WO2012173869A1

WO2012173869A1 - Drinking lid

Info

Publication number: WO2012173869A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/041355
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amy Tinnell BRINCKERHOFF
Original assignee: Euro-Pro Operating Llc
Priority date: 2011-06-10
Filing date: 2012-06-07
Publication date: 2012-12-20

Abstract

A lid for a container includes a body having a cover portion and an opening through which fluids may pass. Removably coupled to the lid is a rotatable member having a plurality of apertures therein that allow fluid to pass therethrough. The plurality of apertures can have different shapes and sizes that, when overlapping with the opening in the cover portion, form differently shaped and sized passages through which fluid in a container may pass when the lid is coupled to the container. The plurality of apertures provide a user with a variety of different drinking options. One aperture can be adapted to securely receive a straw, while another aperture can be adapted to allow a user to comfortably drink directly therefrom. The rotatable member can be on a side of the cover portion opposite a side that faces the container when the body is coupled thereto.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

FOR

DRINKING LID

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending United States Provisional Application No. 61/495,428, filed June 10, 201 1 , for all subject matter common to both applications. The disclosure of said provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to drinking lids suitable for use with containers having an open end (e.g., jars, travel mugs, and the like). More particularly, the present invention provides a drinking lid having a rotatable member adapted to rotate relative to a body and reveal differently sized passages.

BACKGROUND

Containers such as travel mugs are often sold with lids adapted to be configured by a user between a drinking configuration and a storage configuration. Such containers are useful in providing users with a way to easily store and seal the contents of the container. In travel situations, this can be extremely valuable given the relatively high amount of movement, etc. to which a container may be subjected (e.g., in a car, an airplane, etc.). Furthermore, such lids can be useful in allowing a user to seal the container and thereby insulate the contents of the container. This is useful in keeping contents of such a container at a desirable drinking temperature. However, such lids often fail to provide a sealed and secure mechanism that provides a user with more than one drinking option. Furthermore, given that many conventional lids are based on a design that provides only a single drinking option, such lids fail to recognize the value or importance to the user experience in enabling a user to easily know what position the lid is in, in a way that would allow the user to easily select from more than one drinking option provided by the lid.

SUMMARY There is a need for a lid suitable for providing users with more than one drinking option in a manner that allows users to readily identify and select from the various drinking options. The present invention is directed toward solutions to address this and other needs, in addition to having other desirable characteristics that will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the present specification.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a lid is provided for a container having an open end and an interior. The lid can include a body having a cover portion and an opening arranged in such a way that the cover portion covers only a portion of the open end of the container when the body is coupled with the container. A rotatable member can be rotatably coupled to the body and disposed entirely on a side of the cover portion opposite a side that faces the container when the body is coupled thereto. The rotatable member can have a first aperture and a second aperture distinct from the first aperture. The first aperture can have a first cross-sectional area and the second aperture can have a second cross- sectional area that is different from the first cross-sectional area. A handle can be integral with the rotatable member and configured in such a way as to enable gripping and rotation by a user to thereby effect rotation of the rotatable member relative to the body. In a first rotational position of the rotatable member, the first aperture can overlap the opening of the body to reveal a first passage having the same cross- sectional area as the first cross-sectional area. In a second rotational position of the rotatable member, the second aperture can overlap the opening of the body to reveal a second passage having the same cross-sectional area as the second cross-sectional area. In a third rotational position of the rotatable member, the first aperture and the second aperture simultaneously can overlap the cover portion of the body and the opening can be entirely obstructed by the rotatable member. In accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure, the rotatable member can be configured to be repeatedly detached from and re-attached to the body. In the first rotational position of the rotatable member the second aperture can overlap the cover portion of the body, and in the second rotational position of the rotatable member the first aperture can overlap the cover portion of the body. The first aperture and the second aperture can have different shapes from each other, causing the first passage and the second passage to have different shapes from each other. The body can exclude a separate opening dedicated exclusively to allowing air to pass into the container as fluid exits the container through either the first passage or the second passage. The first passage can be sized to enable a user to drink directly therethrough. The second passage can be sized to securely receive a straw

