Push Button Controlled Beverage Container Lid

Abstract

A lid assembly including a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover member including a top surface and a side surface extending from the top surface, the top surface including an aperture providing access to contents of the container; an actuating mechanism attached to the cover member and mechanically coupled to a sealing element for sealing the aperture, the actuating mechanism including a first actuator positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and partially open the aperture; and a second actuator positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and fully open the aperture; and an indicator mechanism provided on the cover member, the indicator mechanism providing a visual indication of which of the first and/or second actuators have been actuated.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally directed towards beverage containers and beverage container lids and, more particularly, toward beverage container lids having push button controlled functionality for opening and closing the drinking opening, as well as maintaining the drinking opening in a partially open or fully open position. The present disclosure has particular utility in the consumption of hot and cold beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beverage containers and lids therefore are commonly sold and are used for the containment and consumption of beverages, such as juice, soft drinks, water, coffee tea, etc. Typically, beverage containers will include a lid which covers a top opening through which the container is filled. The lids may be screwed onto the container, snap fit, friction fit, or otherwise removably attached. The lid is designed to prevent the beverage from spilling while still allowing the beverage to be consumed. Such containers are often used for holding juice, water, coffee, tea, etc. and are used by persons traveling to and from work or other situations where the container is subject to motion.

For instance, the lid may have a slot or opening therein that allows the beverage to be sipped or otherwise consumed from the container. The drinking opening may be closed and opened via a variety of mechanisms, including rotating a top portion of the lid to align holes in the top and bottom portions of the lid, depressing push buttons, levers or other actuating mechanisms, etc. Such lids are often used for hot beverages, such as, for example, coffee, tea, etc., as it is often preferred to sip a hot beverage so that the temperature of the beverage may be determined before a large amount is consumed. If an actuating mechanism is used, a user will typically depress the actuating mechanism to open the drinking opening and consume the beverage. Releasing the actuating mechanism typically results in the drinking opening being automatically closed.

Often the drinking opening is only positionable between open and closed positions. When consuming a hot beverage, however, a person may only wish to consume a very small amount at first to test the temperature of the beverage before consuming larger amounts. An opening that allows too much of the beverage to flow from the container may be disadvantageous in that a person's mouth may be burned when first consuming a particularly hot beverage.

Various problems are associated with prior art drinking containers and lids of the aforementioned type. For instance, in order to keep the drinking opening open, a user must maintain pressure on the actuating mechanism. If the actuating mechanism (push button, lever, etc.) is inadvertently depressed or otherwise activated, the drinking opening will open which may result in spillage. If the opening is too large, a person's mouth may be burned in trying to consume a small amount of a particularly hot beverage to test the temperature thereof. Additionally, the provision of metal parts which can corrode may result in a malfunctioning of the lid.

The present disclosure is directed toward overcoming one or more of the above-identified problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A lid assembly for containers is disclosed herein. The lid assembly includes a cover member for attachment to the container, the cover member including a top surface and a side surface extending from the top surface, wherein the top surface includes an aperture providing access to contents of the container; an actuating mechanism attached to the cover member and mechanically coupled to a sealing element for sealing the aperture, the actuating mechanism including a first actuator positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and partially open the aperture; and a second actuator positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and fully open the aperture; and an indicator mechanism provided on the cover member, the indicator mechanism providing a visual indication of which of the first and/or second actuators have been actuated. The partially open position defining a small flow position. The open position defining a large flow position. The first and second actuators may operate independently of one another.

In one form, the first and second actuators include first and second push buttons provided on the side surface of the cover member. With the first and/or second push buttons in the closed position the first and/or second push buttons are generally flush with the side surface, and with the first and/or second push buttons in the open position the first and/or second push buttons are indented from the side surface.

In another form, the indicator mechanism includes a visual indicator provided about respective peripheries of the first and second actuators.

In a further form, with the first actuator in the closed position the respective visual indicator is hidden and with the first actuator in the open position the respective visual indicator is exposed, and wherein with the second actuator in the closed position the respective visual indicator is hidden and with the second actuator in the open position the respective visual indicator is exposed.

