DISPENSING LID FOR CONTAINER

Abstract

Disclosed is a dispensing lid for a container. The dispensing lid comprises a base member and an elongated sipping member. The base member comprises a plate portion and a skirt portion. The plate portion includes an opening configured therein. The skirt portion extends from a periphery of the plate portion. The elongated sipping member is configured on the plate portion and extends from the plate portion in a direction opposite to the skirt portion. Moreover, the sipping member comprises a channel configured therewithin. The channel is fluidically coupled with the opening of the plate portion. The dispensing lid is adapted to be removably coupled to a mouth of the container in a manner such that the skirt portion engages with the mouth of the container. Upon being coupled to the container the dispensing lid is capable of dispensing a fluid, contained in the container, through the opening and the channel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a lid for a container, and, more particularly, to a dispensing lid capable of being coupled to a container for enabling dispensation of a fluid from the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An infant's diet generally includes fluids, such as milk, juice and the like. Mostly, such fluids are packaged and sold in containers, such as bottles. Typically, a fluid is poured from a container into a cup and thereafter fed to an infant with the help of a spoon. Alternatively, the fluid may be transferred to a “Sippy cup” (a cup with a removable lid and spout arrangement that is designed to minimize spillage) for feeding the infant.

Feeding infants with the help of conventional feeding articles, such as spoons and Sippy cups, includes arranging and cleaning the feeding articles, and pouring a fluid contained in a container into a Sippy cup. Thereafter, the fluid may be fed to the infant with the feeding article. Accordingly, feeding an infant by utilizing conventional feeding articles is time consuming. Further, the use of the conventional feeding articles for feeding infants outside home, for example during a vacation trip, is cumbersome. More specifically, pouring a fluid in a Sippy cup while travelling on a vehicle may be very difficult and extreme care is required to avoid spillage of the fluid while being poured in the Sippy cup.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a dispensing lid capable of being coupled to a container for enabling an easy dispensation and consumption of a fluid contained in the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a dispensing lid for a container configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing lid for a container for enabling easy dispensation of a fluid contained in the container for feeding an infant.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing lid for a container having a fluid, such that the dispensing lid is capable of replacing a lid of the container for enabling consumption of the fluid directly from the container.

In light of the above objects, in one aspect of the present invention, a dispensing lid for a container is disclosed. The dispensing lid comprises a base member and an elongated sipping member. The base member comprises a plate portion and a skirt portion. The plate portion is having an opening configured therein. The skirt portion extends from a periphery of the plate portion. The elongated sipping member is configured on the plate portion and extends from the plate portion in a direction opposite to the skirt portion. Moreover, the sipping member comprises a channel configured therewithin. The channel is fluidically coupled with the opening of the plate portion. The dispensing lid is adapted to be removably coupled to a mouth of the container in a manner such that the skirt portion engages with the mouth of the container. Upon being removably coupled to the mouth of the container, the dispensing lid is capable of dispensing a fluid, contained in the container, through the opening and the channel. More specifically, the dispensing lid is threadably coupled to the mouth of the container.

In another aspect of the present invention, the dispensing lid is adapted to be removably coupled to a mouth of the container by a snap fit coupling arrangement configured on the skirt portion of the dispensing lid.

These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a dispensing lid for a container, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispensing lid of FIG. 1 along section line A-A′, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a dispensing lid for a container, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in implementation thereof. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a dispensing lid for a container, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

The present invention provides a dispensing lid for a container that enables an easy dispensation of fluid contained in the container. The term “fluid,” as used herein, refers to a liquid food product, such as milk, juice, beverage and the like. Further, the term “container,” as used herein, refers to a bottle used for packaging of such fluids. The dispensing lid is adapted to be removably coupled to a mouth of the container in a manner such that the fluid, contained in the container, may be consumed directly from the container.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dispensing lid 100 for a container (not shown) is illustrated. More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the dispensing lid 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dispensing lid 100 of FIG. 1 along section line A-A′. As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing lid 100 includes a base member 102 and an elongated sipping member 104 configured on the base member 102.

The base member 102 includes a plate portion 106 and a skirt portion 108. The skirt portion 108 extends from a periphery 110 of the plate portion 106. More specifically, the skirt portion 108 extends downwardly from the periphery 110, along an axis X-X′ of the plate portion 106. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plate portion 106 of the base member 102 is configured to assume a circular shape, as shown in FIG. 1. The plate portion 106 includes an opening (not shown) configured therein. An outer periphery 112 of the opening of the plate portion 106 is shown in FIG. 2. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the skirt portion 108 of the base member 102 is configured to assume an inverted frusto-conical shape having greater dimension adjacent to the periphery 110 of the plate portion 106. However, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the skirt portion 108 may be configured to assume any other suitable shape, such as a cylindrical shape.

As described hereinbefore, the elongated sipping member 104 (hereinafter referred to as “sipping member 104”) is configured on the base member 102. More specifically, the sipping member 104 is a tubular structure configured on the plate portion 106 of the base member 102 and extends upwardly therefrom along the axis X-X′. Accordingly, the sipping member 104 extends in a direction opposite to that of the skirt portion 108. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sipping member 104 includes a channel 114 configured therewithin. The channel 114 of the sipping member 104 is fluidically coupled to the opening of the plate portion 106 in a manner such that the channel 114 extends from the outer periphery 112 of the opening. Such an arrangement of the channel 114 and the opening provides an easy passage for the fluid contained in the container when the dispensing lid 100 is being utilized to dispense the fluid therefrom. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sipping member 104 may be coupled to the outer periphery 112 of the opening by utilizing adhesives. However, the sipping member 104 may be coupled to the outer periphery 112 of the opening by utilizing other coupling means known in the art.

