall section 148 and the inner wall section 144 such that a recess 150 is defined within the lid body 118. The recess 150 is open and devoid of structure so that the container lids 104 can be stacked on top of one another for shipping and storage. For example, the second end 128 of the lid 104 may be at least partially received within the recess 150 when stacked. The outer wall section 148 includes the lid lip 122 and the inner wall section 144 supports the well wall 138.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the container lid 104. FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the container lid 104. Referring concurrently to FIGS. 5 and 6, the container lid 104 includes the lid body 118 and the lid upper 120 which includes the lid roof 142. The lid body 118 includes the outer perimeter wall 124, the inner structure 136, and the well wall 138 extending therebetween. In the example, the lid body 118 may be of unitary construction and the outer perimeter wall 124, the inner structure 136, and the well wall 138 are integrally formed. Similarly, the lid upper 120 may be of unitary construction with the lid roof 142 integrally formed. The lid body 118 and the lid upper 120 can then be securely attached together, for example, via ultrasonic welding, adhesives, or by using press-fit or other mechanical fasteners. In other examples, the lid body 118 and the lid upper 120 may be of unitary construction and integrally formed together. In an aspect, the lid body 118 and/or the lid upper 120 may be formed from a plastic-based material. In other aspects, the container lid 104 may be formed from a rubber-based material, ceramic-based material, or combinations thereof. In still other examples, features of the container lid 104 (e.g., the outer perimeter wall 124, the inner structure 136, the well wall 138, and/or the lid roof 142) may be formed and coupled together as required or desired.

The inner structure 136 defines a central wall 152 that is spaced apart from the outer perimeter wall 124. The central wall 152 is substantially cylindrical in shape extending in an upwards direction from the well wall 138 and as shown in FIG. 6. A first or bottom end 154 (shown in FIG. 6) of the central wall 152 extends from the well wall 138 and a second or top end 156 (shown in FIG. 6) of the central wall 152 includes a cover portion 158. As such, the top end 156 of the central wall 152 is enclosed and defines a bottom lid cavity 160. In an example, the central wall 152 is centered within the lid body 118 and aligned with the longitudinal axis 130 (shown in FIG. 2).

The well wall 138 extends between the outer perimeter wall 124 and the central wall 152. The openings 140 within the well wall 138 form an inlet for fluids into the container lid 104. The lid roof 142 couples to the central wall 152 so as to form the container lid 104. The lid roof 142 is disposed above and faces the well wall 138, and is configured to cover the openings 140 so that the liquid flow path 116 is not a straight linear path from the openings 140 towards the gap 146 between the lid roof 142 and the outer perimeter wall 124. The lid roof 142 has a perimeter diameter 162 that is greater than outer perimeter diameter 164 of the openings 140. This configuration requires the liquid flow path 116 to at least have a radial component in addition to an axial component while passing through the openings 140 and out of the gap 146. In the example, the circumferential length of each opening 140 is longer than the length of the supports therebetween. The circumferential arrangement of the openings 140 in combination with the annular gap 146 allows for users to drink from the lid 104 at any location (e.g., 360°) around the longitudinal axis 130. In other examples, openings 140 may be arranged around less than the entire circumference of the well wall 138.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container lid 104 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4. The lid body 118 has the first end 126 and the second end 128 extending along the longitudinal axis 130. The first end 126 includes the lid lip 122 that is formed at the distal end of the outer wall section 148 that enables the container lid 104 to couple to the container body 102 (shown in FIG. 1). The lid lip 122 engages with the container body 102 so that liquid is reduced or prevented from leaking through the seal formed. This configuration allows the user to drink from the container lid 104 without leakage from the container and lid connection. In the example, the lid lip 122 has an L-shape with an inner surface having a radially extending annular lug 166 for engagement with the outside surface of the container body 102. Additionally or alternatively, the lid lip 122 includes an axially extending annular flange 168 spaced radially inward from the annular lug 166. The annular flange 168 is configured to engage with the inside surface of the container body 102. The annular flange 168 may extend from where the lid lip 122 extends from the outer wall section 148. The annular flange 168 may have a shorter axial length than the lid lip 122, and thus, the distal end of the annular flange 168 is offset from the distal end of the lid lip 122. In an aspect, a thickness of the lid lip 122 may be greater than a thickness of the outer wall section 148. In other aspects, the thickness of the lid lip 122 may be equal to the thickness of the outer wall section 148.

