WO2023180451A1

WO2023180451A1 - Lid for beverage container

Info

Publication number: WO2023180451A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/057489
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Pearson; Jonathan Freeman; Marius Andresen; Jessica THOMASSON
Original assignee: The Ocean Bottle Ltd
Priority date: 2022-03-23
Filing date: 2023-03-23
Publication date: 2023-09-28
Also published as: GB202204047D0

Abstract

There is provided a lid assembly for a beverage container. The lid assembly comprises a cap for coupling to an opening of the beverage container, the cap comprising at least one aperture for transferring a beverage from the beverage container; a dispensing means coupled to the cap, the dispensing means comprising an inlet for receiving the beverage from the at least one aperture of the cap; an outlet for dispensing the beverage to a user; and a sealing means for engaging with the at least one aperture of the cap. The dispensing means is rotatable relative to the cap between an open configuration wherein the sealing means is disengaged from the at least one aperture of the cap to allow beverage to flow through the aperture of the cap and into the inlet of the dispensing means, and a closed configuration wherein the sealing means engages and fluidly seals the at least one aperture of the cap.

Description

LID FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to lids for beverage containers, in particular to lids for reusable beverage containers such as coffee cups.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hot drinks containers are commonly secured with a screw-on lid. Within the existing marketplace, products often have a small drinking hole for sipping on-the-go, which is typically sealed by screwing or using a press-button action. The disadvantage of this is that the container is directional, requiring the user to orient the vessel in order to drink from it.

Other options seek to improve the user experience using a press-activated mechanism combined with a 360-degree drinking experience. The disadvantage of this is that the vessel is much more prone to accidental opening when placed in the user’s bag.

Another variant features a 360-degree drinking experience combined with a threaded plug that screws into an external drinking collar. However, here the plug is activated from within the drinking area. The user experience is, therefore, less desirable. The user’s fingers touch the drinking area when opening and closing, which may be difficult to activate, and the plug can strike the nose when drinking.

New solutions to provide improved drinking experiences are therefore desired. In particular, it would be advantageous to achieve the benefits of clean, convenient, leak free and/or 360- degree drinking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a lid assembly for a beverage container, the lid assembly comprising: a cap for coupling to an opening of the beverage container, the cap comprising at least one aperture for transferring a beverage from the beverage container; a dispensing means coupled to the cap, the dispensing means comprising: an inlet for receiving the beverage from the at least one aperture of the cap; an outlet for dispensing the beverage to a user; and a sealing means for engaging with the at least one aperture of the cap; wherein the dispensing means is rotatable relative to the cap between an open configuration wherein the sealing means is disengaged from the at least one aperture of the cap to allow beverage to flow through the aperture of the cap and into the inlet of the dispensing means, and a closed configuration wherein the sealing means engages and fluidly seals the at least one aperture of the cap.

Herein, the term “dispensing means” refers to a means by which beverage may be drunk by a user or from which beverage may be poured.

In this way, the lid assembly of the invention provides a clean and convenient drinking experience. The lid assembly may be opened and closed by a user gripping only the outside surfaces of the lid assembly, e.g. without needing to touch the drinking area of the dispensing means, by using a twisting action between the cap and dispensing means.

Preferably, the outlet of the dispensing means may comprise a lip or spout. This may provide a convenient means for a user to drink beverage directly from the dispensing means, or to pour beverage out into another receptacle such as a glass or cup.

Preferably, the cap may comprise an annular collar portion. This may provide a convenient outer surface of the lid assembly for a user to grip when twisting the cap and dispensing means.

Preferably, the inlet of the dispensing means may be configured to nest within an inner circumferential region of the annular collar portion. For example, the inlet of the dispensing means may comprise a projecting portion that is configured to nest within an inner circumferential region of the annular collar portion. This may allow for a strong, secure and visually appealing means for coupling the dispensing means to the cap.

Preferably, the dispensing means and cap may be coupled with a screw fit. This may provide the security of a screw-thread closure that may help to avoid or mitigate the risk of beverage leaking from the lid assembly when closed. Preferably, the relative rotation between the dispensing means and cap may cause the dispensing means and cap to move towards or away from one another between the open and closed configuration, i.e. by means of the screw fit. In this way, the screw fit assists in engaging and disengaging the sealing means against the at least one aperture of the cap. For example, as the cap and dispensing means are twisted into the open configuration, the dispensing means may move up and away from the cap by means of the screw thread therebetween, which disengages the sealing means from the at least one aperture of the cap. As the cap and dispensing means are twisted into the closed configuration, the dispensing means may move down and towards the cap by means of the screw thread therebetween, which engages the sealing means against the at least one aperture of the cap.

