CN118025655A - Beverage container cover assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A cap assembly is provided that is configured to enclose a beverage within a beverage container. The cap assembly includes a cap, a cap cover, and one or more magnetic docking elements that bias the cap and cap cover relative to one another. To reduce spillage, various embodiments reduce contact between the surface of the lid and the lid cover, and/or include a gasket that selectively seals the vent.

Description

Beverage container cover assembly

Cross-reference to related patent applications

The present application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. application Ser. No. 63/382,636 filed on 7 at 11/2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

The present disclosure relates generally to containers and related devices. The present disclosure relates specifically to a cap assembly for a beverage container.

Beverage containers are commonly used to transport beverages for consumption. Beverage containers typically include a cap or lid that encloses the beverage within the container.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a drinking container comprising: a bottom panel defining a bottommost surface; an axis about which the bottom panel is centered; a wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel; a cover coupled to the wall; a cover rotatably engaged with the cover; and a biasing element coupled to at least one of the lid and the cover, the biasing element biasing the cover to prevent transition from the closed position to the open position relative to the lid. The wall extends about an axis, and the wall and the bottom panel together partially define a storage compartment. The wall defines an upper opening opposite the bottom panel. The cover partially covers the upper opening. The lid defines a drinking opening smaller than the upper opening. The cover includes a first tab extending upwardly away from the bottom panel, and the first tab extends circumferentially about and is centered on the axis. The lid closes the drinking opening when the lid is in the closed position and provides fluid communication between the storage compartment and the exterior of the drinking container when the lid is in the open position. The cap includes a first recess extending circumferentially about the axis, and the first recess receives the first protrusion.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a drinking vessel comprising: a bottom panel defining a bottommost surface; an axis about which the bottom panel is centered; a wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel, the wall defining an upper opening opposite the bottom panel; a cover coupled to the wall and partially covering the upper opening; a cover rotatably coupled to the cover; a biasing element coupled to at least one of the lid and the cover, the biasing element biasing the cover against transition relative to the lid from the closed position to the open position. The wall extends about an axis, and the wall and the bottom panel together partially define a storage compartment. The lid defines a drinking opening smaller than the upper opening, and the lid defines an inner surface facing inwardly toward the axis. The cover includes an outer surface facing outwardly away from the axis, the outer surface and the inner surface facing each other. The cover is actuated relative to the lid between an open position and a closed position. The lid closes the drinking opening when the lid is in the closed position and provides fluid communication between the storage compartment and the exterior of the drinking container when the lid is in the open position. The outer surface and the inner surface do not interface when the cap is rotated relative to the cover.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a drinking vessel comprising: a bottom panel defining a bottommost surface; an axis about which the bottom panel is centered; a wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel, the wall defining an upper opening opposite the bottom panel; a cover coupled to the wall and partially covering the upper opening; a first magnetically-responsive element coupled to the cover; a cover rotatably coupled to the cover; a second magnetically-responsive element coupled to the cap; and a gasket. The wall extends about an axis, and the wall and the bottom panel together partially define a storage compartment. The lid defines a drinking opening smaller than the upper opening, and the lid defines a vent that provides fluid communication with the storage compartment. The cover is actuated relative to the lid between an open position and a closed position. The lid closes the drinking opening when the lid is in the closed position and provides fluid communication between the storage compartment and the exterior of the drinking container when the lid is in the open position. The magnetic engagement between the first magnetically-responsive element and the second magnetically-responsive element biases the cover to prevent transition from the closed position to the open position. The gasket is coupled to one of the cover or the cap. The gasket engages the other of the lid or the cover when the cover is positioned in a closed position relative to the lid, and blocks fluid communication between the vent and the storage compartment when the cover is in the closed position.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a drinking vessel comprising: a bottom panel including a bottommost surface; an axis about which the bottom panel is centered; a wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel, the wall and the bottom panel together defining a liquid storage area, the wall defining an upper opening opposite the bottom panel; a cover coupled to the wall and covering the upper opening; a first magnetically-responsive element coupled to the cover; a cover rotatably coupled to the cover; and a second magnetically-responsive element coupled to the cap. The lid defines a drinking opening smaller than the upper opening, and the lid includes an inner surface facing inwardly toward the axis. The cap includes an outer lateral surface facing away from the axis and outwardly toward the inner surface of the cap. The cover is actuated relative to the lid between an open position and a closed position. The lid closes the drinking opening when the lid is in the closed position, and the drinking opening provides fluid communication between the liquid storage area and the exterior of the drinking container when the lid is in the open position. The outer surface and the inner surface do not interface when the cap is rotated relative to the cover. The magnetic engagement between the first magnetically-responsive element and the second magnetically-responsive element biases the cover to prevent transition from the closed position to the open position.

