BR112020022428B1 - CONTAINER LID WITH RELEASE BUTTON AND LOCK - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container lid that includes a container top, a lid opening, a housing, a push button and a latch. The container top may be sized and configured to be attached to a container body. The lid opening may be formed in the container top. The housing may be movably coupled to the container top and may be movable between the first and second positions in which the lid opening is, respectively, capped or uncapped. The push button may be configured to selectively retain the housing in the first position and may be movable between the locked and unlocked positions. The latch may be movable between the locked and unlocked positions and in the locked position may be configured to inhibit movement of the push button from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to lids with a release and lock button.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The containers may hold a variety of different types of liquids, such as water, beverages, mixed drinks, juices, and the like. The containers may also hold various items, such as energy drinks, protein drinks, shakes, foods, broths, sauces, and liquid meal replacements.

[0003] A lid with a shroud may be used to control access to the interior of the container. The lid may selectively cover an opening of the container. The lid may selectively cover a relatively smaller opening formed in the lid. The lid may be removed entirely to fill the container with ice or other contents, to wash the container, or to otherwise provide access to the interior of the container through the relatively larger opening of the container. The lid may be opened to allow a user to consume the contents of the container through the relatively smaller opening of the lid or to provide access to the interior of the container through the relatively smaller opening formed in the lid.

[0004] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that address any drawbacks or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided only to illustrate an area of exemplary technology where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a container may contain or store liquids, beverages, drinks, and the like. The container may allow water and other types of liquids to be transported and/or consumed. For example, the container may be used for the transport or consumption of water, flavored waters, juices, vitamin drinks, energy drinks, isotonic drinks, and the like. In addition, the container may contain mixtures and solutions, which may include vitamins, supplements, protein powders, meal replacements, etc. In addition, the container may contain various powders, solids, and/or other types of materials, including foods, such as fruits, vegetables, soups, broths, and the like. In some embodiments, the container may be insulated to help maintain the contents at a desired temperature. The container may be a bottle, cup, jar, or the like, and the container may have any of a variety of different shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements depending on, for example, the intended use of the container.

[0006] Some aspects of the subject disclosure relate to container lids for containers. In some embodiments, the container lid may be selectively attached to and released from the container. The container lid may cover an opening of the container and may include a housing that covers one or more openings of the container lid. The container lid may seal one or more openings with an air and/or fluid seal, which may prevent contents from leaking or spilling. The one or more openings may allow contents to be quickly and easily added to or removed from the container.

[0007] In one example, a container lid includes a container top, a lid opening, a housing, a push button, and a latch. The container top may be sized and configured to be attached to a container body. The lid opening may be formed in the container top. The housing may be movably coupled to the container top and may be configured to selectively cover the lid opening. The housing may be movable between a first position in which the lid opening is closed and a second position in which the lid opening is open. The push button may be movably coupled to one or more of the container tops and the housing, and may be configured to selectively retain the housing in the first position. The push button may be movable relative to the container top and the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch may be movably coupled to one or more upper portions of the container and the enclosure between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch in the locked position may be configured to inhibit movement of the pushbutton from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0008] In another example, a container includes a container body and a container lid attachable to the container body. The container lid includes a spout, a housing, a push button, and a latch. The spout may provide access to the interior of the container body. The housing may be configured to selectively seal the spout. The housing may be movable relative to the spout between a first position in which the spout is sealed and a second position in which the spout is not sealed. The push button may be configured to selectively retain the housing in the first position. The push button may be movable relative to at least one of the spout or housing between a locked position in which the push button holds the housing in the first position and an unlocked position in which the push button does not hold the housing in the first position. The latch may be configured to selectively inhibit operation of the push button. The latch may be movable relative to the nozzle between a locked position in which operation of the push button is inhibited by the latch and an unlocked position in which operation of the push button is disinhibited by the latch.

[0009] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the technology in question will become more evident from the brief description of the drawings, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, claims and attached drawings below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0010] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of this description and contain figures of certain embodiments to further disclose the above and other aspects, principles, advantages and features of the subject technology. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the drawings may illustrate preferred sizes, scales, relationships and configurations of the invention, but these are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention.

[0011] Figures 1A-1C include, respectively, a top front perspective view, a top rear perspective view, and an exploded top front perspective view of an exemplary container, according to at least one embodiment.

[0012] Figures 2A and 2B include a top front perspective view and an exploded top front perspective view of a container lid of the container of Figures 1A-1C.

[0013] Figures 3A and 3B include a top front perspective view and a bottom front perspective view of an upper portion of the container lid of Figures 2A and 2B.

[0014] Figures 4A and 4B include a top front perspective view and a bottom front perspective view of a container lid latch of Figures 2A and 2B.

[0015] Figures 5A-5D include a top front perspective view, a bottom front perspective view, a top rear perspective view, and a bottom rear perspective view of a container lid housing of Figures 2A and 2B.

[0016] Figures 6A and 6B include a top front perspective view and a bottom front perspective view of a lid opening seal of the container lid of Figures 2A and 2B.

[0017] Figures 7A-7D include a top front perspective view, a bottom rear perspective view, a front view, and a rear view of a push button of the container lid of Figures 2A and 2B.

[0018] Figure 8 is a top front perspective view of a biasing element of the container lid button of Figures 2A and 2B.

[0019] Figure 9 is a top front perspective view of a biasing element of the container lid housing of Figures 2A and 2B.

[0020] Figures 10A-10C include cross-sectional side views of a portion of the container lid of Figure 2A.

[0021] Figures 11A to 11C include side views of the container lid with the latch, respectively, in the locked position, a first unlocked position, and a second unlocked position.

[0022] Figure 12 includes a cross-sectional front perspective view of a portion of the container lid with the latch in a locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The detailed description set forth below includes a description of various embodiments of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the subject technology may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a complete understanding of the subject technology. However, the present technology may be practiced without such specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are not shown, or are shown schematically, to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

[0024] Although various aspects, principles, advantages, and features of the subject technology are disclosed herein with reference to liquid dispensing containers or container closures, the present disclosure is not limited to liquid dispensing containers or container closures. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the liquid dispensing containers disclosed herein may have a variety of suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and arrangements. It will also be understood that containers and container closures in accordance with the subject technology may include any suitable number of parts and components, such as containers, buttons, valve bodies, nozzles, lid bodies, straws, and the like; and the containers and container closures may include any suitable number and combination of features, parts, features, and the like. The disclosed components may be combined or subdivided in some embodiments of the subject technology. Furthermore, although the accompanying figures illustrate containers and container closures of particular styles and configurations, it will be appreciated that the claimed subject matter cannot be limited to the styles and configurations illustrated. Furthermore, containers and container lids can be successfully used in connection with other types of devices.

[0025] Various exemplary embodiments are shown in the accompanying figures. To aid in describing the various exemplary embodiments, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, sides, right, left, and/or variations thereof may be used to describe the accompanying figures, which may be, but need not be, drawn to scale. It will further be appreciated that the containers may be arranged in a variety of desired positions or orientations and used in various locations, environments, and arrangements.

