JPH11240552A - Closure of container for beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To safely keep the fluid in a container, and to actuate a lid in a simple method by including an upper surface, a hole through the upper surface, a peripheral edge surrounding the upper surface, and a lip expanding over the peripheral edge, and providing a cover of the size enough to cover and surround a spout. SOLUTION: A lid of a container includes a cap 12 including an upper surface having a through hole 16. The cap 16 further includes a peripheral edge surrounding the upper surface 14. More preferably, the upper surface 14 is of a dome shape as a whole, and inclined toward the peripheral edge 18 of a lid 10. Preferably, the peripheral edge is a round part 20 to connect the upper surface 14 to a peripheral collar 22. In addition, the peripheral collar 22 has an inner surface including a threaded part. The cap 12 is received by the container having the corresponding threaded part. The cap 12 can be fitted to the container not through the threaded part but through various fitting mechanisms.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to covers used in combination with beverage containers. further,
The present invention relates to a lid having a pivotable cover for removably sealing a liquid in a beverage container.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Beverage containers having a lid are well known in the prior art. Generally, a beverage container includes a bottom surface and an upwardly extending wall leading to an opening located opposite the bottom surface.

[0003] A container having the above features can retain a fluid therein and contact the fluid through an opening.
While the container holds the liquid properly, it is often desirable to confine the liquid within the container so as to isolate the contents. To do so, lids are often used to isolate the contents of the container from the external environment.
Sealing the container prevents the retained liquid from undesirably leaking or spilling. Also, a properly fastened lid can seal off liquid from external contamination in the user's environment.

[0004] Although such containers provide a mechanism for maintaining safety and keeping the liquid therein, the operation of the lid is often complicated and is not useful for simple operation. Users who want to contact the fluid contained in the container often need to operate cumbersome mechanisms. However, for most users, operation of such a device is simply a waste of time. For many elderly or young users who are unable to operate the device, the operation of such a device is very complex and, ultimately, fails to contact the contents. There is.

[0005] To overcome the above disadvantages, several lids have been proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,083 to Yassur discloses a beverage tube for use in conjunction with a beverage container of the type having a cover with a sealing tear tab that can be pulled to break the seal. Once broken, the contents of the container can be contacted through the opening. Such lids include a beverage tube attached to the lid by a flexible member that biases the tube against the lid. Once the tear tab is removed from the container, the beverage tube pivots outward for manipulation by the user.

[0006] The above devices have some disadvantages found in beverage containers, and they also have some further disadvantages. This suggests that the Yassur device can only be used once. The tear tab is
It can only be removed once from the lid. Second, once opened, the re-sealing is not possible, and the opening provides communication between the outside world and the liquid held in the container. Therefore, when the user activates the tear tab, he must use the entire contents of the container or run the risk of spilling or contamination from outside. Finally, for a single user, it is desirable to remove the liquid through the use of a drinking straw. However, if the device is intended to be used by several users, such a mechanism for removing liquid from the container is undesirable and unsanitary.

[0007] With the improvement of technology, other devices have been proposed. See, for example, Polhemus U.S. Pat.
The article describes a food storage container including a lid having an open position and a closed position. The plug located on the lid is sized to match the opening of the container when in the closed position to provide a seal. By tilting the container when in the open position, the contents can be poured such that the liquid exits the container through the spout. The rear surface of the lid has a vertex extending downward, and is generally rectangular.

[0008] The device disclosed by Polhemus improves on the prior art, but has too many disadvantages. First, the device provides one cap that covers the entire top of the container. Although this configuration seals the container, the Polhemus cap only retains its closed shape by frictional engagement with the bead means on the plug and the groove throughout the opening of the container. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the above devices can be used to drop containers or
It can best be seen that the groove members cannot withstand the stresses on the container caused by severe impacts, such as vibrating the lid after ensuring the entire top of the container is sealed. Other than the bead / groove mechanism, there is no absolute attachment between the lid and the container. Furthermore, once opened, the contents can be released almost immediately, since the cap covers the entire top of the container.

[0009] In addition, the Polhemus device does not provide any mechanism for covering the spout. While such devices prevent the fluid held in the container from contacting the external environment, they do not seal the spout from the external environment. Thus, as the fluid flows through the spout, any contaminants that may accumulate in the spout during use may also come into contact with the fluid.