therethrough positioned for a user to drink therefrom. The first aperture and the second aperture can be disposed at diametrically opposite ends of the rotatable member. The cover portion can be integral with an upper portion of the body, and the lid further can include threads formed in a lower portion of the body for securely coupling the body to the container. The handle can include at least one tab integral with the rotatable member for enabling a user to grip and rotate the rotatable member relative to the cover portion of the body. The rotatable member can be removably and replaceably attachable to the body via a snap-on lock or a pivot joint. The lid further can include one or more detents disposed on a surface of the rotatable member facing the cover portion, disposed a surface of the cover portion facing the rotatable member, or disposed on both.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a system is provided. The system can include a container having an open end and an interior, and can include a lid. The lid can include a body having a cover portion and an opening arranged in such a way that the cover portion covers only a portion of the open end of the container when the body is coupled with the container. A rotatable member can be rotatably coupled to the body and disposed entirely on a side of the cover portion opposite a side that faces the container when the body is coupled thereto. The rotatable member can have a first aperture and a second aperture distinct from the first aperture. The first aperture can have a first cross-sectional area and the second aperture can have a second cross-sectional area that is different from the first cross-sectional area. A handle can be integral with the rotatable member and configured in such a way as to enable gripping and rotation by a user to thereby effect rotation of the rotatable member relative to the body. In a first rotational position of the rotatable member, the first aperture can overlap the opening of the body to reveal a first passage having the same cross-sectional area as the first cross-sectional area. In a second rotational position of the rotatable member, the second aperture can overlap the opening of the body to reveal a second passage having the same cross- sectional area as the second cross-sectional area. In a third rotational position of the rotatable member, the first aperture and the second aperture simultaneously can overlap the cover portion of the body and the opening can be entirely obstructed by the rotatable member.

In accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure, the rotatable member can be configured to be repeatedly detached and re-attached to the body. In the first rotational position of the rotatable member the second aperture can overlap the cover portion of the body, and in the second rotational position of the rotatable member the first aperture can overlap the cover portion of the body. The first aperture and the second aperture can have different shapes from each other, causing the first passage and the second passage to have different shapes from each other. The body can exclude a separate opening dedicated exclusively to allowing air to pass into the container as fluid exits the container through either the first passage or the second passage. The first passage can be sized to enable a user to drink directly therethrough. The second passage can be sized to securely receive a straw therethrough positioned for a user to drink therefrom. The system further can include one or more detents disposed on a surface of the rotatable member facing the cover portion, disposed on a surface of the cover portion facing the rotatable member, or disposed on both. In accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a kit is provided for a lid adapted for a container having an open end and an interior. The kit can include a body having a cover portion and an opening arranged in such a way that the cover portion covers only a portion of the open end of the container when the body is coupled with the container. A rotatable member can be configured for rotatable attachment to the body and can be configured to be disposed entirely on a side of the cover portion opposite a side that faces the container when the body is coupled thereto. The rotatable member can have a first aperture and a second aperture distinct from the first aperture. The first aperture can have a first cross-sectional area and the second aperture can have a second cross-sectional area that is different from the first cross-sectional area. A handle can be integral with the rotatable member and can be configured in such a way as to enable gripping and rotation by a user to thereby effect rotation of the rotatable member relative to the body. In a first rotational position of the rotatable member, the first aperture can overlap the opening of the body to reveal a first passage having the same cross-sectional area as the first cross-sectional area. In a second rotational position of the rotatable member, the second aperture can overlap the opening of the body to reveal a second passage having the same cross-sectional area as the second cross-sectional area. In a third rotational position of the rotatable member, the first aperture and the second aperture simultaneously can overlap the cover portion of the body and the opening can be entirely obstructed by the rotatable member.

In accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure, the kit further can include the container. The kit further can include one or more detents disposed on a surface of the rotatable member adapted to face the cover portion, a surface of the cover portion adapted to face the rotatable member, or both. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other characteristics of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a lid, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1 with a rotatable member oriented in a first rotational position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1 with the rotatable member oriented in a second rotational position;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the lid of FIG. 1 with the rotatable member oriented in a third rotational position;

FIG. 5A depicts a bottom view of a rotatable member of the lid of FIG. 1, further including one or more detents;