In various embodiments, the cover includes one or more protrusions extending upward and circumferentially around the axis, and the cover includes one or more recesses extending circumferentially around the axis. The one or more recesses receive the one or more protrusions.

In various embodiments, the lid includes a vent that selectively provides fluid communication between the liquid storage region and an exterior of the drinking container, and the drinking container includes a gasket coupled to one of the lid or the cover that engages the other of the lid or the cover when the cover is positioned in a closed position relative to the lid. In various embodiments, one of the cover or the cap includes a recess that receives the gasket when the cap is positioned in an open position relative to the cover. The recess and the vent collectively provide fluid communication between the liquid storage region and the exterior of the drinking container when the cap is positioned in an open position relative to the lid.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and drawings, which include. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of various embodiments. Furthermore, alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

Drawings

The present application will become more fully understood from the detailed description given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a lid assembly of a beverage container in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a top view of the cap assembly of fig. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cap assembly of FIG. 3, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a top view of the cap of fig. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the cap of fig. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the cap of fig. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a top view of a lid and cover according to another exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cap and cover of fig. 8 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a top view of a cap and cover according to another exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cap and cover of fig. 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Referring generally to the drawings, various embodiments of lids and covers for beverage containers are shown. The cover and lid are designed to be selectively actuated between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the beverage is accessible, e.g. for consumption by a user. In the closed position, the beverage is enclosed within the beverage container, thereby preventing spillage of the beverage from the container.

The various embodiments of the lids and covers described herein are configured to reduce, minimize, or even eliminate spillage and splash of liquid from the container. In various embodiments, the cap and/or cover includes a gasket that seals the vent when the cap and cover are in the closed configuration, thereby reducing the amount of liquid that may spill. In various embodiments, the cap and cover include docking elements, such as curved protrusions and recesses that receive the protrusions, that reduce the amount of liquid splatter as the cover is rotated relative to the cap. In various embodiments, the lid is configured to be coupled to a beverage container coupled to MilwaukeeWedges in a modular storage unit.

Referring to fig. 1, a drinking vessel, unit, and/or device, such as a beverage vessel 110, is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, beverage container 110 includes a bottom panel 118, a wall 114 (such as a cylindrical wall), a lid 130 and a cap 180 coupled to lid 130, and a biasing element 127. In various embodiments, the beverage container 110 includes a body 126 that includes the bottom panel 118 and the wall 114, and the body 126 defines the storage compartment 122 and the upper opening 124. A cover 130 is coupled to the wall 114 and/or to the body 126 (e.g., via the wall 114) and partially covers the upper opening 124. Each of the cover 130 and the cover 180 includes one or more magnetically responsive elements (e.g., magnets and/or ferrous metals). The bottom panel 118 of the container 110 defines a bottommost surface 120 of the container 110. An enclosure element, shown as wall 114, extends upwardly from bottom panel 118, and wall 114 extends about axis 112, such as circumferentially about axis 112. The wall 114 and the bottom panel 118 together partially define a storage area shown as storage compartment 122. In various embodiments, one or more of the body 126, the wall 114, the bottom panel 118, the lid 130, and/or the cover 180 are centered on the axis 112 (e.g., the bottom panel 118 is centered on the axis 112).

