Lid for a container

Abstract

A lid for a drinking container is described and which includes a base member which releasably sealably couples to a container which encloses a liquid to be dispensed, and which further includes a selectively rotatable cover member engageable with the base member, and which is screwthreadably rotatable relative thereto so as to facilitate the release of liquid from the container, and wherein the selectively rotatable cover member matingly engages the base member in the manner of a snap-fit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a lid for a container, and more specifically to a lid which finds usefulness in dispensing a liquid from a container and which further can be easily and reliably assembled in a manner not possible, heretofore.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The inventor and the assignee of the present application have endeavored to develop a wide variety of drinking containers for use in sports and other recreational pursuits. As of late, many individuals have adopted the practice of carrying a drinking container with them to sports, and other activities, so that they may conveniently consume beverages of their choice at any time which is convenient to them. Containers for holding liquids have taken on various designs depending upon whether the fluid to be consumed is a hot beverage, cold beverage or a beverage, for example, that may have a high sugar content. In the cases of hot and cold beverages, various thermally insulated containers have been commercially introduced. Further, dispensing lids used with such beverage containers have had various designs. Some of these designs have operated with various degrees of success. In some cases, the dispensing containers and more specifically, the dispensing lids thereof have had rather complex mechanical arrangements. These complex designs have created perceived difficulties inasmuch as the use of these drinking containers with, for example, sugary beverages has often made it difficult for a consumer to effectively clean the lid so as to remove sugary residue left by the beverage product. This sugary residue, if left unattended, would tend to encourage the growth of bacteria, and often, over time, impede the operation of the dispensing lid by causing the component part of the dispensing lid to stick together, or otherwise jam thereby preventing the correct operation of the dispensing lid.

Additionally, many of the earlier developed dispensing lids for fluid containing vessels of various sorts have not operated effectively to seal the fluid container from leakage when the container has been inverted, such as might occur in a backpack or when the container has been subjected to vibrations associated with it being carried at a sporting event, or during exercise such as when it is used on a bicycle or the like. While some dispensing lid designs have been proposed which address these shortcomings, these same lids, as a general matter, are quite complex in their overall design and are therefore costly to manufacture.

Therefore, a lid for a container which avoids the detriments associated with the prior art designs, and which further provides a means for readily sealing a container and thereafter allowing the effective dispensing of a liquid or other fluid enclosed from the container, and which is easy to manufacture and operate is the subject matter of the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a lid for a container which includes a base member which releasably sealably couples to a container which encloses a liquid to be dispensed, and wherein the base member has a first end which releasably sealably couples with the container, and an opposite distal end, and wherein an aperture is formed in the base member and is located adjacent to the second end thereof, and wherein the base member further has a diminishing outside diametral dimension as measured from the first end thereof, and extending in the direction of the second end; and a selectively rotatable cover member engageable with the base member, and which is screwthreadably rotatable relative thereto so as to facilitate the release of fluid from the container, and wherein the rotatable cover member matingly engages the base member by telescopingly receiving a portion of the base member, and then engages the base member in a snap-fit manner by moving along a linear path of travel and in the direction of the base member, and wherein the rotatable cover member thereafter rotates along a given course of travel relative to the base member.