[0026] Some container lids include a lid opening and a housing for closing the lid opening. Some of these container lids include a push button that is operable to release the lid to open the lid opening. Inadvertent operation of the push button may inadvertently open the lid, which may result in accidental flow of contents through the lid opening. Thus, some embodiments described herein may provide a latch to inhibit inadvertent operation of the push button.

[0027] Figures 1A-1C include, respectively, a top front perspective view, a top rear perspective view, and an exploded top front perspective view of an exemplary container 10, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As illustrated, the container 10 may include a container lid 12 and a container body 14. Optionally, the container 10 may further include a straw 16 (Figure 1C). The container body 14 may be sized and shaped to contain, retain, and/or store one or more liquids and/or solids, generally referred to herein as contents.

[0028] The container lid 12 may cooperate with the container body 14 to hold contents, such as liquids, within the container body 14, for example, within an interior 18 (FIG. 1C) of the container body 14. The container lid 12 may be removed entirely from the container body 14 to expose an upper opening 20 (FIG. 1C) of the container body 14 through which the interior 18 of the container body 14 may be accessed, for example, to add contents to the container 10, to remove contents from the container 10, to wash the interior 18 of the container body 14, or to otherwise access the interior 18 of the container body 14.

[0029] The container lid 12 may define one or more lid openings (see, e.g., FIGS. 2B and 3A) that may be relatively small, e.g., smaller than the top opening 20 of the container body 14, and through which the interior of the container body 14 may be accessed. For example, a user may consume the contents of the container 10 through one or more lid openings (e.g., lid openings 50, see FIG. 3A) of the container lid 12, dispense a powdered beverage mix into the container 10 through one or more lid openings, or otherwise access the interior 18 of the container body 14 through one or more openings of the container lid 12.

[0030] The container lid 12 may be selectively connected to the container body 14. For example, the container lid 12 may be selectively connected to the container body 14 by threading, snapping, twisting, sliding, or bolting the container lid 12 to the container body 14. For example, an upper portion of the container body 14 may include one or more external or internal threads 22 (FIG. 1C) and a lower portion of the container lid 12 may include one or more corresponding threads 48 (FIG. 3B). The threads 22 and the threads 48 may mate to allow the container lid 12 to be selectively connected to the container body 14. The threaded connection of the container lid 12 to the container body 14 may create a secure, airtight, waterproof, and/or leak-tight, sealed watertight enclosure. The threaded connection may require multiple turns or a single turn or less to securely connect the container body 14 and the container lid 12. More generally, the container body 14 and the container lid 12 may be connected by any suitable number of turns, including a fraction of one or more turns. The container body 14 and the container lid 12 may also be connected using other suitable types of connections and structures depending, for example, on the intended use of the container 10.

[0031] Figures 2A and 2B include a top front perspective view and an exploded top front perspective view of container lid 12, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B , container lid 12 may include a container top 24, a housing 26, a push button 28, and a latch 30. Optionally, container lid 12 may further include one or more of a lid seal 32, a push button biasing element 34, a closure biasing element 36, and a lid opening seal 38.

[0032] Figure 3A includes a top front perspective view and Figure 3B includes a bottom front perspective view of the top surface of container 24, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The container top 24 may include an end wall 40, a skirt 42, a spout 44, and/or one or more pivot assemblies 46. The skirt 42 may generally extend downwardly from the end wall 40 and may be configured to combinatively engage a container top 14. In this and other embodiments, the skirt 42 may include on an inner or outer surface thereof one or more container engaging elements for selectively attaching the container top 24 to the container body 14. For example, the skirt 42 may include one or more internal threads 48, one or more external threads, a bayonet-style assembly, or one or more other container engaging elements configured to combinatively engage with one or more corresponding threads, bayonet-style assemblies, or other lid engaging elements formed on an outer or inner upper surface of the container body 14 to attach the container top 24 to the container body 14. 14.

[0033] Spout 44 may extend upwardly from end wall 40. Lid openings 50A, 50B (collectively "lid openings 50") may pass through spout 44 and/or the upper surface of container 24. More generally, spout 44 may define one or more lid openings. Two differently sized lid openings 50, with one positioned in front of the other, are depicted in Figure 3A as an example. In other embodiments, spout 44 may define a single opening or two or more openings, each opening having any suitable size and/or shape. When container lid 12 is coupled to container body 14 and housing 26 is moved to uncover spout 44, a user may consume or remove contents of container 10 through one or more of the lid openings 50. For example, straw 16 (FIG. 1C) may be in fluid communication with opening 50B and the user may consume or otherwise remove contents of container 10 by sucking through opening 50B. As another example, the user may tilt, at least partially invert, and/or squeeze container body 14 to consume or remove contents of container 10 through opening 50A. Alternatively or additionally, the user may insert contents into container 10 through one or more of the lid openings 50.

[0034] Each of the pivot assemblies 46 may define an aperture 52 (only one is visible in FIG. 3A), discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the apertures 52 may form recesses, as shown in FIG. 3A. In such embodiments, the apertures 52 may be inserted into their surrounding surfaces in the pivot assemblies 46, without extending entirely through the pivot assemblies 46. In other examples, the apertures 52 may form holes that extend entirely through the pivot assemblies 46.

[0035] The upper portion of the container 24 may further include a push button recess 54 with cavities 55 defined on opposite sides of the push button recess 54. The push button recess 54 may be sized and configured to receive and retain therein at least a portion of the push button 28. Within the push button recess 54, a protrusion 56 may extend outwardly from a wall of the push button recess 54 (e.g., from a front wall 58 of the spout 44 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3A). The protrusion 56 may be sized and configured to retain the push button biasing element 34 positioned between the front wall 58 of the spout 44 and the push button 28.

[0036] Figures 4A and 4B include a top front perspective view (Figure 4A) and a bottom front perspective view (Figure 4B) of the latch 30, according to at least one embodiment described herein. The latch 30 may be implemented as a carrying handle in some embodiments. The latch 30 may include a push button cap 60 between the ends 62 of the latch 30. Each of the ends 62 may include a protrusion 64 and an opening 66. The openings 66 may be, for example, recesses, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. In some other embodiments, the openings 66 may be holes. The push button cap 60 and the ends 62 may form part or all of a handle or carrying handle in some embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, the latch 30 may include one or more optional accommodation portions 68 formed in the handle or carrying strap between the push button cap 60 and each of the ends 62.