Various other lids have been disclosed, such as US Pat. No. 5,579,961 to Zimmerman. Zimmerman
Describes a container top that includes a rotatable member that fits into a container having a spout. The rotatable member includes a plug that closes an opening defined by the tubular wall. The rotatable member pivots about a set of protruding pins that fit into a set of recesses. The rotatable members are
The frictional engagement between the rear skirt on the rotatable member and the cam surface of the cover keeps it complementary in either the open or closed position.

While Zimmerman's devices have improved upon the prior art, these devices have several disadvantages. First, Zi
The mmerman cover is attached by simple frictional engagement between the cap and the container. Second, like the previous device, Zimmerman's device brings the spout into contact with the external environment. Because of this, fluid that is poured through the spout tends to come into contact with contaminants that have accumulated in the spout. Finally, Zimmerman's device is designed to operate by depressing either the front or back of the rotatable member. A pin attached to the top of the container, at the outer peripheral surface of the rotatable member,
Spaced. The rotatable member can pivot about the protruding pins, but the placement of the alternating pins at the outer surface of the rotatable member can introduce excessive stress on the rotatable member. The rotatable members are
As designed to operate by depressing the member, the stress created by the rotatable member can cause the member to bow. As a result, the rotatable member may begin to crack or break the protruding pin, or the protruding pin may be removed from the rotatable member.

From the above, it can be seen that further improvement of the prior art is desirable. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that it is desirable to have a lid that can reliably retain liquid in a beverage container, and thus reduce the likelihood of unexpected liquid leakage. I can best understand. It would also be desirable to have a lid that minimizes unwanted contact between the liquid and environmental contaminants. Further, it is desirable to have a cover that can operate to release retained fluid from the container in a simple and uncomplicated manner, while ensuring that the liquid remains within the container. Finally, devices that are designed to withstand the stresses encountered during normal use, such that the life of the lid is extended, are also desirable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lid for a beverage container that is securely attached to the container such that the fluid is sealed within the container.

It is a further object of the present invention that such a lid include a member capable of discharging liquid from the container in a less complicated manner.

It is a further object of the present invention that such a member can be adjusted and directed when discharging liquid.

[0016] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a lid that reduces the interaction between the fluid retained in the container and environmental contaminants.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lid with a long service life.

[0018]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a novel lid for releasably sealing a fluid in a beverage container. Containers used for beverages are well known in the prior art. Generally, beverage containers include a bottom having upwardly extending side walls. The side wall reaches an opening located opposite the bottom. Containers of the type described above are commonly used to hold and store liquids.

[0019] The novel lid of the present invention includes a cap having an upper surface and a hole therethrough. The user can access the contents of the container through the holes. The cap further includes a peripheral edge surrounding the upper surface. The spout extends from the peripheral edge. The spout includes a lip that extends beyond the peripheral edge of the cap.

The cap is secured to the container by a mechanism designed for such a purpose. In a preferred embodiment, this corresponds to a thread on the side wall of the container.
Achieved by threading the lid. However, one skilled in the art will best appreciate that other securing mechanisms can be used without compromising the novel aspects of the present invention.

The lid of the present invention further includes a cover that releasably seals a hole in the cover. One of the novel aspects of the lid is that the cover is sized to cover and surround the spout. Another novel aspect of the present invention is that the cover is attached to the cap by a rocker member such that the cover is locked between the open and closed positions.

As best understood by those skilled in the art, the attachment of the lid to the container ensures that the user seals the fluid in the container. Once installed, the lid not only seals the liquid in the container, but also allows the user to access the liquid in an uncomplicated manner by actuating the cover between the open and closed positions. To Because the container includes a spout, in the open position, a user can pour liquid from the container in a controlled manner. In this way, the liquid can be accurately directed to another container, such as glass, a cup, or the like.

Another novel aspect of the invention is that the cover is sized to surround the spout when in the closed position. Because of this, when the liquid is poured through the spout, the liquid from the container does not come into contact with the contaminants,
Not only is the contamination of the fluid prevented, but also the spout is isolated from environmental contaminants. Yet another novel aspect of the present invention is a rocker mechanism for connecting a cover and a cap together. Conveniently, the cover snaps into place with the cap, thus preventing the user from misplacing the cover. Furthermore, by simply activating the novel rocker mechanism of the present invention, the user can quickly contact the contents, while by using the rocker mechanism, the user can easily contact the contents of the container. be able to.

[0024] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the invention.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following brief description of the drawings and the accompanying drawings.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS While the container can be releasably sealed, a lid 10 is provided to facilitate the procedure for contacting the contents of the container. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention includes a cap 12 that includes an upper surface 14 having a hole 16 therethrough. Cap 12 further includes a peripheral edge 18 surrounding upper surface 14.

