MXPA01003933A - Lip-openable spill-proof container - Google Patents

Abstract

A lip-openable lid (20) is provided for use in connection with a container (10) or container cap having a valve seat and an opening for egress of container contents. A lip-openable container is also provided that employs the lip-openable lid. The lid (50) is comprised of a gasket (100) with a lip-engageable annular wall (102), a central portion radially inward of the wall, and a peripheral flange (104) that is engageable with the valve seat. The lid includes a rigid support (22) that has liquid flow openings, supports the central portion of the gasket and positions the gasket against the valve seat. The gasket may be secured to the support. The central portion of the gasket is comprised of a flexible elastomerand is capable of flexing and stretching to displace the flange from the valve seat when downward pressure is applied against the gasket. When downward pressure is applied, the central portion of the gasket contacts the rigid support and flexes and stretches downward from and/or over the rigid support.

Description

SPILL PROOF CONTAINER THAT CAN BE OPENED WITH THE LIPS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to containers for drinking liquids. More particularly, the present invention is directed to drinking containers and lids of drinking containers that can be opened with the lips of the user. The containers that can be opened with the lips are known. Such containers are desirable for children in their progression from the use of a container whose lid has a spigot, to an adult-sized open drinking container. Containers that can be opened with the lips are desirable because in comparison to containers with a spigot, they do not require the orientation of the vessel to put a spout towards the child's lips, and help the children learn the action of sucking necessary for the use of a container with the open end, such as a glass. Also, containers that can be opened with the lips are highly convenient since only one is required REF: 128976 hand to drink from the container, and when the action of drinking is completed the container closes automatically. To date, containers that can be opened with the lips have used a movable lid seated within a central opening in the lid of the container closure. The lid works like a valve. In its normal position, the lid is pushed or biased upwards by an underlying spring device, so that the periphery of the lid sits against an overlying, surrounding valve seat that is part of the closure lid. To drink from the container, a person uses his or her upper lip to push down on a portion of the periphery of the cap, against deflection of the spring, to create an opening between the cap and the valve seal that allows the liquid to flow through it. To date, the movable lid has been constructed of a rigid material. The application of the pressure of the lid to the rigid lid, for example, at about 9 o'clock on its circumference, could press the lid from a pivot point seeking a location at approximately 3 o'clock, for example, approximately 180 ° opposite from where the pressure is applied. This is disadvantageous because with the downward pressure of a user's lip, which is necessarily exerted in a relatively localized area, a portion of the rigid lid substantially wider than the localized area of pressure, for example, a segment of a Arc that approaches 180 ° or more from the periphery of a circular cap, is removed from the valve seat. This causes spillage on the sides of the user's lips. Also, a rigid lid does not have a natural feel and is uncomfortable to the user's lips. It may be desirable to have an improved container that can be opened with the lips, which does not require a spring device. It may also be desirable to have a container that can be opened with the lips, that does not employ a rigid lid, and that when opened, allows the liquid to flow into a user's mouth and not out or beyond it. It could thus be desirable to have a non-rigid lid which prevents spillage of liquid from an excessively wide opening, as created between a rigid lid and its surrounding valve seat when a user applies localized pressure with the lips to the rigid lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide such an improved container that can be opened with the lips, which does not require a spring member to deflect the cover against a valve seat. A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved container that can be opened with the lips, which movable lid is a flexible, non-rigid material. Another objective More of the present invention is to provide an improved flexible cap that is of a flexible material that is stretched and recovered to move the cap away from and in contact with a valve seat. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved flexible cap that is spill-proof. A further objective of the present invention is to provide such an improved flexible cap that does not leak. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible lid that is adapted to be bent or flexed in response to the application of localized pressure with the lip on the lid., and create a graduated, localized opening in the container in the pressure area applied with the lip.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide such a flexible cap that locates the flow of liquid within the mouth of the user and does not go outside or beyond the mouth of the user. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a flexible lid that is made of a soft material that has a comfortable and natural feel to the user's lips. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a flexible cover that is easy to use, even for small children. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible cover that is advantageous for small children and which in use can provide a dosed flow of liquid and prevent the child from receiving an excessive amount of liquid at one time. These and other objects of the present invention will be achieved by a container closed by a lid having a flexible package that can be opened with the lips, with a portion, preferably a peripheral portion thereof, in tension and releasably seated against a seat of superimposed valve. After applying the pressure with the lip to the package, the package bends or flexes and / or stretches in, from, adjacent and / or around the area of applied pressure, to remove the flexed or bent area of the seat the valve and create an opening that allows the liquid content of the container to flow through the opening towards the user's mouth. After releasing the pressure of the lid on the package, the flexed or bent or automatically stretched area returns and sits against the valve seat. Thus, the present invention is directed to a lid for use in connection with a container or container lid having a flange extending in an inward direction that forms a valve seat and defines an opening for the outlet of the container. contents of the container through it. The present invention is also directed to a container that can be opened with the lips, comprising a container body, a removable cover having a rim that forms a valve seat and defines a central opening, and a removable lid that can be opened. open with the lips. The lid is a package having a central panel having a flexible elastomer and a flange that is engageable with the valve seat. The lid includes a support that supports the central panel of the package and is capable of placing the package against the valve seat of the lid. The lid may also include means for securing the central panel, preferably a central portion thereof, to a central section of the support. The central portion of the gasket is capable of flexing and stretching to allow a portion of the flange to be displaced from the valve seat when pressure is applied downward against a portion of the gasket. The package preferably has an upright wall engageable with the lip, which may be rigid or flexible and is preferably annular. The support is preferably rigid, has a base, and has a central section connected to the base. When pressure is applied downwardly against the package, the central panel of the package can make contact with the rigid support, preferably a central section thereof, for example, a rigid support surface, such that a portion of the central panel of the package flexes. down from or around, or stretched in a downward direction from, or stretched over, the rigid support, to move the packing flange from the valve seat. The securing means of the lid may comprise a flexible elastomer and may be part of the package, preferably part of its central portion, part of the support, preferably part of its central section, or part of the package and support. The packing securing means can be a flexible member, for example a trunk or column, which is integral with and depends on the central panel, preferably a central portion thereof, and including retaining means for coupling the support structure. The trunk may have a closed end hole extending upwardly therein, and the cap may include a rigid plug having a pin seated in the hole to compress the column or trunk against the center section of the support and improve the