[0037] Figures 5A-5D include a top front perspective view (Figure 5A), a bottom front perspective view (Figure 5B), a top rear perspective view (Figure 5C), and a bottom rear perspective view (Figure 5D) of housing 26, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The housing 26 may include first protrusions 70, second protrusions 72, third protrusions 74, a housing engagement member 76, a sealing protrusion 78, and/or a sealing insert 80. In some embodiments, the housing 26 does not include all of the first protrusions 70, the second protrusions 72, and the third protrusions 74. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 26 includes the first protrusions 70 but not the second protrusions 72 or the third protrusions 74. In some embodiments, the housing 26 includes the second protrusions 72 but not the first protrusions 70 or the third protrusions 74. In some embodiments, the housing 26 includes the third protrusions 74, but not first protrusions 70 or second protrusions 72. In some embodiments, housing 26 includes first protrusions 70 and second protrusions 72, but not third protrusions 74. In some embodiments, housing 26 includes first protrusions 70 and third protrusions 74, but not second protrusions 72. In some embodiments, housing 26 includes second protrusions 72 and third protrusions 74, but not first protrusions 70. In some embodiments, housing 26 does not include any of first protrusions 70, second protrusions 72, or third protrusions 74. Embodiments that include first protrusions 72, second protrusions 74, or third protrusions 74 may be shown and described with reference to two of each type of protrusion, however, some embodiments may include only a single first protrusion 70, second protrusion 72, or third protrusion 74, or may include more than two first protrusions 70, second protrusions 72, or third protrusions 74.

[0038] Figures 6A and 6B include a top front perspective view (Figure 6A) and a bottom front perspective view (Figure 6B) of the lid opening seal 38, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The lid opening seal 38 may include a base 82, first and second sealing portions 84 and 86 extending downwardly from the base 82, and an opening 88 passing through the base 82 at least partially to the second sealing portion 86.

[0039] The base 82 of the lid opening seal 38 may be sized and configured to be received in the sealing groove 80 of the housing 26. For example, the base 82 may have a shape complementary to the sealing groove 80 of the housing 26 (see FIG. 5D). Alternatively or additionally, the lid opening seal 38 may be formed of a resilient or at least partially resilient material and may be slightly sized compared to the sealing groove 80. As such, the lid opening seal 38 may be partially compressed to fit the sealing groove 80, partially compressing the base 82 against the sealing groove 80 and increasing friction (compared to no compression) between the base 82 and the sealing groove 80 to retain the sealing groove 80 engaged with the housing 26 via a friction fit.

[0040] The first sealing portion 84 of the cap opening seal 38 may be configured to seal the opening 50B in the spout 44. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sealing portion 84 may be sized and configured to be at least partially inserted into the opening 50B of the spout 44 to seal against an inner surface of the opening 50B below an upper surface of the opening 50B. Alternatively or additionally, the first sealing portion 84 may seal against the upper surface of the opening 50B.

[0041] The second sealing portion 86 of the cap opening seal 38 may be configured to seal the opening 50A in the spout 44. In an exemplary embodiment, the second sealing portion 84 may be sized and configured to be at least partially inserted into the opening 50A in the spout 44 to seal against an inner surface of the opening 50A below an upper surface of the opening 50A. Alternatively or additionally, the second sealing portion 86 may seal against the upper surface of the opening 50A.

[0042] The cap opening seal 38 may independently seal each of the openings 50. Alternatively or additionally, the cap opening seal 38 may be configured to collectively seal the openings 50 together. For example, the cap opening seal 38 may seal against an upper surface of an outer wall of the spout 44, e.g., with or without sealing against the inner walls of the openings 50 (e.g., an inner wall of the spout 44 that separates the opening 50A from the opening 50B). Alternatively or additionally, the cap opening seal 38 may seal against an outer surface of the outer wall of the spout 44.

[0043] The opening 88 of the seal of the lid opening 38 may be sized and configured to receive therein the sealing projection 78 of the housing 26 (see Figure 5D). For example, the opening 88 may have a complementary shape to the sealing protrusion 78. Positioning the sealing protrusion 78 of the housing 26 within the opening 88 may improve and/or increase a frictional engagement between the lid opening seal 38 and the housing 26 and/or may stiffen the second sealing portion 86. For example, the housing 26 including the sealing protrusion 78 may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid material or other material with greater stiffness than the lid opening seal 38. In the absence of the sealing protrusion 78, the second sealing portion 86 may tend to bend, wrinkle, or otherwise deform when inserted into the opening 50A of the spout 44, which may decrease the likelihood of sealing the opening 50A. The presence of the sealing protrusion 78 at least partially within the second sealing portion 86 may stiffen the second sealing portion 86 to reduce the likelihood of the second sealing portion 86 warping, wrinkling, or otherwise deforming in a manner that interferes with the sealing of the opening 50A.

[0044] The lid opening seal 38 may be provided as a separate component of the housing 26. Alternatively or additionally, the lid opening seal 38 may be formed integrally with and/or may be coupled to the housing.

[0045] Figures 7A-7D include a top front perspective view (Figure 7A), a bottom rear perspective view (Figure 7B), a front view (Figure 7C), and a rear view (Figure 7D) of the push button 28, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The push button 28 may include a push button engagement element 90, a contact portion 92, a protrusion 94, and/or one or more arms 96, each having at least one retaining tab 98.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 7A-7D, the retaining tabs 98 may be configured to retain the push button 28 within the push button recess 54 of the container top 24. Each of the retaining tabs 98 may generally extend outwardly from one of the corresponding arms 96. Each of the arms 96 may be flexible or semi-flexible to resiliently flex inwardly when the push button 28 is inserted into the push button recess 54 to assemble the push button 28 together with the container top 24. After a front surface 98A of each of the retaining tabs 98 clears a corresponding rear surface of each of the cavities 55 of the push button recess 54, the arms 96 may each at least partially unfold outwardly so that the retaining tabs 98 are received in the cavities 55. The push button 28 may further be movable relative to the top of the container 24 within a confined volume, rendering the push button 28 incapable of moving forward relative to the top of the container 24 beyond a point at which the front surface 98A of each retaining tab 98 engages the corresponding rear surface of each cavity 55 of the push button recess 54.

[0047] Figure 8 is a top front perspective view of the button biasing element 34, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The push button biasing element 34 may include a first end 100 and a second end 102. When the container lid 12 is assembled together, the push button biasing element 34 may be positioned between the push button 28 and the top of the container 24, with the protrusion 94 of the push button 28 received at the first end 100 of the push button biasing element 34 and the protrusion 56 of the top surface of the container 24 received at the second end 102 of the push button biasing element 34. In general, the push button biasing element 34 may be configured to push the push button 28 forward relative to the top of the container 24, for example, at a point where the front surface 98A of each retaining tab 98 of the push button 28 engages the corresponding rear surface of each cavity 55 of the push button recess 54 of the top of the container 24. Although FIG. illustrate an example of a button bias element 34 comprising a coil spring, the button bias element 34 may have other shapes and be made of one or more of a variety of materials. For example, the button bias element 34 may comprise one or more of a metal, a polymer, or other materials, and may comprise shapes other than a coil.

