Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
  • A47G19/00—Table service
  • A47G19/22—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
  • A47G19/2205—Drinking glasses or vessels
  • A47G19/2266—Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
  • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
  • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
  • B65D47/30—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with plug valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by turning a cylindrical or conical plug without axial passageways
  • B65D47/305—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with plug valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by turning a cylindrical or conical plug without axial passageways provided with a spout, e.g. "escargot"-type valve

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a lid for a container and more particularly, a sport spout lid for a container that can be easily disassembled for improved cleaning.
• the present disclosure provides a lid assembly for a sports bottle or travel bottle.
• the lid assembly has a lid, a spout, and a valve.
• the lid assembly may also have a straw.
• the lid has an upper surface and a bottom surface with a first port that communicates between the upper surface and the bottom surface.
• the spout has at least one exterior surface and at least one interior surface, the at least one interior surface defining a channel such that fluid can pass through the channel.
• the spout has a first spout end and a second spout end.
• the spout is removably connectable to the lid such that the spout, particularly the spout second end and the channel that is adjacent to said spout second end can be more readily cleaned.
• the spout is rotatably connectable to the lid such that the spout can move from a closed position to an open position about at least a first axis.
• some embodiments may provide for a spout that is rotatable about a second axis, third axis and/or nth axis.
• the valve has at least one valve exterior surface and at least one valve interior surface.
• the valve interior surface defines a channel that is in fluid communication with said spout.
• the valve is removably connectable to said lid.
• the valve is removably connectable to the first port.
• the valve provides a substantially leak-resistant seal with the lid.
• the lid assembly When in a closed position or when a user is not applying a force to the spout first end and thereby withdrawing fluid through the valve and spout, the lid assembly is substantially leak resistant.
• the lid may also be substantially spill resistant, as it may sealingly engage a cup such that fluid stored within the container would not circumvent the connection between the container and the lid upon knocking the cup over.
• the lid assembly is in a closed position when said spout second end is adjacent the upper surface of the lid.
• the lid assembly is in an open position when said second spout end is aligned with said first port such that fluid can be withdrawn from said spout first end by applying a force to said spout first end, and/or tilting said vessel such that gravity (i.e. the applied force) assists in dispensing fluid from the first port.
• the lid is grippable such that the spout or the valve can be connected to and/or removed from the lid by exerting less than or equal to ten pounds of force on the spout or valve.
• the lid is grippable by holding the upper surface, bottom surface, or both.
• the lid has a perimeter that is also grippable.
• the lid perimeter, the upper surface, and/or the bottom surface may have one or more protruding features or one or more raised structures that assist with holding the lid and/or preventing slippage if the lid is wet or soiled.
• the spout has a platform surface and/or a platform wall that assist in (a) moving the spout between a closed position and an open position, and/or (b) being grippable such that the user is more easily able to remove the spout from the lid.
• a vent valve is also provided for.
• the vent valve provides fluid communication between the upper surface of the lid and the bottom surface of the lid.
• the vent valve matingly engages a second port in the lid.
• the vent valve is integral with the valve and is connected to the valve by a bridge.
• the valve has a tab that assists in removably connecting the valve to the lid; the user grips the tab and applies a force to the tab in order to remove the valve from the lid.
• the tab can assist in removing the straw from the valve.
• Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of disassembling the lid assembly for easy and proficient contact cleaning of all areas of lid assembly components.
• the method provides for the steps, in any order, of (a) removing the spout from the lid and (b) removing the valve from the lid, such that all components can be easily cleaned.
• another step (c) removing the straw from the valve is also provided for.
• FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bottle assembly
• FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of a lid assembly
• FIG. 3A is a perspective top view of a lid
• FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a lid
• FIG. 3C is a lower perspective view of a lid
• FIG. 4A is an upper perspective view of a spout
• FIG. 4B is a lower perspective view of a spout
• FIG. 5A is an upper perspective view of a valve
• FIG. 5B is a lower perspective view of a valve
• FIG. 6 is a side view of a spout and valve
• FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of a lid assembly
• FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of a spout, valve and straw
• bottle is hereinafter defined to comprise, and/or be interchangeable with, any of the following terms, without limitation: bottle, cup, container, and/or vessel.