Preferably, complimentary threads of the screw fit are provided on an outer circumferential surface of the inlet of the dispensing means and on an inner circumferential surface of the cap. This may provide a convenient arrangement for coupling the cap and dispensing means.

For example, the cap may comprise an annular collar portion having an inner circumferential surface, the inlet of the dispensing means may comprise an annular projecting portion with an outer circumferential surface configured to couple with the inner circumferential surface of the annular collar portion. Complimentary threads of a screw fit may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the inlet of the dispensing means and on an inner circumferential surface of the annular collar portion.

In some embodiments, the lid assembly may further comprise an indicator ring provided between the cap and dispensing means, where the indicator ring is visible to a user in the open configuration and the indicator ring is obscured from a user in the closed configuration. This may provide a visual means to identify if the lid assembly is in its open or closed configuration, which may reduce the risk of accidental leaks.

For example, the indicator ring may comprise a pattern and/or colour that is visually distinguishable from the cap and/or dispensing means, such as a high contrast colour and/or pattern. This may provide a more easily recognisable visual means to identify if the lid assembly is in its open or closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the cap may have a substantially cylindrical outer surface. The substantially cylindrical outer surface of the cap may have a diameter of about 50 mm to about 120 mm, preferably about 60 mm to about 80 mm. This may provide a convenient size and/or shape for cooperation with and coupling to a beverage container.

In some embodiments, the outlet of the dispensing means is substantially cup-like, for example as a substantially inverted hollow cone, preferably frustoconical. This may provide a convenient shape for dispensing beverage and may provide a visually appealing appearance. Preferably, the at least one aperture of the cap comprises a plurality of apertures.

In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures may be substantially arranged in a ring or series of concentric rings. This may allow a user to drink beverage from any side of the dispensing means, preferably 360-degrees thereof, for an omnidirectional drinking experience where the user does not need to orientate the dispensing means for drinking.

Preferably, the sealing means may comprise a sealing ring configured to engage and fluidly seal a plurality of apertures, where said plurality of apertures are preferably arranged in a ring or series of concentric rings. The sealing ring may be formed from a silicone material. This may provide an improved seal when in the closed configuration to prevent leaks, while allowing for an omnidirectional drinking experience in the open configuration.

Preferably, the cap comprises an annular collar portion arranged with a base region, wherein the plurality of apertures is provided in the base region adjacent an inner circumferential region of the annular collar portion. This may provide a strong and secure structure for the cap, which may provide an inner circumferential portion suitable for coupling with the dispensing means, and a region in the base into which beverage may be collected before transferring to the dispensing means.

Preferably, the base region may comprise a raised domed portion (e.g. a portion of the base is raised into the inner circumferential region of the annular collar portion of the cap), which is surrounded by the plurality of apertures and configured to drain beverage from the domed portion towards the plurality of apertures. This may provide the advantage that any excess beverage that has exited the apertures of the cap, but not exited the dispensing means, may flow back and be directed into the plurality of apertures to return to the beverage container, which may minimise the risk of drips or leaks.

Preferably, the sealing means may comprise a gasket. This may provide a convenient type of sealing means for preventing or minimising leaks.

Preferably, the sealing means may comprise silicone, such as a silicone gasket. This may provide a convenient type of sealing means for preventing or minimising leaks.

In some embodiments, the cap may comprise a means for coupling the cap to the beverage container, preferably where the means for coupling provides a fluid seal, preferably where the means for coupling comprises a gasket, preferably a silicone gasket. In some embodiments, the means for coupling the cap to the beverage container may comprise a thread for a screw fit with a beverage container. This may avoid the lid assembly from accidentally detaching from the beverage container which may help avoid leaks and spills.

Preferably, the lid may comprise, consists essentially of, or consist of polypropylene. This material may be particularly suited for use with hot beverages, such as coffee or tea.

In some embodiments, the lid assembly may further comprise a restraining means to prevent the dispensing means uncoupling from the cap, preferably wherein the restraining means is a bayonet fit attachment. This may help avoid the cap and dispensing means from becoming uncoupled in normal use, which may help avoid leaks or spills. The restraining means may be provided in combination with the screw thread between the cap and dispensing means, as previously described.

The invention also provides a beverage container comprising the lid as previously described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a 3D view of an example of the lid assembly of the invention.

Figure 2A shows a side view of an example of the lid assembly of the invention in a closed configuration.

Figure 2B shows a side view of an example of the lid assembly of the invention in an open configuration.

Figure 3 shows a top view of an example of the lid assembly of the invention.

Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional view of an example of the lid assembly of the invention in a closed configuration.

Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of an example of the lid assembly of the invention in an open configuration. Figure 5 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of an example of a rotational weld joint of Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of an example of an ultrasonic weld joint of Figure 4.

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of an example of the lid assembly of the invention.

Figure 8 shows another 3D view of an example of the lid assembly of the invention.

Figure 9 shows a top view of an example of the cap portion of the lid assembly of the invention, disassembled from the dispensing means.

Figure 10 shows a bottom view of an example of the cap portion of the lid assembly of the invention.

Figure 1 shows an example of the lid assembly 1 of the invention. The lid comprises a cap 2, which is adapted for coupling with an opening of a beverage container (not shown). The cap 2 is further coupled to a dispensing means 3. The dispensing means 3 may have an open cup-like outlet from which beverage may be drunk by a user or beverage poured out. The region of the cap 2 adjacent the dispensing means 3 may comprise a shoulder region, which may provide for ease of handling and give an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The cap 2 and dispensing means 3 may be constructed essentially of polypropylene, which has good resistance to heat and therefore suitable for use with hot beverages.

Figures 2A and 2B show a side view of an example of the lid assembly 1 , having the cap 2 and dispensing means 3 as previously described. The dispensing means 3 takes the form of an inverted truncated cone (i.e. frustoconical) that is coupled to the cap 2.

Figure 2A shows the lid assembly 1 in its closed configuration where the sealing means (not shown) is pressed against the at least one aperture (not shown) of the cap 2, thereby providing a fluid seal to prevent beverage flowing into the dispensing means 3.

By rotating or twisting the dispensing means 3 relative to the cap 2 (or the cap 2 relative to the dispensing means 3) the dispensing means 3 moves up and away from the cap 2, disengaging the sealing means (not shown) from the at least one aperture (not shown) of the cap 2, and providing the lid assembly in its open configuration where beverage is allowed to flow into the dispensing means 3 to be drunk by a user or poured out.

Figure 2B shows the lid assembly 1 in its open configuration. In this open configuration, an indicator ring 14 may be visible to a user, preferably having a high contrast pattern or colour that is easily distinguishable from the cap 2 and dispensing means 3. When the indicator ring 14 is visible, this indicates to a user that the lid assembly 1 is in its open configuration and at risk of leaking or spilling.

By rotating or twisting the dispensing means 3 relative to the cap 2 in a reverse direction, the dispensing means 3 moves down and towards the cap 2, engaging the sealing means (not shown) against the at least one aperture (not shown) of the cap 2, and returning the lid assembly to its closed configuration. In this closed configuration, the aforementioned indictor ring (if provided) would be obscured by the cap 2 and/or dispensing means 3, indicating to a user that the lid assembly is in its closed configuration and may be safely stowed, such as in a bag.

Figure 3 shows a top view of an example of the lid assembly 1 , which in this case is a view of the top of the dispensing means 3. The dispensing means 3 has sides 4 that slope inwardly to its central region to assist in controlled flow of beverage. The dispensing means 3 comprises a lip 5 from which beverage may be drunk by a user. The central region of the dispensing means 3 contains an inlet, in the form of a hole, through which beverage may enter the dispensing means from the aperture(s) of the cap 2. The cap 2 comprises a central domed portion 6, which is visible through the central hole of the dispensing means 3. The domed portion 6 assists in returning excess beverage back to the beverage container by directing excess beverage to the aperture(s) in the cap 2. The aperture(s) in the cap 2 may be provided as a plurality of apertures in a ring or series of concentric rings around the domed portion 6.

Figures 4A and 4B show cross-sectional views of an example of the lid assembly 1 in either its closed configuration (Figure 4A) or open configuration (Figure 4B).

Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly 1 in its closed configuration. The cap 2, dispensing means 3, sloped sides 4, lip 5 and domed portion 6 are as described previously. The cap 2 is provided with an annular collar portion 7 and a base 8 (also termed a pocket base). The dispensing means 3 has an outer circumferential surface provided with a thread 9, which cooperates with a complimentary thread on an inner circumferential surface of the annular collar 7 to give a screw fit. The cap 2 also contains a further threaded portion 10 adapted to couple the cap 2 with a complimentary thread on a beverage container (not shown). The dispensing means 3 may be constructed using a rotational weld joint 11. The cap 2 may be constructed with an ultrasonic weld joint 12. Between the domed portion 6 and the base 8 of the cap 2 may be an air pocket 13 which is fluidly sealed against air or liquid ingress.