Still another aspect of the present invention relates to a lid for a container which includes a base member which releasably sealably couples to a container, and wherein the base member has a main body defined by a longitudinal axis, and which further has a first portion which is defined by a circumscribing, outside facing sidewall, and an inside facing sidewall which releasably sealably mates with the container, and wherein the outside facing sidewall has a predetermined outside diametral dimension, and which is further symmetrically oriented about the longitudinal axis, and wherein the base member includes a second portion, which is made integral with the first portion, and which further has a circumscribing and outside facing sidewall which has a predetermined outside diametral dimension which is less than the outside diametral dimension of the first portion, and wherein the base member includes a third portion, which is made integral with the second portion, and which has a circumscribing outside facing sidewall, and an opposite inside facing surface which defines a fluid passageway which terminates at a dispensing aperture which is located near a distal end of the third portion, and wherein a thread channel, and an access passageway is formed in the outside facing sidewall of the second portion; a selectively rotatable cover member, having a main body with an outside facing, and an opposite, inside facing surface, and wherein the inside facing surface defines a cavity which telescopingly receives the second and third portions of the base member therein, and wherein a pair of posts are mounted on the inside facing surface of the cover member and extend inwardly thereof, and are first, matingly received in, and then pass through the access passageway, and are then received within the thread channel which is defined by the second portion, and wherein rotation of the cover member in a given direction relative to the base member either moves the cover member toward, or away from the base member, and wherein the cover member defines an aperture which is substantially coaxially aligned with the dispensing aperture which is formed in the third portion of the base member; and a seal mounted on the third portion of the base member, and which is located between the dispensing aperture and the second portion, and wherein the seal engages the inside facing sidewall of the cover member which defines the fluid passageway, and wherein the cover member, when rotated relative to the base member, moves either towards, or away from, the base member, and wherein the cover member when rotated in a first direction moves away from the base member, and a source of fluid contained in the drinking container may then pass through both the dispensing aperture formed in the third portion, and the aperture formed in the cover member, and wherein rotation of the cover member in a second direction causes the cover member to advance toward the base member and substantially prohibits the source of fluid from passing through the aperture formed in the cover member.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a fully assembled, side elevation view of a lid for a container, and which is the subject matter of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, side elevation view of a base member which finds usefulness in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top, plan view of the base member which finds usefulness in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom, plan view of the base member which finds usefulness in the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top, plan view of a selectively rotatable cover member which finds usefulness in the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom, plan view of the rotatable cover member which finds usefulness in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a fully assembled lid for a container of the present invention, and which is shown in a first, operational position.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a fully assembled lid for a container of the present invention, and which is shown in a second, operational position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

Referring more specifically to FIG. 1, the present invention relates to a lid for a container, and which is generally indicated by the numeral 10. The lid 10 is operable to releasably, sealably mate with a container 11 of conventional design. The container is generally defined by a main body 12 which has a substantially continuous sidewall 13. The sidewall further defines an internal cavity 14 which encloses a liquid or fluid to be dispensed, and which is indicated by the numeral 15. The main body has a top portion or upper end 20 which defines an upstanding neck 21. The neck has an exterior facing threaded surface 22, and which is operable to threadably mate with the lid 10 as will be described, hereinafter. It should be understood that while the neck 21 of the container 11 is illustrated as having a threaded exterior surface 22, other fastening arrangements can be used, and which would allow the lid 10 to releasably couple, in a secure fashion, with the container 11.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the lid 10 of the present invention has, as a first component portion thereof, a base member, and which is generally indicated by the numeral 30. The base member 30 as will be described, hereinafter, can be releasably threadably mated to the neck 21 of the container 11 in a fashion which is familiar to those skilled in the art. The base member 30 is composed of integral, yet discreet, first, second and third portions which are indicated by the numerals 31, 32 and 33, respectively. Further, the base member 30 has a first end 34, and an opposite second, or distal end 35. As will be seen by reference to FIG. 2, the base member 30 is further defined by a longitudinal axis which is generally indicated by the line labeled 36. As best seen in FIG. 2, the base member 30 is further defined, at least in part, by outside facing sidewalls 41, 42 and 43, respectively. The outside facing sidewall 41 which forms, at least in part, the first portion 31, has a first outside diametral dimension. Additionally, the outside facing sidewall 42 which forms a part of the second portion 32 has a second, outside diametral dimension, which is less than the first portion 31. Further, the outside facing sidewall 43 which forms a part of the third portion 33 has a third outside diametral dimension which is less than the second outside diametral dimension of the second portion 32. As seen in this view, the outside facing sidewall 41 has a multiplicity of spaced, elevated regions 44 which provide a convenient means for a user to securely grip the lid 10 in order to provide rotational force so as to cause the unthreading of the lid 10 from the adjacent container 11 which encloses the liquid 15 to be dispensed. Further, the first portion 31 is defined, at least in part, by a rather flat and annular shaped flange region 45 which circumscribes or otherwise surrounds the second portion 32 of the base member 30.

Referring still to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the second portion 32 has a first end 51 which is made integral with the flange region 45, and which further circumscribes same, and which forms, as earlier discussed, a part of the first portion 31. The second portion 32 has an opposite second end 52. Further, the second portion has a flange region 53 which circumscribes or otherwise surrounds the third portion 33 of the base member 30.