coupling from the means of retaining the package to the support. The means for securing the support can include the structure, for example the coupling means, of the central section of the support, for the coupling structure, for example, the retaining means, of the packaging. The securing means of the center section of the support may include a rigid hub with coupling means that engage the retention means of the trunk of the package to flexibly secure the package to the support. The hub may include an annular bearing surface which engages a concavely curved surface of the trunk and facilitates flexing of the central panel of the package downward and radially outwardly of the annular bearing surface. The bearing surface can be placed under the central panel, preferably under the central portion thereof. The support securing means may include the rigid upright structure with openings therethrough and the pack securement means may include portions of the central portions of the package, which extend through the openings and which engage the structure rigid The rigid wall of the gasket may have a lower portion with a radially inwardly extending edge, to which the flexible elastomer of the central portion of the gasket is coupled, and a radially outwardly extending edge whose upper surface has a layer of a gasket. an elastomer with a peripheral ring seal protruding, erect thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the container assembly of the present invention; Figure 1A is a top plan view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 2 is an exploded side elevational view, with divided portions, of the main components of the container of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view, with divided portions, of the container of Figure 1; Figure 3A is a vertical sectional view, as in Figure 3, showing the packing of the lid 50 in the closed position; Figure 3B is a vertical sectional view, as in Figure 3, showing the packing of the lid 50 in the open position; Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view of the lid ring shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 5-5 of the packaging assembly shown in Figure 2; Figure 5A is an enlarged sectional view with divided portions of the upper left portion of the package of Figure 5; Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the packing support, divided from the packaging assembly shown in Figure 2, as could be seen along line 6-6 of Figure 7; Figure 7 is a top plan view of the packaging support shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a side elevational view as could be seen along line 8-8 of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view of the packing support, taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7; Figure 10 is a bottom view of a portion of the packaging support shown in Figure 7; Figure 11 is a bottom view of the portion of the packaging support shown in Figure 10, after a package is molded thereon; Figure 12 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the packaging support of the present invention; Figure 13 is a side elevation view of the packaging support shown in Figure 12, as seen along line 13-13 of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a side elevation view of the lid of the present invention, showing the pressure applied to the lid; Figure 15 is a top view of the lid of the present invention, showing the pressure applied to a lid; Figure 16 is an exploded front elevational view, showing the dimensions of the key components of a preferred container 10 of the invention; Figure 17 is a top plan view showing a preferred packing support of the present invention; and Figure 18 is a side elevational view of the preferred packaging support of the present invention, shown in Figure 17; Figure 19 is an exploded side elevational view, with divided portions, of the main components of a second alternative embodiment of the container of the invention; Figure 20 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 20-20 through the ring of the lid, shown in Figure 19; Figure 21 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 21-21 of the lid (packaging assembly) shown in Figure 19; Figure 22 is an exploded vertical sectional view of the lid shown in Figure 21; Figure 23 is a vertical sectional view of the annular wall of the package shown in Figure 22, before the annular wall has the elastomeric material overmolded on the portions of the wall; Figure 24 is a top view of the annular wall shown in Figure 23; Figure 25 is a bottom view of the annular wall shown in Figure 23; Figure 26 is a top view of the packaging support shown in Figure 22; Figure 27 is a vertical sectional view, with divided portions, of the container of Figure 19 fully assembled, and with the lid package in the closed position; Figure 28 is a vertical sectional view as in Figure 27, with the lid package in an open position; Figure 29 is a side elevational view of the lid shown in Figure 19, with the package tilted down in an open position as shown in Figure 28; and Figure 30 is a top view of the lid package shown in Figure 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to the drawings and, in particular, in Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of the container of the present invention is shown in general represented by the reference number 10. The container 10 has a closure 20 and a container body 300. As shown in Figures 1A and 2, the closure 20 has a lid ring 22 and, mounted thereto, a lid 50. The lid 50 is a packing assembly having a movable packing 100 and a packing holder 200. The gasket 100 functions as a valve. This is made of a flexible elastomeric material, and has a conical wall 102 that is outwardly widened, extending in an upward, annular direction. Around the base of the wall 102, there is a peripheral flange 104, which extends radially outward, annular. The carrier 200 of the package is made of a rigid material and has an annular peripheral ring portion 210 and an annular dependent skirt 212. The body 300 of the container has a body wall 302 whose upper end portion includes a helical thread 304, a wall 306 recessed radially inwardly, and a edge 308 having a peripheral side edge 310. As shown in Figure 4, the The lid ring 22 is a cylindrical structure having an upper wall 24 of conical shape, widened outwardly, and a dependent skirt 26. The outer surface of the upper portion of the wall 24 is curved concavely to receive the lower lip of the lid. an user. The inner surface of the wall 24 is also concavely curved and communicates with a rim 28 extending radially inward, having a lower corner 32 and an inner edge 30, and a lower surface 34 extending in a direction toward outside. The corner 32 and / or sometimes, substantially all or a portion of the bottom surface 34 functions as a valve seat for the flange 104 of the gasket 100. The bottom surface 34 communicates with a cylindrical wall 36 having one or more members that they project radially inwardly, here shown as four snap-fitting legs 38, equally circumferentially spaced, for mounting the lid 50 on the lid ring 22. Figures 3 to 3B show the lid 50 assembled to the lid ring 22 to form the closure 20 which is secured to the container body 300. To assemble the closure 20, the lid 50 is pushed up into the lid ring 22. The support ring 210 of the package is snapped or snapped into place on the snap-fit legs 38 that support and hold the packing holder 200 and lid centrally positioned and in a horizontal arrangement within the lid ring 22 . The lower surfaces of the press fit legs 38 are coplanar and fuse with a horizontal surface extending radially outwardly which forms a rim 40 on which the cap ring 22 rests on the edge 308 of the body 300 of the container. The flange 40 fuses with a cylindrical wall 42 through a sealing surface 42 angled downwardly and outwardly, which is engaged by the edge 308 and the side edge 310 to form a hermetic seal between the cap ring 22 and the body 300 of the container. As shown in Figure 3, the upper end of the inner surface of the wall 302 of the container body is fused at a bank 308 through a concavely curved surface 312. The outer surface of the wall 302 of the body may have an annular area, and the recessed panel 306 for mounting an annular sealing ring thereon and over it (not shown) to assist, if necessary, to provide an airtight seal between the lid ring 22 and the body 300 of the container. Figure 3 and Figures 5, 5A and 7 show that the holder 200 of the lid package 50 includes an annular ring 210, a dependent skirt 212, the radial spokes 214 and the structure to secure the package 100 to the support 200 of the package. Such a structure is shown including the central annular hub 216 extending upwardly from the annular spokes 214. The hub 216 has a lower portion 217 that includes a ring-shaped, annular channel 218 formed by a radially outer wall 220. and a radially inner wall 222, higher, having an annular edge 204 extending radially inwardly. The hub 216 has an upper portion 226 that extends upwardly (Figure 8) having upper spokes 228 extending from a central network 230 with a central hole 231 (Figure 7). The spokes 214 of the ring 210, the hub 216, and the annular ring 210 therebetween define the openings 232 for the flow of liquid therethrough. Between the upper spokes 228 of the upper portion 226 of the hub are the openings 234. The network 230 has a hole 231 therein for the flow of the packing material therethrough and into the hole 217 of the hub 216 during the overmolding of the packaging 100 on the support 200 of the package. The ring 210 of the packing holder 200 has a peripheral edge 211 extending radially outwardly with a lower surface 213 on which the packing holder 200 rests on the snap-fit legs 38 of the lid ring 22. The carrier 200 of the package also has a structure, here shown as the support ribs 236, circumferentially spaced to radially support and thereby centrally and horizontally placing the packing holder 200 on the lid ring 22. As shown in Figure 3, the support ribs 236 engage the curved surface 312 adjacent the edge 308 of the body wall of the container 300. Figures 3, 5, 5A and 7 show the lid package 100. 