VESSEL LID

Abstract

Implementations of the disclosure include a lid for covering a vessel, having a cover portion and a base portion, and methods of operating such a lid. The cover portion and the base portion may be separate individual pieces. In some implementations, the cover portion is adapted to slide along the base portion between an open position and a closed position. In some instances, the cover portion slides along an arcuate path. In some implementations, when the cover portion is in a cover-removal position, it can be separated from the base portion without separating the base portion from the vessel. In such implementations, when the cover portion is in a lid-removal position, the cover portion and the base portion can be separated from the vessel while remaining attached to one another.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of lids, and in particular to beverage container lids that transition between multiple positions, and methods of operating such lids.

BACKGROUND

The need to cover vessels containing substances is well-known. Covering a vessel can prevent exposure of the vessel's contents to the external environment and prevent the contents from spilling. A common example of such a vessel is a beverage container. In recent times, as society has become more mobile and health-conscious, the popularity of personal beverage containers has grown dramatically. Examples include the surge in popularity of product lines produced by Camelback®, Nalgene®, and Klean Kanteen®. Originally, lids for containers included a single solid piece that needed to be fully removed in order for a user to access the vessel contents. The problem with such lids is that removal of the entire lid can require significant effort, and leaves the entire surface of the vessel contents exposed. Eventually lid designs emerged that included a smaller opening, which, through various mechanisms, could be exposed such that vessel contents could be accessed without removal of the entire lid. For example, some lids have a small shutter that transitions between covering and not covering an opening. Other lids have a flexible tab holding a plug that can be transitioned between plugging and not plugging the opening. While such lids represent an advancement over their original counterparts, there remains opportunity for improvement. As one example, current lids can be difficult to clean in the space between the mobile portion (e.g., shutter or tab) and the remainder of the lid. Further, current lids can be cumbersome and unnatural operate, either to transition the mobile portion or to remove the entire lid. Accordingly, an improved lid that provides solutions to these problems, and provides new advancements to keep pace with the ever-growing popularity of personal beverage containers, is needed.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect the subject matter disclosed in this specification can be embodied in a lid adapted to cover a vessel. The lid may include a base portion adapted to engage the vessel; and a cover portion adapted to slide along the base portion between a cover-removal position and a lid-removal position. In some instances, when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the cover portion is adapted to separate from the base portion without the base portion separating from the vessel, and when the cover is in the lid-removal position, the cover portion and the base portion are adapted to separate from the vessel while remaining attached to one another. Other implementations of this aspect include corresponding methods.

These and other aspects can optionally include the base portion including an opening for delivering contents of the vessel. In some instances, when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the opening is covered, and when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the opening is exposed. In other instances, when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the opening is exposed, and when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the opening is covered. The base portion may feature an arcuate base sliding surface along which the cover portion slides (e.g., via an arcuate cover sliding surface engaging the arcuate base sliding surface). The arcuate base sliding surface may have a concave profile.

In some cases, the base portion also includes at least one base magnet, and the cover portion includes at least one front cover magnet and at least one rear cover magnet. In such cases, when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the at least one rear cover magnet may engage the at least one base magnet, and when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the at least one front cover magnet may engage the at least one base magnet. The at least one base magnet can include two magnets, one on either side of a center axis of the base portion which traverses the opening. The at least one front cover magnet may include two magnets and the at least one rear cover magnet may include two magnets, the opening being closer to the front cover magnets than the rear cover magnets when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position and the lid-removal position. In some cases, the base magnet(s), the front cover magnet(s), and the rear magnet(s) can be covered with an overmold material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer).

In certain instances, the cover portion includes an opening seal. In such instances, when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the opening seal may obstruct the opening; and when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the opening seal may not obstruct the opening. In some cases, the base portion may include a vent, and the cover portion may include a vent seal. In such cases, when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the vent seal may obstruct the vent; and when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the vent seal may not obstruct the vent. In some instances, the cover portion may include a cover attachment structure and the base portion may include a base attachment structure. In such instances, when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the cover attachment structure and the base attachment structure are disengaged; and when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the cover attachment structure and the base attachment structure are engaged. The base attachment structure may include an extrusion forming at least one track, and the cover attachment structure may include at least one undercut adapted to engage the at least one track. When engaged, the base attachment structure and cover attachment structure may form a dovetail slide, for example. The cover portion may include a resistance structure adapted to engage the base portion when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, and provide a resistance to a force applied to separate the cover portion from the base portion. The resistance may be overcome by a force lower than that required to separate the base portion from the vessel. The cover portion may include a ridge adapted to be engaged by a user to slide the cover portion between the cover-removal position and the lid-removal position.

