WO2023034841A1

WO2023034841A1 - Beverage container system with interchangeable inserts

Info

Publication number: WO2023034841A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/075722
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marvin Lane; Dwayne Boroski
Original assignee: Thermos L.L.C.
Priority date: 2021-09-01
Filing date: 2022-08-31
Publication date: 2023-03-09
Also published as: TW202319304A; TW202344444A; TWI822293B

Abstract

A beverage container system is described. The beverage container system includes a container to hold a beverage and a lid assembly to selectively close the beverage container. The lid assembly engages with the beverage container to form the beverage container system. The lid assembly includes an interchangeable insert and a collar. The lid assembly controls a flow of a drinking fluid from the beverage container. The collar functions with a variety of interchangeable inserts to provide different drinking styles and functions.

Description

BEVERAGE CONTAINER SYSTEM WITH INTERCHANGEABLE INSERTS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. No. 63/239,818 filed September 1, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Field of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a beverage container system with interchangeable inserts.

Background

[0003] Certain beverage containers are known to use lids with closing features or structures to prevent or reduce spillage or leakage of fluids contained in the beverage containers. If the lid becomes damaged, then the whole beverage container may need to be discarded. Further, individuals often prefer different styles of beverage containers for different beverages and different occasions. Also, a user may wish to share their beverage with other people, and have a clean drinking surface for each person. In addition, a user may wish to use a beverage container while some of its lid components are being cleaned, dried, or repaired.

Summary

[0004] Certain aspects of a beverage container system with interchangeable inserts are shown and described. In one aspect, a lid assembly is described. The lid assembly includes a collar. The collar is configured to fit around an upper portion or neck region of a beverage container. The collar defines a central opening. The central opening is configured to removably receive an insert. The insert is configured to removably connect or engage the beverage container. The insert includes a fluid passage and an opening structure. The fluid passage is configured to fluidly connect to an interior volume of the beverage container. The opening structure is configured to dispense a beverage from the beverage container. The collar includes an actuator. The actuator holds the insert in the central opening of the collar.

[0005] In other aspects, a beverage container system with interchangeable inserts is described. The beverage container system includes a collar. The beverage container system includes a beverage container defining an interior volume configured to contain a beverage. The collar is configured to fit around an upper portion or neck region of the beverage container. A first insert is configured to removably connect or engage to the collar. The first insert is configured to removably connect or engage to the beverage container. The first insert includes a first fluid passage and a first opening structure. The first fluid passage is configured to fluidly connect the interior volume of the beverage container with the first opening structure to dispense the beverage. A second insert is configured to removably connect or engage to the collar. The second insert is configured to removably connect or engage to the beverage container. The second insert includes a second fluid passage and a second opening structure. The second fluid passage is configured to fluidly connect the interior volume of the beverage container with the second opening structure to dispense the beverage.

[0006] In other aspects, an insert for a beverage container system is described.

The insert includes an upper surface. An opening structure is a part of or extends from the upper surface. A fluid passage is formed in the insert. The fluid passage fluidly connects with the opening structure. The insert includes a first generally circular outer diameter. Threads are positioned on the first generally circular outer diameter. The threads are configured to removably engage with a container. The upper surface forms a second generally circular outer diameter having an edge.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0007] FIG. l is a perspective view of the beverage container system.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the interchangeable inserts of the beverage container system.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the beverage container system.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the beverage container system.

[0011] FIG. 4A shows a close-up of the cap partially covering the actuator.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the gasket and the direct drink insert.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the gasket and the pivot insert.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the gasket and the spout insert.

[0015] FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of the beverage container system.

[0016] FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of the beverage container system.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a lower perspective view of the interchangeable insert.

[0018] FIG. 11 is an upper perspective view of the interchangeable insert.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the beverage container system before the insert is removed. [0020] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the beverage container system with the actuator depressed.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the beverage container system with the insert tilted for removal.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the beverage container system with the insert starting to be removed.

Detailed Description of Invention

[0023] For purposes of this application, any terms that describe relative position (e.g., “upper”, “middle” “lower”, “outer”, “inner”, “above”, “below”, “bottom”, “top”, etc.) refer to an aspect of the invention as illustrated, but those terms do not limit the orientation in which the embodiments can be used.