50 overmoulded on and positively secured to the holder 200 of the package. As shown in Figure 7, during the overmolding process, the packing material flows into the upper openings 238 and the hole 231 in the upper hub portion 226, and into the U-shaped annular channel 218, of the hub 216 Accordingly, the package 100 is preferably made integral or unitary with the carrier 200 of the package. As shown in Figures 3, 5 and 5A, the conical wall 102 of the gasket 100 preferably has an outer surface 106 angled downwardly and inwardly, and an inner surface 108 angled downwardly and inwardly, which is fused through a radius of curvature in a recessed center panel 110. Panel 110 need not be, but preferably is, in the same plane as top surface 112 of flange 104. Packing 100 has a peripheral bottom surface 114 , annular, which fuses with the dependent cylindrical central stem or base 116, to secure the package 100 to the support 200 of the package. The base 116 includes a retaining ring 118, annular, dependent, positioned and maintained in the U-shaped channel 218 of the package support 200. The upper portion of the base 116 is preferably recessed with a concavely curved, reduced diameter portion 120, which fuses with the lower surface 114. The concave portion 120 facilitates bending or bending of the outer peripheral portion 122 at or adjacent to the outer portion. the junction 124, when a user of the container applies pressure downward and radially outwardly with the lip to the inner surface 108 of the conical wall 102. The flange 104 of the package 100 need not have, but preferably includes the structure, shown here as a rigid annular ring 126, of a material for stiffening the flange 104. The annular ring 126 can be secured to or radially contained inwardly in the flange 104 in any suitable manner, for example, shown here by the upper and lower peripheral edge 105, opposite. Figure 3A shows the annular flange 104 in tension and pushed or deflected and seated against and along most of the lower surface 34 of the flange 28. This creates the seal between the gasket 100 and the cap ring 22. Figure 3A shows an empty space or space S between the outer side edge 107 of the flange 104 and the wall 36 of the lid ring. As will be explained, this space S allows the liquid to flow through it. Figure 3A also shows the inner diameter dimension of the flange 28 and the outer diameter of the flange 104. Figure 3B shows a left side portion of the pack 100 folded or bent in a downward direction by the application of pressure of the upper lip of a user on the inner surface 108 of the conical wall 102. As shown, the pressure moves the flange 104 away from the rim 28 and creates the passageway for the flow of liquid therethrough. Bending or flexing of the gasket 100 occurs in or around a central portion of the gasket, adjacent or at the junction 124 of the bottom surface and the base 116 of the gasket 100, and along and through the gasket portion 100 radially outwardly. of the junction 124. Unexpectedly, the application of the pressure with the lip against the underlying area of the packing usually does not move the flange 104 towards an interstitial position between the annulus 210 such that the liquid flows under the flange 104. Rather, as shown in Figures 3A and 14, it has been found that the flange 104 usually or always engages the ring 210 under the area where the pressure is applied, such that little or no liquid flows between the coupling surfaces. It has been found that, given the flexibility of the packing, and that, as shown in Figure 14, the portions of the flange 104 circumferentially on either side of the coupling area are spaced apart from the ring 210, the liquid flows out of the areas. open to either side of the mating surfaces. As shown in Figure 15, some of the liquid passes circumferentially along and around the outer peripheral edge 107 of the flange 104 in the spaces between the edge 107 and the wall 36 of the annular cover 22 in the area where the flange is it engages with the ring 210, and that the liquid passes into the user's mouth. Thus, in spite of the mating surfaces, the flow is towards the user's mouth as if the liquid had passed directly radially outward from an empty space between the portion of the flange where the pressure was applied, and an underlying portion. of the ring 210. Figures 6 to 10 show different views of a preferred embodiment of the carrier 200 of the package and particularly its hub 216 on which the base 116 of the package 100 is overmold and secured. Figure 6 shows the upper portion of the bucket 216, including the upper spokes * 228 and the edge portions 224 which are visible through the upper openings 234 between the spokes 228. Figure 7 shows the appearance of the train wheel of the carrier 200 of the package. The annular ring 210 of the packing support 200 is attached to the central hub 216 by the radial spokes 214. These structures define openings 232 between them and through the packing support 200. The hub 216 includes around its outer periphery and the inner walls 220, 222, respectively, defining the U-shaped channel 218. Extending radially inward from the inner wall 222 is the annular edge 224 which underlies and is shown to through the openings 234 between the spokes 228. The hub 216 has a central network 230 with a central hole 231. The spokes 228 extend radially outwardly from the network 230 and turn downwards and fuse on the inner wall 222. The network 230, the rays 228 and the inner wall 222 define openings 234 of conical shape. Below and visible near the tip of each opening 234 is a passageway 238 communicating with the hole 217 of the hub 216. Figure 8 shows the spokes 228 of the hub 216, and between these, the edge 224 and an orifice portion 217. Figure 9 shows the portions of the core network 230 of the hub 216 that in Figure 5 are embedded in the packaging material. Figure 10 shows the edge 224, the network 230, the orifice 231 and the passageways 238 of the hub 216. Figure 216 also shows the support ribs 236 spaced around the periphery of the ring 210. Figure 11 shows a portion of the packaging support 200 but with the packaging material M molded thereto and appearing through the openings 232 and in the hole 217 of the hub 216. Figure 12 is an alternative embodiment of a packaging support 2000 of the present invention. . The elements of the packaging support 2000 are the same, except where indicated otherwise. The packaging support 2000 includes an annular ring 2010 whose upper surface has a plurality of circumferentially spaced, extending upward projections 2015, variously shaped. The rays and the openings in a packaging support can be shaped in various ways. Figure 13 shows the 2015 projections on an annular ring 2010 that does not have a dependent skirt 212 or support ribs as in Figure 8. The 2015 projections help to break the turbulence in the flow of the liquid coming from the body 300 of the container, to through the openings 2032, and over the ring 2010 before exiting through the opening of the lid ring 22. The 2015 projections also prevent under the surface 114 of the tab 104 of the gasket 100 from coming into full contact with the upper surface of the ring and, at that site, preventing flow between the ring 2010 and the lower surface 114. Figure 14 shows the downward pressure that is applied, as by the upper lip of a user, on the conical wall 102 of the gasket 100. This causes the gasket 100 to flex downwardly around the junction of the base 116 and the lower surface 114 of the tab (not shown; see Figure 3B), such that a radially outer portion of the conical wall 102 flexes downwardly and an underlying localized portion of the flange 104 flexes and engages a portion of the ring 210 of the carrier 200 of the package. Figure 15 shows that the downward pressure applied as in Figure 14 typically provides a seal opening along a localized circumferential portion, which may vary but is shown here as approximately 75 degrees or less of the flange 104. Figure 15 also shows (dashed lines) the approximate circumferential path of the liquid flow around the outer edge 107 of the flange portion 104 that engages the ring 210 of the package holder 200.