The first end 126 has an outer diameter 170 that is larger than an outer diameter 172 of the second end 128. As such the outer wall section 148 of the outer perimeter wall 124 tapers inwardly from the first end 126 towards the second end 128. In an aspect, the outer wall section 148 may have a substantially frustoconical shape with either a curved wall or a straight oblique wall. The outer wall section 148 extends from the inner wall section 144 with the rim section 134 disposed therebetween. The rim section 134 may be curved (as illustrated), or an axial planar surface as required or desired. The inner wall section 144 has a top end that has a larger diameter than a bottom end, and as such, the inner wall section 144 tapers outwards in a direction towards the second end 128. The taper of the inner wall section 144 facilitates allowing users to drink from the container lid 104. The inner wall section 144 may be a straight wall. The recess 150 is formed in the space between the inner and outer wall sections 144, 148 and allows any liquid that flows therein during use of the container lid 104 to drain back into the container body 102 (shown in FIG. 1) and in addition to allowing the container lids 104 to be stacked as described above.

The central wall 152 of the inner structure 136 is radially spaced from the inner wall section 144 of the outer perimeter wall 124. Within the lid body 118, the inner wall section 144 of the outer perimeter wall 124, the well wall 138, and the central wall 152 at least partially define a perimeter well 174 that extends radially outward from the central wall 152 and configured to allow liquids to flow therein. The perimeter well 174 has the plurality of openings 140 disposed around the central wall 152. The lid roof 142 of the lid upper 120 couples to the central wall 152 such that the lid roof 142 at least partially covers the well wall 138 and forms an upper boundary for the perimeter well 174.

The lid roof 142 includes a bottom annular projection 176. The lid roof 142 is enlarged relative to the bottom annular projection 176 and extends substantially radially outward. The bottom annular projection 176 is configured to sit on a shoulder 178 that is formed at the top end 156 of the central wall 152. In the example, an upwards annular projection 180 extends from the cover portion 158 to at least partially form the shoulder 178 and assist with coupling the lid roof 142 to the inner structure 136.

In the example, the lid upper 120 is formed as a component and the lid body 118 is formed as another component. The lid body 118 may be coupled to the lid upper 120 in such a manner that once connected together, the lid body 118 is secured to the lid upper 120 without being removable or not being removable without damage to the components. For example, the lid upper 120 is non-removably coupled to the lid body 118 or the lid roof 142 is non-removably coupled to the central wall 152. In an aspect, the lid upper 120 may be ultrasonically welded to the lid body 118, and this is facilitated by the material from the bottom annular projection 176 and the upwards annular projection 180. In another aspect, the lid upper 120 may be snap-fit or press-fit to the lid body 118. In still another aspect, the lid upper 120 may be threaded onto the lid body 118. In yet another aspect, the lid upper 120 may be unitarily formed with the lid body 118 (e.g., via an additive manufacturing process or a molding process). In the example, a void 182 may be formed between the inner structure 136 and the lid roof 142. The void 182 is not configured to receive any liquid flow therein.

The well wall 138 extends between the inner wall section 144 and the central wall 152. The well wall 138 can include a first wall section 184 and a second wall section 186. The first wall section 184 extends from the bottom end of the inner wall section 144 and the second wall section 186 extends from the bottom end 154 of the central wall 152. The intersection of the first and second wall sections 184, 186 are disposed at an angle relative to each other such that the first and second wall sections 184, 186 are sloped in opposing directions. The first wall section 184 can have a larger slope angel than the second wall section 186. This configuration forms a lowermost valley 188 within the perimeter well 174 that liquid flows towards.

The lowermost valley 188 is offset radially inwardly from the inner wall section 144. The openings 140 are defined within the well wall 138 at the lowermost valley 188 and at the intersection between the first and second wall sections 184, 186. In examples, the openings 140 are formed in both the first and second wall sections 184, 186 and a central axis of each opening 140 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 130. In other examples, the openings 140 may be formed in only one of the first and second wall sections 184, 186 such that a central axis of each opening is not parallel to the longitudinal axis 130. In an aspect, the lug 166 of the lid lip 122 defines an axial plane 190 relative to the longitudinal axis 130 and the openings 140 are disposed on the same plane 190 as the first end 126 of the container lid 104. As such, the well wall 138 may be positioned entirely below in the inner wall section 144. In an aspect, the transition between the inner wall section 144 and the well wall 138 does not include any projections or shoulders and the thickness of the walls are constant between the two portions.