FIG. 5B depicts a top view of a cover portion of the lid of FIG. 1, further including one or more detents;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an underside of the lid of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a container for use with the lid of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 7 with the lid of FIG. 1 securely coupled thereto; and FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method for making the lid of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to a lid for a container. The lid includes a body having a cover portion and an opening through which fluids may pass. Removably coupled to the lid is a rotatable member formed of a substantially flat member having a plurality of apertures (e.g., two or more) therein suitable for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The plurality of apertures can have different shapes and sizes that, when overlapping with the opening in the cover portion, form differently shaped and sized passages through which fluid in a container may pass when the lid is coupled to the container. Accordingly, the plurality of apertures can provide a user with a variety of different drinking options (e.g., one aperture can be adapted to securely receive a straw, while another aperture can be adapted to allow a user to comfortably drink directly therefrom, etc.). The rotatable member can be on a side of the cover portion opposite a side that faces the container when the body is coupled thereto. Accordingly, in such illustrative embodiments, the rotatable member and the various apertures formed therein are visible to the user, thereby allowing the user to easily identify which configuration the rotatable member is in, and further allowing the user to readily view and select from the various drinking options.

As used herein, an "aperture" generally refers to any opening, hole, or gap in one or more materials. As non-limiting examples, an aperture includes a through- opening surrounded on all sides by material(s) forming the through-opening, and also includes an indentation in one or more materials (the indentation being formed by a shape of the material and thus not being surrounded on all sides by the material). One of skill in the art will appreciate yet other types of apertures upon reading the present specification. All such alternatives and modifications are contemplated within the scope of the present invention and can be implemented with the embodiments provided herein. FIGS. 1 through 9, wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout, illustrate example embodiments of a lid. Although the present disclosure will be described with reference to the example embodiments illustrated in the figures, it should be understood that many alternative forms can be embodied. One of skill in the art will additionally appreciate different ways to alter the parameters of the embodiments disclosed, such as the size, shape, or type of elements or materials, in a manner still in keeping with the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of a lid 10 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The lid 10 generally is adapted to couple to a container (not shown in FIG. 1, see FIG. 7) having an open end leading to an interior. For example, the container can be jar, a cup, a travel mug, a container for a blender, or any other suitable container. The lid 10 includes a body 12 having a cover portion 14 and an opening 18 suitable for allowing fluid in the container to pass therethrough. The body 12 can include a generally cylindrical wall 13 with a lower flared portion extending from the cylindrical wall 13. The cover portion 14 can be formed integral with the body 12 and is shaped to cover only a portion of the open end of the container when the lid 10 is coupled to the container. The cover portion 1 can be a generally flat member that extends across the volume of space defined by the cylindrical wall 13. The cover portion 14 may be at an angle relative to the cylindrical wall 13, such that one side of the cover portion 14 is elevated on the cylindrical wall 13 relative to an opposing side of the cover portion 14. For instance, as illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 1, the opening 18 can be disposed at the lowest part of the cover portion 14 relative to the cylindrical wall 13.

The surfaces of the rotatable member 16 and the cover portion 14 that face one another can have conforming or mirror-image shapes, such that when the rotatable member 16 is coupled to the body 12, the rotatable member 16 is contiguous and in contact with the cover portion 14 (e.g., in contact with the cover portion 14 across an entire surface area of the cover portion 14). The lid 10 also includes a rotatable member 16 rotatably coupled to the body 12.