• spout is hereinafter defined to comprise, and/or be interchangeable with, any of the following terms, without limitation: spout, nozzle, spigot, and/or tap.
• engagingly engage is hereinafter defined to comprise, and/or be interchangeable with, any of the following terms, without limitation: friction fit, male-female connection, snap-fit, press-fit, and/or interference fit.
• Bottle assembly 10 has a bottle 12 and a lid assembly 13.
• the lid assembly 13 has a lid 14, a spout 16, and a valve 20.
• some embodiments further have a straw 18.
• the spout 16 matingly engages lid 14 such that spout 16 is rotatably connectable to the lid 14.
• the spout 16 and valve 20 are removably connectable to the lid 14; the straw 18 is removably connectable to the valve 20.
• the spout 16, valve 20 and/or straw 18, are removably connectable when less than or equal to ten pounds of force are applied to the spout 16, valve 20, and/or straw 18, when the lid 14 and/or valve 20 are stationary.
• the spout 16 can be removed from the lid 14 with less than or equal to ten pounds of force being applied to the spout 16 along axis 104 such that the force is applied in a direction away from where the spout 16 connects to the lid 14; similarly, the spout 16 can be connected to the lid 14 along axis 104 with less than or equal to ten pounds of force being applied to the spout 16 in a direction towards where the spout 16 connects to the lid 14.
• the present disclosure is advantageous in that it permits easy assembly and disassembly of the lid assembly 13 such that all features of lid assembly 13 can be easily disassembled, cleaned and recombined. Further, the present disclosure's lid assembly 14 can have as few as three (3) individual components, where each component is easily grippable and requires less than or equal to ten pounds of force in order to connect or disconnect connectable lid assembly 14 components.
• the bottle assembly 10 has a bottle 12 with an outer wall 22, an inner wall (not shown) where the inner wall 22 defines a volume for holding liquid.
• the inner wall can comprise one or more walls or segments, such as, a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a rear wall, and a bottom wall.
• the walls can be integral or separate and connected to each other such that a volume is formed.
• the cup has an opening and an upper rim that matingly engages a lid 14.
• the lid 14 has an upper surface 32, a bottom surface 34 opposite to the upper surface 32, and a first port 40 that communicates between the upper surface 32 and bottom surface 34.
• the lid 14 has an upper surface 32, a bottom surface 34 opposite to the upper surface 32, and a first port 40 that communicates between the upper surface 32 and bottom surface 34.
• a spout 16 is removably connectable to the lid 14.
• the spout 16 has at least one exterior surface 24 and at least one interior surface 26.
• the at least one interior surface 26 defines a channel 28 where fluid can pass therethrough.
• the at least one exterior surface 24 and/or at least one interior surface 26 can, in some embodiments, have multiple surfaces that create any number of geometric configurations and shapes.
• the at least one exterior surface 24 can be the same geometric configuration as the at least one interior surface 26, or they can be different.
• the at least one exterior surface 24 and/or at least one interior surface 26 can be a plurality of separate sections that are at least partially connectable and/or integral.
• the spout 16 exterior surface 24 is generally rectangular in cross section.
• the spout 16 interior surface 26 is generally rectangular in cross section. Thereby forming a channel 28 having a rectangularly prismatic shape.
• a valve 20 is removably connectable to the lid 14.
• the valve 20 has at least one exterior surface 36 and at least one interior surface 38.
• the at least one interior surface 38 defines a channel 30 such that fluid can pass therethrough.
• the valve 20 has a valve member 17.
• the valve member 17 can be a slit valve having one or more slits in any number of configurations.
• the slit valve 17 can be shaped in an "X" such that there are four (4) individual, triangularly shaped flaps.
• the slit valve can comprise six (6), eight (10), or "n" flaps.
• the slit valve can comprise one, two, three or "n” individual slits.
• the valve member 17 can comprise any number and configuration of slits and/or flaps.
• Valve member 17 can be a one-way or a two-way valve.
• valve member 17 is a one-way valve such that fluid can be withdrawn through the valve 20 in one direction but fluid cannot be forced back through valve 20 in another direction. Functionally, this can prevent a user from pushing fluid back through the valve 20 potentially causing contamination amongst the fluid in bottle 12.
