LID FOR A FLUID CONTAINER HAVING AN INTEGRAL VALVE MEMBER

Abstract

A lid for use with a fluid container includes a body member having an outer surface and a peripheral portion. The body member includes a drinking aperture extending therethrough. The valve member has a first end coupled to the peripheral portion via a hinge. The valve member extends from the hinge to a distal end. The valve member includes a sealing portion, is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the body member and configured to be slidably moveable between a first sealing orientation in which the sealing portion of the valve member substantially occludes the drinking aperture and a second drinking orientation in which the valve member does not occlude the drinking aperture so as to permit fluid flow therethrough. The body member, the hinge, and the valve member may be formed as a continuous one-piece member.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has long been known in the prior art to enclose a container such as a cup with a lid selectively mounted to a rim of the cup. For example, lift-tabs or the like may be utilized to provide an opening in the lid for dispensing fluid contained within the cup. The lift-tab is typically perforated to allow a user to fold the lift-tab and secure the lift-tab to a corresponding protuberance provided on a top surface of the lid. However, one problem associated with the lift-tab type lids is that they are not resealable after having been folded.

Resealable container lids often include complex mechanical mechanisms that are often an assembly of several distinct elements. Such lids can be mechanically complicated, difficult to use, and/or are relatively expensive to manufacture.

Resealable container lids having a valve disposed on the underside of a lid are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,296,532 and 9,475,626 which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention. In such disclosures, a portion of the valve is affixed to the underside of the lid.

It would be desirable to have a resealable lid that was inexpensive to produce in high volume that avoided complex mechanical mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention a lid for a fluid container is disclosed that includes a body member and a valve member that is adjacent an outer surface of the body member of the lid. The body member includes a drinking aperture adjacent to a peripheral edge. The drinking aperture is sealed and unsealed via slidable movement of a portion of the valve member between a first sealing orientation in which sealing portion of the valve member occludes the drinking aperture and a drinking orientation in which the valve member does not occlude the drinking aperture.

In one embodiment sealing and unsealing of the drinking aperture is achieved via slidable movement of a portion of the valve member along a radius that extends through the drinking aperture. The valve member includes a first proximal portion that extends from the hinge to a bend or crease and a second valve portion that extends from the first proximal portion to a distal end. The second valve portion is slidably movable between the first sealing orientation in which a sealing portion of the second valve portion occludes the drinking aperture and a second drinking orientation in which an opening in the second valve portion is aligned with the drinking aperture to permit fluid flow therethrough.

In another embodiment sealing and unsealing of the drinking aperture is achieved via slidable lateral movement of a portion of the valve member along an arc that is generally perpendicular to a lid radius that extends through the drinking aperture. The valve member is coupled to a peripheral edge of the body member via a hinge.

In each embodiment, the body member, the hinge and the valve member are formed of the same material as an integral, continuous one piece lid.

At least one pair of opposed inwardly angled retaining members or tabs extend may be provided that project outward from the outer surface of the body member in the embodiment providing for sealing and unsealing via slidable radial movement of a portion of the valve member. The retaining members are configured to retain adjacent the outer surface of the body member a guide member formed as a part of the distal end of the valve member while permitting slidable radial movement of the second portion of the valve member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the present invention are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the drawings have not necessarily been drawn accurately or to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity or several physical components may be included in one functional block or element. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the drawings to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Where cutaway cross-sectional views of a portion of the exemplary lids are illustrated, the omitted portions generally correspond to the left portion of the lid illustrated if FIG. 1. The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the Detailed Description of the Invention in conjunction with the following drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a cut-away cross-sectional view of a lid in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention mounted on a fluid container in which a valve member is formed as a continuous member with the body member of the lid and in which the valve is not folded into its operative orientation;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1 with the valve member disposed in a sealing orientation so as to occlude the drinking aperture;

FIG. 3 is a cut-away cross-sectional view of the of FIG. 1 mounted on a fluid container in which the valve member is disposed in a sealing orientation so as to occlude the drinking aperture;

FIG. 4 is a cut-away cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 1 mounted on a fluid container in which the valve member is disposed so as not to occlude the drinking aperture;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present invention in which the valve member includes a generally flat sealing surface disposed in a sealing orientation so as to occlude the drinking aperture;