As best seen in FIG. 2, and following a pair of access passageways 54 are formed in the outside facing surface 42 of the second portion 32. This pair of access passageways will be discussed in greater detail, below. Still further, a pair of thread channels 55 are oriented in opposite positions, and are formed in the outside facing sidewall 42 of the second portion 32. The pair of thread channels 55 are individually operable to matingly cooperate with a selectively rotatable cover member so as to define a course of movement for the selectively rotatable cover member while the cover member is being matingly coupled or assembled with the base member 30. These features of the invention will be discussed in greater detail below. Continuing still with FIG. 2, it will be seen that the pair of access passageways 54 include a first access passageway 61, and a second access passageway 62. These first and second access passageways are located in substantially opposite positions on the second portion 32 of the base member 30. The first and second access passageways 61, 62 are located in predetermined spaced angulated relation relative to the longitudinal axis 36 as defined by the base portion 30. Further, each of the first and second access passageways 61 and 62 has a first end 63 which is positioned or located adjacent to the third portion 33, and an opposite, second end 64, which is positioned adjacent to one of the two thread channels 55 which are also formed in the second portion 32. The respective first and second access passageways 61, 62 are defined by a pair of spaced, substantially parallel sidewalls 65, and a sloping bottom surface which is generally indicated by the numeral 66. In the arrangement as seen in FIG. 2, the respective first and second access passageways 61, 62 each have a depth dimension which diminishes when that depth dimension is measured from a location extending from the first end 63, and in the direction of the second end 64. More specifically, the respective first and second access passageways 61 and 62 have a depth dimension wherein the first end 63 of the respective first and second access passageways 61, 62 are located at a first given radial dimension here indicated by the numeral 71 from the longitudinal axis 36 of the base member 30. Further, the second end 64 of the respective first and second access passageways 61, 62 are located at a second given radial dimension here indicated by the numeral 72 away from the longitudinal axis 36. As seen in the drawings, the second radial distance indicated by the numeral 72 is greater than the first radial distance 71. This demonstrates that the respective access passageways 61, 62 do not have a uniform depth across their length dimension as measured along the bottom surface 66. Applicant has provided a line labeled 73 which is positioned along the bottom surface 66 and which shows that the first and second access passageways are oriented so as to be generally convergently directed towards the distal end 35 of the base member 30. Of course, when viewed from the first end 63 in the direction of the second end 64, thereof, the respective access passageways 61, 62 diverge from the longitudinal axis 36.

The pair of thread channels 55 include first and second thread channels 81 and 82, respectively. The first and second thread channels are formed in substantially opposite positions on the outside facing surface 42 of the second portion 32, and further each have opposite first and second ends 83 and 84, respectively. The first and second thread channels are operable to matingly threadably cooperate with the rotatable cover member which will be described in greater detail, hereinafter. Further, the respective thread channels each have a substantially uniform depth dimension when measured between the first and second ends 83, 84 thereof. In relative comparison to the first and second access passageways 61 and 62, the depth dimension of the first and second thread channels 81 and 82 is greater than the depth dimension as measured at the second end 64 of the respective first and second access passageways 61 and 62. As seen in the drawings, the first end 83 of the respective first and second thread channels 81 and 82 is located adjacent to the flange region 45; and the second end 84 is located adjacent to the flange region 53. As further seen in the drawings, the first and second access passageway 61 and 62 intersect with the first and second thread channels 81 and 82 at a point 85 which is located at approximately midway, or intermediate, the first and second ends 83, 84 thereof. As noted earlier, the respective thread channels 81 and 82 have a substantially uniform depth dimension as measured along the length of the respective thread channels 55, and the depth dimension of the respective access channels 61 and 62 decreases as the depth dimension is measured from the third portion 33, and in the direction of the first portion 31 thereof.