Biasing element 127 is coupled to at least one of cap 130 and cap 180. The biasing element 127 biases the cover 180 against transitioning from the closed position to the open position relative to the lid 130. In various embodiments, biasing element 127 includes one or more magnetically responsive elements shown as ferrous metal 156, magnet 158, and magnet 190. The magnetic engagement between the ferrous metal 156 and the magnet 190 biases the cover 180 to prevent transition from the closed position to the open position relative to the cover 130.

In various embodiments, magnet 158 is coupled to one of cover 180 and lid 130, and the magnetic engagement between magnet 158 and magnet 190 biases cover 180 to prevent transition from the open position to the closed position. In various embodiments, magnet 158 is coupled to cover 130.

The wall 114 extends upwardly from the bottom panel 118. The wall 114 defines an upper opening 124 opposite the bottom panel 118. One or more of the lids described herein are configured to be coupled to the wall 114 at the upper opening 124, thereby completely or mostly enclosing the storage compartment 122. For example, the lid 130 is coupled to the wall 114 and partially covers the upper opening 124, and the lid 130 defines a drinking opening 132 that is smaller than the upper opening 124. In a particular embodiment, one or more of the bottom panel 118, the wall 114, and the upper opening 124 are centered about the axis 112.

In particular embodiments, the coupling member 116 extends from and/or along the bottom panel 118. In a particular embodiment, the coupling member 116 is compatible with the coupling mechanism(s) described in International patent publication No. WO 2017/191628, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

One or more of the covers described herein are configured to reversibly and removably engage and disengage with the wall 114, such as at the upper opening 124 of the wall 114. In various embodiments, the lids described herein are engaged with beverage containers via an interference fit.

Referring to fig. 2-7, a cover assembly 128 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The cap assembly 128 includes a cap 130 and a cap cover 180. The cap 180 is rotatably engaged and slidably engaged with the cover 130. The cap 180 is rotatably actuated relative to the cover 130 between an open position and a closed position (fig. 3).

In various embodiments, beverage cap 180 includes a plug 228 (fig. 2) coupled to aperture 224. In various embodiments, a plug 228 extends through the aperture 224 to bias the cap 180 away from the cover 130.

Referring to fig. 3, in various embodiments, the cover 180 includes an upwardly extending tab 194 extending upwardly from the body 192 of the cover 180 above an upper surface 196 of the body 192, the upwardly extending tab 194 being configured to interface with a user to actuate the cover 180 between the open and closed positions. When the cover 180 is in the closed position, the cover 180 closes the drinking opening 132 of the lid 130, and when the cover 180 is in the open position, the drinking opening 132 of the lid 130 provides fluid communication between the storage compartment 122 and the exterior 111 of the drinking container 110. In various embodiments, lid 130 and cover 180 are coupled to the top of a beverage container (e.g., container 110), thereby enclosing a beverage stored within the beverage container.

Referring to fig. 3, in various embodiments, the cover 130 includes one or more tabs, shown as ears 136, 137, extending radially inward from the annular wall 134 toward the axis 112. In a particular embodiment, the cover 130 includes a tab, shown as an ear 136, that extends inwardly toward the axis 112. The ears 136, 137 at least partially secure the cover 180 to the lid 130. In various embodiments, the upper surface 196 of the cover 180 interfaces with the ears 136, 137 to secure the cover 180 to the lid 130. In various embodiments, engagement between the ears 136 and the cover 180 biases the cover 180 toward the bottom panel 118.

In the closed position (fig. 3), the drinking opening 132 of the lid 130 and the drinking opening 182 of the cap 180 are rotated out of alignment, thereby enclosing the storage compartment 122 of the beverage container. In the closed position, the beverage is sealed within the storage compartment 122 of the beverage container, thereby reducing and/or minimizing the ability of the beverage to leak from the storage compartment 122 of the beverage container 110.

The cover 130 includes a curved recess within the protrusion 138, shown as an arcuate recess 140. The arcuate recess 140 is defined by a reduced diameter section of the protrusion 138 that extends circumferentially around a portion of the cap 130 and is centered on the axis 112. In various embodiments, the recess 140 extends circumferentially about the axis 112.