[0048] Figure 9 is a top front perspective view of housing bias element 36, according to at least one embodiment described herein. Housing bias element 36 may include a first end 104, a second end 106, and a crossbar 108. First end 104 of housing bias element 36 may include a first foot 110, and second end 106 of housing bias element 36 may include a second foot 112. Although Figure 9 illustrates an example housing bias element 36, housing bias element 36 may have other shapes and be made of one or more of a variety of materials. For example, housing bias element 36 may comprise one or more of a metal, a polymer, or other materials, and may comprise shapes other than those illustrated and described herein.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1A-4B, the latch 30 may be movably coupled to the top of the container 24, the housing 26, or both for movement between a locked position and an unlocked position. For example, the latch 30 may be rotatably coupled to the top of the container 24, the housing, or both. The latch 30 may be rotatably coupled to the top of the container 24 via, for example, pivot mounts 46, which may define an axis of rotation of the latch 30. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the pivot mounts 46 defines one of the corresponding apertures 52 that are configured to receive one of the corresponding projections 64 of the latch 30. The projections 64 of the latch 30 are received and retained in the apertures 52 of the pivot mounts 46 during operation and allow the latch 30 to rotate relative to the top of the container 24.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1A-5D, the housing 26 may be movably coupled directly or indirectly to the top of the container 24. For example, the housing 26 may be rotatably coupled to the top of the container 24. The housing 26 may be rotatably coupled to the top of the container 24 via, for example, the latch 30 and the pivot mounts 46 of the top of the container 24. In the illustrated embodiment, each end 62 of the latch 30 defines one of the corresponding apertures 66 that is configured to receive one of the corresponding projections 70 of the housing 26. The projections 70 of the housing 26 are received and retained in the apertures 66 of the latch 30 during operation and allow the housing 26 to pivot relative to the latch 30 and also relative to the top of the container 24 when the latch is engaged. 30 is rotatably coupled to the top of the container 24. In some embodiments, the housing 26 may rotate relative to the top of the container 24 about the same axis of rotation as the latch 30 (e.g., the housing 26 and the latch 30 may rotate relative to the top of the container 24 and relative to each other about the same axis). In other embodiments, the housing 26 may rotate relative to the top of the container 24 about an axis of rotation different from the axis of the latch 30.

[0051] The housing 26, alone or in combination with the lid opening seal 38, may be configured to selectively cover, close, and/or seal the spout 44 and/or one or more (e.g., all) of the lid openings 50. The housing 26 may be movable and optionally rotatable relative to the top of the container 24 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the spout 44 and/or one or more (e.g., all) of the lid openings 50 may be covered, closed, and/or sealed by the housing 26 alone or in combination with the lid opening seal 38. In the second position, the spout 44 and/or one or more (e.g., all) of the lid openings 50 may be exposed, uncapped, open, and/or unsealed by the housing 26.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1A-5D and 7A-7D, the push button 28 may be movably coupled to one or more of the upper portions of the container 24 and the housing 26, and may be configured to selectively retain the housing 26 in the first position. As described above, for example, the retaining arms 96 and/or tabs 98 of the push button 28 may cooperate with the cavities 55 of the push button recess 54 of the upper portion of the container 24 to retain the push button 28 at least partially within the button recess 54, while allowing at least some movement of the push button 28 relative to the upper portion of the container 24. In other embodiments, an analogous arrangement may be implemented to movably couple the push button 28 to the housing.

[0053] In some push button mechanisms, a push button may be floating, rotatable, or sliding (e.g., on or within a track) relative to the other component. In at least one embodiment, the push button 28 may have a hybrid arrangement relative to the top of the container 24 that involves a combination of two or more of the foregoing. For example, the push button 28 may be both free-floating and rotatable relative to the top of the container 24 in one embodiment. More generally, the button 28 may be free-floating within the button recess 54 relative to the top of the container 24, sliding within the button recess 54 relative to the top of the container 24, rotating within the button recess 54 relative to the main container 24, or some combination thereof.

[0054] The push button 28 may be movable relative to the top of the container 24 and the housing 26 between a locked position (i.e., an unpressed position) and an unlocked position (i.e., a pressed position). The push button 28 may be configured to selectively retain the housing 26 in the first position of the housing 26 in which the spout 44 and/or one or more of the lid openings 50 are closed, capped, and/or sealed. For example, when the button 28 is in the locked position and the housing 26 is in the first position, the button 28 may retain the housing 26 in the first position. In these and other embodiments, at least a portion of the push button 28 may engage at least a portion of the housing 26 when the housing 26 is in the first position to retain the housing 26 in the first position. Alternatively or additionally, in at least one embodiment in which the push button 28 is movably coupled to the housing, at least a portion of the push button 28 may selectively engage at least a portion of the upper surface of the container 24 when the housing 26 is in the first position to selectively retain the housing 26 in the first position.

[0055] In the unlocked position, the push button 28 may be disengaged from the housing 26 when the housing 26 is in the first position, or when the housing 26 is in any other position. Accordingly, when the push button 28 is in the unlocked position, the housing 26 may be free to remain in the first position or move to the second position without interference from the push button 28.

[0056] The housing biasing element 36 may be configured to bias the housing 26 to the second position. For example, when the push button 28 is in the unlocked position, the housing biasing element 36 may cause the housing 26 to automatically move from the first position to the second position. In this regard, the first and second feet 110, 112 of the housing biasing element 36 may engage the end wall 40 or other portion of the upper surface of the container 24, and the crossbar 108 of the housing biasing element 36 may engage the housing 26 so that when the housing 26 is in the first position, the housing biasing element 36 is loaded, and when the housing 26 is in the second position, the housing biasing element 36 is unloaded or is less loaded than in the first position.

[0057] The latch 30 may be configured to selectively inhibit operation of the pushbutton 28. When the latch 30 is in the locked position, operation of the pushbutton 28 may be inhibited. For example, when the latch 30 is in the locked position, the latch 30 may be configured to inhibit movement of the pushbutton 28 from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the latch 30 is in the unlocked position, operation of the pushbutton 28 may be uninhibited. For example, when the latch 30 is in the unlocked position, the latch 30 may not interfere with or inhibit movement of the pushbutton 28 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0058] Figures 10A-10C include cross-sectional side views of a portion of the container lid 12 of Figure 2A, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Figure 10A includes view 114A, Figure 10B includes view 114B, and Figure 10C includes view 114C. Latch 30 is illustrated in views 114A and 114B in the locked position, but is not shown in view 114C and may be in the unlocked position.

[0059] It can be seen from a comparison of views 114A and 114B with view 114C that contact portion 92 of push button 28 may be accessible when latch 30 is in the unlocked position. In comparison, contact portion 92 of push button 28 may be at least partially obscured, blocked, or capped by latch 30, and in particular by push button cover 60 of latch 30, or may be at least partially inaccessible when latch 30 is in the locked position. When latch 30 is in the unlocked position, an opening force may be applied to contact portion 92, for example by a user's finger or thumb, to move push button 28 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0060] Button 28 is illustrated in view 114A in the locked position and in view 114C in the unlocked position. As illustrated, button engagement member 90 of push button 28 can selectively engage housing engagement member 76 of housing 26 to selectively retain housing 26 in the first position. In particular, in the locked position, and as illustrated in view 114A, push button engagement member 90 engages housing engagement member 76 to retain housing 26 in the first position. In the unlocked position, and as illustrated in view 114C, push button engagement member 90 is disengaged from housing engagement member 76 such that push button 28 does not retain housing 26 in the first position.