In one form, the visual indicator includes color, the color of the visual indicator being different than the color of the cover member.

In a further form, the first and second actuators include raised indicators on the surfaces thereof for distinguishing between them by touch.

A lid assembly for containers is disclosed herein. The lid assembly includes a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover member including a top surface and a side surface extending from the top surface, wherein the top surface includes an aperture providing access to contents of the container; an actuating mechanism attached to the cover member and mechanically coupled to a sealing element for sealing the aperture, the actuating mechanism including a first push button positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and partially open the aperture (the partially open position defining a small flow position); and a second push button positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and fully open the aperture (the fully open position defining a large flow position); and an indicator mechanism provided on the cover member, the indicator mechanism providing a visual indication of which of the first and/or second actuators have been actuated, wherein the indicator mechanism comprises a visual indicator provided about respective peripheries of the first and second actuators. The first and second push buttons may operate independently of one another.

In one form, the first and second push buttons are provided on the side surface of the cover member. The visual indicator may include color, with the color of the visual indicator being different than the color of the side surface/cover member.

In another form, with the first and second push buttons in the closed position the first and second push buttons are generally flush with the side surface covering the visual indicator, and with the first and second push buttons in the open position the first and second push buttons are indented from the side surface exposing the visual indicator.

In a further form, the first and second push buttons include raised indicators on the surfaces thereof for distinguishing between them by touch.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a push button controlled lid assembly that permits the drinking opening to be adjusted to different flow positions.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a push button controlled lid assembly that allows an opening in the lid to be opened between small and large flow openings.

It is yet a further object of the present disclosure to provide a push button controlled lid assembly having push buttons that operate in a manner similar to retractable ballpoint pens to adjust the drinking opening to different flow positions (e.g., small and large flow positions).

It is still a further object of the present disclosure to provide a push button controlled lid assembly having a visual indicator associated with the push buttons so that a user may visually see which, if any, of the push buttons have been activated and, thus, be able to discern the flow position of the drinking opening.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a push button controlled lid assembly having raised indicators on the surfaces of the push buttons enabling a user to distinguish between the push buttons by touch. This enables a user who is visually impaired to distinguish between the push buttons and know which flow position they are opening the drinking opening to via activation of the respective push button.

Various other objects, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure can be obtained from a study of the specification, the drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further possible embodiment(s) are shown in the drawings. The present disclosure is explained in the following in greater detail with reference to exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in drawings. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A-B are cross-section and perspective ross-section views of the inventive lid assembly in a closed position showing the internal working elements;

FIGS. 2A-B are cross-section and perspective ross-section views of the inventive lid assembly in a partially open position showing the internal working elements;

FIGS. 3A-B are cross-section and perspective ross-section views of the inventive lid assembly in an open position showing the internal working elements; and

FIGS. 4A-B are perspective views of the inventive lid assembly illustrating the operation of the visual indicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the inventive lid assembly, shown generally at 10, attached to a container 12. The container 12 is designed to hold beverages, such as juice, soft drinks, water, coffee, tea, and the like. The lid assembly 10 may be attached to the container 12 by any means, such as, for example, screw fit, snap fit, friction fit, etc. In a preferred form, the lid assembly 10 is removably attached to the container 12.

The lid assembly 10 includes a cover member 14 attachable to the container 12. The cover member 14 includes a top surface 16 and a side surface 18 extending from the top surface 16. The side surface 18 is removably attachable to the container 12. The top surface 16 includes an aperture 20 formed therein which provides access to the contents (e.g., beverage) of the container 12.

An actuating mechanism 22 is attached to the cover member 12 at the side surface 18 thereof. The actuating mechanism 22 is mechanically coupled to a sealing element 24 for sealing the aperture 20. The actuating mechanism 22 is activated by a user to move the sealing element 24 between closed (see FIGS. 1A-B), partially open (see FIGS. 2A-B), and open (see FIGS. 3A-B) positions. As used herein, partially open means that the sealing element 24 is positioned to let a small amount of fluid flow through the aperture 20, and open means that the sealing element 24 is positions to let a large amount of fluid flow (greater than the small amount of fluid flow) through the aperture 20. As should be appreciated, closed means that the sealing element 24 seals off the aperture 20 so that no fluid flows there through (with possibly minimal leakage).