In general, one aspect of the subject matter disclosed in this specification can be embodied in a lid adapted to cover a vessel. The lid may feature a base portion having an opening adapted to deliver contents of the vessel, and a cover portion adapted to slide along the base portion in an arcuate path between an open position in which the opening is exposed, and a closed position in which the opening is covered. In some cases, the arcuate path has a concave profile. Other implementations of this aspect include corresponding methods.

In general, one aspect of the subject matter disclosed in this specification can be embodied in methods of operating a lid adapted to cover a vessel. The method may include sliding a cover portion along a base portion in an arcuate path from a cover-removal position to a lid-removal position. Other implementations of this aspect include corresponding systems.

These and other aspects can optionally include the additional steps of: when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, applying a removal force to the cover portion that causes the cover portion to be separated from the base portion without separating the base portion from the vessel; and when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, applying a removal force to the lid that causes the cover portion and the base portion to be separated from the vessel while remaining attached to one another.

In general, one aspect of the subject matter disclosed in this specification can be embodied in a lid adapted to cover a vessel. The lid may feature a base portion adapted to engage the vessel, and a cover portion adapted to slide along the base portion between a cover-removal position and a lid-removal position. In some instances, when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, a first bond between the cover portion and the base portion is less than a second bond between the base portion and the vessel, and when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the first bond is greater than the second bond. Other implementations of this aspect include corresponding methods.

Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages, in addition to other advantages. The lid described herein allows users to transition a cover portion between an open and a closed position along an arcuate path, which may provide a more natural motion for exerting a force, than is provided by current lids. In addition, the lid features a cover portion and a base portion, that are separate, detachable pieces. This feature, coupled with the fact that the cover portion can take different positions on the base portion, allows a user to selectively (i) remove just the cover portion, while leaving the base portion attached to the vessel, or (ii) remove both the cover portion and the base portion, attached to one another, from the vessel.

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an example cover portion and base portion in an open position, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 1B shows an example cover portion and base portion in a closed position, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a base portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3C show schematic perspective views of a cover portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic side, cutaway view of a cover portion and a base portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic bottom view of a base portion showing example base magnets, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic bottom view of a cover portion showing example cover magnets, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7B show a schematic perspective view, and a schematic front, cutaway view, of the cover portion interacting with the base portion in a cover-removal position, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8B show a schematic perspective view, and a schematic front, cutaway view, of the cover portion interacting with the base portion in a lid-removal position, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a photograph of a cover portion and a base portion separated from a vessel while attached to one another, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a photograph of a cover portion separated from a base portion, while the base portion is inserted in a vessel, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a cover portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a right side view of the cover portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a left side view of the cover portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the cover portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the cover portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the cover portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the cover portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the cover portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the base portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a right side view of the base portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a left side view of the base portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 22 is front view of the base portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a rear view of the base portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the base portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the base portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a bottom perspective view of the base portion, according to certain implementations of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

In various implementations, this disclosure relates to a lid that features improved operation and function over prior art lids. Although this disclosure will primarily describe the lid used in conjunction with a beverage container, the lid described herein, as well as the methods of operating the lid, may be used with any type of vessel from which a substance is dispensed. A non-exhaustive list of examples includes: bowls, cups, food-storage containers, condiment bottles, pitchers, vases, watering cans, medicine containers, etc. Many other examples are contemplated.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example lid 100 having a cover portion 102 and a base portion 104. The cover portion 102 and the base portion 104 may be separate, detachable pieces. As stated above, the lid 100 may be used to cover a vessel, which generally can be any vessel capable of containing a substance (e.g., a beverage containing vessel 900 (see FIG. 9)). The cover portion 102 is in an open position in FIGS. 1A and 1n a closed position in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an example bottom portion 104. As shown, the bottom portion 104 may feature an opening 202 through which the contents of the vessel 900 can be delivered, when exposed. For example, if the vessel 900 contains a beverage, the beverage can be poured from the opening 202 upon a user tilting the vessel/lid an appropriate amount. The bottom portion may also feature a vent 212 that prevents a flow-restricting vacuum from forming within the vessel 900. The bottom portion 104 may further include an insert portion 206 to be inserted into an open portion of a vessel 900 (see FIG. 9). In general, the insert portion 206 may fit into the vessel 900 using any known technique, for example, an interference fit, a threaded interface, etc. The insert portion 206 may also serve to seal the vessel's contents from spilling about the base portion 104. For example, the insert portion 206 may feature an overmold (e.g., made of a thermoplastic elastomer) to perform this function. The base portion 104 may also include a raised lip 208 to facilitate delivery of a fluid from the vessel 900 (e.g., drinking or pouring).