In illustrative embodiments (such as the example embodiment of FIG. 1), the rotatable member 16 is adapted to be detachably coupled to the body 12. For example, the rotatable member 16 can be a generally flat member that fits snugly inside the cylindrical waii 13 (e.g., forms a friction or interference fit with the cylindrical wall 13) and is adapted to be removed from the body 12 by pulling the rotatable member 16 away from the body 12. Other mechanisms for coupling (e.g., detachably coupling) the rotatable member 16 from the body 12 are possible and contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the rotatable member 16 can be attached to the cover portion 14 via a snap-on lock. In the example embodiment of FIG. 1, the rotatable member 16 includes a protrusion (not visible in FIG. 1) situated on the bottom surface (i.e., the surface adapted to face the cover portion 14 when the rotatable member 16 is coupled to the body 12). The protrusion is positioned and sized to be received by a hole 25 in the cover portion 14, thereby forming a snap fit, allowing subsequent rotation around the snap in either rotational direction. Alternatively or additionally, the rotatable member 16 may couple to the cover portion 14 via a pivot joint (e.g., using a set screw). In other embodiments, the cover portion 14 and/or rotatable member 16 include yet other fastening mechanisms and members that enable the rotatable member 16 to couple to the body 12 (e.g., detachably) and rotate relative to the body 12. One of skill in the art will appreciate other known fastening mechanisms that can be utilized in the implementation of such a coupling. The present disclosure is by no means limited by those specific fastening mechanisms described herein.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the rotatable member 16 may include a first aperture 20 (e.g., an indentation) and a second aperture 22 (e.g., a through-hole) that is distinct from the first aperture 20. The second aperture 22 has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first aperture 20. Additionally, the first aperture 20 and the second aperture 22 can have different shapes (i.e., can have shapes that are not similar, as would be understood in the geometric sense). For example, the first aperture 20 can be sized and shaped to allow a user to drink directly therefrom, and the second aperture 22 can be sized and shaped to securely receive a straw. In illustrative embodiments (such as the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 1), the first aperture 20 and the second aperture 22 are each smaller (e.g., in cross-sectional area) than the opening 18.

The rotatabie member i 6 is rotatabie between a plurality of different rotational positions. For example, FIG. 2 depicts a first rotational position of the rotatabie member 16, in which the first aperture 20 is fully overlapping with the opening 18. In the first rotational position depicted in FIG. 2, the first aperture 20 and the opening 18 form a first passage through which fluid may pass. Stated differently, when the rotatabie member 16 is moved into the first rotational position as depicted in FIG. 2, the first passage is revealed. In illustrative embodiments where the first aperture 20 is smaller (e.g., in cross-sectional area) than the opening 18, the first passage has the same cross-sectional area as the first aperture 20. In the first rotational position, the cover portion 14 obstructs the second aperture 22, thereby preventing fluid from passing through the second aperture 22.

The rotatabie member 16 can also be rotatabie into a second rotational position, as depicted in FIG. 3. In the second rotational position, the second aperture

22 is fully overlapping with the opening 18, thereby forming a second passage through which fluid may pass. Stated differently, when the rotatabie member 16 is moved into the second rotational position as depicted in FIG. 3, the second passage is revealed. In illustrative embodiments where the second aperture 22 is smaller (e.g., in cross-sectional area) than the opening 18, the second passage has the same cross- sectional area as the second aperture 22. In the second rotational position, the cover portion 14 obstructs the first aperture 20, thereby preventing fluid from passing through the second aperture 22. The rotatabie member 16 further can be rotatabie into a third rotational position depicted from a top view in FIG. 4. In the third rotational position, the first aperture 20 and the second aperture 22 are both obstructed by the cover portion 14. In illustrative embodiments, fluid in a container coupled to the lid 10 is entirely obstructed from bypassing the lid 10 when the rotatable member 16 is situated in this third rotatable position (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 4). In such illustrative embodiments, the rotatable member 16 does not include any opening, aperture, or through-hole dedicated exclusively to allowing air to pass into the container when a user is drinking therefrom, causing fluid to exit the container. Rather, in such illustrative

embodiments, the only openings, apertures, or through-holes disposed in the rotatable member 16 are the first aperture 20 and the second aperture 22 (and optionally any additional such apertures in the rotatable member 16 for providing a user with yet additional drinking options). Accordingly, placing the lid 10 on a container when the rotatable member 16 is situated in the third rotational position (e.g., depicted in FIG. 4) can create a completely sealed system in which no fluid or liquid can bypass the lid 10. Stated differently, in such a configuration, fluid (e.g., liquid) can be prevented from entering or exiting the container via the lid 10 and thus would be inaccessible to the user (e.g., and thus in a stored configuration).

The rotatable member 16 may include a handle suitable for facilitating a user to effect rotation of the rotatable member 16 relative to the body 12. The handle can be any suitable part or portion designed to be grasped by the hand. For example, the handle can include one or more indentations, one or more ridges, one or more extensions, and the like. In the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the handle includes one or more fins or tabs 24 extending from the substantially flat portion of the rotatable member 16. In general, rotation of the rotatable member 16 can be restricted (e.g., restricted to the amount rotation needed to pass between the first and second rotational positions depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively).

