US20210130047A1

US20210130047A1 - Container lid apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20210130047A1
Application number: US17/084,956
Authority: US
Inventors: Jordan Vincent Imre
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-10-31
Filing date: 2020-10-30
Publication date: 2021-05-06
Also published as: CA3097553A1

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus that includes a movably attachable trigger portion that is attached to the rim of a beverage container along with a lid portion that is attached to the trigger portion and is placed on top of the rim of the glass. The lid is located along the rim so that it may prevent insects and other foreign material from entering the interior of the glass when not in use. When the user picks up the glass in order to consume the beverage inside or to refill the container, the trigger portion is variously activated allowing the lid to rise off of the rim of the container giving access to the interior of the glass.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/928,736, filed Oct. 31, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of container lids, and more specifically to a removable container lid apparatus.

BACKGROUND

The use of cups, glasses, and other beverage containers outdoors is very common, especially during the warm months of the of the year. These beverage containers can include a typical glass or cup having a unitary bottom with sidewalls that define an interior compartment and an open top being defined by a rim, otherwise known as the rim of the glass.
One disadvantage of using these types of beverage containers outdoors is the possibility that an insect and/or other type of environmental item, such as a leaf or twig, may inadvertently enter into the glass and into the beverage contained therein. In order to prevent this from occurring, it is common for people to place cell phones, napkins, coasters, and other items on the rim of the glass in order to prevent the in advertent insect or other item from contaminating their drink. The use of these coasters, napkins, etc. is not efficient and not effective.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,597 discloses a self-closing container lid. Disclosed is a removable self-closing lid for covering a top of a container, wherein the container has an outer wall surface and a top with an opening for accessing into the container. The lid includes a cap, a pressure fitting and sealing perimeter lip for securing the cap over the container top, and a pouring aperture. Further included in the lid is an automatic leveraging mechanism which is activated by a user exerting pressure on a trigger, thereby opening the pouring aperture.
US20100163559 discloses a single serving beverage container. The single serving beverage container has a body with a first end and an opposite second end that is relatively smaller than the first end. The first end is open and the second end is closed. The body defines an interior cavity of a predetermined volume for containing a beverage. A protective film is removably mounted to a rim at the first end and forms a liquid-tight seal therewith.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,750,825 discloses a self-closing cap. A cap for closing a filler tube or the like having a spring hinge mechanism designed to maintain the cap in an open position when the cap is on one side of an over-center position and to snap the cap closed when the cap is pivoted to the other side of the over-center position. Means are provided to reduce the likelihood that the cap will remain in the opened position when the machinery to which the filler tube is attached is put into operation.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,456,710 discloses drink containers and cap assemblies. Drink containers include a liquid container and a cap assembly removably coupled to the liquid container. Cap assemblies include a body that defines a drink outlet for dispensing drink liquid, and an operational assembly that is operatively coupled to the body and that has at least an open configuration permitting drink liquid to be dispensed and a closed configuration restricting drink liquid from being dispensed.
USD720183 illustrates a design for a wine tumbler.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,408 discloses a beverage drinking container. A drinking container is provided with a removable cap engageable with a cup in sealing arrangement. A drinking opening is provided in the cap and is normally sealed shut by a spring biased plug. A trigger on the exterior of the cap, when actuated, withdraws the plug from the drinking opening to allow the user to imbibe a beverage. An object of the invention is to provide a totally enclosed drinking container having a releasable plug in a drinking aperture which will automatically resume a sealing engagement upon release of an actuating trigger mechanism.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,090 discloses a beverage dispenser. A dispenser for use with a pressurizable fluid container. The dispenser comprises a head removably connectable with the container. The head includes an inlet, an outlet, a valve seat, a cavity and a chamber for fluid communication between the inlet and outlet. The valve seat is located between the inlet and the chamber. The cavity is located between the inlet and the valve seat. A valve body has a portion locatable in the chamber. The valve body is actuatable for movement between an open position allowing fluid flow through the chamber and a closed position blocking fluid flow through the chamber. The valve body includes a seal seat surface adapted to face in a direction towards the inlet when the valve body is within the chamber. A seal is receivable on the valve body for engagement with the seal seat surface.
US20160152388 discloses an apparatus and method for drinking container cover. Embodiments relate to a cover for protecting the contents of a drinking container from unwanted contamination. The cover can have a middle portion and a first flap and a second flap extending away from the middle portion. The first flap can be rotatable relative to the middle portion from a first position in which the first flap is generally parallel with and adjacent to the middle portion to a second position in which the first flap extends at an angle away from the middle portion. In some embodiments, when the first flap is rotated to the second position, the first flap can surround at least a portion of an outside surface of the drinking container adjacent to the opening so as to secure the cover to the drinking container to cover the opening of the drinking container.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,515,480 discloses a protecting covering for drinking vessels. Drinking vessels allowed to stand for any length of time with liquid therein, and especially in those countries where flies and similar insects abound, ‘there is danger of the liquid becoming polluted. It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide a simple, economical and effective covering which can be readily placed over the top of a drinking vessel to protect its contents from insects and other contamination. It is also an object of the invention to provide means associated with the covering to protect the edge or lip of the drinking vessel so that the mouth of the person drinking is kept from direct contact with the glass or material of the vessel while drinking, so that there is a minimum likelihood of contamination by the transmission of germs or microbes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,858 discloses a divided beverage server. The beverage server has a divided fluid container comprising a pair of isolated chambers. The container has mounted thereon a closure cap of a cap assembly which locks to the top of the container. The closure cap has filler caps on its upper face for alternately exposing the chambers to permit filling them with beverages to be dispensed, and closing off the chambers from the outside. The cap assembly houses a chamber selection mechanism for alternately selecting one or the other of the chambers from which to dispense a beverage. The chamber selection mechanism includes a trigger housed in the handle which actuates a rack and pinion assembly housed in the closure cap.
All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference.
None of the above cited documents, alone or in combination satisfy the need for a container lid apparatus that addresses the above-mentioned deficiencies.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is an object of the invention to provide a container lid apparatus.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a container lid apparatus, for use with an open container having a rim and essentially vertical side walls, said apparatus comprising: a container attachment member comprising a main body, attached to a clip via a rim support member; a lid, sized and proportioned to cover said open container, said lid connected to said container attachment member via a hinge; and a trigger mechanism, connected to said lid, wherein activation of said trigger, moves said lid from a first position to a second position.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of removably covering an open container, said open container having a rim and essentially vertical side walls, said method comprising the steps: positioning an apparatus on said rim of said container, said apparatus comprising a lid, a trigger, and a main body; securing said apparatus to said open container; and activating said trigger, said trigger being configured to move said lid from a first position to a second position.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols.
To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention with the lid portion in a closed position.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with the lid portion in an opened position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention with the lid portion being returned back to a closed position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a lid of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates is a rear view of an embodiment of the trigger portion of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective front view of an embodiment of the trigger portion of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of embodiments of component parts of the hinge mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective front view of an additional embodiment of the trigger portion of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective front view of yet another embodiment of the trigger portion of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates various views an embodiment of the invention that is specifically designed to work with a stemmed wine glass.