In some implementations, the cover portion 102 is configured to transition between an open position with respect to the base portion 104 (e.g., shown in FIG. 1A), and a closed position with respect to the base portion 104 (e.g., shown in FIG. 1B). The cover portion 102 may include a ridge 106 that enables a user to transition or push the cover portion 102 between positions. In some cases, when the cover portion 102 is in the closed position, it covers the opening 202, e.g., such that vessel contents cannot be delivered through the opening 202 (or at least are restricted from being delivered); and when the cover portion 102 is in the open position, the opening 202 is exposed, e.g., such that the contents can be delivered more easily.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show different schematic perspective views of the cover portion 102. As shown, for example, the cover portion 102 may include an opening seal 304 that obstructs the opening 202 when the cover portion 102 is in the closed position, and does not obstruct the opening 202 when the cover portion 102 is in the open position. Similarly, the cover portion 102 may include a vent seal 308 that obstructs the vent 212 when the cover portion 102 is in the closed position, and does not further obstruct the vent 212 when the cover portion 102 is in the open position. These concepts are further illustrated, for example, with reference to FIG. 4.

In some instances, the cover portion 102 is adapted to be in sliding contact with the base portion 104. In such instances, the cover portion 102 may slide (e.g., under a user-applied force) between the open position and the closed position. In order to accommodate this motion, the base portion 104 may feature a base sliding surface 204 (see FIG. 2) that can interact with a cover sliding surface 302. An example cover sliding surface 302 can be seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In the example shown in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B, the cover sliding surface 302 includes two slide rails that slide along corresponding raised surfaces 204. However, in general, any configuration of base sliding surface 204 and cover sliding surface 302 that allows the cover portion 102 to transition between the open and closed positions is contemplated. For example, the cover sliding surface 302 may be a larger portion of the bottom surface 306 of the cover portion 102 (e.g., the entire bottom surface), or it may be a tab covering a smaller surface area than the slide rails 302 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B also illustrate that, in certain implementations, the base sliding surface 204 and cover sliding surface 302 feature corresponding arcuate profiles. For example, as shown, the base sliding surface 204 may have a concave arcuate profile and the cover sliding surface 302 may have a convex arcuate profile. In other cases, the base sliding surface 204 may have a convex arcuate profile and the cover sliding surface 302 may have a concave arcuate profile. As a result, in some implementations, the cover portion 102 may slide between the open position and the closed positions along an arcuate path. FIG. 4 provides an example illustration of the arcuate path 402 along which the cover portion travels. Other arcuate paths having steeper or narrower profiles are also contemplated. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the bottom surface 306 of the cover portion 102 may have a convex profile. In such instances, the top surface 210 of the base portion 104 may feature a concave profile capable of accepting the cover portion 102 when the two pieces are proximate one another (e.g., when the cover portion 102 is in the closed position).

Sliding the cover portion along an arcuate path may be a more natural, and ergonomic motion for many users, compared to the motion required to move many current lids. As one non-limiting example of the improvement offered by an arcuate path of motion, some current lids include a shutter than slides over an opening in a straight linear path. Often times to reach the shutter, users need to reach down into a recess of the lid, which can be difficult and strain the dexterity of the user's fingers. Conversely, the lid 100 of the present disclosure allows a user to access the cover portion 102 at a convenient location and, for example, with a larger portion of a user's hand/fingers, which can allow for a natural application of force to slide the lid 100 between the open and closed positions. In certain examples, the arcuate path 402 causes the cover portion 102 to rotate relative to the base portion 104 during transition between the open and closed positions. This rotation causes a distal end 404 of the cover portion 102 to rise above the base portion 104 when the cover portion 102 is opened. In general, the raised distal end 404 of the cover portion 102 makes it easier for a user to grab onto the opened cover portion 102 during removal of the entire lid 100 from the vessel 900, as described below.