Alternatively, the rotatable member 16 can be adapted to rotate indefinitely and can be entirely unconstrained in its rotational motion. One of skill in the art will appreciate yet other ways to partially or fully restrict the rotational motion of the rotatable member 16 (e.g., one-way rotation, etc.). All such alternatives and modifications are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. In illustrative embodiments, each of the first aperture 20 and the second aperture 22 are smaller (e.g., in cross-sectional diameter) than the opening 18.

Furthermore, in illustrative embodiments (e.g., including the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3), each of the first aperture 20 and the second aperture 22 are shaped and positioned in such a way such that the first aperture 20 and the second aperture 22 are capable of becoming fully overlapping with the opening 18 of the body 12. Furthermore, in illustrative embodiments, the first aperture 20 is larger than the second aperture 22. However, it should be appreciated that these relative sizes and proportions are illustrative and in no way limiting. In some embodiments, one of the first and second apertures 20, 22 is sized to receive a larger (e.g., thicker) straw, and the other of the first and second apertures 20, 22 is sized to receive a smaller (e.g., thinner) straw. Upon reading the present specification, one of skill in the art will appreciate a variety of ways to alter and modify the dimensions, proportions, shapes, positions, sizes, and the like of the opening 18, the first aperture 20, and the second aperture 22. All such modifications and alternatives are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. The lid 10 can be implemented in accordance with any suitable dimensions, proportions, shapes, positions, sizes, and the like.

The body 12 optionally may include a recess 26 suitable for facilitating a user in gripping or holding the lid 10. Additionally or alternatively, the recess 26 may be sized and positioned to allow a user's lips to comfortably rest thereon as a user drinks from the lid 10.

In the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the first aperture 20 is on a side of the rotatable member 16 that is diametrically opposite a side at which the second aperture 22 is situated. Stated differently, the first aperture 20 and the second aperture 22 are located at opposite ends of a diameter of the rotatable member 16. However, it should appreciated that the first aperture 20 and the second aperture 22 alternatively can be situated adjacent each other, or can be located at other positions relative to one another on the rotatable member 16. One of skill in the art will appreciate a variety of suitable alternative locations of the first and second apertures 20, 22 upon reading the present specification. All such alternatives and modifications are contemplated by this disclosure. Furthermore, although only two apertures (i.e., the first and second apertures 20, 22) are included in the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, additional apertures (e.g., having different or the same shapes and sizes) can be included in the rotatable member 16.

In some embodiments, the rotatable member 16 and/or the cover portion 14 can include detents formed on a surface thereof. For example, FIGS. 5A and 5B depict an embodiment in which the rotatable member 16 and the cover portion 14 include one or more first and second detents 33, 35. The first detents 33 are disposed on an underside (i.e., on an inward-facing surface) of the rotatable member 16. The second detents 35 are disposed on an upper side (i.e., on an outward-facing surface) of the cover portion 14. Each of the second detents 35 is adapted to fit within a space between a corresponding pair of the first detents 33. In this way, the first and second detents 33, 35 provide a mechanism for slightly resisting rotation of the rotatable member 16 relative to thp cover portion 14 when the rotatable member 16 is in the first or second rotational positions. Accordingly, the first and second detents 33, 35 can provide preferred mechanical stopping points for rotation of the rotatable member 16, beyond which requires a user to apply additional pushing force. Furthermore, the first and second detents 33, 35 can be adapted to provide one-way rotation (e.g., counter-clockwise or clockwise) of the rotatable member 16 relative to the cover portion 14. It should be appreciated that greater or fewer of the first and second detents 33, 35 can be included in the lid 10, e.g., to accommodate greater or fewer preferred stopping positions of the rotatable member 16 when rotating relative to the cover portion 14.

In some embodiments, only one of the rotatable member 16 and the cover portion 14 includes the detents 33, 35. In such embodiments, the other of the rotatable member 16 and the cover portion 14 can include, e.g., indentations, and the like. Upon reading the present specification, one of skill in the art will appreciate a variety of ways to enable the rotatable member 16 to "snap" into place when rotating relative to the cover portion 14. All such alternatives and modifications are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which depicts a perspective view of the underside of the lid 10. To facilitate coupling of the lid 10 to a container, the body 12 optionally may include threads 30 integrally formed in an exterior face of an interior wall 15 positioned inward from the cylindrical wall 13. The threads 30 may be adapted to facilitate in securely coupling the body 12 to a container so as to prevent any accidental or unintentional spillage or leakage of the liquids therein.