A sealing means, in this example a gasket 16 such as a silicone gasket, is provided between the dispensing means 3 and cap 2 disposed for engaging with one or more apertures 17 in the cap. In the shown closed configuration, the gasket 16 is pressed down and engages against the aperture(s) 17, which fluidly seals the aperture(s) 17 preventing flow of beverage into the dispensing means 3.

An indicator ring 14 having a high contrast colour or pattern is provided between the cap 2 and dispensing means 3, which is obscured from a user in the shown closed configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 4A, a projecting portion of the dispensing means 3 may be provided to obscure the indicator ring 14 from a user in the closed configuration.

Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly 1 in its open configuration. The cap 2, dispensing means 3, sloped sides 4, lip 5, domed portion 6, annular collar 7, closed base 8, threads 9 and 10, rotational weld joint 11 , ultrasonic weld joint 12 and air pocket 13 are as described previously.

In the shown open configuration, as the dispensing means 3 moves up and away from the cap 2 along the thread 9, the gasket 16 is lifted away and disengages from the aperture(s) 17 to allow beverage to flow through the aperture(s) 17 into the dispensing means 3 so that the beverage may be drunk by a user or poured out.

In the shown open configuration, the indicator ring 14 is made visible to a user. For example, as shown in Figure 4B, as the dispensing means 3 moves up and away from the cap 2, the projecting portion of the dispensing means 3 lifts up and reveals the indicator ring 14 lying underneath.

Figure 5 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a rotational weld joint 11 of Figure 4. This joint allows base 8 (such as base 8 of Figure 4A and 4B or pocket base 8 of Figure 7) to be fitted to the domed portion 6 to provide air pocket 13 as previously described. Figure 6 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic weld joint 12 of Figure 4. This joint may provide an overhang 19, which may be used to affix a gasket (such as flask gasket 20 shown in Figure 7).

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of an example of the lid assembly 1 . The dispensing means 3 takes the form of an open cup, such as an inverted truncated cone (e.g. frustoconical), with a central opening acting as an inlet to receive beverage from the cap 2. At the base of the dispensing means 3 is an annular projection 9 with a threaded outer circumferential surface that is configured to engage with a complimentary threaded portion 15 on the inner circumferential surface of the annular collar of cap 2. At the base of the annular collar portion of the cap 2, is a domed portion 6 surrounded by a ring of apertures (not shown).

Between the dispensing means 3 and cap 2 is a sealing means, in this example a gasket 16 such as a silicone gasket. When the lid assembly 1 is in its closed configuration, the silicone gasket 16 is pressed down by the dispensing means 3 against the ring of apertures in the cap 2 and fluidly seals the apertures. When the lid assembly 1 is in its open configuration, the silicone gasket 16 is lifted up by the dispensing means 3 away from the ring of apertures in the cap to allow beverage to flow through the apertures and into the dispensing means.

Between the dispensing means 3 and cap 2 may be indicator ring 14. When the lid assembly is in its closed configuration, the indicator ring 14 is covered by the dispensing means 3 and cap 2. When the lid assembly is in its open configuration, the indicator ring 14 is visible between the dispensing means 3 and cap 2, thereby indicating to a user that the lid assembly is open and at risk of spilling.

The base of the cap 2 may further comprise a gasket ring 18, a pocket base 8 and a flask gasket 20. The gasket ring 18 and/or pocket base 8 may be provided in some embodiments to assist in directing beverage to the apertures in the cap 2 without leaks. The flask gasket 20 may be provided in some embodiments to assist the cap 2 in coupling to a beverage container.

Figure 8 shows another 3D view of an example of the lid assembly 1. In this view (which is slightly elevated compared to Figure 1), the domed portion 6 can be seen in the centre of the dispensing means 3.

Figure 9 shows a top view of an example of the cap portion 2 of the lid assembly 1 , which has been disassembled from the dispensing means 3 to shown the inner portions of the cap 2. Threaded portion 15 on the inner circumferential surface of the annular collar of cap 2 can be seen, which is adapted to couple with a complimentary threaded portion 9 on the dispensing means. In this example, a plurality of apertures 17 are provided in the cap 2. The plurality of apertures 17 are arranged in a ring around the circumference of the domed portion 6. This arrangement may be advantageous for numerous reasons. Firstly, the plurality of apertures 17 allow beverage to be drunk or poured out of the lid assembly in any direction, e.g. to enable 360 degrees of drinking/pouring orientation. Secondly, by providing the plurality of apertures 17 arranged in a ring around the circumference of the domed portion 6, any excess beverage that remains in the dispensing means 3 is directed by the domed portion back into the plurality of apertures to be returned to the beverage container (not shown).