In various implementations, the cover portion 102 and/or base portion 104 may feature stop mechanism(s) that function to stop the cover portion 102 at the open and/or closed positions. In general, the stop mechanisms may include any mechanism that serves to provide greater resistance to motion (e.g., noticeable to a user sliding the cover portion 102) at the open and/or closed positions than at other positions. For example, the stop mechanism may include raised ridges on the top surface 210 of the base portion 204, interlocking tab/detents structures, other mechanical stops that are engaged in the open and/or closed positions, electromechanical devices, etc.

One particular example of the stop mechanism includes the use of magnets. As shown in FIG. 5, which shows an example bottom view of the base portion 104, base portion 104 may include at least one base magnet 502. As shown, there may be two base magnets, one located on each side of a center axis 504 that traverses the opening 202. FIG. 6 shows an example bottom view of the cover portion 102, which may include at least one cover magnet adapted to interact with the base magnet(s). For example, as shown, the cover portion 102 may include at least one (e.g., two) front cover magnets 602, and at least one (e.g., two) rear cover magnets 604. To provide orientation for the “front” and “rear” terminology used herein, the opening 202 is closer to the front cover magnets 602 than the rear cover magnets 604, when the cover portion 102 is in the open or closed position.

FIGS. 7B and 8B provide an example illustration of the interaction between the base magnets 502 and the front cover magnets 602 and/or rear cover magnets 604. In this example, when the cover portion 102 is in the closed position, the rear cover magnets 604 engage the base magnets 502, as shown in FIG. 7B. Also in this example, when the cover portion 102 is in the open position, the front cover magnets 602 engage the base magnets 502, as shown in FIG. 8B. The attraction force between the magnets may be enough to hold the cover portion 102 in a particular position, but may be overcome by a user applying a sliding force to the cover portion 102. For example, when the cover portion is in the open position the attraction force between the front cover magnets 602 and base magnets 502 may hold the cover portion in the open position (e.g., such that the opening 202 is exposed). Upon receipt of a sliding force (e.g., from a finger of a user), the attraction force between the front cover magnets 602 and the base magnets 502 may be overcome and the cover portion 102 may slide along the base portion 104. Once the cover portion 102 reaches the closed position, the rear cover magnet 604 and the base magnet 502 may attract one another, which may result in a noticeable “snap” for the user, indicating that the lid 100 has reached the closed position. A similar process, in reverse, may be used to transition the cover portion 102 from the closed position to the open position.

The above description of the interaction between magnets is only one example configuration of a magnet-based stop mechanism contemplated in this disclosure. In some instances, there may be different numbers of base magnets 502, front cover magnets 602, and rear cover magnets 604 (e.g., 1 of each, 3 of each, 4 of each, etc.). In other instances, certain magnets may not be featured. For example, in some cases, the cover portion 102 may not include the rear cover magnets 604. In such cases, the cover portion 102 may be stopped at the closed position by the blocking force imposed on the cover portion 102 by the raised lip 208 of the base portion 104, or in some cases by an interaction between the opening seal 304 and the opening 202, and/or or by an interaction between the vent seal 308 and the vent 212. The magnets may also be located at different positions and configurations than those shown in the example figures.

As mentioned above, the cover portion 102 and base portion 104 can be separate, detachable pieces. This feature, coupled with the fact that the cover portion 102 can take different positions on the base portion 104, provides unique removal options for the lid 100, or a portion thereof. In particular, depending on the position of the cover portion 102, a removal force (e.g., applied by a user) can (i) separate the cover portion 102 from the base portion 104, without separating the base portion 104 from the vessel 900; or (ii) separate the cover portion 102 and base portion 104, attached to one another, from the vessel 900. In certain examples, the cover portion 102 has a cover-removal position and a lid-removal position to achieve these removal options. For simplicity of illustration, this disclosure primarily describes the cover-removal position as the closed position (e.g., depicted in FIG. 1A), and the lid-removal position as the open position (e.g., depicted in FIG. 1B). But these are only examples. For example, the cover-removal position could be the open position, and the lid-removal position could be the closed position. Other examples of the cover-removal and lid-removal positions are also possible, and need not necessarily coincide with the open and closed positions.