[0024] A beverage container system 10 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-15. The beverage container system 10 includes a container 20 to hold a beverage and a lid assembly 50 to selectively close the beverage container 20. The lid assembly 50 may engage with the beverage container 20 to form the beverage container system 10. The lid assembly 50 includes an interchangeable insert 100 and a collar 200. The lid assembly 50 controls a flow of a drinking fluid from the beverage container 20. The interchangeable insert 100 may include a number of different versions and varieties, depending on drinking style or preference of the user, which may all operate with the same collar 200 and beverage container

20. [0025] As described below, the interchangeable insert 100 and the collar 200 removably connect or engage with each other. In this aspect, the interchangeable insert 100 threadably engages to the beverage container 20 to hold the lid assembly 50 to the beverage container 20. In order to fill the container 20 with a beverage, the interchangeable insert 100 may be unscrewed from the beverage container 20, which may also remove the collar 200 from the beverage container 20. The user may also remove the collar 200 from the interchangeable insert 100 and the beverage container 20 before unscrewing the interchangeable insert 100 from the beverage container 20.

[0026] The beverage container system 10 allows the user to switch the interchangeable insert 100 depending on the drinking style, preference, or occasion. The different interchangeable inserts 100 may include different opening structures. The different interchangeable inserts 100 may all be used with the same collar 200. For example, a user may prefer to drink their beverage from a spout or a wide opening structure while engaging in endurance activities, while the same user may prefer to drink their beverage out of straw opening structure during a car-ride, while wearing lipstick, etc. A user may prefer to drink a hot beverage from a direct drink style of opening structure, while the same user may prefer to drink a cold beverage from a spray or nozzle style of opening structure for the insert 100. Further, over time, a particular insert 100 may get damaged, stained, or lost, and the availability of different and/or replaceable inserts 100 for the beverage container system 10 provides the opportunity to easily switch or replace the insert 100 without the user having to purchase a new beverage container 20 and/or collar 200.

[0027] The beverage container 20 will now be described. The beverage container 20 includes walls 22 defining an interior volume 35 to hold a beverage. The walls 22 of an upper portion or neck region 24 of the beverage container 20 include an inner surface 25 having interior threads 30. In the illustrated aspects, the interior threads 30 of the beverage container 20 receive exterior threads 105 of the interchangeable insert 100 to removably engage or connect the interchangeable insert 100 to the beverage container 20. The exterior threads 105 are formed on a lower body 113 of the interchangeable insert 100.

[0028] The interchangeable insert 100 will now be described. The interchangeable insert 100 removably engages to the collar 200. The interchangeable insert 100 may include any of a number of opening structures, such as, for example, drinking ports, nozzles, squirt features, spray features, straws (flexible, rigid, pivoting, etc.), orifices, tubes, nozzles, mouthpieces, etc. With respect to FIG. 2, several different non-limiting examples of interchangeable inserts 100 are shown. The opening structure is generally a part of or extends from an upper surface 120 of the interchangeable insert 100. Of course, the interchangeable insert 100 may be modified to include almost any drinking port or opening. With continued respect to FIG. 2, a bending straw insert 101 includes a flexible straw as the opening structure. A direct drink insert 102 includes a lip feature as the opening structure for directly drinking the beverage. A hard pivot straw insert 103 pivots upward to an open position to provide the opening structure. A spout insert 104 provides for fluid flow as the opening structure. In certain aspects, the system may include more than one insert with the same type of opening structure (e.g., each insert having a straw of a different shape, materials, size, etc.) or the set of inserts may include all different opening structure types (e.g., first insert has a spout, second insert has a straw, third insert has a smooth flow ridge with drink port, etc.). Any of the inserts 101-104 may be repeatedly removed and replaced with different inserts 101 - 104 or others. The interchangeable inserts 100 include the upper surface 120 generally opposite of a bottom surface 130. In this aspect, a first generally circular outer diameter 114 of the interchangeable insert 100 includes the exterior threads 105. Certain of the interchangeable inserts 100 include a vent to prevent a vacuum and promote fluid flow. The interchangeable inserts 100 include a fluid passage for fluid flow.

[0029] One of the interchangeable inserts 100, the spout insert 104, will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 8, and 9. The spout insert 104 includes many features common to most of the interchangeable inserts 100. The spout insert 104 includes a fluid passage 106 which fluidly connects the interior volume 35 of the beverage container 20 with a spout 108 such that fluid may pass from the beverage container 20 to the user. The spout 108 include an opening structure 110 for the fluid to exit or dispense from the spout insert 104. The spout insert 104 includes a vent 112 to promote flow and reduce a vacuum from forming within the beverage container 20.