Referring to fig. 3, cap 180 includes a body 192 that extends circumferentially about axis 112. Cover 180 includes a protrusion 186 that extends from body 192 radially inward toward axis 112 into recess 186. The protrusion 186 rotates within the recess 140 of the lid 130 when the lid cover 180 is actuated between an open position and a closed position relative to the lid 130.

Cover 180 is rotated about axis 112 by angle 218 relative to (e.g., about) cover 130. In various embodiments, angle 218 is between 25 degrees and 100 degrees, more specifically between 35 degrees and 75 degrees, more specifically between 45 degrees and 58 degrees, more specifically 50 degrees.

A magnetically responsive member shown as magnet 190 is coupled to cover 180. In particular embodiments, magnet 190 is rigidly coupled to cover 180, such as by embedding magnet 190 within cover 180. As will be described, the magnet 190 biases the cover 180 to remain stationary relative to the lid 130. In various embodiments, the magnet 190 includes a plurality of magnets (e.g., stacked magnets).

Referring to fig. 4-5, the lid 130 includes an inner wall 149 that extends peripherally around the lid 130. The inner wall 149 includes an inner surface 150 that faces inwardly toward the cover 180 when the cover 180 is positioned within the lid 130. The inner surface 150 defines a diameter 152. The diameter 152 of the inner surface 150 of the cap 130 is greater than the diameter 200 of the cap 180 such that the outer lateral surface 198 of the cap 180 and the inner surface 150 do not interface when the cap 180 is rotated relative to the cap 130. Applicants have observed that reducing contact between the outer lateral surface 198 of the cap 180 and the inner surface 150 of the cap 130 reduces and/or eliminates splatter of liquid that resides on the cap 130 as the cap 180 rotates relative to the cap 130.

Referring to fig. 5, the cover 130 includes a vent 154. The vent 154 provides fluid communication for air to enter the storage compartment 122 as a user drinks through the openings 132, 182, thereby reducing how much air enters the storage compartment 122 through the openings 132, 182 as the user drinks from the container 110, which may interfere with the uniform flow of liquid through the openings 132, 182. In various embodiments, the cover includes an upper wall 160 extending perpendicular to the axis 112, and one or more of the first projection 142 and the second projection 146 extend upwardly from the upper wall 160. In various embodiments, the cover 130 includes a wall 134 extending upwardly from the upper wall 160 away from the bottom panel 118, the wall 134 defining an inner surface 150 facing inwardly toward the axis 112.

Referring to fig. 5, in various embodiments, a first magnetically responsive member shown as ferrous metal 156 is coupled to cover 130 and a second magnetically responsive member shown as magnet 158 is coupled to cover 130. In particular embodiments, ferrous metal 156 and/or magnet 158 are rigidly coupled to cover 130, such as by being embedded within cover 130. When the cap 180 is actuated between an open position and a closed position relative to the cover 130, the magnet 190 of the cap 180 magnetically engages the ferrous metal 156 (open position) or the magnet 158 (closed position). In various embodiments, the ferrous metal 156 includes or consists of steel (e.g., the ferrous metal 156 is formed of steel). In the closed position (fig. 3), magnet 190 of cover 180 magnetically engages magnet 158. As a result of this engagement, the cover 180 is biased against transitioning from the closed position into the open position.

Referring to fig. 5, the lid 130 includes a first tab 142 and a second tab 146, each of which extend upwardly away from the bottom panel 118 when the lid 130 is coupled to the container 110. In various embodiments, the first projection 142 and/or the second projection 146 define a curve extending circumferentially about the axis 112. In various embodiments, the first projection 142 and/or the second projection 146 define a partial cylinder extending circumferentially about the axis 112. The first projection 142 and/or the second projection 146 extend circumferentially about and are centered on the axis 112. The first projection 142 extends circumferentially about the axis 112 for an arc length defined by an angle 144, and the second projection 146 extends circumferentially about the axis 112 for an arc length defined by an angle 148. In various embodiments, the second tab 146 is different from the first tab 142 and extends upwardly away from the bottom panel 118.