In one embodiment of the present embodiment, the base member 102 may be composed of a plastic material and the sipping member 104 may be composed of a rubber material. Further, the plastic material and the rubber material composing the base member 102 and the sipping member 104, respectively, may be non- toxic materials.

The dispensing lid 100 of the present invention is adapted to be removably coupled to a mouth of the container. The term “mouth” of the container refers to an opening in the container for dispensing fluid therefrom. Specifically, the dispensing lid 100 is removably coupled to the mouth of the container in a manner such that the skirt portion 108 engages with the mouth of the container. In one embodiment of the present invention, the removable coupling between the skirt portion 108 and the mouth of the container is enabled by threadably engaging the skirt portion 108 with the mouth of the container. The configuration of the skirt portion 108 for enabling the threadable engagement is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the removable coupling between the skirt portion 108 and the mouth of the container may be enabled by other coupling mechanisms, such as a snap fit engagement between the skirt portion 108 and the mouth of the container. The configuration of the skirt portion 108 for enabling the snap fit engagement is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, a portion of the skirt portion 108 is configured with a plurality of threads, such as threads 116. The threads 116 of the skirt portion 108 enable in threadably engaging the skirt portion 108 with the mouth of the container. In the present embodiment, the threads 116 are internal threads configured on a portion of an inner peripheral surface 118 of the skirt portion 108. Further, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the mouth of the container will have a plurality of external threads configured thereon for enabling the threadable engagement between the skirt portion 108 and the mouth of the container.

In use, a packaging lid configured on a mouth of a container may be replaced with the dispensing lid 100 by removably coupling the dispensing lid 100 to the mouth of the container. Thereafter, the fluid may be consumed directly from the container by an easy dispensation of the fluid therefrom. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing lid 100 may further include a sealing member (not shown) adapted to prevent a leakage of the fluid being dispensed from the dispensing lid 100. The sealing member may be disposed at a suitable portion of the dispensing lid 100. For example, the sealing member may be disposed on the inner peripheral surface 118 of the skirt portion 108. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the sealing member may be disposed at any other suitable portion of the dispensing lid 100 for preventing leakage of the fluid being dispensed from the dispensing lid 100. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member may be a rubber seal.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a front perspective view of a dispensing lid 200 for a container (not shown) is illustrated, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing lid 200 includes a base member 202 and a sipping member 204. The base member 202 includes a plate portion 206 and a skirt portion 208. In one embodiment of the present invention, the base member 202 may be composed of a plastic material and the sipping member 204 may be composed a rubber material. Further, the skirt portion 208 of the dispensing lid 200 is configured in a manner to enable a snap fit engagement between the dispensing lid 200 and the container. Accordingly, the skirt portion 208 is configured to have a snap fit coupling arrangement for removably coupling the dispensing lid 200 to a mouth of the container. Except for the snap fit coupling arrangement, the dispensing lid 200 is configurationally and functionally similar to the dispensing lid 100.

More specifically, the sipping member 204 is similar to the sipping member 104, and the plate portion 206 is similar to the plate portion 106. Accordingly, the plate portion 206 includes a periphery 210 wherefrom the skirt portion 208 extends downwardly. The plate portion 206 further includes an opening (not shown), similar to the opening of the plate portion 106, configured therein. An outer periphery 212 of the opening of the plate portion 206 is as shown in FIG. 3. The sipping member 204 includes a channel 214, similar to the channel 114, configured therewithin. Accordingly, the description of the configuration of the opening and the channel 214 has been avoided.

Referring again to FIG. 3, a portion of the skirt portion 208 is configured with an annular protruded structure 216 configured on a portion of an outer periphery 218 of the skirt portion 208. The annular protruded structure 216 is capable of being snaply engaged with the mouth of the container. Further, it will be evident to person skilled in the art that the mouth of the container is configured to have a complementary engagement means, such as an annular groove, capable of receiving the annular protruded structure 216 therein for enabling the snap fit engagement between the dispensing lid 200 and the mouth of the container.

The dispensing lid, as explained herein, may be configured in a multitude of sizes for being utilized on containers of different sizes.

The various embodiments of the dispensing lid, as described hereinabove, may be advantageously used for an easy dispensation of a fluid contained in a container. More specifically, the dispensing lid may be received on a mouth of the container containing fluid and may be conveniently used for feeding an infant directly from the container through the sipping member of the dispensing lid. Further, the dispensing lid includes a sealing member that prevents any spillage or leakage of fluid being dispensed from the dispensing lid.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dispensing lid for a container, the dispensing lid comprising:

a base member comprising, a plate portion having an opening configured therein, and a skirt portion extending from a periphery of the plate portion; and

an elongated sipping member configured on the plate portion and extending from the plate portion in a direction opposite to the skirt portion, the sipping member comprising a channel configured therewithin, wherein the channel is fluidically coupled with the opening of the plate portion, and

wherein the dispensing lid is adapted to be removably coupled to a mouth of the container in a manner such that the skirt portion engages with the mouth of the container, and

wherein upon being removably coupled to the mouth of the container the dispensing lid is capable of dispensing a fluid, contained in the container, through the opening and the channel.

2. The dispensing lid of claim 1, wherein the skirt portion is threadably engaged with the mouth of the container.

3. The dispensing lid of claim 2, wherein the skirt portion includes a plurality of internal threads capably of threadably engaging the skirt portion with the mouth of the container.

4. The dispensing lid of claim 1, wherein the base member is composed of a plastic material.

5. The dispensing lid of claim 1, wherein the elongated sipping member is composed of a rubber material.