[0030] The upper surface 120 forms a tab 140. The tab 140 extends from a second generally circular outer diameter 124 of the upper surface 120. The second generally circular outer diameter 124 of the upper surface 120 is larger than the first generally circular outer diameter 114 of the lower body 113 of the interchangeable insert 100. Thus, the upper surface 120 overhangs or is wider than the lower body 113.

[0031] The interchangeable insert 100 includes a flange 150 positioned just below the upper surface 120. An insert indent 165 is formed in the flange 150. In this aspect, the tab 140 is generally positioned opposite, i.e., approximately 180 degrees from the insert indent 165. As described below, these features of the interchangeable insert 100 operate with features of the collar 200 to provide for the removeable engagement or connection between the interchangeable insert 100 and the collar 200. The exterior threads 105 are positioned on a generally circular outer diameter 114 of the interchangeable insert 100. The exterior threads 105 are positioned below the flange 150.

[0032] The collar 200 will now be described. In this aspect, the collar 200 fits around the upper portion or neck region 24 of the beverage container 20. In this aspect, the interchangeable insert 100 removably engages to a central opening 210 of the collar 200. The collar 200 includes an upper rim 205 generally opposite of a lower rim 212. The collar 200 includes an inner wall 215 and an outer wall 220. In this aspect, the inner wall 215 of the collar 200 does not have threads or other connecting structures. The inner wall 215 forms an inner diameter 217. The collar 200 defines the central opening 210, which receives the interchangeable insert 100. The second generally circular outer diameter 124 of the upper surface 120 of the interchangeable insert 100 fits within the inner diameter 217 and central opening 210 of the collar 200. The collar 200 includes a first complementary alignment element configured as a collar indent 250 in its upper rim 205, which receives the second complementary alignment element configured as the tab 140 of the interchangeable insert 100. In other embodiments, the first and second complementary alignment elements could be any complementary features such as a tab and indent, a female/male feature, a set of indicators (such as arrows to be aligned) or other features that permit the user to easily align the insert 100 with the collar 200 in the proper orientation for installation, use, or removal.

[0033] The collar 200 further includes an actuator 260. The actuator 260 includes a catch 265 that engages or secures to the insert indent 165 of the interchangeable insert 100. The actuator 260 is engaged to an axle 270, which provide for the actuator 260 to pivot. The collar 200 forms a housing 275 to position the actuator 260. A biasing member 290 urges the actuator 260 inward and toward the insert indent 165. A user presses on or against an upper surface 280 of the actuator 260, which in this aspect, moves the actuator 260 outward. This provides for the interchangeable insert 100 to disengage from the collar 200. The operation of the actuator 260 is further described below.

[0034] In this aspect, a cap 300 is hingedly engage to the collar 200. The cap 300 covers the interchangeable insert 100 to help prevent contamination from germs, dirt, etc. An interior surface 302 of the cap 300 includes a gasket 305. An optional handle 310 is pivotally engaged to the collar 200. In this aspect, a button 330 releases the cap 300, which is spring-loaded, and the cap 300 may flip upward upon depression of the button 330. A latch 340 secures the cap 300 in a covering position over the collar 200. In operation, the latch 340 is lifted upward before the cap 300 can flip upward. Then, the user presses the button 330 to release the cap 300. Similar button mechanisms are described in U.S. Patents Nos. 8,622,229 and 9,150,335, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Of course, the cap 300, the button 330, the latch 340 are optional and may be omitted or replaced with any of a number of other or similar flip-closures, press-closures, screw closures, covers, tops, etc.

[0035] In this aspect, the interchangeable insert 100 threadably engages to the beverage container 20. With reference to FIG. 2, the walls 22 of an upper portion or neck region of the beverage container 20 include the inner surface 25 having the interior threads 30. The interior threads 30 of the beverage container 20 receive the exterior threads 105 of the interchangeable insert 100 to engage the interchangeable insert 100 to the beverage container 20. The interchangeable insert 100 is inserted into the upper opening 33 of the beverage container 20. The exterior threads 105 of the interchangeable insert 100 threadably engage with the interior threads 30 of the beverage container 20 to screw the collar 200 into and/over the upper opening 33 of the beverage container 20. The engagement of the interchangeable insert 100 to the beverage container 20 generally seals the liquid in the beverage container 20.