• Valve member 17 can comprise a flat, concave, and/or convex surface, and can be generally any of the aforementioned shapes or other geometries known in the art.
• lid 14 has a second port 42 that communicates between the upper surface 32 and the bottom surface 34.
• the terms “upper surface” and “top surface” refer to the same feature, while the terms “lower surface” and “bottom surface” refer to the same feature.
• the vent valve 44 can have the aforementioned features describing valve 20. Vent valve 44 can be shaped and sized to be the same or different from valve 20. The vent valve 44 matingly engages the second port 42.
• lid 14 and spout 16 have mating features that enable spout 16 to be removably connectable to lid 14.
• lid 14 has a recessed track 50 that allows for protrusions 15 on the spout 16 to slide into the recessed track 50 thereby forming a connection between the lid 14 and spout 16.
• the spout 16 and recessed track 50 of the lid 14 form an interference fit such that either the protrusions 15on the spout 16 or the recessed track 14 of the lid 14 are able to deflect enough to allow for easy connection of the spout 16 to lid 14 but also to create a sufficient connection such that the spout 16 doesn't disconnect from the lid 14 during use.
• recessed track 50 has a further pit 52 such that protrusion 15 will press-fit into the pit 52 thereby maintaining connection between the spout 16 and the lid 14 until a sufficient removal force is applied to the spout 16.
• the pit 52 and at least one protrusion 15 form a further secure connection between the spout 16 and the lid 14.
• Recessed track 50 can be a bayonet- style track.
• recessed track 50 can have a protrusion 54 in a portion of the recessed track 50 such as the middle, such that protrusion 15 on the spout 16 must pass over the recessed track 50 protrusion 54 in order to be connected to the lid 14 in a more secured position.
• the spout 16 has two protrusions 15 that are on opposite sides of said spout such that the spout can rotate uniformly in at least one plane.
• the spout 16 may be connectable to the lid 14 by applying less than or equal to ten (10) pounds of force to the spout 16, the lid 14, and/or a combination thereof, such that one or more protrusions 15 of the spout 16 engages the open end of the recessed track 50.
• the spout 16 may be removable from the lid 14 by applying less than or equal to ten (10) pounds of force to the spout 16, the lid 14, and/or a combination thereof.
• the protrusions 15 are cylindrically shaped such that a user is able to place one or more protrusions 15 in the open end of the recessed track 50 thereby easily connecting, disconnecting, or both connecting and disconnecting the spout 16 to the lid 14.
• protrusions 15 can be any geometric shape so long as they are able to engage recessed track 50 and provide an assembled configuration and a disassembled configuration.
• the spout 16 has a platform 56 and a platform wall 58 being sized and shaped to receive a user's finger to allow a user to more easily move the spout 16 from a closed position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, to an open position.
• a fully open position is when the spout 16 is rotated from lid 14 such that spout 16 is generally parallel to axis 104.
• the spout's 16 geometry and its connection to lid 14 may enable a range of fully opened positions spanning beyond axis 104 in a variety of directions.
• a fully closed position will be described in further detail, but referring to the embodiment shown in FIG.
• a fully closed position is when the length of spout 16 is parallel to axis 102.
• the spout platform 56 and/or platform wall 58 also allow a user to grip said spout 16 and remove it from said lid 14.
• the spout platform 56 and/or platform wall 58 provide multiple benefits to a user.
• the platform 56 and/or the platform wall 58 may be shaped, sized and positioned along the spout 16 in order to provide an ergonomic feature for a user to move the spout 16 between open and closed positions (and partial positions therebetween) and/or to connect and/or remove the spout 16 to/from the lid 14.
• the spout platform 56 is substantially flat and parallel to the spout exterior top surface 60.
• the spout platform 56 is located proximal to a second end 62 of the spout 16 that engages the valve member 20.
• the spout platform wall 58 can be arcuately shaped to accommodate the curvature of a user's finger.
• the spout platform wall 58 is in perpendicular relation to the spout exterior top surface 60 and/or the spout platform 56.
• the spout platform wall 58 is located proximal to where the spout 16 connects to the lid 14.