[0061] As illustrated in view 114A, a portion of the push button 28 (e.g., a lower rear portion 116 of the contact position 92) may be horizontally spaced from a button stop 118 of the top of the container 24 by a first distance d1 when the push button 28 is in the locked position and the housing 26 is in the first position. Furthermore, the push button engagement member 90 may horizontally overlap the housing engagement member 76 by an engagement distance d1 when the push button 28 is in the locked position and the housing 26 is in the first position. As shown in view 114A, the engagement distance d1 may be greater than the first distance d1. Accordingly, and as illustrated in view 114B, if button 28 is moved exclusively horizontally toward the top of container 24 through the first distance d1, for example, until button 28 (for example, at the lower rear 116 of contact portion 92) contacts button stop 118 of the top of container 24, push button engagement element 90 remains engaged with housing engagement element 76 so that housing 26 can remain in the first position.

[0062] Notwithstanding that the first distance d1 is less than the engagement distance d1, the pushbutton engagement member 90 may move through the engagement distance d1 through any combination of translation (e.g., horizontal movement) and rotation of the pushbutton 28. For example, views 114A and 114C together show that the button 28 translates horizontally (e.g., to the right from view 114A in FIG. 10A to view 114B in FIG. 10B) and rotates (e.g., clockwise from view 114B in FIG. 10B to view 114C in FIG. 10C) relative to the top of the container 24 to allow horizontal movement of the pushbutton engagement member 90 through the engagement distance relative to the housing engagement member 76, thereby moving the pushbutton 28 from the locked position in view 114A to the unlocked position in view 114B. unlocked in view 114C.

[0063] In view 114C, button 28 is rotated about 4 degrees compared to views 114A and 114B. The amount of rotation to reach the unlocked position from the locked position may depend on the amount of horizontal translation allowed between button 28 and the top of container 24. For a given engagement distance d, the greater the horizontal translation of button 28 (e.g., the greater the first distance d1 in the example of FIG. 10A), the less rotation button 28 must have to reach the unlocked position. In general, the push button 28 can be configured to rotate relative to the top of the container 24 within a range of between about 0 to 10 degrees (e.g., between about 2 to 10 degrees), or between about 0 to 7 degrees (e.g., between about 2 to 7 degrees), or between about 0 to 5 degrees (e.g., between about 2 to 5 degrees). In some embodiments, no rotation of the push button 28 is necessary for the push button engagement member 90 to travel the engagement distance relative to the housing engagement member 76 and thereby move the push button 28 to an unlocked position. In some embodiments, no translation of the push button 28 is necessary for the push button engagement member 90 to travel the engagement distance relative to the housing engagement member 76 and thereby move the push button 28 to an unlocked position.

[0064] Furthermore, within a given implementation, pushbutton 28 need not move through the entire first distance d1 to reach the unlocked position, since pushbutton 28 can rotate further to compensate. For example, in view 114C compared to view 114A, the lower rear 116 of contact portion 92 of pushbutton 28 translates the entire first distance d1 and pushbutton 28 rotates 4 degrees to reach the unlocked position. However, the unlocked position may also be reached by lower rear 116 translating only a fraction of the first distance d1, such as only 90% of the first distance d1, and pushbutton 28 rotating more than 4 degrees (e.g., 5 or 6 degrees). Thus, the unlocked position of pushbutton 28 does not necessarily refer to a single position and orientation of pushbutton 28 relative to the top of container 24 (e.g., the position and orientation illustrated in view 114C), but rather refers to any position and orientation of pushbutton 28 relative to the top of container 24 in which pushbutton 28 is disengaged from housing 26. An analogous interpretation may be applied to the other positions described herein.

[0065] As illustrated in views 114A and 114B, the latch 30 in the locked position, particularly the push button cover 60 of the latch 30, obscures, blocks, covers, or otherwise makes generally inaccessible at least a portion 120 of the push button 28. The push button cover 60 of the latch 30 may include holes or openings (e.g., ornamental holes or openings) and/or may be made of an optically transparent material, such that the portion 120 of the push button 28 may be at least partially visible when the latch 30 is in the locked position, while still being obscured, blocked, covered, and/or generally inaccessible to a user.

[0066] The portion 120 of the push button 28 that is obscured, blocked, covered, and/or generally inaccessible may include at least one half of the push button 28, such as at least an upper half of the push button 28 or a half of the push button 28 opposite an axis of rotational movement of the push button 28, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the portion 120 may include at least one half of the contact portion 92, such as at least an upper half of the contact portion 92 or a half of the contact portion 92 opposite an axis of rotational movement of the push button 28, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the portion 120 may include a centroid of the push button 28 or the contact portion 92; a central or centric axis of the push button 28, the contact portion 92, the push button biasing element 34 and/or the protrusion 94 of the push button 28; a projection, along the path of travel of the push button, of the protrusion 94 or the push button biasing element 34 onto the contact portion 92; a projection, along the path of travel of the push button, of the centroid of the push button biasing element 34 and/or the protrusion 94 of the push button 28 onto the contact portion 92; or some other part of the push button 28.

[0067] With latch 30 in the locked position, it may require the application of a significant and/or significantly greater amount of force to the portion of contact portion 92 that is accessible (not obscured, blocked, covered, and/or otherwise rendered generally inaccessible by button cover 60 of latch 30) to move button 28 from the locked position to the unlocked position (compared to the amount of force used to move button 28 from the locked position to the unlocked position with latch 30 in the open position). For example, button stop 118 may act as a fulcrum, and the contact portion 92 that is accessible to, for example, a user's thumb or finger when latch 30 is in the locked position, provides a relatively short maximum lever arm LA1 (view 114A). The resistance provided by the button biasing element 34 may therefore require the application of a significant and/or significantly greater amount of force to the contact portion 92 that is accessible when the latch 30 is in the locked position considering the relatively short maximum lever arm LA1 (e.g., at an upper extent of the accessible portion of the contact portion 92, as illustrated in view 114A).