In general, when the lid 100 is inserted into the vessel 900, the cover portion 102 is attached to the base portion 104 with a first bond, and the base portion 104 is attached to the vessel 900 with a second bond. When the cover portion 102 is in the cover-removal position, a strength of the first bond is less than a strength of the second bond. Thus, in the cover-removal position, a force required to remove the cover portion 102 from the base portion 104 is less than a force required to remove the entire lid 100 from the vessel 900. A user may separate the cover portion 102 from the base portion 104, for example, by lifting the cover portion 102 away from the base portion 104. Separating these two portions may be desirable for cleaning and/or inspecting the cover portion 102 and the base portion 104. Alternatively, when the cover portion 102 is in the lid-removal position, the strength of the first bond is greater than the strength of the second bond. Thus, in the lid-removal position, the force required to remove the cover portion 102 from the base portion 104 is greater than the force required to remove the entire lid 100 from the vessel 900. A user may separate the lid 100 from the vessel 900, for example, by lifting the cover portion 102 away from the vessel 900. Separating the lid 100 from the vessel 900 may be useful to add contents to the vessel 900 and/or to wash the base portion 104 and/or the vessel 900.

In various implementations, when the cover portion 102 is in the lid-removal position, a removal force applied to the lid 100 may remove both the cover portion 102 and the base portion 104 from the vessel 900 while attached to one another. In general, a removal force is any force that removes the lid 100, or a portion thereof, from the vessel 900 (e.g., upward pulling force, compressive force, torsional force, etc.). In order for this to occur, the cover portion 102 and base portion 104 must be attached to one another in the lid-removal position such that they do not become detached under the removal force. The cover portion 102 may include a cover attachment structure, and the base portion 104 may include a base attachment structure. In general, the cover attachment structure and base attachment structure can take any form that keeps the cover portion 102 and base portion 104 attached under a removal force sufficient to remove the lid 100 from the vessel 900. FIG. 2 shows one example of the base attachment structure 214. As shown, the base attachment structure 214 may include a protrusion 216 that forms at least one track 218 (shown also in FIGS. 7B and 8B). FIGS. 3A and 3B show one example of the cover attachment structure, which may include at least one undercut 310 adapted to fit into and slide along the at least one track 218. As shown, the undercut(s) 310 may jut inwards in an orientation normal to (or substantially normal to) the slide rails 302. As shown, the undercuts 310 may only extend a portion of, but not the entire length, of the slide rails 302.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example configuration of the base attachment structure 214 and the cover attachment structure 310, when the cover portion 102 is in the lid-removal (e.g., open) position. In this position, the undercuts (or a sufficient portion thereof) 310 engage the tracks 218 of the base attachment structure 214. In some cases, the cover portion 102 and base portion 104 form a dovetail slide in this configuration. The undercuts 310 and/or tracks 218 may be designed (e.g., size, materials, etc.) such that they do not deform enough under a removal force such that the undercuts 310 become disengaged from the tracks 218 before the base portion 104 (attached to the cover portion 102) is removed from the vessel 900. As one example, when the cover portion 102 is in the position shown in FIG. 8B, if a user pulls upwards on the lid 100, the corresponding compressive force generated between the undercuts 310 and the tracks 218 will be insufficient to cause the undercuts 310 to become disengaged from the tracks 218 before the base portion 104 separates from the vessel 900. In some instances, the attraction between the front cover magnets 602 and base magnets 502 (or other stop mechanisms) provides additional force to hold the cover portion 102 and the base portion 104 together. The end result of this action is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 9, which shows the cover portion 102 and base portion 104 removed from the vessel 900, while attached to one another.

Similar principles for other types of removal forces (e.g., torsional, etc.) are also contemplated. As one example, in some embodiments the cover portion 102 is attached to the base portion 104 with a threaded connection (e.g., forming a first bond), and the base portion 104 is attached to the vessel 900 with a threaded connection (e.g., forming a second bond). In such embodiments, when the cover portion 102 is in the cover-removal position, a torsional force applied to the cover portion 102 may overcome the first bond but not the second bond, and result in the cover portion 102 being unthreaded from the base portion 104 without the base portion 104 being unthreaded from the vessel 900. Conversely, when the cover portion 102 is in the lid-removal position, a torsional force applied to the cover portion 102 may overcome the second bond but not the first bond, and result in the base portion 104 being unthreaded from the vessel 900 without the cover portion 102 being unthreaded from the base portion 104.