The actuating mechanism includes first 26 and second 28 actuators mechanically coupled to the sealing element 24. In the embodiment shown herein, the actuators 26, 28 are push buttons and will be referred to as such throughout. In the embodiment shown herein, the first 26 and second 28 push buttons are shown oriented vertically and adjacent to one another. However, they may be positioned at various places on the cover member 14, on either the top 16 or side 18 surfaces without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 1A-B show the inventive lid assembly 10 in the closed position with neither of the push buttons 26, 28 activated. In this position, the sealing element 24 is biased against the aperture by a spring 30.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate the inventive lid assembly 10 in the partially open position with the first push button 26 pushed in or otherwise activated. Pushing in the first push button 26 activates gears 32 and 34 and moves the pushing axle 36 against the force of the spring 38. The axle 36 contacts and moves the pushing plate 40 causing it to rotate. Rotation of the plate 40 in turns causes various shaft members, shown generally at 42, to move laterally and angularly, to pull the sealing element 24 down and out of sealing contact with the aperture 20 against the force of the spring 30. The first push button 26 is maintained in the partially open position shown in FIGS. 2A-B by gears 32 and 34 in a manner similar to that of a retractable ballpoint pen. Thus, a detailed discussion is not warranted. With the sealing element 24 in the partially open position, a small amount of fluid is allowed to flow from the container 12. This has particular utility with respect to a hot beverage, as the user can consume only a small amount of the beverage to test its temperature.

Pushing the first button 26 in again causes the gears 32 and 34 to turn in an opposite direction and allow the spring 38 to move the axle 36 back to the closed position moving the first push button 26 back to the closed position (see FIGS. 1A-B). As the axle 36 moves back, the plate 40 will rotate back and the spring 30 will bias the sealing element 24 to the closed position (see FIGS. 1A-B).

FIGS. 3A-B illustrate the inventive lid assembly 10 in the open position with the second push button 28 pushed in or otherwise activated. Pushing in the second push button 28 opens the aperture 20 in a manner similar to that previously described with respect to activating the first push button 26. Specifically, pushing in the second push button 28 activates gears 44 and 46 and moves the pushing axle 48 against the force of the spring 50. The axle 48 contacts and moves the pushing plate 40 causing it to rotate. Rotation of the plate 40 in turns causes various shaft members, shown generally at 42, to move laterally and angularly, to pull the sealing element 24 down and out of sealing contact with the aperture 20 against the force of the spring 30. The axle 48 causes the plate 40 to rotate further than when the plate is contacted by the axle 36, to move the sealing element 24 further away from the aperture 20 to allow move fluid to flow from the container. The second push button 28 is maintained in the open position shown in FIGS. 3A-B by gears 44 and 46 in a manner similar to that of a retractable ballpoint pen. Thus, a detailed discussion is not warranted. With the sealing element 24 in the open position, a large amount of fluid is allowed to flow from the container 12. This has particular utility with respect to a hot beverage. After a user tests the temperature of the beverage by pushing in the first push button 26, the user can activate the second push button 28 to fully open the aperture 20 and consume the beverage.

Pushing the second button 28 in again causes the gears 44 and 46 to turn in an opposite direction and allow the spring 50 to move the axle 48 back to the closed position moving the second push button 28 back to the closed position (see FIGS. 1A-B). As the axle 48 moves back, the plate 40 will rotate back and the spring 30 will bias the sealing element 24 to the closed position (see FIGS. 1A-B). To effectuate a good seal, the sealing element 24 may include a gasket element (not shown) made of rubber or other material to sufficiently seal the aperture 20.