Figure 16 shows the dimensions of the key components of a preferred embodiment of the container 10. "Reí" refers here to millimeters. Figure 17 shows the support 200 of the gasket having chamfered surfaces 233 around the openings 232 in the ring 210. Figure 17 also shows the diameter of the gasket support 200. Figure 18 shows the additional dimensions of the carrier 200 of the package. To assemble the closure 20, the lid 50 is inserted with the packing first into the lower opening of the lid ring 22 until the conical wall 102 projects through the opening 23 in the upper end of the lid ring 22. The upper surface 112 of the flange 104 engages and is bent downwardly by the corner 32 of the flange 28, and the ring 210 of the packing holder 200 passes over and snaps in place and its lower edge 213 sits on the pressure adjustment legs 38. The cap 50 is hermetically held in place "from above by the flange 28 and from below by the pressure adjusting legs 38. As the axial distance between the lower surface 34 of the flange 28 and the upper surface of the legs 38 of pressure fit is less than the axial distance between the upper surface of the flange 104 and the lower surface 213 of the outer edge 211 of the ring 210, the gasket 100 is kept in compression such that its flange 104 is pushed and deflected against the corner 32 of the flange 28. With the cover 50 seated in position, the six support ribs 234 which are equally circumferentially spaced around the ring 210, and which are preferably circumferentially positioned between the press fit legs 38, engage the curved surface 312 of the wall 302 of the container body and thereby help to stabilize the lid 50 and maintain it in a horizontal plane. n help prevent the cap 50 from being pushed down out of the press fit legs 38 by a downward force exerted on the packing wall 102 or the center panel 110. Once the closure 20 is assembled, it is assembled. threaded on the body 300 of the container until the projection 40 sits completely and hermetically against the edge 308, and the side edge 310 of the edge 308 engages the angular surface 44 of the ring 22 of the cover. This forms an airtight seal between the ring 22 of the lid and the wall 302 of the container body. To drink from the container, the user taps the container 300. While the curved upper outer surface of the wall 24 is resting on the lower lip, the upper lip is placed on and applies downward pressure against a portion of the inner surface of the wall 102 the gasket 100. As shown in Figures 3B, 14 and 15, this causes the gasket 100 to flex or bend in and around the junction of the base 116 and the bottom surface of the flange 114 , such that a radially underlying outer portion of the gasket 100 that includes a localized portion of the flange 104, flexes or bends and moves down away from and away from the corner 32 or the valve seat of the flange 28. With the flange 104 held or positioned either between the valve seat and the upper surface of the ring 210, or, more likely, in engagement with the ring 210, the liquid flows from the container through of the openings 232, 2032, on the ring 210 between it and the flange 104, around the outer peripheral portion of the edge 107 of any portion of the flange 104 that engages the ring 210, and on the inner surface of the wall of the lid ring in the user's mouth. By using the upper lip, the user can control the start, termination and volume of the liquid flow coming from the body 300 of the container. By varying the pressure applied by the upper lip, it is possible to vary the clearance between the ring 210 and the flange 104, and thereby vary the height and width of the flow stream. By narrowing or widening the circumferential arc of the expansion of the applied pressure, it is possible to locate or expand the flow current. It is also possible to locate, narrow or widen the circumferential extension of the engagement of the surfaces of the flange 104 and of the ring 210. With the application of pressure with the lip, the flexibility of the packing 100 provides a localized, graduated, flexure area. The amount of flexion is greater in, below and adjacent to the circumferential focal area or site of the applied pressure, and the amount of flexion that is progressively smaller away from the area or site. Figure 14 shows a downward concave area of the flange 104 whose longer radius of curvature could be below or near the area of greatest applied pressure. As shown in Figure 15, the flexure and consequent release of the flange 104 from the valve seat or flange 28 can be located to a segment approximately 75 ° or less of the circumference of a packing flange having a thickness of about 3.90 mm and made of an elastomer having a durometer of about 30. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, the use of a flexible cap provides localized flexing of the package 100 and localized flow of the liquid therein, instead of outside either one or both sides of, the user's mouth. The operation of a particular cover 50 as an effective valve may depend on several interrelated factors. These include, for example, the nature, properties and characteristics of the respective materials used to form the package and the packing support, the initial and operative spatial relationships between the key elements of the components (for example between the flange 28 of the lid ring 22 and flange 104, between flange 104 and ring 210 of lid 50, and between upper edge 107 of flange 104 and wall 36 of lid ring), the physical dimensions of those elements, and the intended application. As will be explained, these factors can individually or in combination affect each other and some trade-offs may be necessary. Typically, the procedure is to strive or attempt to employ the most flexible packaging you will obtain and maintain an effective seal given the application and intended use. According to the present invention, in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 18 the package 100 is shown which is one or more moldable, flexible materials. Preferably, the packaging material is one or more elastomeric materials. These materials are referred to herein as elastomers. These can have any suitable hardness or durometer. Suitable durometers can be from about 10 to about 70, more preferably from about 20 to about 45, and even more preferably from about 25 to about 35. The most preferred elastomer has a durometer of about 30. Preferably, this is employed to form the entire package 100. The durometer of the flexible material employed, expressed herein as Shore A hardness, will depend on several factors, including the narrowness and type of seal desired, the desired ease of use and the intended application. For example, generally speaking, materials with high durometers can be placed in higher tension and can form narrower seals with the valve seat. However, these require more pressure to release them from the valve seat and thus, they are more suitable for adult use than for children. Also, with a high durometer material, for example for a package, flange and flange formed and positioned as shown in Figure 3, when under tension, the flange will be at an angle to the edge of the horizontal ring or to the seat valve, and the seal only or mainly will be made by or on the corner 32 or the "rim edge." The hardness of the flange material and the sharpness of the corner angle determine if and how much the corner bites the flange. In this way, they can be easier to release and may be more suitable for use by children.With an elaborate packing of a low durometer material, the flange can be under tension and sealed against, or more at level with, a horizontal valve seat surface, for example, along a portion or more of the lower surface 34 of the flange 28. Preferred elastomers include those available from the Shell Chemical Company under its trade name KRATON, preferably under the KRATON G family of polymeric compounds The KRATON G family of polymeric compounds or elastomers are polystyrene-poly (ethylene) block copolymers n / butylene) -polystyrene. These block copolymers have three discrete polymeric blocks of the type A-EB-A, the end blocks (A) which are hard thermoplastic and the central block (EB) which is an elastomer. Usually, these block copolymers are composed of other materials such as oils, other polymers, fillers and additives to provide the block copolymers with the desired properties, such as to make them thermo-processable. The poly (ethylene / butylene) core blocks of the G family of the KRATONs are saturated elastomers and usually contain propylene. The KRATON G family of polymeric compounds can usually be thermally processed from about 190 ° C (375 ° F) to about 260 ° C (500 ° F). For preferred embodiments of the present invention, the preferred KRATON G block copolymer elastomer has a durometer of about 30. It has been found that this elastomer is particularly useful for a packing flange having a diameter of approximately 61.00 mm. , which is approximately 3.90 mm thick, and is for use in a container for small children, such as, for example, ages 3 to 5 years. Elastomers having a durometer of about 60 to 70 may lack sufficient flexibility, except perhaps for certain adult applications. Packages having elaborate elastomer tabs having a durometer of about 10 to about 20 may be too flexible to form or maintain effective seals and may leak under certain conditions, such as when the container is dropped. Elastomers having high, medium or low durometers can be mixed with one another, mixed or treated with other materials, or physically modified to make them respectively more or less flexible in general or in the desired localized areas. For example, a moderate or high durometer material can be used with another low durometer material, with each material being used in a different part of the lid or package to achieve a desired seal, ease of use and flow characteristics. As examples, the low durometer material may form the central base or top portion of the packing, and the higher durometer material may be used to form all or a portion of the flange. As other examples, the high durometer material can form a more rigid central portion and / or base, one or both of which can be attached directly or indirectly, for example through a moderate or low durometer seal, to a flange of moderate or low durometer. Also, a low durometer material can be selectively placed to be operative in a selected localized portion of an otherwise more rigid package, such as when drinking will only be effected at that packing site or lid. In addition, a lid 50 can be formed in one piece with a packing support portion that is inflexible, for example, rigid, a top portion that has the desired flexibility at the desired sites. The packaging support 100 can be made of any sufficiently rigid material. The packing support must not be bent or flexed so that it does not become detached or misplaced in the lid ring and so that bending or bending occurs substantially or exclusively in the packaging material. Examples of suitable materials include a polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene and polycarbonate either in a polymer or copolymer. Although for certain applications, for example for containers for low temperature liquids, a high density polyethylene can be employed, the preferred material for forming the packing support is a propylene polymer or copolymer. The preferred propylene polymer is polypropylene. Similarly, the cover ring 22 can be made of any rigid material. Although for certain applications it can be made from a polyolefin, such as high density polyethylene, the preferred material is a propylene polymer or copolymer. The preferred propylene polymer is polypropylene. The body 300 of the container can be made of the same materials as the lid ring 22.