As shown in FIG. 4, preferably, upper surface 14 is generally dome-shaped and slopes toward peripheral edge 18 of lid 10. Preferably, the peripheral edge is a radius 20 interconnecting the upper surface 14 to a peripheral collar 22. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the peripheral collar 22 has an interior surface 24 that includes a thread 26. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the cap 12
Can be received in a container, not shown, with a corresponding thread. Without compromising the novel aspects of the present invention, and in accordance with the unique aspects of the present invention, cap 12
Rather than through a thread, it can be attached to the container through various attachment mechanisms.

The cap 12 also has a lower surface 28 and a ring 30 disposed thereon. The ring portion 30 and the inner surface 32 of the peripheral collar 22 capture the side wall of the container therebetween. When the cap 12 of the present invention is attached to the container, the engagement between the inner surface 32 of the peripheral collar 22 and the ring portion 30 will
To provide a liquid tight connection between the container and the container.

Lid 10 also includes a cover 34 for sealing hole 16. In particular, the cap 12 has a front wall 38 and a front wall 40 located opposite the longitudinal axis of the elongated body 36. The extended main body 36 further includes a cover 34 having the extended main body 36 and the front wall 38,
A chamber 46 bounded by the back wall 40 and the side walls 42, 44
To provide a pair of opposed side walls 42,44.

In the preferred embodiment, the elongated body 36 of the cover 34 includes a front wall 38, a back wall 40 with rounded portions therebetween.
And the side walls 42 and 44. Further, the elongated main body 36 includes a front part 50 and a rear part 52. Rear part 52
Are generally inclined toward the central portion 54 of the cover 34. The rear portion 52 has a plurality of grip ribs 56 so that a user can easily operate the rear portion 52 of the cover 34.
Is arranged. In contrast, the front portion 50 of the elongated body portion 36 is generally dome-shaped.

One novel embodiment of the present invention is a cover 34
Is a rocker mechanism that rotates between an open position as shown in FIG. 2 and a closed position as shown in FIG. In the preferred embodiment, the rocker mechanism is a pivot member 58 connected to the lug member 60. Most preferably,
As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the pivot member 58 is a set of pivot posts 62, 64 disposed on the inner surfaces of the side walls 40, 42. The cap 12 has a set of lug members 66, 68 corresponding to the set of pivot posts 62, 64 such that the pivot post 62 is received on the lug member 66 and the pivot post 64 is received on the lug member 68. including. Thus, the cover 34 is securely fastened to the cap 12.

FIG. 7 shows the extended main body 36 including the plug 70.
It is shown. The plug 70 has a hole so that the plug 70 is located in the hole 16 when the cover 34 is in the closed position.
It is a size that can be received within 16. Plug 70 has hole 16
In order to ensure that the seal is properly sealed, the plug 70 has an annular groove 72 and an annular bead 74 of the hole 16 corresponding to the annular groove 72.
including. Therefore, when the cover 34 is in the closed position,
The annular groove 72 engages the previous annular bead 74 so that 16 is sealed. Further, when in the closed position, the frictional engagement of the annular bead 74 with the annular groove 72 prevents the container from being opened carelessly.

In order to increase the rotation angle of the cover 34,
Cap 12 includes an arcuate recess 76 and a contact portion 78. Accordingly, the cap 12 is free to rotate until the back wall 40 contacts the contact portion 78, thereby preventing the cover 34 from being damaged by excessive rotation. The back wall 40 includes a first knuckle 80 and the arcuate recess 76 includes a corresponding second knuckle 82 that defines a pit 84. 5 and 6
As best shown in FIG. 5, the arcuate recess 76 allows the rear portion 52 to rotate when the cover 34 rotates about the pivot posts 62, 64.
Are generally arcuate so that they can rotate unimpeded. The cover 34 is locked in the open position once the back wall 40 rotates adjacent to the contact portion 78. Cover 34
Is fixed in the open position by frictional engagement between the first knuckle 80 and the second knuckle 82. Once in the open position, the plug 70 is released from contact with the opening 16 and held in the open position, thereby preventing the cover 34 from closing undesirably.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the cap 12 of the present invention includes an upper surface 14 of the cap 12.
And a spout 86. Further, the spout 86 of the present invention has a hole.
Groove 88 extending from 16 and reaching lip 90
including. As shown in FIG. 2, the lip 90 extends beyond the peripheral collar 22 of the cap 12. Further, the plug has a U-shaped flange extending perpendicular to the upper surface 14.
The U-shaped flange 92 separates the groove 88 from the remainder of the cap 12. The shape of the outer periphery of the spout 86 corresponds to the shape of the front part 50 of the elongated main body part 36. Further, the front wall 38 and the side walls 42, 44 extend around the spout 86 to close the spout 86 from the external environment. Thus, in addition to the container sealed by plug 70, spout 86 is also sealed from interaction with the environment.