• the second end 60 of the spout 16 has an exterior surface 24 that is least partially spherical and thus forming a bearing surface that allows for rotation of the spout 16 in at least one plane.
• the second end 60 of the spout 16 has an interior surface 26 defined by at least one wall 27 that defines a channel 28 that communicates with the rest of channel 28 formed by the aforementioned channel 28 of the spout 16.
• the channel 28 has a consistent geometry along the entire length of the spout 16 (i.e. from the second end 60 to the first spout end 64 where liquid can be withdrawn from the spout by a user).
• the spout 16 channel 28 reduces in cross-section from the spout 16 second end 62 to the first end 64 to adjust the flow rate and/or quantity of fluid travelling through the spout 16.
• the second end 60 of the spout 16 has an exterior surface 24 that is at least partially cylindrical such that a bearing surface is formed allowing rotation of the spout 16 in at least one plane.
• the spout exterior surface 24 may be geometrically shaped such that rotation of the spout 16 is achieved in at least one plane such that the spout exterior surface 24 does not form a traditional bearing surface.
• the spout exterior surface 24 could be rectangular and still enable rotation of the spout in at least one plane so long as there is sufficient clearance between the spout 16 exterior surface 24 of the spout 16 that connects to the lid 14.
• the lid top surface 32 defines a lid channel sized 66 and shaped to receive said spout 16 in said closed position.
• the lid channel 66 minimizes the footprint of the lid assembly 13.
• the lid channel 66 may be similarly sized and shaped such that the spout 16 is snug within the lid channel 66.
• the lid channel 66 may be shaped and sized to accommodate a gap around the spout 16 such that a user can manipulate the spout 16 and move the spout 16 from a closed position to an open position.
• the lid channel 66 has a first wall 68 and a second wall 70 substantially opposite the first wall 68.
• the first wall 68 and said second wall 70 are connected by third 72 and fourth walls 74.
• the first wall 68 and second wall 70 each have a recessed track 50 having an open end that communicates with the lid channel 66 and the top surface 32 of said lid 14.
• the recessed track 50 also has a closed end such that the recessed track 50 matingly engages a protrusion 15 of the spout 16 such that the spout 16 is removably connectable to the lid 14.
• the lid channel 66 is arcuate about the meeting between the bottom wall 76 and the first wall 68, the second wall 70, the third wall 72, the fourth wall 74, and combinations thereof. In some further embodiments, the lid channel 66 is arcuate about the meeting of the bottom wall 76 and the first wall 68 such that the first port 40 has a perimeter 48 wherein a first wall segment 68 has a greater height than a second wall segment 70. In this particular embodiment, the valve member 20 is flush on the perimeter where the first wall 68 and bottom wall 76 meet, but the valve member 20 sits proud (i.e. above) the lid channel 66 on at least a portion of the rest of the perimeter 48.
• the lid 14 has a second port 42 that allows fluid communication between the top surface 32 of the lid 14 and the bottom surface 34 of the lid 14.
• the second port 42 can facilitate venting of air from within the bottle assembly 10.
• the lid channel 66 has a bottom wall 82 that further defines a second port 42.
• the first port 40 has a first port lip 84 located at a bottom end of the first port 40.
• the first port lip 84 provides a feature allowing for mating engagement to a lip 86 on the valve 20.
• the valve 20 has a valve first end 92 and a valve second end 94, the valve first end 92 being removably connectable to the first port 40.
• the valve 20 can be connected or removed (i.e. removably connectable) from the lid 14 with less than or equal to ten (10) pounds of force applied to the lid 14, the valve 20, and/or combinations thereof.
• the valve 20 further comprises a vent valve 44 having a valve exterior surface 36 and a vent valve interior surface 38.
• the vent valve interior surface 36 defines a channel 30 in fluid communication with the second port 42.
• a bridge 90 connects the vent valve 44 to the valve 20.
• the bridge 90 can comprise one or more connection points between the valve 20 and the vent valve 44.
• the bridge 90 can have multiple surfaces and a thickness. For instance, the bridge 90 may have a top surface 89 and a bottom surface 91.
• the second port 42 has a second port lip 96 located at a bottom end of the second port 42.
• the second port lip 96 provides a feature allowing for mating engagement to a lip 86 on the vent valve 44.