Figure 10 shows a bottom view of an example of the cap portion 2 of the lid assembly 1. Here the plurality of apertures 17 are seen from the bottom of the cap. The base 8 of the cap is also visible. The bottom of the cap 2 has a threaded portion 10, which is adapted to couple the cap 2 with a complimentary thread on a beverage container (not shown).

The above embodiments have been described by way of example only. Many other embodiments falling within the scope of the accompanying claims will be apparent to the skilled reader. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications or additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function of the present invention without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended claims.

Any feature that has been described above in relation to any one aspect or embodiment of the invention is also disclosed hereby in relation to all other aspects and embodiments. Likewise, all combinations of two or more of the individual features or elements described above may be present in any aspect or embodiment. For brevity, all possible features and combinations have not been recited in relation to all aspects and embodiments, but they are expressly contemplated and hereby disclosed.

Claims

1 . A lid assembly for a beverage container, the lid assembly comprising: a cap for coupling to an opening of the beverage container, the cap comprising at least one aperture for transferring a beverage from the beverage container; a dispensing means coupled to the cap, the dispensing means comprising: an inlet for receiving the beverage from the at least one aperture of the cap; an outlet for dispensing the beverage to a user; and a sealing means for engaging with the at least one aperture of the cap; wherein the dispensing means is rotatable relative to the cap between an open configuration wherein the sealing means is disengaged from the at least one aperture of the cap to allow beverage to flow through the aperture of the cap and into the inlet of the dispensing means, and a closed configuration wherein the sealing means engages and fluidly seals the at least one aperture of the cap.

2. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the outlet of the dispensing means comprises a lip or spout, preferably wherein the outlet of the dispensing means comprises an open cup.

3. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the cap comprises an annular collar portion.

4. The lid of claim 3, wherein the inlet of the dispensing means is configured to nest within an inner circumferential region of the annular collar portion.

5. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the dispensing means and cap are coupled with a screw fit.

6. The lid of claim 5, where relative rotation between the dispensing means and cap causes the dispensing means and cap to move towards or away from one another between the open and closed configuration.

7. The lid of claim 5 or 6, wherein complimentary threads of the screw fit are provided on an outer circumferential surface of the inlet of the dispensing means and on an inner circumferential surface of the cap.

8. The lid of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the cap comprises an annular collar portion having an inner circumferential surface, the inlet of the dispensing means comprises an annular projecting portion with an outer circumferential surface configured to couple with the inner circumferential surface of the annular collar portion, and wherein complimentary threads of the screw fit are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the inlet of the dispensing means and on an inner circumferential surface of the annular collar portion.

9. The lid of any preceding claim, further comprising an indicator ring provided between the cap and dispensing means, where the indicator ring is visible to a user in the open configuration and the indicator ring is obscured from a user in the closed configuration.

10. The lid of claim 9, wherein the indicator ring comprises a pattern and/or colour that is visually distinguishable from the cap and dispensing means.

11. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the cap has a substantially cylindrical outer surface.

12. The lid of claim 11 , wherein the substantially cylindrical outer surface of the cap has a diameter of about 50 mm to about 120 mm, preferably about 60 mm to about 80 mm.

13. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the outlet of the dispensing means is a substantially inverted hollow cone, preferably frustoconical.

14. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one aperture of the cap comprises a plurality of apertures.

15. The lid of claim 14, wherein the plurality of apertures are substantially arranged in a ring or series of concentric rings.

16. The lid of claim 15, wherein the sealing means comprises a sealing ring configured to engage and fluidly seal the plurality of apertures.

17. The lid of claim 15 or 16, wherein the cap comprises an annular collar portion arranged with a base region, and wherein the plurality of apertures is provided in the base region adjacent an inner circumferential region of the annular collar portion.

18. The lid of claim 17, wherein the base region comprises a raised domed portion substantially surrounded by the plurality of apertures configured to drain beverage from the domed portion towards the plurality of apertures.

19. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the sealing means comprises a gasket.

20. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the sealing means comprises silicone, preferably a silicone gasket.

21. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the cap comprises a means for coupling the cap to the beverage container, preferably where the means for coupling comprises a screw thread, preferably where the means for coupling provides a fluid seal, preferably where the means for coupling comprises a gasket, preferably a silicone gasket.

22. The lid of any preceding claim, wherein the lid comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of polypropylene.

23. The lid of any preceding claim, comprising a restraining means to prevent the dispensing means uncoupling from the cap, preferably wherein the restraining means comprises a bayonet fit attachment.

24. The lid of any preceding claim, substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

25. A beverage container comprising the lid of any preceding claim.