[0068] By comparison, and referring to view 114C in FIG. 10C, when latch 30 is in the unlocked position, the extension (e.g., the upper extension) of contact portion 92 that is accessible and that is within portion 120 provides a much longer lever, arm LA2 (see view 114C in FIG. 10C). Thus, the amount of force applied to the upper extension of contact portion 92 that is accessible when latch 30 is in an unlocked position to move pushbutton 28 from the locked position to the unlocked position may be much less than the amount of force applied to the upper extension of contact portion 92 that is accessible when latch 30 is in the locked position to move pushbutton 28 from the locked position to the unlocked position. Accordingly, the latch 30 in the locked position may inhibit movement of the pushbutton 28 from the locked position to the unlocked position or may inhibit operation of the pushbutton 28, for example, by inhibiting a finger or thumb or other body part of a user from applying an opening force to portion 120 of the pushbutton 28 or otherwise inhibiting a user's access to portion 120 of the pushbutton 28. Alternatively or additionally, the latch 30 and/or one or more intervening components may engage with the button 28 when the latch 30 is in the locked position to inhibit movement of the button 28 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0069] FIGURES 11A-11C include side views of container lid 12 with latch 30, respectively, in the locked position (FIGURE 11A), a first unlocked position (FIGURE 11B), and a second unlocked position (FIGURE 11C), in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. FIG. 12 includes a cross-sectional front perspective view of a portion of container lid 12 with latch 30 in the locked position, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The unlocked positions of FIGURES 11B and 11C are referred to in this disclosure as a "first" unlocked position (FIGURE 11B) and a "second" unlocked position (FIGURE 11C) for convenience only. Some embodiments include only locked and unlocked positions, without distinguishing between multiple unlocked positions. Furthermore, some embodiments include the second unlocked position as shown in Figure 11C and described in more detail below, but do not include a distinct first unlocked position as shown in Figure 11B and described in more detail below.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 4A-5D, 11A, and 12, when the latch 30 is in the locked position, the second protrusions 72 of the housing 26 may be positioned above at least a portion of the latch 30 and may be above the accommodation portions 68 of the latch 30, if any. The second protrusions 72 may interfere with the latch 30 to inhibit movement of the latch 30 out of the locked position. For example, the latch 30 may have to flex or deform to move out of the position locked by the protrusions 72.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 4A-5D and 11B, when latch 30 is in the first unlocked position, second protrusions 72 of housing 26 may be positioned to engage accommodation portions 68 of latch 30. As noted above, some embodiments do not include the first unlocked position, and as such, in these embodiments, latch 30 may not include receiving portions 68. In this and other embodiments, as latch 30 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, latch 30 may flex outward or otherwise resiliently deform as latch 30 passes over second protrusions 72 of housing 26. When second protrusions 72 reach accommodation portions 68, latch 30 may at least partially unfold or otherwise return to an at least partially undeformed state that the second protrusions 72 have maintained. protrusions 72 are positioned at least partially within and optionally engage with the accommodation portions 68, effectively coupling the latch 30 and the housing 26 together. In some embodiments, with the latch 30 in the first unlocked position and the latch 30 and the housing 26 coupled, the latch 30 and the housing 26 may be dependently rotatable relative to the top of the container 24. That is, when the latch 30 is in the first unlocked position and the latch 30 and the housing 26 are coupled together via the second protrusions 72 and the accommodation portions 68, rotation of either the latch 30 or the housing 26 may cause rotation of the other housing 26 and the latch 30.

[0072] In some embodiments, including second protrusions 72 and receiving portions 68, the second protrusions and receiving portions may be positioned such that the second protrusions 72 are received in the accommodation portions 68 when the latch 30 is in the locked position rather than in an unlocked position. In some embodiments, housing 26 may comprise a plurality of sets of second protrusions 72, each set comprising one or more second protrusions 72, with each set positioned to be received in accommodation portions 68 of latch 30 at a different position of housing 26 relative to latch 30. For example, a first set of second protrusions 72 may be received in accommodation portions 68 when latch 30 is in the locked position and a second set of second protrusions 72 may be received in accommodation portions 68 when latch 30 is in an unlocked position. Additionally or alternatively, the latch may be positioned between the sets of second protrusions.

[0073] The locations of the second protrusions 72 on the housing 26 and the accommodation portions 68 on the latch 30 may be reversed (e.g., the second protrusions 72 on the latch 30 and the accommodation portions 68 on the housing 26) and/or other coupling structures may be provided to selectively couple the latch 30 and the housing 26 together. For example, the multiple sets of second protrusions 72 comprised by the housing 26 may be replaced by sets of accommodation portions 68. Some embodiments do not include the first unlocked position. For example, in some embodiments, the latch 30 does not include the accommodation portions 68.

[0074] Referring to Figures 4A-5D and 11C, in some embodiments, when the latch 30 is in the second unlocked position, the latch 30 may be suitable for use as a handle or carrying strap. In the second unlocked position, at least part of the latch 30, including the accommodation portions 68 (if included), may be positioned above the second projections 72 (if included) such that the second projections 72 are not within the accommodation portions 68 and the latch 30 is not engaged with the housing 26. In some embodiments, when the latch 30 is in the second unlocked position, the latch 30 and the housing 26 may be independently rotatable relative to the top of the container 24.

[0075] In the second unlocked position illustrated in FIG. 11C, the latch 30 is rotated approximately 90 degrees clockwise compared to the locked position of FIG. 11A. More generally, the second unlocked position may be any position in which the latch 30 has been released, e.g., rotated past the second protrusions 72 (if included).

[0076] In some embodiments, each of the second protrusions 72 and the third protrusions 74 may be capable of engaging the latch 30 and moving the latch 30 rearwardly (e.g., clockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C) in conjunction with the movement of the housing 26. And the second protrusions 72 may also be capable of engaging the latch 30 and moving the latch forwardly (e.g., counterclockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C) in conjunction with the movement of the housing 26. For example, with the housing 26 out of the first position, e.g., in the second position, the latch 30 may be positioned relative to the housing with the latch 30 between the second protrusions 72 and the third protrusions 74 of the housing 26, if present (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A-11C, FIGS. 5B-11C, FIGS. 5C ... and 5B). In this relative configuration, third protrusions 74 may engage latch 30 if and when housing 26 is rotated rearward (e.g., clockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C) such that latch 30 rotates rearward with housing 26, and second protrusions 72 may engage latch 30 if and when housing 26 is rotated forward (e.g., counterclockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C).

[0077] Also, for example, with the housing 26 out of the first position, e.g., in the second position, the latch 30 may be positioned relative to the housing such that the projections 72 are at least partially within the accommodation portions 68 (if present) of the latch 30. In this relative configuration (which may correspond to the first unlocked position of the latch 30), the second projections 72 may engage the latch 30 (e.g., via the accommodation portions 68) if and when the housing 26 is rotated rearward or forward (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C).

[0078] Also, for example, with the housing 26 out of the first position, for example in the second position, the latch 30 may be positioned relative to the housing 26 with the latch 30 after the second projections 72 (for example, after the second projections 72 in the clockwise direction in FIGS. 11A-11C, on the opposite side of the second projections 72 from the third projections 74, if present). In this relative configuration (which may correspond to the second unlocked position of latch 30), second protrusions 72 may engage latch 30 if and when housing 26 is rotated rearward (e.g., clockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C) far enough for second protrusions 72 to contact latch 30 such that latch 30 rotates rearward with housing 26. But forward rotation of housing 26 (e.g., counterclockwise in FIGS. 11A-11C) may not engage latch 30, such that when housing 26 is rotated forward, it prevents latch 30 from rotating forward.