Referring still to FIG. 2, the base number 30, and more specifically the third portion 33, thereof, has a first end 91 which is made integral with the flange region 53 as earlier described. Further, the third portion 33 has an opposite second end 92. Still further, the third portion has a circular seal seat made integral therewith, and which is located therebetween the first and second ends 91 and 92. The seal seat 93 is operable to receive or otherwise support a resilient, synthetic fluid seal 94 which is operable to fluid sealingly mate with a selectably rotatable cover member which will be described in greater detail, below. As best seen in FIG. 2, a plurality of dispensing apertures 95 are formed in the third portion 33 and which permits the liquid or other fluid 15 that has been placed within the cavity 14 of the container 11 to escape therethrough when the rotatable cover member is located in a given operational position. This feature of the invention 10 will also be discussed in the paragraphs which follow. As seen in the drawings, the seal seat 93 and the fluid seal 34 are located between the dispensing apertures 94 and the second portion 32.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the base member 30 and more specifically the first, second and third portions 31, 32 and 33 are defined by a multiplicity of inside facing sidewalls which are here indicated by the numerals 101, 102 and 103, respectively. The first inside facing surface 101, which corresponds to the first portion 31, has formed therein a multiplicity of screw threads 104 which are operable to matingly, threadably cooperate with the threaded exterior surface 22 which is made integral with the neck 21. As will be further seen by a study of FIG. 4, the second inside facing sidewall 102 corresponds with, and forms a part of, the second portion 32 of the base member 30. The inside facing sidewall 102 is sized so that it may be, at least in part, telescopingly received within the neck 21 of the container 11. Further, it will be understood that the third inside facing sidewall 103 which corresponds with, and forms a part of the third portion 33 defines a fluid passageway 65 which terminates at the earlier mentioned dispensing apertures 95. As earlier discussed, the dispensing apertures 95 are located adjacent to the distal or second end 92 of the third portion 33. As seen in FIG. 4, the flange region 53 has an inside facing surface 66 which is sized so that it may rest in a supported sealing relation about the neck 21 of the container 11 so as to prohibit the leakage of liquid 15 from the container 11 when the first portion 31 is fully threadably engaged with the container 11. An optional 0-ring seal (not shown) may be positioned on surface 66 to enhance the ability of the base member 30 to sealably mate with the container 11.

Reference should now be made to FIGS. 1 and 5 which shows the selectively rotatable cover 110 which forms a feature of the present invention 10. More specifically, the selectively rotatable cover 110 is defined by a first end 111, and an opposite second end 112. As seen in FIG. 5, an aperture 113 is formed in the second end 112 and the aperture 113 is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the dispensing apertures 95 which are defined by or formed in the third portion 33. Further, the aperture 113 has a diametral dimension which is just slightly greater than the outside diametral dimension of the second end 92, of the third portion 33. As the selectably rotatable cover 110 is located in a given operational position, the second end 92 is operable to occlude the aperture 113 so as to prohibit the release of any liquid or fluid 15 from the cavity 14 of the container 11. Further, when the selectively rotatable cover is positioned in another operational position as will be described hereinafter, the aperture 113 remains non-occluded by second end 92. This facilitates the dispensing of liquid 15 from the container 11 by drink or pouring, for example.

As seen in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the first end 111 of the selectively rotatable cover 110 has a non-uniform peripheral edge 114. Further, the rotatable cover member has a semi-hemispherical shaped first portion 115, and a generally elongated, and/or rectangularly shaped second portion 116 which is best seen by the top, plan view of FIG. 5. The generally rectangularly shaped second portion 116 facilitates a user in applying force to the selectively rotatable cover 110 to rotate it in a given direction so as to place the lid 10 in either a closed or open operational position which facilitates or promotes the dispensing of liquid 15 from the cavity 14 of the container 11. Further, the second portion 116 provides a conveniently shaped drinking spout which a user may place in their mouth while drinking (not shown). As seen in FIG. 1, an embossed, arrow shaped pattern 117 is formed on, or made integral with, the semi-hemispherical shaped first portion 116 and provides a convenient visual cue or indicator to a user of the container 11 so as to indicate the direction with which the rotatable cover needs to be rotated so as to permit the release or dispensing of liquid 15 from the cavity 14, as well as the direction in which to rotate the rotatable cover 110 so as to prohibit the dispensing of fluid 15 from the container 11.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the selectively rotatable cover member 110 defines an internal cavity 120 which is operable to telescopingly receive the second and third portions 32 and 33 of the base member 30. The semi-hemispherical shaped first portion 115 has a first inside facing surface 121. Further, the generally elongated and/or rectangularly shaped second portion 116 is defined by a second inwardly facing surface 122. As will be recognized from the drawings, the second inwardly facing surface 122 defines, at least in part, a second fluid passageway 123 which has an inside diametral dimension which permits the third portion 33 to be telescopingly received therein. More specifically, the inside diametral dimension of the second fluid passageway 123 is dimensional so that the resilient fluid seal 94 may be received within, fluid sealingly cooperates with, and move therealong same in a manner which will be discussed in greater detail, hereinafter. As further seen by a study of FIG. 6, a plurality of radially extending and spaced ribs 124 are mounted on the first inside facing surface 81. These ribs 124 have a maximum dimension when measured in the radial direction. Further, it will be seen that the plurality of ribs are illustrated as being fabricated or oriented in two groups of three. These groups of ribs 124 are positioned opposite to each other. Further, a linear distance as measured between the opposite groups of ribs 124 is slightly greater when the outside diametral dimension of the second portion 32. This feature of the invention will be discussed below.