In the preferred embodiment, the peripheral collar 22 tapers generally inward and includes a plurality of inward steps. As shown in FIG. 7, the peripheral collar 22 has a first inward step 94 and a second inward step 96. Along the slope of the peripheral collar 22, the inward steps 94, 96 reduce the cross-section of the peripheral collar, thereby reducing the use of material, the container sidewall and the lid (not shown) of the present invention. Give a smooth move between. In another embodiment, the surrounding color is
To enable the user to easily grip the cap 12, it may have a knurled surface or other similar members known in the art.

According to the present invention, the lid of the present invention can be made from polypropylene plastic. However, various other materials may be substituted to practice the novel aspects of the invention. In addition, the lid, from two components, the cap 12 and the cover 34,
It can also be integrally formed and assembled with all of the other components described herein. However, it will be appreciated that the above invention can be assembled from separate components adhered to one another without departing from the novel aspects of the invention.

In use, the user of the present invention may apply the lid 10 of the present invention before or after attaching it to the container,
Fluid can be contained in the container. The lid 10 is then attached to the container by screwing the lid into the container and securely fixing it. Instead, the present invention contemplates that various other attachment mechanisms between the lid and the container can be used. Once installed, the lid 10
Provides a tight fluid tight seal between the container and the lid 10.

The user can use the present invention with less complicated operation of the cover 34. User has cap
If the user desires to place the 12 in the closed position, the user simply presses down on the front part 50, which causes the annular groove 72 on the plug 70 to engage the annular bead 74 on the hole 16 until the cover 34 is engaged. Pivots forward. When in the closed position, plug 70 seals off the fluid contained within the container. In addition, the front wall portion 38 and the side wall portions 42, 44 are isolated around the spout 86. Thus, by isolating the spout 86 from environmental contaminants, the fluid itself and the surfaces that the fluid contacts when poured from the container are isolated from environmental contaminants.

When the user attempts to open the cover 34 so that the user can contact the fluid held in the container, the elongated body 36 is pivoted to the pivot posts 62,64.
The user simply presses down on the rear portion 52 of the cover 34 so as to rotate about it. By incorporating a plurality of grip ribs 56, the success of pushing down is increased. The elongated member includes a first knuckle 80 in the rear portion 52 and an arcuate recess 76.
Is held in the open position by frictional engagement with the second knuckle 82. At this point, the user should be
When flowing from the container, the cover 34 can safely pour the fluid from the container without disturbing the fluid.

From the above, it can be seen that the disclosed invention has several advantages. One such advantage is that the lid 10 of the present invention can safely retain fluid within the container once the cover has been rotated to the closed position. In this way, the fluid is sealed from harmful contamination or unwanted spills. In addition, the spout 86 also
The unique design of the cover 34, which isolates the spout 86 from the environment, as well as the fluid itself, is isolated from the external environment. Optionally, if the user desires to pour liquid from the container, the spout ensures that the fluid is correctly directed from the container.

Further, the lid can operate in a less complicated manner. Especially when used by children, seniors or non-operable users, the lid of the present invention can be operated simply. To open the cover 10, the user can open the cover 34.
To push down the rear part 52 of the vehicle and close the lid 10, the front part 50 is simply pressed down.

In addition, the pivot posts 62, 64 are uniquely located on the inner surface of the cover 34. Accordingly, the stress generated on the cover 34 is thereby reduced. The unique design of the lid of the present invention reduces the stress created by over-curling of the cover 34 when activated.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other shapes may be adapted, such as incorporating a novel aspect of the invention into a lid that is structurally different from that shown in the figures. Will be obvious. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid with a cover in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lid with a cover in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a lid with a cover in a closed position.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the lid with the cover in the open position.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lid taken along line 5-5.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lid taken along line 6-6.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lid, taken along line 7-7.