[0036] A gasket 180 is engaged to a bottom outer diameter 185 of the interchangeable insert 100. In this aspect, an outer groove 190 proximate to the bottom outer diameter holds the gasket 180. The gasket 180 seals against the beverage container 20 when the interchangeable insert 100 is connected to or fully tightened onto the beverage container 20.

[0037] The disengagement or disconnection between the interchangeable insert 100 and the collar 200 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 12-15. In this aspect, at rest, a biasing member 290 urges the actuator 260 inward or toward the interchangeable insert 100. The user presses against the upper surface 280 of the actuator 260, which compresses the biasing member 290 and retracts the catch 265 from the insert indent 165 of the flange 150. The catch 265 thus moves away from or out of the insert indent 165, which unlocks the interchangeable insert 100 from the collar 200. The interchangeable insert 100 is pressed or pulled downward and tilted toward the actuator 260, which disengages the tab 140 from the collar indent 250 of the collar 200. The interchangeable insert 100 is now free to move downward and out of the central opening 210.

[0038] The removable engagement or connection between the interchangeable insert 100 and the collar 200 will now be described. The interchangeable insert 100 is positioned under the central opening 210 of the collar 200. The tab 140 of the interchangeable insert 100 is aligned with collar indent 250 of the collar 200. The interchangeable insert 100 is pressed into place causing the actuator 260 of the collar 200 to hits against an edge 126 of the second generally circular outer diameter 124 of the upper surface 120, which causes the actuator 260 to temporarily retract and compress its biasing member 290, and after the catch 265 passes the edge 126, the actuator 260 urges into the insert indent 165 of the flange 150. The catch 265 rests under the edge 126 of the interchangeable insert 100 in the insert indent 165 of the flange 150. The interchangeable insert 100 is now locked in position in the collar 200. As described above, the user must press on the actuator 260 in order to again separate the interchangeable insert 100 from the collar 200.

[0039] In other aspects, the interchangeable insert 100 (or collar 200 or other component of the lid assembly 50) may engage to the beverage container 20 in other manners than a threaded engagement, including a snap-fit engagement, frictional engagement, bayonet engagement, or other engagements configured to selectively attach the interchangeable insert 100 to the beverage container 20.

[0040] In this aspect, the container 20 has a thermally insulated, double wall construction. In other aspects, the container 20 includes a non-insulated single-layer or multilayer construction or other insulated constructions. The container 20 may be formed from moldable food-grade plastics, thermoplastics, stainless steel, other metals and metal alloys, other plastics, or any combination thereof.

[0041] FIG. 4 A shows a close-up view of the cap 300 partially covering the actuator 260. This arrangement helps to reduce the possibility of an accidental or an inadvertent pressing of the actuator 260. For example, if the beverage container system 10 is stored in a backpack or the like, the cap 300 may prevent another object in the backpack from pressing the actuator 260. In other aspects, the cap 300 may fully cover the actuator 260. In other aspects, the actuator 260 may be uncovered. [0042] With respect to FIGS. 5-7, the gasket 305 includes multiple sealing regions 307, 308, and 309 such the same gasket 305 may be used with different interchangeable inserts 100 to seal or cover the respective drink openings and vents. As such, it may not be required to switch gaskets 305 when using different interchangeable inserts 100. The multiple sealing regions 307, 308, and 309 include different shapes and sizes to accommodate the different interchangeable inserts 100. In the aspect shown in FIG. 6, the first sealing region 307 is configured to generally meet with and close the vent 112 on both the direct drink insert 102 and the spout insert 104, when the cap 300 is closed. To facilitate this easy interchangeability, the vents 112 on each respective insert 102, 104 are generally positioned on the same location. However, other inserts may not include a vent 112 or include an alternative vent closure feature. The interior surface of the cap 300 also may include one or more gasket supporting structures configured to support or provide a foundation for the gasket structure.

[0043] Also shown in FIG. 6, the second sealing region 309 is in the shape of a longer, taller protrusion and the third sealing region 308 is formed by a shorter wider surface surrounding the second sealing region 309. A combination of the second sealing region 309 and the third sealing region 308 seal against the drinking port of the spout 104. In this aspect, the second sealing region 309 is also configured to seal against the drinking port in the direct drink insert 102 (when cap 300 is closed), and the second sealing region 309 is also configured to seal against the top ridge of the opening structure 110 of the spout 108 of the insert 103.