As will be seen by a study of FIG. 6, a pair of posts 125 are made integral with the first inside facing surface 121, and are positioned in an opposite locations, one relative to the other. The respective posts 125 each have an inwardly directed radial, or length dimension, which is greater than the greatest radially oriented dimension attributed to the plurality of spaced ribs 124. Further, the pair of posts 125 each have a distal end 126. Additionally, the distance between the distal ends of each of the oppositely positioned posts 125 is a given linear dimension which is indicated by the line labeled 127. As should be understood, the linear distance between the first ends 63, of the first and second access passageways 61, 62 is less than the given linear dimension between the distal ends 126 of the respective posts 125. Further, the linear distance between the second ends 64 of the first and second access passageways 61, 62 is greater than the given linear dimension between the respective distal ends of each of the posts. In this arrangement, it will be understood therefore, that when assembling, or moveably mounting the selectively rotatable cover 110 on the base member 30, the respective pair of posts 125 are first received in the first and second access passageways 61, 62 at the first ends 63, thereof and thereafter, with the application of force, they each move along the access passageways 61, 62 in a linear direction, and then resiliently bend or otherwise deform so that they may each be received in the manner of a snap-fit into the pair of thread channels 81 and 82 as earlier disclosed. During this linear movement along the access passageways 61, 62, the plurality of spaced ribs 124 are effective in engaging the second portion 32 and assisting, at least in part, in the resilient deformation of the selectively rotatable cover member 110, and the respective pair of posts 125 so as to effectuate the convenient, secure snap-fit attachment of the rotatable cover 110 with the base member 30. This type of assembly has not been possible, heretofore. In particular, it should be noted that in view of the diverging, sloping nature of the respective access passageways 61, 62 as indicated by the numeral 73, as increasing force is applied to the rotatable cover member 110 to move it along the respective access passageways 61, 62, the respective posts, as well as the selectively rotatable cover member 110 resiliently distort, so as to allow the posts 120 to pass along the first access passageways 61, 62 from the first end 63 to the second end 64 thereof. Thereafter, the respective posts 120 snap-fit into the respective first and second thread channels 81, 82 thereby securely and rotatably fastening the selectively rotatable cover member 110 to the base member 30. As will be appreciated, the inside diametral dimension of the first inside facing surface 121 is just slightly greater than the outside diametral dimension of the second portion 32. Therefore, the respective pair of posts 125 are securely received within the first and second thread channels 81 and 82. Thereafter, when rotational force is applied by a user, (not shown) to the selectively rotatable cover member 110 the pair of posts 125 smoothly move along the first and second thread channels 81 and 82 between the first and second ends thereof 83 and 84. The posts 125 cooperate with the first and second thread channels, and with the first and second ends 83 and 84 therefore, to provide a course of travel 130 for the selectively rotatable cover member 110. As will be appreciated, the length of the respective posts is less than about the depth dimension of the respective first and second thread channels 81, 82, respectively.

More specifically, when the pair of posts 125 are located at the first end 83 of the first and second thread channels 81, 82, the selectively rotatable cover member 110 is operationally positioned so as to prohibit the release of liquid 15 from the cavity 14 because the distal end 92 of the third portion 33 sealingly occludes the aperture 113 which is formed in the second end 112 thereof. As rotatable force is applied to the cover member 110 to cause rotation in a counterclockwise direction, the rotatable cover member 110 moves longitudinally outwardly, and away from the first portion 31 of the base member 30. As the rotatable cover member 110 moves away from the first portion 31 of the base member 30, and the pair of posts 125 move along the respective first and second thread channels 81 and 82, the second end 92 moves from its occluding position relative to the aperture 113 into a nonoccluding position. When the respective posts 125 are positioned at the second end 84 of the respective first and second thread channels 81, 82, the selectively rotatable cover member 110 is spaced away from the first portion 31 of the base member 30, and liquid 15, from the cavity 14, can be dispensed from the container 11. When this event happens, liquid 15 moves through the fluid passageway 105 which is defined by the base member 30, and then pass through the second fluid passageway 123 as defined by the selectively rotatable cover member 110. The fluid or liquid, of course, escapes through the plurality of dispensing apertures 95 which are formed in the third portion 33. To close or seal the lid 10, rotational force is applied in a clockwise direction, and the pair of posts 125 move from the second end 84 of the respective first and second thread channels 81 and 82, to the first end 83 thereof. As this clockwise rotation occurs, the rotatable cover member 110 advances or moves longitudinally towards the first portion of the base member 30 until the respective posts 125 reach the first end 83 thereof. At that point, again, the second end 92 of the third portion 33 is positioned in a substantially occluding, and fluid impeding relationship relative to the aperture 113 which is formed in the selectively rotatable cover member 110. This prevents fluid 15 from being dispensed from the container 11. Further, a resilient fluid seal cooperates with the rotatable cover member 110 so as to prohibit fluid 15 from escaping through the cover member 110 by passing between the cover member 110 and the second portion 32 of the base member 30.