Preferably, it is made from the same polypropylene. Important considerations for the effective operation of the container 10 are the spatial relationships of the closure elements 20. For example, if the distance between the ring 210 of the packaging support 200 and the flange 28 is not large enough, there may be insufficient available space so that the flange 104 flexes downwardly to allow the flow of the liquid when the flange 104 is disengaged from the flange 28. If the ring 210 is lowered relative to the flange 28 to create space for the flange to flex in a downward direction sufficiently , there may not be enough tension exerted by the flange 28 against the flange to effectively seal it against the flange 28. One factor affecting the flow of liquid from the cap 50 is the space S or the distance between the flange 104, especially its outer peripheral side edge 107, and lid ring wall 36. The shortening of the flange 104 increases the space and flow of liquid between its peripheral side edge 107 and the wall 36 of the lid ring 22, but can excessively reduce its flexibility and / or its ability to provide an effective seal that resists the opening . The reinforcement of the flange 104 somehow, as is preferred, with an annular rigid ring 126 of polypropylene, allows shorter flange diameters, better flow and sufficient resistance to rebound or explosion of the flange during the fall tests.

The closure 20 has certain features to minimize the accumulation of liquids on the upper surfaces of the internal components, and the possibility that the accumulated droplets of liquid fall from the lid ring 22 onto the user or the outside of the container body, when the lid ring is removed from the body 300 of the container. Removal of the cap ring 22 disturbs or breaks the surface tension between the accumulated liquid and the surfaces on which the droplets reside. In this way, the surface areas for the accumulation of liquid are minimized and features are provided to drain the accumulated liquid to the container 300. For example, the upper surfaces of the spokes 214 of the package holder 200 are chamfered at 233 (FIG. ). Also, the radial extension of the edge 308 of the wall 302 of the container body is minimized and the internal curved surface 312 is provided on the wall 302 of the adjacent body and below the edge 208, to facilitate the desired drainage. The support ribs 236 and the ring 212 around the periphery of the packing support also facilitate the desired drainage within the body 300 of the container. The lid 50 can be formed in the following manner. The carrier 200 of the package was the polypropylene copolymer injected into the first mold cavity under the conventional injection molding conditions and temperatures. The package holder 200 was then transferred to another mold cavity where the KRATON elastomer G was overmolded onto the package holder 200 such that the packing material flowed into the U-shaped channel 218, into and through the hole 231 and openings 234, through the passageways 238 and inside the hole 217 of the hub 216. The resulting lid having the overmoulded package 100 on and thus unitary with the packing holder 200, was cooled sufficiently and removed from the cavity of the container. mold. It is contemplated that it is within the scope of this invention that instead of, for example, securing the cap 50 to the cap ring 22 or confining it to an area in the cap ring 22 between the press fit caps 38 and the flange 28 , to place the gasket 100 and / or its flange 104 in tension, this can be done in another way. For example, the lid 50 can be maintained or supported by the suitable structure, for example on the body of the container, and the lid ring 22 can place the gasket 100 and / or its flange 104 in tension when it is secured, for example, threaded on the body of the container. Figures 19 to 30 show a second more preferred embodiment of the container and lid of the invention. More particularly, Figure 19 shows a container 10 'comprised of a closure 20', a lid ring 22 ', a lid 50' and a container body 300 '. The lid 50 'is a packaging assembly comprised of a movable package 100' and a packaging support 200 '. Figure 20 shows the lid ring 22 'of the container 10', which is basically the same as the lid ring 22 of the container 10, except that the lid ring 22 'does not have the press fit legs 38, to support a cap on this, and the cap ring 22 'has sealing means in the form of a sealing finger 46, conical, annular, integral, dependent, for the coupling and sealing of the edge 308' of the body 300 'of the container and assist in hermetically sealing the cover ring 22 'to the body 300' of the container. Figure 21 shows the lid 50 'with its packing 100' mounted on and secured to the packaging support 200 '. As shown in Figure 21, and also in Figure 22, the gasket 100 'has a rigid ring wall 102' engageable with the lips, erect, having a cylindrical outer surface 106 'and a conical inner surface 108'. The gasket 100 'has a recessed central panel 110', radially inwardly of the wall 102 ', and an annular peripheral flange 104' extending radially outwardly from the wall 102 '. The top surface of the flange 104 'preferably has a peripheral annular sealing protrusion or protrusion 132', erected therethrough for improved sealing of the flange 104 'to the valve seat 34 of the cap ring 22'. The central panel 110 'and the flange 104' of the package 100 'are comprised of a flexible elastomer such as that previously described herein, which is suitable for the formation of the package 100'. Suitable durometers of the flexible elastomer, for the embodiments of Figures 19 through 30, can be from about 30 to about 50. The most preferred elastomer has a durometer of about 40. The central panel 110 'of the package 100' has a surface lower 114 'which merges into a central, integral, cylindrical, cylindrical trunk 116' to secure the package 100 'to the support 200'. The central panel 110 'also has a generally designated central portion 103', which is an adjacent area, in or around, including radially inward of, the junction 124 'of the lower surface 114' and the trunk 116 '. The trunk 116 'includes a neck 117', and the retaining means in the form of an annular retaining ring 118 ', placed around the lower end of the trunk 116', for coupling to the support 200 '. The trunk 116 'also has a closed end hole 130', concave, extending in the upward direction. The neck 117 'of the trunk 116' is recessed with a concavely curved, downward, annular, surface 119 'forming a reduced diameter portion 120' extending between the lower surface 114 'and the retaining ring. 118 ', and fuses with an assurance surface 121', horizontal, extending in an outward direction. The curved surface 119 'and the reduced diameter portion 120' facilitate bending or bending and / or stretching of the elastomeric packing material 100 'in the area of the central portion 103' and the trunk 116 'when downward pressure is applied. to the annular wall 102 'of the package 100'. The support 200 'of the package is preferably a rigid structure. As shown in Figure 21, the support 200 'of the package supports the package 100', preferably its central portion 103, 'and as shown in Figures 27 and 28, places the package 100' against the seat 34 of the valve of the ring 22 'of the lid. More particularly, the support 200 'of the package maintains the upper surface of the flange 104' of the package 100 'in normal sealing engagement with the seat 34 of the valve of the ring 22' of the lid. The annular ring 210 'of the support 200' of the package is adapted, in terms of size and having surfaces that allow the ring 210 'to be sustainable or supportable, and maintained in position by contact or coupling with a surface of a container lid or lid ring, or a container. As shown in Figure 21, and also in Figure 22, the packing support 200 'is comprised of a base, preferably in the form of an annular peripheral ring 210' having a dependent skirt 212 ', a central section 250'. and one or more connecting members, preferably the radially extending spokes 214 ', which connect the ring 210' to