[0044] In other aspects, the collar 200 may include a threaded internal diameter on its inner wall 215 to threadably engage with exterior threads of the beverage container 20.

In this aspect, the interchangeable insert 100 may press fit into the upper opening 33 if the beverage container 20. The collar 200 may secure the interchangeable insert 100 in position in the upper opening 33 of the beverage container 20.

[0045] In an aspect, a lid assembly, comprises a collar, the collar configured to fit around an upper portion or neck region of a beverage container; the collar defining a central opening, the central opening configured to removably receive an insert, and the insert configured to removably connect or engage the beverage container; the insert includes a fluid passage and an opening structure, wherein the fluid passage is configured to fluidly connect to an interior volume of the beverage container, wherein the opening structure is configured to dispense a beverage from the beverage container, and wherein the fluid passage and opening structure are in fluid communication to permit beverage to flow out of the beverage container; and the collar includes an actuator, wherein the actuator holds the insert in the central opening of the collar when the insert is in use, and wherein upon a user pressing the actuator, the insert is released from the collar such that the user may easily remove the insert for cleaning or replacement.

[0046] The lid assembly according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the insert is configured to removably connect or engage the beverage container.

[0047] The lid assembly according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the insert includes a first complementary alignment element, wherein the collar forms a second complementary alignment element, and the second complementary alignment element receives the first complementary alignment element to align the insert with the collar in an orientation for installing the insert in the collar for use.

[0048] The lid assembly according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the first complementary alignment element is configured as a tab and the second complementary alignment element is configured as a collar indent, and the tab extends from a generally circular outer diameter of the insert.

[0049] The lid assembly according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the tab is positioned generally opposite from the collar indent when the insert is engaged or connected to the collar.

[0050] The lid assembly according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the insert includes an upper surface and a flange positioned below the upper surface, and an insert indent is formed in the flange.

[0051] The lid assembly according to any of the aspects herein, wherein, in a locked position of the insert, a catch of the actuator is spring biased into the insert indent of the insert, and the catch is under an edge of a generally circular outer diameter of the insert.

[0052] The lid assembly according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the catch of the actuator is configured to move away from or out of the insert indent, which unlocks the insert from the collar.

[0053] The lid assembly according to any of the aspects herein, further comprising a cap configured to cover the opening structure of the insert to minimize spills or leakage.

[0054] The lid assembly according to any of the aspects herein, wherein an interior surface of the cap includes a gasket configured to seal against the opening structure or vent of the insert.

[0055] The lid assembly according to any of the aspects herein, further including a second insert configured to interact with the collar, such second insert having a different opening structure than the insert, such that a user may replace the insert with the second insert while the insert is being cleaned or when the user wishes to have the different opening structure; wherein the cap includes a single gasket configured to seal against the opening structure on the insert and that same gasket is configured to seal against the different opening structure when that second insert is in the collar.

[0056] The lid assembly according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the opening structure is one of a drinking port, a drinking opening, a nozzle, a squirt feature, a spray feature, a straw, an orifice, a tube, a nozzle, or a mouthpiece, and the opening structure of the second insert is another.

[0057] A beverage container system comprising the lid assembly according to any of the aspects herein, further comprising the container.

[0058] In an aspect, a beverage container system with interchangeable inserts comprises a collar; a beverage container defining an interior volume configured to contain a beverage; the collar configured to fit around an upper portion or neck region of the beverage container; a first insert configured to removably connect or engage to the collar, and the first insert configured to removably connect or engage to the beverage container, the first insert includes a first fluid passage and a first opening structure, wherein the first fluid passage configured to fluidly connect the interior volume of the beverage container with the first opening structure to dispense the beverage; and a second insert configured to removably connect or engage to the collar, and the second insert configured to removably connect or engage to the beverage container, the second insert includes a second fluid passage and a second opening structure, wherein the second fluid passage configured to fluidly connect the interior volume of the beverage container with the second opening structure to dispense the beverage.

[0059] The beverage container system with interchangeable inserts according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the first insert includes a different opening structure than the second insert.

[0060] The beverage container system with interchangeable inserts according to any of the aspects herein, wherein an actuator holds the first or the second insert in a central opening of the collar when the insert is in use, and wherein upon a user pressing the actuator, the insert is released from the collar such that the user may easily remove the insert for cleaning or replacement.