Furthermore, the threads 30 can be provided as suitable for creating a seal between the sides of the interior wall 15 and a container, such that when the body 12 is securely coupled to the container, fluid in the container is only permitted to bypass the lid 10 through apertures (e.g., the first and second aperture 20, 22) in the rotatable member 16 (e.g., when overlapping with the opening 18). Although the threads 30 in the example embodiment of FIG. 3 are adapted to be positioned internal to a container, the threads 30 alternatively or additional may be formed on an interior face of the cylindrical wall 13. In such embodiments, the threads 30 are additionally or alternatively adapted to be external to the container. Furthermore, the lid 10 optionally may also include a gasket 34 to ensure tight seal with the jar or container. The gasket 34 may optionally be held in place by a plurality of fins 32. Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which depicts a perspective view of a container 50 suitable for containing fluids or liquids, in accordance with an example embodiment. The container 50 may include a plurality of internal threads 52 and flutes or cutouts 54 to facilitate gripping or holding of the container 50. FIG. 8 further depicts the container 50 with the lid 10 of the example embodiment of FIG. 1 thereto. As described previously herein, the threads 30 of the lid 10 complement and mate with the internal threads 52 of the container 50, thereby allowing the lid 10 to be securely fastened to the container 50. As shown in FIG. 8, the rotatable member 16 is situated in the second rotational position depicted and described previously herein with reference to FIG. 3. Accordingly, the second aperture 22 and the opening 18 are overlapping (more specifically, are fully overlapping), such that a user is enabled to position a straw in the second passage. In use, the lid 10 (e.g., with the rotatable member 16 coupled to the body 12) can be placed on the container 50 and rotated between two or more of the plurality of rotational positions described herein. For example to facilitate drinking directly from the lid 10, the rotatable member 16 can be rotated to the first rotational position depicted in FIG. 2. To facilitate drinking from a straw, the rotatable member 16 can be rotated to the second rotational position depicted in FIG. 3. To facilitate storage and sealing of the contents of the container 50, the rotatable member 16 can be rotated to the third rotational position depicted in FIG. 4 in which the first and second apertures 20, 22 are completely obstructed by the cover portion 14.

Notably, in illustrative embodiments, the rotatable member 16 is removable and detachable from the body, thereby allowing the rotatable member 16 to be easily cleaned (e.g., separate from the body 12 and/or container 50, if so desired). This can be useful, for example, in expediting the process of sanitizing the lid 10 for another user. Furthermore, in providing the first and second apertures 20, 22 in the rotatable member 16 disposed on top of the cover portion 14, the sizes and shapes of the first and second apertures 20, 22 are all simultaneously in full view by the user. This allows the user to easily know (simply from visual inspection) what drinking options are provided by the lid 10 and what the current configuration of the lid 10 (e.g., the rotatable member 16) is.

In accordance with certain embodiments, a drinking system or kit is provided which includes one or more lids 10 as provided herein with one or more of the containers 50. The container 50 of FIGS. 7 and 8 is illustrative and in no way limiting. One of skill in the art will appreciate a wide variety of ways to further adapt and implement the lid 10 for differently sized and shaped container 50. All such modifications and alternatives are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts a method for making the lid 10, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the method can include providing the body 12 of the lid 10 (step 102). For example, the body 12 can be provided by injection molding, or any other suitable method of manufacture, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the present specification. In addition, the rotatable member 16 of the lid 10 can be provided (step 104), e.g., separate and distinct from the body 12 of the lid 10. For example, the rotatable member 16 can be provided by injection molding, or any other suitable method of manufacture, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the present specification. Optionally, one or more fastening mechanisms can be affixed to the body 12 (e.g., to the cover portion 14) and/or the rotatable member 16, for enabling the body 12 and the rotatable member 16 to rotatably and detachably couple together.

Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description.

Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details of the structure may vary substantially without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and exclusive use of all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. It is intended that the present invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A lid for a container having an open end and an interior, the lid comprising:

a body having a cover portion and an opening arranged in such a way that the cover portion covers only a portion of the open end of the container when the body is coupled with the container;

a rotatable member rotatably coupled to the body and disposed entirely on a side of the cover portion opposite a side that faces the container when the body is coupled thereto, the rotatable member having a first aperture and a second aperture distinct from the first aperture, the first aperture having a first cross-sectional area and the second aperture having a second cross-sectional area that is different from the first cross-sectional area; and

a handle integral with the rotatable member and configured in such a way as to enable gripping and rotation by a user to thereby effect rotation of the rotatable member relative to the body;

wherein in a first rotational position of the rotatable member, the first aperture overlaps the opening of the body to reveal a first passage having the same cross- sectional area as the first cross-sectional area;

wherein in a second rotational position of the rotatable member, the second aperture overlaps the opening of the body to reveal a second passage having the same cross-sectional area as the second cross-sectional area; and

wherein in a third rotational position of the rotatable member, the first aperture and the second aperture simultaneously overlap the cover portion of the body and the opening is entirely obstructed by the rotatable member.

2. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the rotatable member is configured to be repeatedly detached and re-attached to the body.

3. The lid of claim 1 , wherein in the first rotational position of the rotatable member the second aperture overlaps the cover portion of the body, and in the second rotational position of the rotatable member the first aperture overlaps the cover portion of the body.

4. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the first aperture and the second aperture have different shapes from each other, causing the first passage and the second passage to have different shapes from each other.

5. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the body does not include a separate opening dedicated exclusively to allowing air to pass into the container as fluid exits the container through either the first passage or the second passage.

6. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the first passage is sized to enable a user to drink directly therethrough.

7. The lid of claim 1, wherein the second passage is sized to securely receive a straw therethrough positioned for a user to drink therefrom.

8. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are disposed at diametrically opposite ends of the rotatable member.

9. The lid of claim 1, wherein the cover portion is integral with an upper portion of the body, and wherein the lid further comprises threads formed in a lower portion of the body for securely coupling the body to the container.

10. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the handle comprises at least one tab integral with the rotatable member for enabling a user to grip and rotate the rotatable member relative to the cover portion of the body.

1 1. The lid of claim 1, wherein the rotatable member is removably and replaceably attachable to the body via a snap-on lock or a pivot joint.

12. The lid of claim 1 , further comprising one or more detents disposed on a surface of the rotatable member facing the cover portion, a surface of the cover portion facing the rotatable member, or both.

13. A system comprising:

a container having an open end and an interior; and

a lid, comprising:

a rotatable member rotatably coupled to the body and disposed entirely on a side of the cover portion opposite a side that faces the container when the body is coupled thereto, the rotatable member having a first aperture and a second aperture distinct from the first aperture, the first aperture having a first cross-sectional area and the second aperture having a second cross-sectional area that is different from the first cross-sectional area; and a handle integral with the rotatable member and configured in such a way as to enable gripping and rotation by a user to thereby effect rotation of the rotatable member relative to the body;

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the rotatable member is configured to be repeatedly detached and re-attached to the body.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein in the first rotational position of the rotatable member the second aperture overlaps the cover portion of the body, and in the second rotational position of the rotatable member the first aperture overlaps the cover portion of the body.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture have different shapes from each other, causing the first passage and the second passage to have different shapes from each other.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the body does not include a separate opening dedicated exclusively to allowing air to pass into the container as fluid exits the container through either the first passage or the second passage.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein the first passage is sized to enable a user to drink directly therethrough.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein the second passage is sized to securely receive a straw therethrough positioned for a user to drink therefrom.

20. The system of claim 13, further comprising one or more detents disposed on a surface of the rotatable member facing the cover portion, a surface of the cover portion facing the rotatable member, or both.

21. A kit for a lid adapted for a container having an open end and an interior, the kit comprising:

a rotatable member configured for rotatable attachment to the body and configured to be disposed entirely on a side of the cover portion opposite a side that faces the container when the body is coupled thereto, the rotatable member having a first aperture and a second aperture distinct from the first aperture, the first aperture having a first cross-sectional area and the second aperture having a second cross- sectional area that is different from the first cross-sectional area; and

22. The kit of claim 21 , further comprising the container.

23. The kit of claim 21, further comprising one or more detents disposed on a surface of the rotatable member adapted to face the cover portion, a surface of the cover portion adapted to face the rotatable member, or both.