Operation

The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention 10 is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.

In its broadest aspect, the present invention relates to a lid 10 for a drinking container 11 which includes, among other things, a base member 30 which releasably sealably couples to a container 11 which encloses a liquid 15 to be dispensed. Further, the invention 10 includes a base member 30 which has a first end 34 which releasably sealably couples with the container 11, and an opposite, distal end 35. A dispensing aperture 95 is formed in the base member 30, and is located adjacent to the second end 35 thereof. The base member 30 further has a diminishing outside diametral dimension as measured from the first end 34 thereof, and extending in the direction of the second end 35. The invention in its broadest aspects includes a selectively rotatable cover member 110 which is engageable with the base member 30, and which is screwthreadably rotatable relative thereto so as to facilitate the release of the liquid 15 from the container 11. The rotatable cover member 110 matingly engages the base member 30 by telescopingly receiving a portion of the base member 30, and then engages the base member 30 in the manner of a snap-fit by moving along a linear path of travel as defined by the access passageways 61, 62, and in the direction of the base member 30 when being assembled. The rotatable cover member 110 thereafter rotates along a given course of travel 131 relative to the base member.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a lid 10 for a container 11, and which includes a base member 30 which releasably sealably couples to a container 11, and which encloses a liquid 15. The base member 30 has a main body which is defined by a longitudinal axis 36, and which further has a first portion 31, which is defined by a circumscribing, outside facing sidewall 41, and an opposite inside facing sidewall 101 which releasably sealably mates with the container 11. The outside facing sidewall 41 has a predetermined outside diametral dimension, and which is further symmetrically oriented about the longitudinal axis 36. The base member 30 also includes a second portion 32 which is made integral with the first portion 31, and which further has a circumscribing and outside facing sidewall 42 which has a predetermined outside diametral dimension which is less than the outside diametral dimension of the first portion 31. The base member 30 also includes a third portion 33 which is made integral with the second portion 32, and which further has a circumscribing outside facing sidewall 43, and an opposite inside facing surface 103 which defines a fluid passageway 105 which terminates at a dispensing aperture 95. The aperture 95 is located near a distal end of the third portion 33. A plurality of thread channels 81, 82, and access passageways 61, 62 are formed in the outside facing sidewall of the second portion 32. In the present invention 10, a selectively rotatable cover member 110 is provided, and which has a main body with an outside facing, and an opposite, inside facing surface 121, 122, respectively. The inside facing surface 122 defines a cavity 120 which telescopingly receives the second and third portions 32 and 33 of the base member 30, therein. A pair of posts 125 are mounted on the inside facing surface 122 of the cover member 110, and extend radially, inwardly relative thereto, and are first, matingly received in, and then pass through the respective access passageways 61, 62, and are then received within the respective thread channels 81, 82 which are defined by the second portion 32. As earlier discussed, the rotation of the cover member 110 in a given direction relative to the base member 30 either moves the cover member 110 towards, or away from the first portion 31 of the base member 30. The cover member 110 defines a fluid passageway 123, and an aperture 113 communicates with the fluid passageway 123, and is further substantially coaxially aligned with the dispensing apertures 95 which are formed in the third portion 33 of the base member 30.