[0061] The beverage container system with interchangeable inserts according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the first opening structure is one of a drinking port, a drinking opening, a nozzle, a squirt feature, a spray feature, a straw, an orifice, a tube, a nozzle, or a mouthpiece, and the second opening structure is another.

[0062] The beverage container system with interchangeable inserts according to any of the aspects herein, further comprising a third insert configured to removably connect or engage to the collar, and the third insert configured to removably connect or engage to the beverage container, the third insert includes a third fluid passage and a third opening structure, wherein the third fluid passage configured to fluidly connect the interior volume of the beverage container with the third opening structure to dispense the beverage. [0063] The beverage container system with interchangeable inserts according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the first opening structure, the second opening structure, and the third opening structure are all different from each other.

[0064] In an aspect, an insert for a beverage container system comprises an insert, the insert includes an upper surface; an opening structure is a part of or extends from the upper surface; a fluid passage formed in the insert, the fluid passage fluidly connecting with the opening structure; the insert includes a first generally circular outer diameter; threads are positioned on the first generally circular outer diameter, the threads configured to removably engage with a container; and the upper surface forms a second generally circular outer diameter having an edge.

[0065] The insert for a beverage container system according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the second generally circular outer diameter forms the edge, and a flange is positioned below the edge, and an insert indent is formed in the flange.

[0066] The insert for a beverage container system according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the insert indent is configured to operate with an actuator of a collar.

[0067] The insert for a beverage container system according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the second generally circular outer diameter forms the edge, and a tab extends from the edge.

[0068] The insert for a beverage container system according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the tab is configured to enter a collar indent of a collar.

[0069] The insert for a beverage container system according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the tab is positioned generally opposite from an insert indent. [0070] The insert for a beverage container system according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the second generally circular outer diameter of the upper surface is larger than the first generally circular outer diameter.

[0071] The insert for a beverage container system according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the opening structure is one of a drinking port, a drinking opening, a nozzle, a squirt feature, a spray feature, a straw, an orifice, a tube, a nozzle, or a mouthpiece.

[0072] The insert for a beverage container system according to any of the aspects herein, wherein an actuator holds the insert in a central opening of a collar when the insert is in use, and wherein upon a user pressing the actuator, the insert is released from the collar such that the user may easily remove the insert for cleaning or replacement.

[0073] The insert for a beverage container system according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the insert includes an upper surface and a flange positioned below the upper surface, and an insert indent is formed in the flange.

[0074] The insert for a beverage container system according to any of the aspects herein, wherein in a locked position of the insert, a catch of an actuator is spring biased into the insert indent of the insert, and the catch is under an edge of a generally circular outer diameter of the insert.

[0075] The insert for a beverage container system according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the insert includes a first complementary alignment element, wherein the collar forms a second complementary alignment element, and the second complementary alignment element receives the first complementary alignment element to align the insert with a collar in an orientation for installing the insert in the collar for use. [0076] The insert for a beverage container system according to any of the aspects herein, wherein the first complementary alignment element is configured as a tab and the second complementary alignment element is configured as a collar indent, and the tab extends from a generally circular outer diameter of the insert.

[0077] A beverage container system comprising the insert, according to any of the aspects herein, further comprising the container.

[0078] As such, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the particular aspects described herein, but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this novel concept as defined by the following claims. Further, many other advantages of applicant’s disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the claims below.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A lid assembly, comprising: a collar, the collar configured to fit around an upper portion or neck region of a beverage container; the collar defining a central opening, the central opening configured to removably receive an insert, and the insert configured to removably connect or engage the beverage container; the insert includes a fluid passage and an opening structure, wherein the fluid passage is configured to fluidly connect to an interior volume of the beverage container, wherein the opening structure is configured to dispense a beverage from the beverage container, and wherein the fluid passage and opening structure are in fluid communication to permit beverage to flow out of the beverage container; and the collar includes an actuator, wherein the actuator holds the insert in the central opening of the collar when the insert is in use, and wherein upon a user pressing the actuator, the insert is released from the collar such that the user may easily remove the insert for cleaning or replacement.

2. The lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the insert is configured to removably connect or engage the beverage container.

3. The lid assembly according to claim 1, wherein the insert includes a first complementary alignment element, wherein the collar forms a second complementary alignment element, and the second complementary alignment element receives the first complementary alignment element to align the insert with the collar in an orientation for installing the insert in the collar for use.