The well wall 138 is configured to support the central wall 152. In the example, the central wall 152 is spaced upward from the first end 126 of the outer perimeter wall 124 and is offset 192 from the first end 126. This results in an underside surface 194 of the well wall 138 being concave in shape. Additionally, the bottom lid cavity 160 is formed within the inner structure 136. This configuration blocks liquid from splashing out of the container body 102 and allows liquid to flow back into the container body 102, when the container body 102 is in use. In an aspect, the cover portion 158 is located about a quarter of the height of the lid body 118 along the longitudinal axis 130. In another aspect, the cover portion 158 is located about a third of the height of the lid body 118. In still another aspect, the cover portion 158 is located below a middle of the height of the lid body 118.

A bottom surface 196 of the perimeter well 174 (e.g., the opposite surface of the well wall 138 from the underside surface 194) pitches in a downward direction from the central wall 152 towards the openings 140. In aspects, the downward pitch of the bottom surface 196 may be curved or linear as required or desired. For example, the second wall section 186 of the well wall 138 may be a curved or linear wall as required or desired.

The plurality of openings 140 are defined within the well wall 138 so as to define a fluid inlet into the perimeter well 174. In an aspect, the openings 140 are defined by the lid body 118 proximate a lowermost extent of the perimeter well 174. This configuration allows for liquid within the perimeter well 174 to drain back into the container body 102 when the container body 102 is oriented in a substantially upright position.

The lid roof 142 at least partially covers the perimeter well 174. The outer perimeter diameter 162 (shown in FIG. 4) of the lid roof 142 may be disposed at least partially above the well wall 138. The As such, the lid roof 142 at least partially covers the openings 140. In an aspect, the lid roof 142 completely covers the openings 140. As used herein, covering the openings 140 means that the lid roof 142 is positioned axially over the openings 140.

The perimeter diameter 162 is smaller than the inner surface diameter of the outer perimeter wall 124. As such, the gap 146 between the lid roof 142 and the lid body 118 is formed therebetween. The gap 146 allows liquid to flow out of the container lid 104 from the perimeter well 174. In an aspect, the gap 146 fully extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 130. This configuration enables the user to drink from any location around the second end 128 of the lid body 118.

With the lid upper 120 secured to the lid body 118, the lid roof 142 is axially separated from the well wall 138 such that a splash chamber 198 is defined therein. The splash chamber 198 is a volume at least partially within the lid 104 which makes it difficult for liquid to undesirably flow through. In an aspect, the splash chamber 198 is substantially devoid of structure but for its bounding components. The splash chamber 198 may be substantially cylindrical in shape with an axial, a radial, and a circumferential dimension. An inlet to the splash chamber 198 is defined by the openings 140 and an outlet for the splash chamber 198 is defined by the gap 146 between the lid roof 142 and the outer perimeter wall 124. In an aspect, the splash chamber 198 fully extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 130. The openings 140 and the gap 146 are positioned relative to one another such that the liquid flow path 116 that the liquid travels through the splash chamber 198 includes one or more curves. In an aspect, the liquid flow path 116 is not linear or substantially linear. For example, the liquid flow path 116 is forced to make a turn around the perimeter diameter 162 of the lid roof 142 and the openings 140 of the well wall 138 because the openings 140 are spaced radially inward from the gap 146.

In operation, when liquid within the container body 102 splashes around and travels through one or more of the openings 140, the liquid flow path 116 is shaped such that the liquid is reduced or prevented from traveling through the gap 146 and out of the container lid 104. Instead, the liquid is captured within the splash chamber 198, and then is allowed to drain back into the container body 102, via the openings 140 and when the container body 102 is positioned upright. However, when a user is purposefully drinking from the container and tipping the lid 104 in a drinking configuration, liquid may flow through along the inner surface of the outer perimeter wall 124 and through the splash chamber 198 more smoothly and exit out of the gap 146. Both the openings 140 and the gap 146 are positioned on a radially outward end of the splash chamber 198, but the openings 140 and the gap 146 are not axially aligned along the longitudinal axis 130. Because the openings 140 and gap 146 extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 130, air may enter into the container body during drinking so that the liquid flow through the liquid flow path 116 is relatively smooth and consistent. The liquid flow path 116 is always open within the lid 104 and neither the openings 140 nor the gap 146 have any covers (e.g., a pivoting or sliding cover) that cover them. As such, it is the structural configuration of the lid 104 that provides for the splash resistant functionality as described herein and not user moveable covers of the liquid flow path.