• the vent valve 44 has a valve first end 92 and a valve second end 94, the valve first 92 end being removably connectable to the second port 42.
• the vent valve 44 can be connected or removed (i.e. removably connectable) from the lid 14 with less than or equal to ten (10) pounds of force applied to the lid 14, the vent valve 20, and/or combinations thereof.
• the valve 20 further comprises a tab 98 that is grippable by a user such that the valve 20 is easily removed from the lid 14.
• the tab 98 can be located on any portion of the valve 20. In embodiments having a vent valve 44, the tab 98 can be located on the bridge 90. In other embodiments, the tab 98 can be located on the valve 20, the vent valve 44, or any portion of the valve 20 that facilitates connecting/removing the valve 20 to the lid 14 by the user.
• a straw 18 is included.
• the straw 18 is removably connectable to the valve 20.
• the straw can be removably connectable to the valve 20 such that the exterior surface 19 of the straw 20 is internal to an interior surface 100 on the straw connecting portion of the valve 20.
• Cup assembly 10 components can be made of materials including without limitation: plastics, polyolefins, vinyl, wovens, nonwovens, wood, metal, composites, laminates, latex, silicone, rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polystyrene, plastics by the trade names KOSTRATE, ABS, and/or combinations thereof.
• cup assembly 10 components are one or more colors, translucent, have decorations, graphics, patterns, textures, and/or any other aesthetically pleasing designs.
• the lid assembly 13 comprising a lid 14 having an upper surface 32 and a lower surface 34 with a first port 40 that communicates between the upper surface 32 and the lower surface 34.
• the lid assembly 13 also has a spout 16 having at least one exterior surface 24 and at least one interior surface 26.
• the interior surface 26 defining a channel 28 such that fluid can pass therethrough.
• the spout 16 is removably connectable to the lid 14.
• the lid assembly 13 also has a valve 20 having at least one exterior surface 36 and at least one interior surface 38, where the interior surface 38 defines a channel 30.
• the method provides for gripping the lid 14.
• the user also grips the spout 16 with either the same hand (or tool) or a different hand (or second tool), and applying a removal force to the spout 16.
• the user then pulls the spout 16 from the closed end of the pit 52 of the recessed track 50 and withdraws the protrusions 15 of the spout 16 from the open end of the recessed track 15.
• the user is able to grip the platform 56 and/or platform wall 58 to more easily remove the spout 16 (by removing protrusion(s) 15 from lid recessed track 50) from the lid 14.
• the user is also able to remove the valve 20 from the lid 14.
• the user grips the lid 14 in a first hand (or tool) and grips the valve 20 in the same hand (or tool) or a second hand (or second tool), and applies a removal force to the valve 20.
• the valve 20 has a bridge 90
• the user may grip the bridge 90 to assist in removal of the valve 20.
• the valve 20 has a tab 98
• the user may grip the tab 98 to assist in the removal of the valve 20.
• the lip 86 of any valve 20 i.e. valve 20 and/or vent valve 44
• any port i.e.
• first port lip 84 and/or second port lip 96 by deflecting the valve 20 such that the lip 86 is no longer matingly engaged with the lip of any port (i.e. first port lip 84 and/or second port lip 96).
• the straw 18 may be removed from the valve 20 by applying a removal force to the straw 18, the valve 20, or both. Once all components of the lid assembly 13 are separated, each component is ready for cleaning. In embodiments where the lid assembly 13 is part of a cup assembly 10, the lid assembly 13 can be removed from the cup 12 and the lid assembly 13 components can be separated and cleaned as described above. The spout 14 and the valve 20 can be removed in any order. In embodiments with a straw 18, the straw 18 can be removed at any point during the disassembly of the other lid assembly 13 components.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Pediatric Medicine (AREA)
• Closures For Containers (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=52355210

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (4)

Families Citing this family (1)

Family Cites Families (8)

• 2014
  • 2014-12-17 WO PCT/US2014/070822 patent/WO2015095307A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2014-12-17 CA CA2930610A patent/CA2930610A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2014-12-17 EP EP14827934.2A patent/EP3082516A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2014-12-17 CN CN201480069258.5A patent/CN105813507A/zh active Pending

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events