the hub 216 '. Between them, these structures define openings 232 'for liquid flow through the packing support 200' to allow liquid to flow from the interior of a container body through the packing holder 200 'and, as shown in the FIG. Figure 28, under a displaced portion of the flange 104 'of the package 100' and out of the opening 23 of the lid ring 22 '. The lower portion of the outer end 211 'of the skirt 210' and the support ribs 236 'are positioned to engage a lid or container to hold the packing support 200' thereon. The central section 250 'of the packing support 200' is preferably rigid and preferably includes an upstanding annular cube 216 'comprised of an annular conical wall 252' with coupling means, preferably a head in the form of an annular protrusion or protrusion 254 '. having a bearing surface 256 'arched, convex, sloping downward and inward, with a recess 258' for engaging the retaining ring 118 'at the bottom of the trunk 116' of the package 100 ', and securing, preferably from flexible way, the package 100 'to the support 200' of the package. The hub 216 'has a cylindrical hole 260' therethrough, and the lower end of the hub 216 'has an annular projection 262' extending radially inward therethrough. As shown in Figure 22, the cap 50 'also preferably includes a cap, preferably a rigid cap 280', having a cylindrical rod 282 'and a head 284' in the shape of a disc whose peripheral side edge 286 'has an annular groove 298 'radially inward therein to receive and tightly engage the annular projection 262' of the hub 216 '. The plug 280 'also has a peripheral abutment surface 290' extending radially outward, to / prevent the plug 280 'from being inserted too much into the hole 130 of the trunk 116' of the package 100 '. To assemble the lid 50 'shown in Figure 21 from the components of the lid 50' shown in Figure 22, the flexible trunk 116 'of the package 100' is inserted into the hole 260 'of the rigid cube 216' of the support 200 'of the packing until the retaining ring 118' of the trunk 116 'passes the annular protrusion 254' of the hub 216 ', the bearing surface 256' enters the annular channel formed by the curved surface 119 'of the trunk 116', and the horizontal surface 121 'of the retaining ring 118' and the annular protrusion 254 'of the interconnect. This secures the package 100 'to the packaging support 200'. To improve the securing of these members, the rod 282 'of the plug 280' is inserted into and seated in the hole 130 'of the trunk 116' of the packing 100 'until the annular projection 290' of the plug 280 'engages the notch annular 298 'of plug 280'. As the diameter of the rod 282 'of the plug 284 'is larger than the diameter of the hole 130' of the trunk 116 ', the insertion of the rod 282' into the hole 130 'reduces the space, if it exists, between the flexible material of the trunk 116'. The insert also compresses the flexible material of the trunk 116 'against the hub 216'. The reduction in space and the compression of the material (compression not shown in the drawings) improves the securing of the package 100 'to the support 200' of the package. This securing of the package 100 'to the support 200' of the package is advantageous because it makes the cover 50 'difficult to separate, not only due to the aforementioned couplings and the compressive action, but also due to the tight seal between and the outline of the smooth outer surface of the periphery of the head 284 of the plug 280 and of the bottom of the hub 216 'of the packing support 200'. These factors make it difficult, especially for a child, or without tools, to remove the plug 280 'from the hub 216'. The securing is also advantageous because the head 284 'of the cap 280' seals the lower end of the hub 216 '. Figures 23 to 25 show the annular wall 102 'before it has the flexible moldable material, preferably the elastomeric material, molded or otherwise connected or bonded thereto. The wall 102 'is comprised of a rigid structural material, as previously described herein, as is suitable for forming the support 200' of the package. Preferably, the wall 102 'is made of polypropylene. The wall 102 'provides a rigid ring or annular structure on which the elastomeric material can be attached. The wall 102 'has a central opening 142', and a portion with an annular rim 134 'extending radially inwardly, and an annular rim 136' extending radially outwardly. Each flange 136 ', 138' has elongated holes 138 'extending vertically therethrough, and a bottom or bottom surface with cylindrical projections 140' dependent thereon. The holes 138 'and the projections 140' help to join the elastomeric material to the flanges 136 'and 138' of the wall 102 '. When the elastomeric material is bonded with or molded over (hereinafter "overmoulded") the flanges 136 ', 138' at elevated temperatures, the molten elastomer flows in a mold on and around the flanges 136 ', 138'. The molten elastomer flows in, and preferably through the orifices 138 ', joins, welds, or fuses itself on opposite sides of the respective flanges, and flows around and encompasses the projections 140', to mechanically join the elastomeric material to the wall 102 'and form the integral package 100'. Figure 26, a top view of the carrier 200 'of the package shown, for example, in Figure 22, shows the annular ring 210' attached to the central annular hub 216 'by radial beams 214' circumferentially spaced. Figure 26 also shows the annular bearing surface 256 'and the hole 260' of the hub 216 ', as well as the openings 232' defined by the ring 210 ', the hub 216' and the spokes 214 '. Figure 27 shows the lid 50 ', more particularly, its ring 210' and its support ribs 236 ', seated on the edge 308' of the body 300 'of the container, and the lid ring 22' screwed on and hermetically sealed to the body 300 'of the container with the lid 50' maintained between the edge 308 'and its curved inner surface 312 of the body 308' of the container and the valve seat 34 of the rim 28 of the lid ring 22 '. The airtight seal is obtained by the interengagement of the threads of the cap ring 22 'and the body 300' of the container and by the annular, integral sealing finger 46 of the cap ring 22 'which contacts and seals against the bank 308 'of the body 300' of the container. The support 200 'of the package could instead be supported or sustained by contact with any suitable surface, for example, with the snap fit legs 38 projecting radially inwardly on the inner surface of the lid ring 22, as employed in the first embodiment of the container of the invention. Figure 27 shows the flange 104 'of the package 100' in the closed position. As shown in Figure 27, the portions of the central portion 103 'of the central panel 110' are in tension on the hub 216 'of the packing support 200', and the flange 104 'is deflected and hermetically sealed against the seat 34. of flange valve 28 of ring 22 'of the lid.Figure 28 shows the flange 104 'in an open position. Figure 28 shows that when pressure is applied down the lip of a user or otherwise to a portion, here, a left-hand portion of the wall 102 ', the pressure bends or flexes and stretches a portion of the central portion 103 'of the packaging 100' downwards. This displaces the flange 104 'from the seat 34 of the valve of the rim 28 of the ring 22' of the lid, and creates a passageway for the flow of the liquid from the body 300 'of the container through its opening 23. As shown in Figure 28, when a rigid support such as a bearing surface 256 'of the hub 216' is employed to support the central panel 110 'of the package 100', some bending or bending occurs and stretching downwards from and on the bearing surface 256 ', especially on its peripheral edge. Some bending or bending and stretching also occurs along and through the portion of the central panel 110 'radially outwardly from the junction 124' in the general direction toward which the pressure is being applied to the wall 102 'of the gasket 100'. Some stretching also occurs in or along the portion of the central panel 110 'above and even to the right of the hub 216' of the support 200 'of the package.