The first 26 and second 28 push buttons are operable independently of one another. That is, with the first push button 26 pushed in, the second push button 28 may be pushed in to move the sealing element 24 from the partially open position (see FIGS. 2A-B) to the open position (see FIGS. 3A-B). In this manner, both push buttons 26 and 28 would be pushed in. FIGS. 4A-B illustrate this. With both push buttons 26 and 28 pushed in, pushing in the second push button 28 again will cause it to move to a closed position as previously described and will return the lid assembly 10 to the partially open position shown in FIGS. 2A-B, since the first push button 26 is pushed in. With both push buttons 26 and 28 pushed in, pushing in the first push button 26 again will cause it to move to a closed position as previously described, but the lid assembly 10 will remain in the open position shown in FIGS. 3A-B, since the second push button 28 is pushed in.

As shown more clearly in FIGS. 4A-B, an indicator mechanism 52 is provided on the cover member 14 providing a visual indication of which of the push buttons 26 and 28 are pushed in. In the embodiment shown, the indicator mechanism 50 includes a visual indicator 54 provided about the respective peripheries of the first 26 and second 28 push buttons. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the buttons 26 and 28 are not pushed in, the buttons 26, 28 are generally flush with the surface of the side surface 18. In this position, the visual indicator 54 is generally not visible. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the buttons 26 and 28 are pushed in, the buttons 26, 28 are indented from the surface of the side surface 18. When the buttons 26, 28 are indented, the visual indicator 54 is generally visible. In this manner, a user can easily visually see which, if any or both, of the push buttons 26 and 28 are pushed in and determine open/closed status of the aperture 20. To provide ease of visual indication, the visual indicator 54 is a different color than that of the cover member 14 and, preferably, a color that stands out (e.g., a neon color).

As shown on the various figures, raised indicators may be provided on each of the push buttons 26 and 28 to assist visually impaired people in distinguishing between the buttons 26, 28 by touch. In the embodiment shown, the first push button 26 has one raised indicator 56 provided thereon, while the second push button 28 has two raised indicators 56 provided thereon. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various configurations of indicators distinguishable by feel, such as raised, indented, surface texture, etc., may be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is contemplated herein that the various elements of the lid assembly 10 be made of a hard plastic or other polymer material (a possible exception is the springs 30, 38 and 50, which may be made of a metallic material). Such materials are durable and resilient and are well suited for the beverage container industry. However, other materials may be utilized for all or any the components described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, in one form, the various internal elements of the lid assembly 10 may be closed off in the lid assembly 10 such that they do not come into contact with the contents of the container 12.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings of the disclosure. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only. Other alternate embodiments may include some or all of the features disclosed herein. Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications and alternate embodiments as may come within the true scope of this invention, which is to be given the full breadth thereof. Additionally, the disclosure of a range of values is a disclosure of every numerical value within that range.

Claims

1. A lid assembly comprising:

a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover member including a top surface and a side surface extending from the top surface, wherein the top surface includes an aperture providing access to contents of the container;

an actuating mechanism attached to the cover member and mechanically coupled to a sealing element for sealing the aperture, the actuating mechanism comprising: a first actuator positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and partially open the aperture; and a second actuator positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and fully open the aperture; and

an indicator mechanism provided on the cover member, the indicator mechanism providing a visual indication of which of the first and/or second actuators have been actuated

wherein the first and second actuators comprise first and second push buttons provided on the side surface of the cover member.

2. (canceled)

3. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein with the first and second push buttons in the closed position the first and second push buttons are generally flush with the side surface, and with the first and second push buttons in the open position the first and second push buttons are indented from the side surface.

4. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the indicator mechanism comprises a visual indicator provided about respective peripheries of the first and second actuators.

5. A lid assembly comprising:

a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover member including a top surface and a side surface extending from the top surface, wherein the top surface includes an aperture providing access to contents of the container;

an actuating mechanism attached to the cover member and mechanically coupled to a sealing element for sealing the aperture, the actuating mechanism comprising: a first actuator positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and partially open the aperture; and a second actuator positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and fully open the aperture; and

an indicator mechanism provided on the cover member, the indicator mechanism providing a visual indication of which of the first and/or second actuators have been actuated,

wherein the indicator mechanism comprises a visual indicator provided about respective peripheries of the first and second actuators, and

wherein with the first actuator in the closed position the respective visual indicator is hidden and with the first actuator in the open position the respective visual indicator is exposed, and wherein with the second actuator in the closed position the respective visual indicator is hidden and with the second actuator in the open position the respective visual indicator is exposed.