[Explanation of symbols]

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A beverage container lid having a bottom so as to be able to retain a fluid in the beverage container to an opening located opposite the bottom, the lid comprising: A cap having an upper surface with a hole to be formed and a peripheral edge surrounding the upper surface, means for securing the cap to a side wall of the beverage container, and a cover releasably sealing the hole. Is disposed on the upper surface in communication with the hole,
A lid including a lip extending from the peripheral edge, wherein the cover is sized to extend and surround the spout. 2. The lid of claim 1, wherein said spout further comprises a groove extending between said hole and said lip. 3. The lid of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a U-shaped flange surrounding the spout and the hole. 4. The lid of claim 3, wherein said cover includes a plug. 5. The lid of claim 4, wherein said lid further comprises rocker means. 6. A lid according to claim 5, wherein said rocker means comprises: a set of pivoting posts located opposite said cover; and a set of pivoting posts located opposite said cap. A lug, wherein each of the set of lugs is arranged to receive a corresponding pivot post of the set of pivot posts. 7. The lid of claim 6, wherein the cap further comprises: an upper surface, an arcuate recess on the upper surface, and a contact portion communicating with the arcuate recess. 8. The lid according to claim 7, wherein the lid includes a first knuckle of the arcuate recess having a pit and a second knuckle of the cover, wherein the first knuckle is The lid wherein the cover is held in an open position when frictionally held in the pit by the second knuckle. 9. The lid according to claim 8, wherein said first knuckle and said second knuckle are members that extend from each other. 10. The lid of claim 4, wherein the cover further includes an outer annular groove in the plug and an inner annular bead in the hole such that the cover is held in a closed position. Place lid. 11. The lid of claim 10, wherein the cover has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a front wall extending beyond the peripheral surface of the cap, and the elongated body. And a set of side walls disposed longitudinally across from each other, such that when the cover is in the closed position,
A lid wherein the spout and the lip are surrounded by the front wall and the set of side walls. 12. A beverage container having a bottom and a side wall extending therefrom and extending to an opening positioned opposite the bottom so that a fluid can be retained within the beverage container. A lid having a top surface with a hole therethrough, and a cap having a peripheral edge surrounding the top surface; means for fastening the cap to the side wall of the beverage container; A cover releasably sealing the hole, and rocker means rotatably connecting the cover to the cap, wherein a spout is disposed on the upper surface in communication with the hole,
A lid including a lip extending from the peripheral edge. 13. The lid according to claim 12, wherein said rocker means comprises: at least one pivot post disposed on said cover;
And at least one lug disposed on the cap corresponding to the pivot post. 14. The lid of claim 13, wherein the at least one pivot post is a set of pivots disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cover. A post wherein the at least one lug is a set of lugs, each of the set of lugs corresponding to a respective pivot post of the set of pivot posts. . 15. The lid of claim 12, wherein said spout further comprises a groove extending between said hole and said lip. 16. The lid according to claim 12, wherein said cap includes a U-shaped flange surrounding said spout and said hole so as to direct said fluid toward said lip. . 17. The lid according to claim 12, wherein said cover further comprises an outer annular groove of said plug and an inner annular bead of said hole, said annular bead being received in said annular groove. Sometimes the lid where the cover is held in a closed position. 18. The lid according to claim 12, wherein said cap further comprises an upper surface, an arcuate recess in said upper surface, and a contact in communication with said arcuate recess. 19. The lid according to claim 18, wherein the lid includes a first knuckle of the arcuate recess having a pit, and a second knuckle of the cover, wherein the first knuckle is A lid including a second knuckle on the cover such that the second knuckle holds the cover in an open position when frictionally engaged with the arcuate recess. 20. A beverage container having a bottom and a side wall extending from the bottom and extending to an opening disposed opposite the bottom so that fluid can be retained within the beverage container. A cap, a cover having a plug disposed thereon, a set of opposed pivot posts disposed on the cover, a set of opposed lugs disposed on the cap. And means for securing the cap to the side wall of the beverage container, the cap having a hole including an annular bead, an upper surface extending to a peripheral edge, disposed on the upper surface. A spout having a concave groove extending between the hole and the peripheral edge of the cap; a lip extending from the peripheral edge; a U-shaped flange surrounding the spout and the hole. An arcuate recess disposed on the upper surface having a first knuckle defining a pit; a contact in communication with the arcuate recess; and an internal annular groove on the hole, wherein the cover covers the spout. A second knuckle on the cover holds the cover in the open position when the second knuckle is frictionally retained in the pit by the first knuckle. The outer annular groove of the plug holds the cover in a closed position when the annular bead of the hole is frictionally held in the outer annular groove, and a front wall portion covers the peripheral surface. A set of side walls extending longitudinally across the elongated body and facing each other, wherein the spout is in the closed position with the spout being the front wall and the side wall; Surrounded by And wherein each of said set of lugs is arranged to be received correspondingly to a pivot post of said set of pivot posts.