FIG. 11 illustrates various views an embodiment of the invention that is specifically designed to work with a universal container.

FIG. 12 illustrates various views an embodiment of the invention that is specifically designed to work with a push button pint glass.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices and methods for carrying out the invention are presented in terms of embodiments depicted within the FIGS. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and the configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.
Embodiments of the present invention advantageously fill the aforementioned deficiencies by the known prior art. The present invention is superior to other container lids in that it provides for a removable container lid apparatus that can be used with multiple types of beverage containers.
Additional embodiments of the present invention are superior to the prior art in that they can be utilized with beverage containers having multiple sizes and configurations. Further, it is easily attachable and can be cleaned very efficiently.
The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. Embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in association with a typical beverage container 106 shown as a stemmed wine glass. The apparatus shown here comprises a lid 102, shown here in the fully closed position 112, and an arm 114. Application of a downward force on the trigger 104 results in the movement 110 of arm 114 and lid 102 in the direction indicated by the arrows 110 and 108. The corresponding downward movement 110 results in an upward movement 108 of the lid 102, as shown by the arrows. It can be seen that the lid and trigger form a linked leveraging mechanism which is activated by a user exerting pressure on the trigger 104, thereby opening the drinking aperture.
FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 when sufficient force has been applied to the trigger 104, such that the lid 102 is moved to the fully opened position 202 via a hinge mechanism 206. When the lid is in the fully opened position 202, the trigger 104 has moved in the direction indicated as trigger motion 204 and the arm 114 may rest in contact with the outer edge of the beverage container 106.
FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1. In this illustration, a closing force 304 has been applied to the trigger 104 in the direction shown. This results in a closing motion 302 of the lid 102, via the hinge mechanism 206, to cover the drinking surface 306 of the beverage container 106.
FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the lid 102 of the instant invention. The lid 102 as shown has an upper surface 402, a lower surface 404, a lid attachment member 406 and an arm 114. In this embodiment, the lid 102, upper surface 402, lower surface 404, lid attachment members 406, and arms 114 are of a unitary construction.
In operation, the lid attachment members 406 are configured to engage with a lid connection member (not shown). The arm 114, when moved from a first to a second position, results in the lid 102 moving from a closed to an open position.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the inner surface of an embodiment of the a beverage attachment member 508. The embodiment shown in this figure is especially suited for employment on a stemmed wine glass. The beverage attachment member 508 comprises a clip 502 that is configured to hook over the rim of a wine glass. In the embodiment shown, the clip 502 comprises two prongs 512 which are linked to the main body 514 of the beverage attachment member 508 by a rim support 516. The prongs 512 are hooked over the rim of the wine glass, and the wine glass rim fits into the cavity 510 formed between the prongs 512 of the clip 502, the rim support 516, and the main body 514 of the beverage attachment member 508. Various different embodiments of the invention also comprises one or more means of securement to stemmed glassware, in the embodiment as illustrated, a first securement opening 504 is configured to attach to a stem of a short wine glass, and the second securement opening 506 is configured to attach to a stem of a taller wine glass.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the outer surface of an embodiment of the a beverage attachment member 508 shown in FIG. 5. The outer view of this embodiment shows the cavity 510 formed between the prongs 512 and the main body 514 of the beverage attachment member 508. The lid attachment member 406 (not shown) attaches to lid connection member 602 of the main body 514 of the beverage attachment member 508. The outer view of the first securement opening 504 can be seen configured to attach to a stem of a short wine glass, and the second securement opening 506 is similarly seen configured to attach to a stem of a taller wine glass.
FIG. 7 illustrates different types of biasing means that can be employed in various different embodiments of the invention. The biasing means may include, but are not limited to, a compression spring 702 and a torsion spring 704. Various embodiments of the invention include a lid 102 connected to the trigger 104 by a lid connection member 602. The lid connection member 602 may be any type of hinged elements that can allow for the lid to rise and be lowered upon the movement of the trigger mechanism. In one embodiment, the lid connection member 602 and biasing means mechanism may include a watch compression spring 702 and/or a torsion spring 704 that provides sufficient force on the lid portion such that the lid portion is maintained in a closed position, i.e. positioned on top of the rim of the beverage container 106.