The invention 10 further includes a seal 94 which is mounted on the third portion 33 of the base member 30, and which is further located between the dispensing apertures 95, and the distal end of the third portion 33. The seal 94 engages the inside facing sidewall 122 of the cover member 110 which defines the fluid passageway 123. The cover member 110, when rotated relative to the first portion 31 of the base member 30, moves either towards, or away from, the first portion 31 of the base member 30. The cover member 110, when rotated in a first direction, moves away from the first portion 31 of the base member 30, and liquid 15 contained in the container 11 may then pass through both the dispensing aperture 95 formed in the third portion, and the aperture 113 formed in the cover member 110. Further, the rotation of the cover member 110 in an opposite second direction causes the cover member 110 to advance or move towards the first portion 31 of the base member 30, and substantially prohibits the liquid 15 from passing through the aperture 113 formed in the rotational cover member 110. The seal 94 smoothly and sealingly moves along the fluid passageway 123 as the cover member 110 moves both towards, and then away from the base member 30 as it is rotated in a clockwise, or counterclockwise direction.

Therefore, it will be seen that the present invention 10 provides a convenient arrangement for dispensing fluids 15 from a container 11 which has not been possible, heretofore. The present invention 10 can be easily, and reliably assembled, provides a sure means by which a container 11 can be sealed against leakage, and further provides a means which are readily operable by a user, and whereby a fluid 15 can be dispensed from a container 11 in a manner not possible heretofore in an overall construction which is simple, cost effective, easy to manufacture, and readily avoids many of the shortcomings attendant with the prior art practices.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A lid for a container, comprising:

a base member which releasably sealably couples to a container which encloses a liquid to be dispensed, and wherein the base member has a first end which releasably sealably couples with the container, and an opposite distal end, and wherein an aperture is formed in the base member and is located adjacent to the second end thereof, and wherein the base member further has a diminishing outside diametral dimension as measured from the first end thereof, and extending in the direction of the second end; and

a selectively rotatable cover member engageable with the base member, and which is screwthreadably rotatable relative thereto so as to facilitate the release of fluid from the container, and wherein the rotatable cover member matingly engages the base member by telescopingly receiving a portion of the base member, and then engages the base member in a snap-fit manner by moving along a linear path of travel and in the direction of the base member, and wherein the rotatable cover member thereafter rotates along a given course of travel relative to the base member.

2. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the base member is defined by first, second and third portions, and wherein a thread channel is formed in the base member and is located in the second portion thereof, and wherein an access passageway is formed in the second portion and intersects the thread passageway.

3. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 2, and wherein the thread channel has opposite first and second ends, and the access passageway intersects the thread channel at a location about midway between the first and second ends, thereof.

4. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 3, and wherein the access passageway has an increasing depth dimension as that depth dimension is measured in a direction extending from the first end of the base member and in the direction of the second end thereof.

5. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the selectively rotatable cover member has an inside facing surface which defines an internal cavity that telescopingly receives the second and third portions of the base member, and wherein a post is mounted on the inside facing surface of the rotatable cover member, and is resiliently deformable so as to pass along the access passageway, and be received, in the manner of a snap-fit, in the thread channel.

6. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 5, and wherein a second access passageway and second thread channel are formed in the second portion of the base member, and are further located in a position opposite to the first mentioned access passageway, and wherein a second post is mounted on the inside facing surface of the rotatable cover member and is operable to be received in the second access passageway, and be received in the manner of a snap-fit in the second threaded channel

7. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 6, and wherein an aperture is formed in the rotatable cover member, and which is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the dispensing aperture, and wherein rotation of the cover member in a given direction relative to the base member causes the cover member to move in the direction of the base member, while simultaneously the second end of the base member moves to a location relative to the cover member where the second end occludes the aperture formed in the cover member, and wherein rotation of the cover member in an opposite direction causes the cover member to move away from the base member and facilitates the removal of fluid from the container by way of the aperture formed in the rotatable cover member.

8. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 7, and further comprising a fluid seal mounted on the third portion of the base member and which sealably engages the inside facing surface of the rotatable cover member.

9. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 8, and wherein the inside facing surface of the rotatable cover member further defines a passageway which is coaxially aligned relative to the aperture formed in the rotatable cover member, and which receives the third portion of the base member which mounts the fluid seal.