6. The lid assembly of claim 5, wherein the visual indicator comprises color.

7. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second actuators include raised indicators on the surfaces thereof for distinguishing between them by touch.

8. A lid assembly comprising:

a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover member including a top surface and a side surface extending from the top surface, wherein the top surface includes an aperture providing access to contents of the container;

an actuating mechanism attached to the cover member and mechanically coupled to a sealing element for sealing the aperture, the actuating mechanism comprising: a first actuator positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and partially open the aperture; and a second actuator positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and fully open the aperture; and

an indicator mechanism provided on the cover member, the indicator mechanism providing a visual indication of which of the first and/or second actuators have been actuated,

wherein the first and second actuators operate independently of one another.

9. A lid assembly comprising:

a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover member including a top surface and a side surface extending from the top surface, wherein the top surface includes an aperture providing access to contents of the container;

an actuating mechanism attached to the cover member and mechanically coupled to a sealing element for sealing the aperture, the actuating mechanism comprising: a first push button positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and partially open the aperture; and a second push button positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and fully open the aperture; and

an indicator mechanism provided on the cover member, the indicator mechanism providing a visual indication of which of the first and/or second actuators have been actuated, wherein the indicator mechanism comprises a visual indicator provided about respective peripheries of the first and second actuators,

wherein the first and second push buttons are provided on the side surface of the cover member.

10. (canceled)

11. The lid assembly of claim 9, wherein the visual indicator comprises color.

12. A lid assembly comprising:

a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover member including a top surface and a side surface extending from the top surface, wherein the top surface includes an aperture providing access to contents of the container;

an actuating mechanism attached to the cover member and mechanically coupled to a sealing element for sealing the aperture, the actuating mechanism comprising: a first push button positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and partially open the aperture; and a second push button positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and fully open the aperture; and

an indicator mechanism provided on the cover member, the indicator mechanism providing a visual indication of which of the first and/or second actuators have been actuated, wherein the indicator mechanism comprises a visual indicator provided about respective peripheries of the first and second actuators,

wherein with the first and second push buttons in the closed position the first and second push buttons are generally flush with the side surface covering the visual indicator, and with the first and second push buttons in the open position the first and second push buttons are indented from the side surface exposing the visual indicator.

13. The lid assembly of claim 12, wherein the visual indicator is a different color than that of the side surface.

14. The lid assembly of claim 9, wherein the first and second push buttons include raised indicators on the surfaces thereof for distinguishing between them by touch.

15. A lid assembly comprising:

a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover member including a top surface and a side surface extending from the top surface, wherein the top surface includes an aperture providing access to contents of the container;

an actuating mechanism attached to the cover member and mechanically coupled to a sealing element for sealing the aperture, the actuating mechanism comprising: a first push button positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and partially open the aperture; and a second push button positionable between closed and open positions to move the sealing element to close and fully open the aperture; and

an indicator mechanism provided on the cover member, the indicator mechanism providing a visual indication of which of the first and/or second actuators have been actuated, wherein the indicator mechanism comprises a visual indicator provided about respective peripheries of the first and second actuators,

wherein the first and second push buttons operate independently of one another.

16. The lid assembly of claim 5, wherein the indicator mechanism comprises a visual indicator provided about respective peripheries of the first and second actuators.

17. The lid assembly of claim 5, wherein the first and second actuators include raised indicators on the surfaces thereof for distinguishing between them by touch.

18. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the indicator mechanism comprises a visual indicator provided about respective peripheries of the first and second actuators.

19. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second actuators include raised indicators on the surfaces thereof for distinguishing between them by touch.

20. The lid assembly of claim 12, wherein the first and second push buttons include raised indicators on the surfaces thereof for distinguishing between them by touch.

21. The lid assembly of claim 15, wherein the first and second push buttons include raised indicators on the surfaces thereof for distinguishing between them by touch.

22. The lid assembly of claim 15, wherein the visual indicator comprises color.