4. The lid assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first complementary alignment element is configured as a tab and the second complementary alignment element is configured as a collar indent, and the tab extends from a generally circular outer diameter of the insert.

5. The lid assembly according to claim 4, wherein the tab is positioned generally opposite from the collar indent when the insert is engaged or connected to the collar.

6. The lid assembly according to claim 3, wherein the insert includes an upper surface and a flange positioned below the upper surface, and an insert indent is formed in the flange.

7. The lid assembly according to claim 6, wherein, in a locked position of the insert, a catch of the actuator is spring biased into the insert indent of the insert, and the catch is under an edge of a generally circular outer diameter of the insert.

8. The lid assembly according to claim 7, wherein the catch of the actuator is configured to move away from or out of the insert indent, which unlocks the insert from the collar.

9. The lid assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a cap configured to cover the opening structure of the insert to minimize spills or leakage.

10. The lid assembly according to claim 9, wherein an interior surface of the cap includes a gasket configured to seal against the opening structure or vent of the insert.

11. The lid assembly according to claim 10, further including a second insert configured to interact with the collar, such second insert having a different opening structure than the insert, such that a user may replace the insert with the second insert while the insert is being cleaned or when the user wishes to have the different opening structure; wherein the cap includes a single gasket configured to seal against the opening structure on the insert and that same gasket is configured to seal against the different opening structure when that second insert is in the collar.

12. A beverage container system, comprising the lid assembly according to claim 1, and further comprising the container.

13. A beverage container system with interchangeable inserts, comprising: a collar; a beverage container defining an interior volume configured to contain a beverage; the collar configured to fit around an upper portion or neck region of the beverage container; a first insert configured to removably connect or engage to the collar, and the first insert configured to removably connect or engage to the beverage container, the first insert includes a first fluid passage and a first opening structure, wherein the first fluid passage configured to fluidly connect the interior volume of the beverage container with the first opening structure to dispense the beverage; and a second insert configured to removably connect or engage to the collar, and the second insert configured to removably connect or engage to the beverage container, the second insert includes a second fluid passage and a second opening structure, wherein the second fluid passage configured to fluidly connect the interior volume of the beverage container with the second opening structure to dispense the beverage.

14. The beverage container system with interchangeable inserts according to claim 13, wherein the first insert includes a different opening structure than the second insert.

15. The beverage container system with interchangeable inserts according to claim

13, wherein the first opening structure is one of a drinking port, a drinking opening, a nozzle, a squirt feature, a spray feature, a straw, an orifice, a tube, a nozzle, or a mouthpiece, and the second opening structure is another.

16. The beverage container system with interchangeable inserts according to claim

13, further comprising a third insert configured to removably connect or engage to the collar, and the third insert configured to removably connect or engage to the beverage container, the third insert includes a third fluid passage and a third opening structure, wherein the third fluid passage configured to fluidly connect the interior volume of the beverage container with the third opening structure to dispense the beverage.

17. The beverage container system with interchangeable inserts according to claim 16, wherein the first opening structure, the second opening structure, and the third opening structure are all different from each other.

18. An insert for a beverage container system, comprising: an insert, the insert includes an upper surface; an opening structure is a part of or extends from the upper surface; a fluid passage formed in the insert, the fluid passage fluidly connecting with the opening structure; the insert includes a first generally circular outer diameter; threads are positioned on the first generally circular outer diameter, the threads configured to removably engage with a container; and the upper surface forms a second generally circular outer diameter having an edge.

19. The insert for a beverage container system according to claim 18, wherein the second generally circular outer diameter forms the edge, and a flange is positioned below the edge, and an insert indent is formed in the flange.

20. The insert for a beverage container system according to claim 19, wherein the insert indent is configured to operate with an actuator of a collar.

21. The insert for a beverage container system according to claim 18, wherein the second generally circular outer diameter forms the edge, and a tab extends from the edge.

22. The insert for a beverage container system according to claim 21, wherein the tab is configured to enter a collar indent of a collar.

23. The insert for a beverage container system according to claim 22, wherein the tab is positioned generally opposite from an insert indent.

24. The insert for a beverage container system according to claim 22, wherein the second generally circular outer diameter of the upper surface is larger than the first generally circular outer diameter.

25. The insert for a beverage container system according to claim 18, wherein the opening structure is one of a drinking port, a drinking opening, a nozzle, a squirt feature, a spray feature, a straw, an orifice, a tube, a nozzle, or a mouthpiece.