10. A lid for a container, comprising:

a base member which releasably sealably couples to a container, and wherein the base member has a main body defined by a longitudinal axis, and which further has a first portion which is defined by a circumscribing, outside facing sidewall, and an inside facing sidewall which releasably sealably mates with the container, and wherein the outside facing sidewall has a predetermined outside diametral dimension, and which is further symmetrically oriented about the longitudinal axis, and wherein the base member includes a second portion, which is made integral with the first portion, and which further has a circumscribing and outside facing sidewall which has a predetermined outside diametral dimension which is less than the outside diametral dimension of the first portion, and wherein the base member includes a third portion, which is made integral with the second portion, and which has a circumscribing outside facing sidewall, and an opposite inside facing surface which defines a fluid passageway which terminates at a dispensing aperture which is located near a distal end of the third portion, and wherein a thread channel, and an access passageway is formed in the outside facing sidewall of the second portion;

a selectively rotatable cover member, having a main body with an outside facing, and an opposite, inside facing surface, and wherein the inside facing surface defines a cavity which telescopingly receives the second and third portions of the base member therein, and wherein a pair of posts are mounted on the inside facing surface of the cover member and extend inwardly thereof, and are first, matingly received in, and then pass through the access passageway, and are then received within the thread channel which is defined by the second portion, and wherein rotation of the cover member in a given direction relative to the base member either moves the cover member toward, or away from the base member, and wherein the cover member defines an aperture which is substantially coaxially aligned with the dispensing aperture which is formed in the third portion of the base member; and

a seal mounted on the third portion of the base member, and which is located between the dispensing aperture and the second portion, and wherein the seal engages the inside facing sidewall of the cover member which defines the fluid passageway, and wherein the cover member, when rotated relative to the base member, moves either towards, or away from, the base member, and wherein the cover member when rotated in a first direction moves away from the base member, and a source of fluid contained in the drinking container may then pass through both the dispensing aperture formed in the third portion, and the aperture formed in the cover member, and wherein rotation of the cover member in a second direction causes the cover member to advance toward the base member and substantially prohibits the source of fluid from passing through the aperture formed in the cover member.

11. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the second and third portions of the base member are coaxially aligned relative to the longitudinal axis thereof, and wherein the third portion has an outside diametral dimension which is less than outside diametral dimension of the second portion.

12. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the access passageway and the thread channel formed in the second portion each have a given width and depth dimension, and further intersect with each other, and wherein the depth dimension of the access passageway is less than the depth dimension of the thread channel.

13. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the access passageway has a first, and an opposite second end, and wherein the first end is positioned adjacent to the third portion, and the second end is positioned adjacent to the thread channel, and wherein the first end of the access passageway is located at a first given radial dimension away from the longitudinal axis of the base member, and wherein the second end of the access passageway is located at a second given radial dimension away from the longitudinal axis of the base member, and wherein the second radial distance is greater than the first radial distance.

14. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 13, and wherein the cover member has a substantially circular cross sectional shape, and the pair of posts are located in substantially opposite positions on the inside facing surface of the cover member, and wherein each of the posts has a distal end, and the distance between the distal end of each of the posts is a given linear dimension, and wherein the access passageway includes a pair of access passageways which are positioned in opposite locations on the second portion of the base member, and wherein the linear distance between the first end of each of the respective access passageways is less than the given linear dimension between the distal ends of each of the posts, and the linear distance between the second end of the respective passageways is greater than given dimension between the respective distal ends of each of the posts.

15. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 14, and wherein the base member includes a pair of thread channels, and wherein the pair of posts are resilient, and deform as they move along the access passageways and are received in the respective pair of thread channels.

16. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 13, and wherein the thread passageway is located at a third radial dimension relative to the longitudinal axis of the base member, and wherein the third radial dimension is less than the second radial dimension as measured at the second end of the respective access passageways.

17. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the distal end of the third portion of the base member substantially occludes the aperture formed in the cover member when the cover member is rotated in the second direction so as to move the cover member in the direction of the base member, and wherein the occlusion of the aperture formed in the cover member substantially prohibits the liquid contained in the container from passing through the dispensing aperture formed in the third portion of the base member.

18. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the access passageway and the thread channel which are formed in the second portion of the base member intersect each other, and wherein the thread channel has opposite first and second ends, and wherein the access passageway intersects the thread passage intermediate the opposite first and second ends of the thread channel.

19. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the access passageway and the thread channel each have a given length and depth dimension, and wherein the thread channel has a substantially uniform depth dimension as measured along the length of the thread channel, and wherein the depth dimension of the access channel decreases as the depth dimension is measured from the third portion of the base member and in the direction of the first portion thereof.

20. A lid for a container as claimed in claim 10, and wherein a circumscribing seal seat is made integral with the third portion of the base member, and located adjacent the distal end thereof, and wherein the seal is matingly supported in the circumscribing seal seat.