As mentioned above, the undercuts 310 may only extend along a portion of the slide rails 302. In such implementations, as the cover portion 102 slides along the base portion 104, eventually the rear-most portion of the undercuts 310 will slide past the front-most portion of the tracks 318, such that the undercuts 310 and tracks 218 are no longer engaged. In some implementations, once the cover attachment structure 310 and base attachment structure 214 are no longer engaged, there is no point of attachment between the cover portion 102 and base portion 104 to prevent the cover portion 102 from being separated from the base portion 104 upon application of a removal force to the cover portion 102. Accordingly, once the cover portion 102 reaches such a position (e.g., the closed position), a user may separate the cover portion 102 from the base portion 104, without separating the base portion 104 from the vessel 900. An end result of this action is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 10. In implementations in which the rear cover magnets 604 engage the base magnets 502 when the cover portion 102 is in the cover-removal position, the force required to overcome the attraction between these magnets may be less than the force required to separate the base portion 104 from the vessel 900.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3C, and 4, in some implementations, the cover portion 102 may also include a resistance structure 312. In general, the resistance structure 312 can be any structure that provides some resistance to the separation of the cover portion 102 from the base portion 104, but is overcome before the base portion 104 is separated from the vessel 900. When the cover portion 102 is in the cover-removal position, the resistance structure 312 can assist in preventing separation between the cover portion 102 and the base portion 104 until a user applies a removal force to the cover portion 102. The resistance structure 312 may also provide the user with a noticeable “snap” or release, informing the user when the cover portion 102 has been separated from the base portion 104. The resistance structure 312 may act in addition to, or as an alternative to, the rear cover magnets 604 engaging the base magnets 502.

In the depicted example, the resistance structure 312 may be or include a protrusion on the cover portion 102. The protrusion may be normal to (or substantially normal to) the slide rails 302, but located at a different position along the slide rails 302 than the undercuts 310. The protrusion 312 may have a shorter length, extend away from the slide rails 302 a shorter distance, and/or have other dimensional profiles different than the undercuts 310. As shown, for example, in FIG. 7B, when the cover portion 102 is in the cover-removal position, the resistance structure 312 may engage tracks 218. In some cases, as shown, the resistance structure 312 engages less surface area of the tracks 218 than the undercuts 210 (compare FIG. 7B with FIG. 8B). As a result, when a removal force is applied to the cover portion 102, the force causes the resistance structure 312 to disengage from the tracks 312 (e.g., separating the cover portion 102 from the base portion 104), before the base portion 104 is separated from the vessel 900. Separating the cover portion 102 from the base portion 104 can enable improved cleaning of the lid 100, for example, in an area between the cover portion 102 and the base portion 104 which can develop a build-up of unwanted material. The above description is only one example of a resistance structure. Similar concepts can be implemented with different structures and are contemplated.

The cover portion 102 and/or the base portion 104 may be formed of a variety materials, including, but not limited to plastics (e.g., polymers, nylons, etc.), metals (e.g., aluminum, etc.), and composites and alloys thereof. In some implementations, certain components may be covered with an overmold material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer or other compliant overmold). For example, base magnets 502, front cover magnets 602, and rear cover magnets 604 may all be covered with an overmold. In some cases, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the bottom surface 306 of the cover portion 102 is covered with an overmold, which may include cover sliding surface 302. As stated above, the insert portion 206 of the base portion 104 may also be covered in an overmold. In some implementations, the materials used for the cover portion 102 and the base portion 104 are resistant to corrosion or other degradation that may be caused by the contents of the vessel 900, any cleaning materials (e.g., detergents), and/or other substances that come into contact with the cover portion 102 and/or the base portion 104. The materials may also be resistant to degradation caused by extreme temperatures or temperature variations. In some cases, the cover portion 102 and the base portion 104 are dishwasher safe.

In order to more clearly depict an example cover portion 102, FIGS. 11-18 show a top perspective view, a right side view, a left side view, a front view, a rear view, a top view, a bottom view, and a perspective bottom view, respectively, of a cover portion 102 used in certain implementations of this disclosure. Similarly, in order to more clearly depict an example base portion 104, FIGS. 19-26 show a top perspective view, a right side view, a left side view, a front view, a rear view, a top view, a bottom view, and a perspective bottom view, respectively, of a base portion 104 used in certain implementations of this disclosure.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are described in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order described or in sequential order, or that all described operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a product or multiple products.