In various embodiments of the invention, the lid connection member 602 functions to attach the lid attachment member 406 to the lid connection member 602 by techniques known to those of skill in the field. The biasing means is associated with the lid connection member 602, and the biasing means may comprise a torsion spring 704 or a compression spring 702 or pin, or a combination thereof (shown in perspective in FIG. 10i ).
FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the invention that is particularly suited to fit on to a beverage container 106 with essentially vertical sides, such as a tall glass, mason jar, jug, cup or mug. The main body 514 of the beverage attachment member 508 and clip 502 fit over the rim of the beverage container 106 via cavity 510 formed by the rim support 516. The lid connection member 602 being attached to the lid attachment member 406 (not shown) via the various components of the including the biasing means (also not shown).
FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the invention that resembles the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8. This figure shows part of the main body 514 of the beverage attachment member 508 and clip 502 that fit over the rim of the beverage container 106 (not shown) via cavity 510 formed by the rim support 516. The lid connection member 602 being attached to the lid attachment member 406 (not shown) via the various components of the beverage attachment member 508 and biasing means (also not shown). However, this embodiment also comprises a different trigger mechanism. A push button 902, shown located on or in the on the main body 514 of the beverage attachment member 508, is connected to the lid 102 (not shown) via an actuating member 904.
It is contemplated that the push button 902 may in fact be located at various positions on the apparatus. Additionally, the actuating member 904 may exert its effect via cooperation with a trigger 104, push button 902 or directly with the lid 102.
FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed view of the numerous components of the embodiment of the invention that is specifically designed to work with a stemmed wine glass.
FIG. 10a essentially shows the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The lid can be seen in a fully opened position 202 and a fully closed position 112. The actuating member 904 can be seen encompassing the side of the wine glass and the apparatus being secured to the glass by means of the a secure opening.
FIG. 10b shows a top view of a wine glass embodiment having an outer circumference that extends beyond the outer circumference of the wine glass. The position of part of the arm 114 mechanism can be seen along with lid attachment members 406 and actuating member attachment means 408.
FIG. 10c shows a side view of a lid, sized and proportioned to accommodate a wine glass. The lid can be seen to be contoured, in this embodiment, to be thickened in the center of the lid, such that this section of the lid extends down into the wine glass. The upper portion of the arm 114 can be seen with the actuating member attachment means 408. The lid attachment member 406 can be seen projecting down from the outer circumference of the lid.
FIG. 10d is a perspective view of the clip 502 that extends over the rim of the wine glass and down the inner edge of the wine glass. The lid connection members 602 can be seen on the outer side of the apparatus. The contoured shape of the clip 502 can clearly be seen in this figure.
FIG. 10e is a side view of FIG. 10d showing the same elements of the apparatus.
FIG. 10f shows a typical torsion spring 704, that can be used in conjunction with a compression spring 702 or pin, to provide a biasing means between the arm 114 of the lid 102 and the lid attachment members 406.
FIG. 10g shows a perspective view of the actuating member 904. It can be seen that the actuating member 904 in this embodiment of the invention has two triggers 104.
FIG. 10h shows the main body 514 of the apparatus featuring a trigger channel and actuating member clips that hold the actuating member 904 in place. This figure shows a main body that has three separate securement openings to accommodate wine glasses of different heights.
FIG. 10i shows a complete fully assembled apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention as designed to fit variously dimensioned wine glasses. The main body 514 of the apparatus can be seen with three securement openings 506 and a channel to accommodate the actuating member 904, which is secured in place by two actuating member clips. The actuating member 904 has two triggers 104 at a lower end of the actuating member 904, one being situated between the actuating member clips to prevent to the actuating member 904 being moved too far in either direction. The upper end of the actuating member 904 is attached to the arm 114 of the lid 102 by way of the lid attachment member actuating member attachment means 408. The lid attachment member 406 and lid connection member 602 are connected via the biasing means. The lower portion of the main body 514 of the apparatus and the actuating member 904 are flexible and therefore able to conform to the outer surface of the wine glass.
FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed view of the numerous components of the embodiment of the invention that is specifically designed to work with a universal variety of containers.
FIG. 11a shows a perspective view of the lid 102 of an embodiment of the invention. The contoured lower surface 410 of the lid 102 and the actuating member attachment means 408 and lid attachment member 406 can be seen.
FIG. 11b shows a top view of a lid 102 and arm 114, the lid 102 having an outer circumference that extends beyond the outer circumference of the universal container. The position of part of the arm 114, actuating member attachment means 408 can be seen along with lid attachment members 406.
FIG. 11c shows a side view of the lid, again showing the relative positioning of the contoured lower surface 410 of the lid 102 and the actuating member attachment means 408 and lid attachment member 406.
FIG. 11d shows a typical torsion spring 704, that can be used in conjunction with a compression spring 702 or pin, to provide a biasing means between the actuating member attachment means 408 on the arm 114 of the lid 102 and the lid attachment members 406.
FIG. 11e shows a perspective view of the clip 502 that extends over the rim of the container and down the inner edge of the container. The lid connection members 602 can be seen on the outer side of the apparatus. The contoured shape of the clip 502 can clearly be seen in this figure, typically the contoured shape of the clip 502 is greater in this embodiment than in the wine glass embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11f shows a side view of FIG. 11e showing the same elements of the apparatus.
FIG. 11g shows the embodiment of the invention attached to a universal container. The lid can be seen in a fully opened position 202 and a fully closed position 112. The actuation of the activation of the apparatus is achieved by the user applying an opening force to the arm 114 of the lid 102. The lid 102 then opens about the pivot point produced between the side of the container and the lid attachment member 406.
FIG. 11h shows the lid 102 positioned on the rim of a container, held in position with the clip 502. When the opening force on the arm 114 of the lid 102 is removed, the torsion force in the biasing means causes the lid 102 to close.
FIG. 12 illustrates a detailed view of the numerous components of the embodiment of the invention that is specifically designed to work with a push button 902 pint glass or mug design.
FIG. 12a shows a side view of a lid 102 having a contoured lower surface 410 and an actuating member attachment means 408 and lid attachment member 406.
FIG. 12b shows a top view of the lid 102 of an embodiment having an outer circumference that extends beyond the outer circumference of the container. The position of the actuating member attachment means 408 and lid attachment member 406 can be seen.
FIG. 12c shows a typical torsion spring 704, that can be used in conjunction with a compression spring 702 or pin, to provide a biasing means between the actuating member attachment means 408 on the lid 102 and the lid attachment members 406.
FIG. 12d shows a side view of an embodiment of the main body 514 of the apparatus having a push button 902 activation system. Again the upper portion of the main body 514 features a clip 502 sized and proportioned to fit onto the beverage container 106.
FIG. 12e shows a front view of an embodiment of the main body 514 of the apparatus having a push button 902 activation system. The push button 902, in the center of the main body 514 can clearly be seen. The upper portion of the main body 514 comprises a pair of lid attachment members 406 accommodating a biasing means.
FIG. 12f shows a cross sectional side view of the main body 514 of the push button 902 embodiment of the invention. In this particular embodiment, the movement of the actuating member 904 (not shown) is achieved via the interaction of a pair of cog devices. Depression of the push button 902 causes movement of a first castellated member that causes a first cog to rotate. The rotation of the first cog, causes the rotation of a second cog that is positioned in functional alignment with the first cog. Rotation of the second cog causes movement of a second castellated member. Movement of the second castellated member causes the actuating member 904 (not shown) to move and thereby move the lid 102 to a fully opened position 202. The push button 902 rotates about a pivot pin installed within the main body 514.
FIG. 12g shows the complete push button 902 apparatus installed on an upper portion of a container, with the lid 102 in the fully closed position 112. The clip 502 can be seen on the inner surface of the container and the actuating member 904 can be seen exiting the main body 514 and being attached to the actuating member attachment means 408 on the lid 102.
FIG. 12h shows the complete apparatus installed on an upper portion of a container, with the lid 102 in the fully opened position 202.
The appended figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments for the present invention, namely a container lid apparatus, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