[0079] In some embodiments, in use, a user may move the latch 30 from the locked position to an unlocked position (e.g., the second unlocked position) in which the latch 30 may freely rotate independent of the top of the container 24 and the housing 26. With the latch in such an unlocked position, the user may press the button 28 to disengage the housing 26 such that the housing 26 is free to move from the first (closed) position to the second (open) position. Thereafter, the user may optionally rotate the housing 26 and the latch 30 relative to each other such that the second protrusions 72 rotate past the latch 30 so that the latch 30 is disposed between the second protrusions 72 and the third protrusions 74, thereby engaging the latch 30 with the housing 26 and coupling the movement of the housing 26 and the latch 30 together (the latch 30 and the housing 26 may be similarly disengaged). In this manner, when the user closes the housing 26 by moving it to the first position, the latch 30 engaged with the housing 26 moves along with the housing 26 to the locked position. When the latch 30 is engaged with the housing 26, the latch and the lid may rotate together about their shared axis. When latch 30 is disengaged from housing 26 (e.g., is not in contact with second protrusions 72 or third protrusions 74, if present), latch 30 and housing 26 can rotate independently about the axis.

[0080] The embodiment described herein may be modified in a variety of ways without altering the scope of the claimed embodiments. In general, for example, some features or components disclosed as engaging with each other or operating in conjunction may be reversed, modified, or replaced with a functional equivalent. As already described above, for example, the locations of the second protrusions 72 on the housing 26 and the accommodation portions 68 on the latch 30 may be reversed so that the second protrusions are on the latch 30 and the accommodation portions 68 are on the housing 26. Likewise, the locations of the protrusions 64 on the latch 30 and the openings 52 in the top of the container 24 may be reversed so that the protrusions 64 are on the top of the container 24 and the openings 52 are on the latch 30. Likewise, the locations of the openings 66 on the latch 30 and the first protrusions 70 on the housing 26 may be reversed so that the openings 66 are on the housing 26 and the first protrusions 70 are on the latch. Alternatively, first protrusions 70 of housing 26 may extend all the way through openings through hole in latch 30 to openings 52 of top of container 24, or protrusions of top of container 24 may extend completely through openings through hole in latch 30 to openings in housing 26. Alternatively, latch 30 may have, at one or both ends 62, an inwardly directed protrusion and an outwardly directed protrusion, each configured to be received in a corresponding opening or receiving portion of top of container 24 or housing 26. Alternatively, latch 30 and/or housing 26 may be rotatably coupled to top of container 24 using any other suitable mechanism, such as a pin hinge, an incorporated hinge, or other device or system.

[0081] Latch 30 is depicted as a carrying handle, but may instead be implemented in any other suitable manner, so long as latch 30 is movable relative to top of container 24 and button 28 to selectively inhibit operation of button 28. For example, latch 30 may include a bar rotatably or slidably coupled to top of container 24 to one side of push button 28 and with a snap coupler or other coupler to the other side of push button 28 to selectively retain latch 30 in the locked position such that latch 30 may cover, obscure, block, or otherwise inhibit access to and/or operation of push button 28. Other implementations of latch 30 within the scope of the present disclosure are possible.

[0082] The button bias element 34 and the housing bias element 36 are depicted in some of the figures as including coil springs. The button bias element 34 and the housing bias element 36 may take other forms in other embodiments, depending on the implementation. For example, with appropriate modifications to one or more components of the container lid 12, any of the button bias elements 34 and the housing bias element 36 may alternatively or additionally be implemented as a metal spring, a coil spring, a torsion spring, a volute spring, a leaf spring, an elastomer spring, a strip, or any other suitable bias element configuration.

[0083] The container body 14 may be sized and configured to contain, retain, and/or store one or more liquids and/or solids. In particular, the container body 14 may include a container or bottle used to store liquids, such as water, flavored water, vitamin water, and the like. The container body 14 may also store fluids and solutions, such as juices, energy drinks, isotonic drinks, and other types of beverages. The container body 14 may also be used to store solids, such as powders, concentrates, mixes, and foods.

[0084] The container body 14 may be of any suitable size. For example, the container body 14 may hold approximately 8, 12, 16, 20, or 24 ounces (or about 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 ml, or one liter). The container body 14 may be of any suitable size, including smaller and larger sizes. In addition, the container body 14 may have other shapes and configurations than those disclosed herein, depending, for example, on the intended use of the container. In addition, the container body 14 may be insulated to help maintain the contents at a desired temperature. The container body 14 may be made of plastic, glass, metal, and/or other materials with suitable properties and characteristics.

[0085] The container lid 12 may be of any suitable size and/or shape that may generally be complementary to the size and shape of the container body 14, at least where the two are coupled. In addition, the container lid 12 may be insulated to help maintain the contents within the container body 14 at a desired temperature. The container lid 12 may be made of plastic, glass, metal, and/or other materials with suitable properties and characteristics.

[0086] The button biasing element 34, the housing biasing element 36, the lid seal 32, and/or the lid opening seal 38 may be constructed from materials that are elastic, malleable, flexible, bendable, expandable, and/or resilient. For example, the lid seal 32 and/or the lid opening seal 38 may be constructed from one or more of silicone, polymer, rubber, plastic, or other materials with suitable properties and characteristics. The button biasing element 34 and the housing biasing element 36 may include and/or be constructed from one or more of silicone, polymer, rubber, plastic, steel or other metal, or other materials with suitable properties and characteristics. The resilience of the lid opening seal 38 may contribute to the formation of a tight seal with the lid openings 50.

[0087] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the container may be used to store, transport, and/or dispense one or more liquids, such as water, beverages, drinks, juices, vitamin-enriched beverages, energy drinks, isotonic drinks, flavored waters, protein drinks, shakes, foods, broths, sauces, liquid meal replacements, solutions, suspensions, and the like. The container may also be used to store, transport, and/or dispense solutions and/or solids, such as energy drinks, protein drinks, shakes, liquid meal replacements, etc.

[0088] In some embodiments, the container may be a shaker cup and the contents may be shaken, stirred, mixed, and/or homogenized as desired, such as supplements, vitamins, protein powders, etc. This may allow the container to be used to make protein drinks, shakes, smoothies, broths, sauces, etc. The container may be used, such as a water bottle in which water and other types of fluids may be transported and/or consumed. The container may further include food, such as fruits, vegetables, soups, and the like.

[0089] Advantageously, in some embodiments, the container may be reusable and refillable, which may allow the container to be used for different purposes over a long period of time. The container may also be easily transported and carried. For example, the container may be conveniently held in one hand by the user and/or may have a carrying handle. Furthermore, the container may be insulated to help maintain the contents at a desired temperature, such as at a lower or higher temperature.

[0090] In some embodiments, the container may include a small number of parts and components, which may facilitate manufacturing and assembly. In some embodiments, the container may be easily disassembled and cleaned. As discussed elsewhere, the container may include a container lid and/or a cap that allows the container to be easily filled from a variety of sources. The container, container body, and container lid may include any number of parts and components depending on, for example, the intended use of the container.

[0091] A phrase such as “an aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all embodiments of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An aspect may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “an aspect” may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as “an embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies in all embodiments of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “an embodiment” may refer to one or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as “an embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies to all embodiments of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase like "a configuration" can refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

[0092] Masculine pronouns (e.g. your) include the feminine gender (e.g. yours) and vice versa.