Claims

1. A lid adapted to cover a vessel, the lid comprising:

a base portion adapted to engage the vessel; and

a cover portion adapted to slide along the base portion between a cover-removal position and a lid-removal position,

wherein, (i) when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the cover portion is adapted to separate from the base portion without the base portion separating from the vessel, and (ii) when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the cover portion and the base portion are adapted to separate from the vessel while remaining attached to one another.

2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises an opening adapted to deliver contents of the vessel.

3. The lid of claim 2, wherein:

when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the opening is covered, and

when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the opening is exposed.

4. The lid of claim 2, wherein:

when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the opening is exposed, and

when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the opening is covered.

5. The lid of claim 2, wherein the base portion comprises an arcuate base sliding surface along which the cover portion is adapted to slide.

6. The lid of claim 5, wherein the arcuate base sliding surface comprises a concave profile.

7. The lid of claim 5, wherein the cover portion comprises an arcuate cover sliding surface adapted to engage the arcuate base sliding surface.

8. The lid of claim 2, wherein the base portion further comprises at least one base magnet and the cover portion comprises at least one front cover magnet and at least one rear cover magnet, wherein: (i) when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the at least one rear cover magnet engages the at least one base magnet, and (ii) when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the at least one front cover magnet engages the at least one base magnet.

9. The lid of claim 8, wherein the at least one base magnet comprises two magnets, one on each side of a center axis of the base portion, the center axis traversing the opening.

10. The lid of claim 9, wherein:

the at least one front cover magnet comprises two magnets and the at least one rear cover magnet comprises two magnets, wherein the opening is closer to the front cover magnets than the rear cover magnets when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position and the lid-removal position.

11. The lid of claim 8, wherein at least one of the at least one base magnet, the at least one front cover magnet, and the at least one rear cover magnet is covered with an overmold material.

12. The lid of claim 11, wherein the overmold material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.

13. The lid of claim 2, wherein the cover portion comprises an opening seal, wherein:

when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the opening seal obstructs the opening; and

when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the opening seal does not obstruct the opening.

14. The lid of claim 2, wherein the base portion further comprises a vent, and the cover portion comprises a vent seal, wherein:

when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the vent seal obstructs the vent; and

when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the vent seal does not obstruct the vent.

15. The lid of claim 1, wherein the cover portion comprises a cover attachment structure and the base portion comprises a base attachment structure, wherein: (i) when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, the cover attachment structure and base attachment structure are disengaged, and (ii) when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the cover attachment structure and the base attachment structure are engaged.

16. The lid of claim 15, wherein the base attachment structure comprises an extrusion forming at least one track, and the cover attachment structure comprises at least one undercut adapted to engage the at least one track.

17. The lid of claim 16, wherein the base attachment structure and the cover attachment structure form a dovetail slide when engaged.

18. The lid of claim 1, wherein the cover portion comprises a resistance structure adapted to engage the base portion when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, wherein the resistance structure is adapted to provide a resistance to a force applied to separate the cover portion from the base portion, wherein the resistance is overcome by a force lower than that required to separate the base portion from the vessel.

19. The lid of claim 1, wherein the cover portion comprises a ridge adapted to be engaged by a user to slide the cover portion between the cover-removal position and the lid-removal position.

20. A lid adapted to cover a vessel, the lid comprising:

a base portion comprising an opening adapted to deliver contents of the vessel; and

a cover portion adapted to slide along the base portion in an arcuate path between an open position in which the opening is exposed, and a closed position in which the opening is covered.

21. The lid of claim 20, wherein the arcuate path comprises a concave profile.

22. A method of operating a lid adapted to cover a vessel, the method comprising:

sliding a cover portion along a base portion in an arcuate path from a first position to a second position.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

when the cover portion is in the first position, applying a removal force to the cover portion that causes the cover portion to be separated from the base portion without separating the base portion from the vessel, and

when the cover portion is in the second position, applying a removal force to the lid that causes the cover portion and the base portion to be separated from the vessel while remaining attached to one another.

24. A lid adapted to cover a vessel, the lid comprising:

a base portion adapted to engage the vessel; and

a cover portion adapted to slide along the base portion between a cover-removal position and a lid-removal position,

wherein, (i) when the cover portion is in the cover-removal position, a first bond between the cover portion and the base portion is less than a second bond between the base portion and the vessel, and (ii) when the cover portion is in the lid-removal position, the first bond is greater than the second bond.