Further embodiments of the present invention provide for an apparatus that includes a movably attachable trigger portion that is attached to the rim of a beverage container along with a lid portion that is attached to the trigger portion and is placed on top of the rim of the glass. The lid is located along the rim so that it may prevent insects and other foreign material from entering the interior of the glass when not in use. When the user picks up the glass in order to consume the beverage inside or to refill the container, the trigger portion is variously activated allowing the lid to rise off of the rim of the container giving access to the interior of the glass. Similarly, when the beverage container 106 is replaced after drinking, the trigger 104 mechanism causes the lid 102 to cover the beverage container 106.
Variously described embodiments of the invention include a cap, lid or cover, a means of connecting to the container and a means of moving the cap, lid or cover from a first closed position to a second open position. The apparatus is variously configured to fit on a wine glass, including a stemmed wine glass, a beverage container such as a cup, mug, bottle or can.
It is also contemplated to be within the scope of protection sought that the apparatus of the various embodiments of the invention can be used to protect the contents of various containers and not be limited to just beverage containers. Embodiments of the invention can find applications in various usages including, but not limited to: covering the contents of opened cans of human or animal, food thereby preventing entry of bacteria and other pathogens; covering a variety of open containers, thereby preventing entry of dust and dirt; and covering a variety of open liquid containers, thereby preventing evaporation of liquid contents.
In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus comprises a clip mechanism to attach the lid, or lid/trigger combination to the beverage container. The clip mechanism may be attached to the rim or edge of the beverage container 106. In some embodiments, particularly for stemmed glassware, the apparatus may be secured in place with a part of the apparatus engaging with the stem of the glassware. and a pulling in/down trigger to open and close the lid. In some embodiments of the invention, the lid comprises a leveraging mechanism which is activated by a user exerting pressure on a trigger, thereby opening the lid.
Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a removable container lid apparatus. The apparatus may be utilized with various beverage containers such as a glass, cup, can or other containers. These beverage containers can include a unitary bottom with sidewalls that define an interior compartment and an open top being defined by a rim, otherwise known as the rim of the glass. The apparatus may include a trigger portion that can be removably attachable attached to a beverage container along its rim and a lid portion that is attached by a hinge mechanism to the trigger portion and that may be positioned on top of the glass along the rim portion of the glass such that the interior compartment of the glass is covered.
The trigger portion may be secured to the glass by a clip or rounded top section of the trigger portion. This will allow for the attachment, and subsequent removal, of the apparatus to the container with ease and efficiency. The rounded or clip portion of the trigger portion may be referred to as a clip. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the trigger portion may also include securing openings for use with a container that has a stem, such as a wine glass. As is illustrated, there may be one or more securing openings in order to allow for the apparatus to be used with multiple sizes of wineglasses.
In some embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, the lid portion is connected to the trigger portion by a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism may be any type of hinge mechanism that can allow for the lid to rise and be lowered upon the movement of the trigger mechanism. In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism may include a watch compression spring and/or a torsion spring that provides sufficient force on the lid portion such that the lid portion is maintained in a closed position, i.e. positioned on top of the rim of the container.
In operation, a user will clip the trigger mechanism to the rim of a glass. The trigger mechanism will then rest along the exterior side wall of the glass. The lid portion will be positioned on top of the glass along the rim, thus covering the interior of the glass. The hinge mechanism will be applying sufficient force against the lid portion keeping the lid portion in place on top of the glass, preventing any inadvertent movement or removal thereof.
In order to gain access into the interior of the container. The user activates the trigger portion by a downward movement of that of the trigger portion. Due to the lid portion being connected to the trigger portion, the downward movement of the trigger portion is transferred to the lid portion. Further, the downward movement is sufficient to overcome the force of the hinge mechanism that is being applied to the lid portion. As such, the lid portion rotates at the hinge mechanism causing the lid portion to rise off of the rim of the container. Once the trigger portion is returned to its original position. The force by the spring portion of the hinge mechanism automatically returns the lid portion back to its original position located on the rim of the container.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container lid apparatus, for use with an open container having a rim and essentially vertical side walls, said apparatus comprising:

a container attachment member comprising a main body, attached to a clip via a rim support member;

a lid, sized and proportioned to cover said open container, said lid connected to said container attachment member via a hinge; and

a trigger mechanism, connected to said lid,

wherein activation of said trigger, moves said lid from a first position to a second position.

2. The container lid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first position is an open position and said second position is a closed position.

3. The container lid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first position is a closed position and said second position is an open position.

4. The container lid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said hinge comprises a biasing means.

5. The container lid apparatus of claim 4, wherein said biasing means is selected from the group consisting of a torsion spring and a compression spring.

6. The container lid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said container attachment member comprises one or more means of attachment to a stem of a wine glass.

7. The container lid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said clip comprises one or more prongs.

8. The container lid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said trigger comprises a push button.

9. The container lid apparatus of claim 8, wherein said trigger additionally comprises one or more cog assemblies.

10. The container lid apparatus of claim 1, wherein said trigger comprises an actuating member attached to said lid.

11. A method of removably covering an open container, said open container having a rim and essentially vertical side walls, said method comprising the steps:

positioning an apparatus on said rim of said container, said apparatus comprising a lid, a trigger, and a main body;

securing said apparatus to said open container; and

activating said trigger, said trigger being configured to move said lid from a first position to a second position.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said first position is an open position and said second position is a closed position.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said first position is a closed position and said second position is an open position.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein said step of activating said trigger is achieved by application of a force on said trigger.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein said step of activating said trigger is achieved by application of a force on said trigger, said force being transferred to said lid via a hinged connection.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein said step of positioning said apparatus comprises affixing said apparatus to the rim of said container.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said apparatus comprises a main body, attached to a clip via a rim support member and said step of affixing comprises inserting said clip on an interior surface of said open container and said main body on an outer surface of said open container and said rim support member on the rim of said open container.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said main body additionally comprises one or more means of securement to a stem of a wine glass, and said step of securing comprises securing said main body to the stem via the one of said one or more means of securement.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein said step of activating said trigger comprises pushing a button.