Figure 29 is a side view showing the gasket 100 'of the lid 50' in the inclined position shown in Figure 28. Depending, for example, on the radially outward extension of the lid 136 'of the wall 102', and of the thickness of the elastomeric material above and peripherally beyond the flange 136 ', there may be compression, bending and / or elongation of the elastomeric material of the flange 104' in an area of approximately 180 ° from which the downward pressure is exerted on the the wall 102 ', where that area of the flange 104' is placed at a tension greater than the initial tension with the seat 34 of the valve of the lid ring 22 '. Figure 30 is a top view of the package 100 'of the lid 50' shown in Figure 29 in an inclined or open position. Figure 30 shows schematically by shading, some of the bending or bending and stretching of the central panel 110 'occurring in the area about, around and radially outward of the central panel portion 110' which overlaps the bearing surface 256 'of the cube 216 'of the support 200' of the packaging. The securing means of the invention for securing a package 100, 100 'to a support 200, 200' of the package may be part of the package, part of the package support, part of both, part of none, or a combination of the previous The securing means of the invention can be any suitable means such that, after application of the downward pressure of the package, the elastomeric material of the package bends or flexes, and possibly, preferably, is stretched downward to displace a portion. of the packing, usually from the packing flange, from the valve seat. Preferably, the displacement is effected by bending or bending and stretching the elastomeric packing material downwardly from, and / or downwardly on, the underlying rigid structure, preferably the packaging support. The securing means of the invention for securing the package 100 to the package holder 200 include the central trunk 116 which is integral with and depends on the package 100, and the retaining means in the form of the annular retaining ring 118 which is integral with the trunk 116 and placed and maintained in the U-shaped channel 218 of the packaging support 200. The securing means of the package holder 200 for securing the package 100 to the package holder 200 includes an annular cube 216 extending upwardly having a lower U-shaped channel 218, an annular edge 224, and a network central 230 with a central hole 231 and rays 228 with openings 234 in these, so that the elastomeric material flows through them and through them during overmolding of the package 100 on the support 200 of the package. Once overmolded, the lid 50 is in one piece. The securing means of the invention for securing the package 100 'to the support 200' of the package includes the central trunk 116 'which is integral and depends on the package 100', and the retaining means in the form of the annular retaining ring 118 ' which is integral with the trunk 116 'and which includes an assurance surface 121' for interlocking and interlocking with the recess 256 'of the annular protrusion 254' of the support 200 'of the package. The securing means of the support 200 'of the package for securing the package 100' to the support 200 'of the package, includes the annular cube 216' extending upwards, having an annular conical wall 252 'with the coupling means in the shape of an annular protrusion 254 'with the recessed surface 258', for coupling the retaining ring 118 'of the trunk 116' of the gasket 100 '. The securing means of the invention also includes a plug 280 'which is not part of the package or support, for insertion into and coupling to the hole 130' of the package 100 ', and the reception of the annular protrusion 262' of cube 216 'of the support 200' of the packaging, to join with this the packaging and the support of the packaging. The securing means of the invention further include the use of a package that is formed in one piece or made integral with the package support. For example, the package and the package support can be molded from a combination of elastomers of different durometers, as discussed above, such that, for example, the package support can be formed of a high-durometer elastomer and the packaging or portions thereof can be formed of a low durometer material. The securing means considered suitable include, but are not limited to, various openings and channels and shapes, for example, networks and projections, usable in overmolding, as well as various systems and other couplers type male / female, tongue / notch, spigot, press fit, clamping, hook, latch, shirt, and others. These securing means are such that the components of the lid will not separate during use. As described in the above, a main concept of the invention is to use as packaging material in a drinking container or lid assembly for a drinking container, an elastomeric material, (which, by definition, is capable of flexing , stretch and recover), such as, or a portion of, preferably the central portion of the package, in combination with the structure, preferably the support structure, which causes the packing elastomer to flex or bend and stretch, or only stretch, when pressure is applied down or through the packing, to move it from a valve seat. Although in the preferred embodiments described herein, a rigid support, preferably made from a structural polymer, for example polypropylene, is employed, it is to be understood that a "rigid support" herein broadly includes a support that is merely sufficiently stiffer than the packing elastomer, such that upon application of the pressure to or through the packing, the package will be bent or flexed and possibly stretched, or merely stretched, to displace the packing of a valve seat. It should also be understood that in the first embodiment, there is bending or bending and stretching of the elastomeric material of the package 100 after the application of downward pressure to the package 100. For example, stretching occurs in the neck 117 in an area opposite to where it is the pressure applied to the package 100. Also, in the embodiment shown, some stretching occurs in the adjacent wall 102 where the pressure is applied to the wall. However, in the second embodiment the folding or flexing of the central panel 110 'of the package 100' is more gradual, and the stretching thereof is minor or non-existent, given the radial and axial displacement of the network 230 and the ring 224 of the hub 216 of the support 200 'of the package, and since the wall 102 of the package 100 is itself comprised of elastomeric material and undergoes some bending or bending, and possible stretching when subjected to downward pressure. The tensile modulus of the elastomeric material is from about 21.9 kg / cm2 (300 psi) to about 40.15 kg / cm2 (550 psi), at an elongation of 300%. Preferably the tensile modulus of the elastomeric material is 24.75 kg / cm2 (339 psi). This elastomeric material is commercially available under the tradename Versaflex, and is sold by GLS Corp. Information regarding the Versaflex material and the module range of this material is shown in the accompanying pages. The most preferred material is Versaflex CL2042X. Having thus described the lid and the container of the invention with particular reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Claims (30)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A cover for use in connection with a container or container cover having an inwardly extending flange, forming a valve seat and defining an opening for the outlet of the contents of the container through it, the cover is characterized in that it comprises: a package having a diameter that is larger than the opening, and having a central panel that is made of a flexible elastomer, and a flange that is engageable with the valve seat; and a support that supports the central panel of the package, the support is sustainable by a surface of the container or the lid of the container and, when it is thus supported, said support is able to place the package against the valve seat of the cover, in wherein the central panel of the gasket is capable of flexing and stretching to allow a portion of the flange to be displaced from the valve seat when downward pressure is applied against a portion of the gasket.

The lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible elastomer has a durometer of about 30 to about 50 Shore A.

The lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the support is rigid and when the pressure towards below it is applied against the package, the central panel of the package makes contact with the rigid support and a portion of the central panel of said package flexes down from the rigid support.

The lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the support is rigid and when pressure is applied downwards against the packing, the central panel of the packaging makes contact with the rigid support and a portion of the central panel of the packing is stretched towards down from the rigid support.

The lid according to claim 1, characterized in that the support is rigid, and the support has a rigid bearing surface under the packing, such that when pressure is applied downwards against the packing, a portion of the central panel of the packaging makes contact with the bearing surface and stretches down on the bearing surface.

6. A lid that can be opened with the lips, for use in connection with a lid for a container, the lid has a skirt and a flange extending inward, forming a valve seat and defining an opening, characterized by the lid because it comprises: a package having: an upright wall engageable with the lips, the wall having a diameter and height which allow it to fit upwards through the opening and beyond the rim, a central panel radially inwardly of the wall, and comprised of a flexible elastomer; and a flange extending outwardly from the wall and engagable with the valve seat, a rigid support supporting the central panel of the package, the support has: a base, a central section connected to the base, and openings of liquid flow extending through the support, the base is sustainable by a surface of the lid or container and, when so sustained, the support is able to place the upper surface of the packing flange against the seat of the cover valve; and means for securing the central panel of the package to the center section of the support, wherein the flexible elastomer is flexed and stretched to allow a portion of the flange to be displaced from the valve seat when pressure is applied with the lips of the valve. user against an adjacent portion of the packaging wall.

7. The lid in accordance with the claim 6, characterized in that the wall engageable with the lips is rigid.

The lid according to claim 6, characterized in that the wall engageable with the lips is annular.

9. The lid according to claim 6, characterized in that the securing means comprises part of the package.

The lid according to claim 9, characterized in that the securing means is a flexible elastomer.

The lid according to claim 10, characterized in that the central panel has a central portion, and wherein the securing means comprising part of the package is integral with and depends on the central portion.

12. The lid in accordance with the claim 11, characterized in that the securing means comprising part of the package includes a trunk that has means for engaging the structure of the support.

13. The lid in accordance with the claim 12, characterized in that the securing means comprising part of the support includes the means, on the central section of the support, to be coupled to the coupling means of the package.

14. A container that can be opened with the lips, comprising: a container body for containing liquids and having an open upper end; a removable cover hermetically sealed to the container body around its open upper end, the cover has a dependent skirt with a flange extending radially inwardly from the skirt, forming a valve seat and defining a central opening; and a removable lid that can be opened with the lips to seal the central opening of the lid, the lid is characterized in that it comprises: a package having a wall engageable with the lips, erect, the wall is placed inside the central opening and extends in an upward direction beyond the flange, a flexible central panel radially inward of and communicating with the wall, the central panel is comprised of a flexible elastomer and has an integral flexible member depending on the central panel, and a peripheral flange extending outward from the wall and having an upper surface, and a rigid support supporting the central panel of the gasket and holding the flange in normal sealing engagement with the valve seat, the rigid support comprises: base, a central section, and fluid flow openings that extend through the support, the base is held in position when in contact with a surface of the container or the lid, the central panel of the package and the central section of the support each have securing means which are coupled with one another and which 'flexibly secure the package to the support, the central panel of the package is capable of flexing and stretching downward in an area radially inward of the rigid annular wall of the gasket, to allow a portion of the top surface of the flange to be displaced from the valve seat when pressure is applied with the lips against an adjacent portion of the packing wall.

15. The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the central panel has a central portion, and wherein the flexible member that depends on the central portion comprises a trunk that includes the means for securing the package.

The container according to claim 15, characterized in that the central portion of the package has a lower surface and the trunk has a neck with a concavely curved, radially inward, annular surface, extending between the lower surface and the middle of insurance.

The container according to claim 16, characterized in that the means for securing the trunk includes the retaining means placed around the trunk to be coupled to the structure of the support.

The container according to claim 17, characterized in that the means for securing the central section of the support includes a hub with coupling means that engage the retention means of the trunk and that flexibly secure the package to the support.

The container according to claim 18, characterized in that the hub includes an arcuate, convex, annular bearing surface that engages the concavely curved surface of the trunk, and facilitates flexing of the central panel downward and radially outwardly. of the projection or annular protuberance.

The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the center section of the support has a rigid bearing surface placed under the central panel of the packaging, such that when pressure is applied downwardly against the wall, an adjacent portion of the central panel of the packing contacts the bearing surface and flexes downwardly around a portion of the bearing surface, to move the flange from the seat from valvule.

The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the center section of the support has a rigid bearing surface positioned under the central panel of the package, such that when pressure is applied downward against said wall, an adjacent portion of the central panel of the package makes contact with the bearing surface and stretches downwardly from the bearing surface to move the flange from the valve seat.

22. The container according to claim 14, characterized in that when downward pressure is applied against the wall, the central panel of the package makes contact with the rigid support and is stretched down on the rigid support, to move the flange from the valve seat.

The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the support securing means includes the rigid upright structure with openings through it and the packing securing means includes portions of the central panel of the package extending through the container. the openings and that is coupled with the rigid structure.

The container according to claim 18, characterized in that the trunk of the package has a closed end hole extending upwardly within the trunk, and the lid includes a rigid plug having a rod that is seated within the hole of the trunk, the rod has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the hole, such that the rod compresses the trunk against the hub and improves the coupling of the means of retention of the package to the support.

25. The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the packing wall is rigid.

26. The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the wall of the package is annular.

27. The container according to claim 25, characterized in that the rigid wall of the package is annular and has a lower portion with a radially inwardly extending flange to which a flexible central panel of the package engages.

The container according to claim 25, characterized in that the rigid wall of the gasket is annular and has a lower portion with a rim that extends radially outwardly, the rim has a layer of an elastomer thereon and forming a portion thereof. of the upper surface of the flange.

29. The container according to claim 28, characterized in that the elastomer layer on the upper surface of the flange has a protruding or peripheral ring protrusion, erect, on it.

30. the lid according to claim 1, characterized in that when the support is held like this, the support places the package directly against the valve seat.