In the example, the upper side of the lid roof 142 may be convex. An apex 200 of the lid roof 142 is disposed below the upper extend of the second end 128 of the lid body 118. This configuration allows for liquid not consumed by the user when drinking to also drain back into the container body 102. In an aspect, the apex 200 is disposed about the midpoint of the height of the lid body 118. In another aspect, the apex 200 is disposed within the upper half of the lid body 118. In still another example, the apex 200 is disposed within the upper third of the lid body 118.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of another exemplary container lid 300. FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the container lid 300. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container lid 300. Referring concurrently to FIGS. 7-9, the container lid 300 is similar to the container lid 104 described above in reference to FIGS. 1-8 and similarly is configured to removably couple to a container body 102 (shown in FIG. 1). Many of the components are similar, and thus, will not be described further below. In this example, however, the lid upper 302 has a sleeve 304 that extends through a lid roof 306. The sleeve 304 is configured to receive at least a portion of a straw (not shown), and so that the straw can additionally or alternatively be used to drink from the container lid 300. The sleeve 304 is centered around a longitudinal axis 308 and defines a through hole 310 extending through the lid roof 306.

The sleeve 304 defines an upper opening 312 that is formed on the surface of the lid roof 306. The sleeve 304 extends downward and has a lower opening 314 such that the straw can extend through the container lid 300. The sleeve 304 is integrally formed with the lid upper 302 and is disposed within an annular projection 316 extending from the lid roof 306. In the example, the upper opening 312 of sleeve 304 is larger than the lower opening 314 such that the sleeve 304 is radially tapered in shape. In other aspects, the sleeve 304 may be substantially cylindrical in shape.

The sleeve 304 is configured to be received within an inner structure 318 of a lid body 320. A cover portion 322 of the inner structure 318 has an opening 324 such that the sleeve 304 can extend therethrough and provide open communication between an upper lid cavity 326 and a lower lid cavity 328. The lower opening 314 of the sleeve 304 is offset from a first end 330 of the lid body 320. In other examples, the lower opening 314 of the sleeve 304 may be substantially aligned with an axial plane of the first end 330. The lower opening 314 of the sleeve 304 may be axially aligned with a well wall 332. A height of the sleeve 304 between the lower opening 314 and the upper opening 312 is less than a height of the lid body 320 between the first end 330 and a second end 334. In examples, the height of the sleeve 304 is about half of the height of the lid body 320. In other examples, the height of the sleeve 304 is about a third of the height of the lid body 320. The container lid 300 also includes a perimeter wall 336 and openings 338 within the well wall 332, and similar to the example described above.

The sleeve 304 is discrete from a splash chamber 340 formed by the lid body 320 and the lid upper 302 so that splash resistance of the container lid 300 is maintained and as described herein.

The technologies described herein relate to a lid for a beverage container. The lid includes a lid body and a lid upper that are configured to define a liquid flow path therein that is convoluted and restrict or prevent liquids from spilling out of the lid during container movement. In some examples, the lid can also include a sleeve for a straw that is discrete from the liquid flow path. The lid body and the lid upper are non-removably coupled together forming the lid.

Many components of the container lid may be referred to as having generally cylindrical, circular, annular, or conical features. Such features may be referred to, or defined by, a circumference, radius, external surface, internal surface, and/or other terms appropriate for defining such features. It should be noted that such features may alternatively be elliptical, polygonal, and the like. As used herein, the terms “axial” and “longitudinal” refer to directions and orientations, which extend substantially parallel to a centerline of the lid. Moreover, the terms “radial” and “radially” refer to directions and orientations, which extend substantially perpendicular to the centerline of the lid. In addition, as used herein, the terms “circumferential” and “circumferentially” refer to directions and orientations, which extend arcuately about the centerline of the lid.

This disclosure describes some examples of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible examples were shown. Other aspects can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible examples to those skilled in the art. Any number of the features of the different examples described herein may be combined into one single example and alternate examples having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible. Further, as used herein and in the claims, the phrase “at least one of element A, element B, or element C” is intended to convey any of: element A, element B, element C, elements A and B, elements A and C, elements B and C, and elements A, B, and C. It is to be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further, one having skill in the art will understand the degree to which terms such as “about” or “substantially” convey in light of the measurement techniques utilized herein. To the extent such terms may not be clearly defined or understood by one having skill in the art, the terms such as “about” or “substantially” shall mean plus or minus ten percent.

Although specific examples were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific examples. One skilled in the art will recognize other examples or improvements that are within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative examples. Examples according to the technology may also combine elements or components of those that are disclosed in general but not expressly exemplified in combination, unless otherwise stated herein. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.