Referring to fig. 6, the cover 180 includes a tab 222 extending upwardly away from the cover 130. When cover 180 is in an open position relative to cover 130, tab 222 interfaces with right ear 137 to bias cover 180 toward cover 130, thereby increasing the seal between cover 180 and cover 130.

The recess 220 extends circumferentially around an outer portion of the cap 180. The recess 220 receives the right ear 137 when the cover 180 is transitioned from the closed position to the open position relative to the cover 130, thereby facilitating rotation of the cover 180 relative to the cover 130.

Referring to fig. 7, various aspects of the bottom of the cap 180 are shown. The cap 180 includes a first recess 202 within the lower surface 188 that extends circumferentially about the cap 180 at an angle 208 about the axis 112 from a first end 204 to a second end 206. In various embodiments, the cap 180 includes a first recess 202 extending circumferentially about the axis 112 and receiving the first projection 142. The cap 180 includes a second recess 210 within the lower surface 188, and the second recess 210 extends circumferentially about the cap 180 relative to the axis 112 from a first end 212 to a second end 214 (e.g., the second recess 210 extends circumferentially about a portion of the cap 180 relative to the axis 112). The second recess 210 has an arc length defined by an angle 216. In various embodiments, the second recess 210 extends circumferentially about the axis 112, and the second recess 210 receives the second protrusion 146.

The cap 180 defines a diameter 200. As explained above, in various embodiments, the diameter 200 of the cap 180 is sufficiently smaller than the diameter 152 of the cap 130 such that when the cap 180 is rotated relative to the cap 130, the lateral surface 198 of the cap 180 and the inner surface 150 of the cap 130 have reduced, little, or even no abutment with each other. In contrast, the contact between the first and second protrusions 142, 146 and the first and second recesses 202, 210 maintains the positioning of the cap 180 relative to the cover 130, thereby reducing or eliminating the amount of interfacing between the lateral surface 198 of the cap 180 and the inner surface 150 of the cover 130 as the cap 180 rotates relative to the cover 130. Applicants have observed that reducing contact between the outer lateral surface 198 of the cap 180 and the inner surface 150 of the cap 130 reduces and/or eliminates splatter of liquid that resides on the cap 130 as the cap 180 rotates relative to the cap 130.

In various embodiments, the cap assembly 128 includes a vent sealing mechanism (such as gasket 260 and/or gasket 384) in one of the cap 230 or cap cover 280 (fig. 8-9) or a vent sealing mechanism in one of the cap 330 or cap cover 380 (fig. 10-11).

Referring to fig. 8-9, a cover 230 and a cover 280 are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The cover 230 is substantially identical to the cover 130 except as discussed herein, and the cover 280 is substantially identical to the cover 180 except as discussed herein. In particular, the cover 230 includes a gasket 260 configured to engage the cover 280 when the cover 280 is positioned in a closed configuration relative to the cover 230, thereby sealing the vent 254. In various embodiments, when the cover 280 is positioned in a closed position relative to the lid 230, the gasket 260 is coupled to one of the lid 230 or the cover 280 and engages the other of the lid 230 or the cover 280. In various embodiments, when the cover 280 is in the closed position, the gasket 260 blocks fluid communication between the vent 254 and a storage compartment of the container (e.g., the storage compartment 122 of the container 110).

In use, when the cap 280 is positioned in a closed configuration relative to the lid 230 (fig. 7), the gasket 260 sealingly engages the lower surface 284 of the cap 280 to reduce and/or eliminate fluid communication between the storage compartment 122 and the exterior of the container 110 via the vent 254. When the cover 280 is positioned in an open configuration relative to the cover 230, the gasket 260 is positioned within the pocket 266. As a result, the gasket 260 does not interface with the lower surface 284 of the cap 280, and thus the vent 254 provides fluid communication between the storage compartment 122 and the exterior of the container 110 via the vent 254 (e.g., allowing air to enter the storage compartment 122 through the vent 254 when the user drinks a liquid). The ramp 264 helps to compress the gasket 260 closed when the cover 280 is in a closed position relative to the lid 230.