[0093] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described herein, which are intended to be illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations may be made without departing from its spirit and scope. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatus within the scope of the disclosure, other than those enumerated herein, are possible from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is intended to describe particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit them. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly cited in the description above.

[0094] A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically indicated, but rather "one or more". With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, the plural terms may include the singular terms and/or the singular terms may include the plural terms as appropriate to the context and/or application. The various permutations of singular/plural may be expressly set forth herein for the sake of clarity. The term "some" refers to one or more.

[0095] In general, terms used in this document and especially in the appended claims (e.g., appended claim bodies) are generally intended as "open-ended" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be construed as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be construed as "having at least," the term "includes" should be construed as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will further be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, such intent is not present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Furthermore, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be construed to mean at least the number recited (e.g., the simple recitation of "two recitations", without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in cases where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but not be limited to, systems that include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In cases where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general, such construction is intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include, but not be limited to, systems that include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will further be understood by those skilled in the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims or drawings, should be understood as contemplating the possibilities of including either term, either term or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood as including the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0096] Furthermore, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also so described in terms of any individual element or subgroup of elements of the Markush group.

[0097] For any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any range listed can readily be recognized as sufficiently describing and allowing the same range to be divided into at least equal halves, thirds, fourths, fifths, tenths, and/or others. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can readily be divided into a lower third, middle third, and upper third, etc. All language such as "up to," "at least," and the like includes the recited number and refers to ranges that can be subsequently divided into subranges as discussed above. Finally, a range includes each individual element. Thus, for example, a group with 1 to 3 cells refers to groups with 1, 2, or 3 cells. Likewise, a group with 1 to 5 cells refers to groups with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so on.

[0098] From the foregoing, various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting.

Claims (14)

1. Container (10), characterized in that it comprises: a container body (14); a container lid (12) attachable to the container body (14), the container lid (12) comprising: a spout (44) providing access to an interior (18) of the container body (14); a housing (26) configured to selectively seal the spout (44), the housing (26) movable relative to the spout (44) between a first position in which the spout (44) is sealed and a second position in which the spout (44) is open; a push button (28) configured to selectively retain the housing (26) in the first position, the push button (28) movable relative to at least one of the nozzles (44) or the housing (26) between a locked position in which the push button (28) holds the housing (26) in the first position and an unlocked position in which the push button (28) releases the housing in the first position; and a latch (30) configured to selectively inhibit operation of the push button (28), the latch (30) movable relative to the nozzle (44) between a locked position in which operation of the push button (28) is inhibited by the latch (30) and an unlocked position in which operation of the push button (28) is disinhibited by the latch (30); wherein the lock (30) comprises a rotatable carrying handle relative to the spout, the rotatable carrying handle moves the lock (30) between the locked position and the unlocked position. 2. Container (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the latch (30) in the locked position is configured to inhibit operation of the push button (28) by inhibiting the application of an opening force to at least a portion of the push button (28). 3. Container (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least a portion of the push button (28) comprises at least one of: an upper half of the push button (28); one half of a contact portion of the push button (28) that is accessible when the latch (30) is in the unlocked position; a central axis of the push button (28); and a centroid of the push button (28). 4. Container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: the housing (26) is rotatably coupled to the spout (44); the housing (26) comprises a projection configured to interfere with rotation of the carrying handle relative to the housing (26) passing through the projection; and the carrying handle is rotatable between: the locked position in which the projection of the housing (26) is positioned above at least a portion of the carrying handle; and the unlocked position in which at least a portion of the carrying handle is positioned above the projection of the housing (26) and in which the housing (26) and the carrying handle are rotatable independently relative to the spout (44). 5. Container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the push button (28) translates and rotates between the locked position and the unlocked position relative to at least one of the spout (44) and the housing (26). 6. Container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: the push button (28) comprises a push button engaging element (90); the housing (26) comprises a housing engaging element (76); the push button engaging element (90) and the housing engaging element (76) are configured to engage with each other to selectively retain the housing (26) in the first position; the push button (28) further comprises a contact portion (92) which is accessible when the latch (30) is in the unlocked position; a lower rear part of the contact portion (92) is horizontally movable relative to the spout (44) up to the limit of a first distance; when the push button (28) is in the locked position and the housing (26) is in the first position, the push button engagement element (90) overlaps horizontally with the housing engagement element (76) by an engagement distance; and the engagement distance is greater than the first distance. 7. Container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: the housing (26) is rotatable relative to the spout (44); the housing (26) comprises a projection configured to interfere with rotation of the carrying handle relative to the housing (26) that passes through the projection; and the carrying handle is rotatable between: a locked position in which the projection of the housing (26) is positioned above at least a portion of the carrying handle; a first unlocked position in which the projection of the housing (26) engages a receiving portion of the carrying handle such that the housing and the carrying handle can rotate dependently relative to the spout; and a second unlocked position in which at least a portion of the carrying handle is positioned above the projection of the housing and in which the housing and the carrying handle can rotate independently relative to the spout. 8. The container lid (12) attachable to the container body of claim 1, the container lid comprising: a container top (24) comprising a lid opening formed therein and two pivot assemblies (46) spaced apart from one another; and a latch (30) coupled to the container top and rotatable between a locked position in which the latch (30) inhibits opening of the lid (12), and an unlocked position in which the latch (30) forms a carrying handle, wherein a first end of the latch (30) is coupled to the container top at one of the two pivot assemblies (46), and wherein a second end of the latch (30) is coupled to the container top at the other of the two pivot assemblies (46). 9. Container lid (12) according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a housing (26) movable between a first position in which the lid is closed and a second position in which the lid is open, wherein the housing (26) is coupled to the upper part (24) of the container at the two pivot assemblies, and wherein the housing (26) and the latch (30) can rotate about the same axis. 10. Container lid (12) according to claim 9, characterized in that the latch can be engaged and disengaged from the housing (26), wherein when the latch (30) is engaged with the housing (26), both the latch (30) and the housing (26) are configured to rotate together about the axis, and wherein when the latch (30) is disengaged from the housing (26), the latch (30) and the housing (26) are configured to rotate independently about the axis. 11. Container lid (12) according to any one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the housing (26) is arranged between the first end of the lock and the second end of the lock. 12. Container lid (12) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that it further comprises a push button (28), wherein in the locked position the lock (30) covers a portion of the push button (28) and inhibits operation of the push button (28). 13. Container lid (12) according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises: a housing (26) movable between a first position in which the lid is closed and a second position in which the lid is opened, in which the housing (26) is deflected to the second position; and a push button (28) movable between a locked position in which the housing, when in the first position, is retained in the first position, and an unlocked position in which the housing (26) is released in the first position, in which, in the locked position, the latch (30) extends around the housing and covers the push button (28). 14. Container lid (12) according to claim 13, characterized in that when the latch (30) is in the unlocked position, the housing (26) is in the first position and the button is pressed, the button translates and rotates from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the housing (26) automatically moves from the first to the second position.