Referring to fig. 10-11, a cover 330 and a cover 380 are shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Cover 330 is substantially identical to cover 130 or cover 230 except as discussed herein, and cover 380 is substantially identical to cover 180 or cover 280 except as discussed herein.

The cap 330 includes a vent 354 and a ramp 352 (e.g., a raised surface around the vent 354). When the cover 380 is in a closed configuration relative to the lid 330, a gasket 384 coupled to the cover 380 engages the vent 354 to seal the vent 354. When the cover 380 is in an open configuration relative to the lid 330, the gasket 384 coupled to the cover 380 is disengaged from the vent 354, and thus, the gasket 384 is located within the pocket 366, thereby providing fluid communication between the storage compartment 122 and the exterior of the container 110 via the vent 354. In various embodiments, the cover 330 and/or the cover 380 include a bumper 386 that helps to slow the cover 380 relative to the cover 330 when the cover 380 is closed or opened, thereby reducing the amount of liquid splatter.

It is to be understood that the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and that the application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, the description is to be construed as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) may be made without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is not intended in any way that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in the order specified, unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. Furthermore, the article "a" or "an" as used herein is intended to include one or more components or elements and is not intended to be interpreted as having only one. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to a force.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to any combination of any features and any such combination of features may be claimed in the present application or in future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two components are directly or indirectly coupled to each other. Such coupling may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional members being attached to one another. Such coupling may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

Although the application has been described in the appended claims with a particular combination of features, various embodiments of the application relate to any combination of any features described herein (whether or not such combination is presently claimed) and any such combination of features may be claimed in the application or in future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions (including angle, length, and radius) shown in the figures are proportional. Actual measurements on the drawings will reveal the relative dimensions, angles, and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. The various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges surrounding the absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and proportions that may be determined from the figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the figures. Further, the actual dimensions not explicitly stated in the present specification may be determined by using the ratio of the measured dimensions in the drawings in combination with the explicit dimensions stated in the present specification.

Claims (20)

1. A drinking container comprising:

a bottom panel defining a bottommost surface;

An axis about which the bottom panel is centered;

A wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel, the wall extending about the axis, the wall and the bottom panel together partially defining a storage compartment, the wall defining an upper opening opposite the bottom panel;

A lid coupled to the wall and partially covering the upper opening, the lid defining a drinking opening smaller than the upper opening, the lid including a first tab extending upwardly away from the bottom panel, wherein the first tab extends circumferentially about and is centered about the axis;

A cap rotatably engaged with the lid, wherein when the cap is in a closed position, the cap closes the drinking opening and when the cap is in an open position, the drinking opening provides fluid communication between the storage compartment and the exterior of the drinking container, the cap comprising a first recess extending circumferentially about the axis, wherein the first recess receives the first protrusion; and

A biasing element coupled to at least one of the lid and the cover, the biasing element biasing the cover against transition relative to the lid from the closed position to the open position.

2. The drinking container of claim 1, the lid comprising a second protrusion that is different from the first protrusion and extends upward away from the bottom panel, wherein the second protrusion extends circumferentially about and is centered on the axis, and the lid comprises a second recess extending circumferentially about the axis, wherein the second recess receives the second protrusion.

3. The drinking container of claim 1, the lid comprising an upper wall extending perpendicular to the axis, wherein the first projection extends upwardly from the upper wall.

4. The drinking container of claim 3, the lid including a second wall extending upwardly from the upper wall away from the bottom panel, the second wall defining an inner surface facing inwardly toward the axis.

5. A drinking vessel as claimed in claim 1, the biasing element comprising:

A first magnetically responsive element coupled to the cover; and

A second magnetically-responsive element coupled to the cover, wherein magnetic engagement between the first magnetically-responsive element and the second magnetically-responsive element biases the cover against transition relative to the cover from the closed position to the open position.

6. The drinking vessel of claim 5, wherein the second magnetically responsive element comprises a first magnet.

7. The drinking container of claim 6, wherein the first magnetically responsive element includes a second magnet.

8. The drinking container of claim 5, comprising a third magnetically responsive element coupled to one of the lid or the cover, wherein magnetic engagement between the third magnetically responsive element and one of the first magnetically responsive element and the second magnetically responsive element biases the lid from transitioning from the open position to the closed position.

9. The drinking container of claim 8, wherein the third magnetically responsive element is coupled to the lid.

10. The drinking container of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a body extending circumferentially about the axis, and a third protrusion extending from the body toward the axis, wherein the cap includes a third recess that receives the third protrusion.

11. The drinking container of claim 10, wherein the third recess extends circumferentially about the axis.

12. The drinking container of claim 1, the lid comprising a second protrusion extending inwardly from the lid toward the axis, wherein engagement between the second protrusion and the lid biases the lid toward the bottom panel.

13. A drinking container comprising:

a bottom panel defining a bottommost surface;

An axis about which the bottom panel is centered;

A wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel, the wall extending about the axis, the wall and the bottom panel together partially defining a storage compartment, the wall defining an upper opening opposite the bottom panel;

A lid coupled to the wall and partially covering the upper opening, the lid defining a drinking opening smaller than the upper opening, the lid defining an inner surface facing inwardly toward the axis;

A cap rotatably coupled to the cap, the cap including an outer surface facing outwardly away from the axis, the outer surface and the inner surface facing each other, the cap actuated relative to the cap between an open position and a closed position, wherein when the cap is in the closed position, the cap closes the drinking opening and when the cap is in the open position, the drinking opening provides fluid communication between the storage compartment and an exterior of the drinking container, wherein when the cap is rotated relative to the cap, the outer surface and the inner surface do not interface; and

A biasing element coupled to at least one of the lid and the cover, the biasing element biasing the cover against transition relative to the lid from the closed position to the open position.

14. The drink container of claim 13, wherein the lid includes a first tab extending upwardly away from the bottom panel, wherein the first tab extends circumferentially about and is centered about the axis, and the cover includes a first recess extending circumferentially about the axis, wherein the first recess receives the first tab.

15. The drinking container of claim 14, the lid comprising an upper wall extending perpendicular to the axis, wherein the first projection extends upwardly from the upper wall.

16. The drinking container of claim 15, the lid comprising a second wall extending upwardly from the upper wall away from the bottom panel, the second wall defining the inner surface facing inwardly toward the axis.

17. The drinking container of claim 13, the lid comprising an upper wall extending perpendicular to the axis and a second wall extending upwardly from the upper wall away from the bottom panel, the second wall defining the inner surface facing inwardly toward the axis.

18. A drinking container comprising:

a bottom panel defining a bottommost surface;

An axis about which the bottom panel is centered;

A wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel, the wall extending about the axis, the wall and the bottom panel together partially defining a storage compartment, the wall defining an upper opening opposite the bottom panel;

A lid coupled to the wall and partially covering the upper opening, the lid defining a drinking opening smaller than the upper opening, the lid defining a vent port providing fluid communication with the storage compartment;

A first magnetically responsive element coupled to the cover;

a cap rotatably coupled to the lid, the cap actuated relative to the lid between an open position and a closed position, wherein when the cap is in the closed position, the cap closes the drinking opening and when the cap is in the open position, the drinking opening provides fluid communication between the storage compartment and an exterior of the drinking container;

A second magnetically-responsive element coupled to the cover, wherein magnetic engagement between the first magnetically-responsive element and the second magnetically-responsive element biases the cover to prevent transition from the closed position to the open position; and

A gasket coupled to one of the lid or the cover, the gasket engaging the other of the lid or the cover when the cover is positioned in the closed position relative to the lid, wherein the gasket blocks fluid communication between the vent and the storage compartment when the cover is in the closed position.

19. The drinking container of claim 18, the lid comprising a protrusion extending inwardly from the lid toward the axis, wherein engagement between the protrusion and the lid biases the lid toward the bottom panel.

20. The drinking container of claim 18, the lid comprising a protrusion extending upwardly away from the bottom panel, wherein the protrusion extends circumferentially about and is centered about the axis, and the lid comprises a first recess extending circumferentially about the axis, wherein the first recess receives the protrusion.