FIG. 6 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present invention having a raised drinking spout and a generally flat valve sealing surface in which the valve member is shown in a sealing orientation and in which a portion of the valve member is slidable radially outward to unseal the drinking aperture and permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 7 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present invention having a raised drinking spout in which a radially movable valve is depicted with an opening in the valve member aligned with the drinking aperture in an unsealed orientation and in which the valve is slidable radially outward to align a downwardly extending protuberance with the drinking aperture to seal the seal aperture;

FIG. 8 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present invention having a raised drinking spout terminating in a drinking aperture in which a radially movable valve is depicted with a downwardly extending sealing protuberance of the valve member aligned with and occluding the drinking aperture in a sealing orientation and in which the valve is radially slidable outward to align an opening in the valve member with the drinking aperture to unseal the aperture and permit fluid flow therethrough;

FIG. 9 is a cutaway cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present invention having a valve member configuration similar to the valve member configuration of FIG. 8 but including a generally planar and linear connecting member extending between a self-hinge at a lower peripheral edge of the lid and an elbow or neck region of the valve member;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment in accordance with the present invention depicting a valve member formed as an integral continuous member with the lid and disposed in a sealing orientation and wherein a portion of the valve member is slidably movable in a direction generally perpendicular to a radius of the lid through the drinking aperture to unseal the drinking aperture;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 10 depicting the valve member slidably displaced from the sealing orientation so as to unseal the drinking aperture;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an another embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present invention having a valve member integrally formed as a continuous member with the lid with a self-hinge coupling the body member of the lid to the valve member disposed on the opposing side of the lid from the drinking aperture, wherein the valve member is depicted in a sealing orientation and the valve is slidably movable in a direction generally perpendicular to a radius that extends through the drinking aperture unseal the drinking aperture;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 12 depicting the valve member slidably displaced so as to unseal the drinking aperture.

FIG. 14a is a perspective view of another embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present invention having a valve member integrally formed as a continuous member with the lid, in which the valve member is radially movable between a sealed and an unsealed orientation and in which the valve member is depicted in an unsealed orientation with the drinking spout protruding through an opening in the valve member;

FIG. 14b is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 14a with the valve member depicted in a sealed orientation with a downwardly extending protuberance of the valve member sealing the drinking aperture;

FIG. 14c is a side view of a portion of the lid of FIG. 14a depicting the valve member in the unsealed orientation;

FIG. 14d is a side view of a portion of the lid of FIG. 14a depicting the valve member in the sealed orientation;

FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c are cross-sectional views of portions of valve members configured for sealing a drinking aperture having an upwardly extending drinking spout, wherein FIG. 15a depicts a valve member portion including a downwardly extending protuberance extending into a drinking aperture to substantially occlude a drinking aperture, FIG. 15b depicts a generally flat valve member portion disposed in generally abutting relation with a top surface of a drinking spout to substantially occlude a drinking aperture of the drinking spout, and FIG. 15c depicts a drinking spout having a drinking aperture, wherein the drinking spout extends into a recess formed in a valve member portion that occludes and substantially seals the drinking aperture;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present invention in which the body member of the lid includes opposed upwardly extending inwardly angled tabs to retain a distal flange portion of a radially slidable valve member in a position adjacent an upper surface of the body member of the lid with the valve member depicted in an unsealed orientation with a drinking spout aligned with an opening in the valve member;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of portion of the lid of FIG. 16 with the valve member in a sealed orientation in which a sealing protuberance of the valve member occludes the drinking aperture;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the lid of FIG. 16 through section BB with the valve in an unsealed orientation in which an opening in the valve member is aligned with a drinking aperture so as to permit fluid flow therethrough.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 16 through section AA; and

FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 16 depicting the valve member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application incorporates by reference U.S. provisional application 62/431,666 titled A Lid for a Fluid Container Having an Integral Valve Member filed Dec. 8, 2016, U.S. provisional application 62/442,016 titled A Lid for a Fluid Container Having an Integral Valve Member filed Jan. 4, 2017 and U.S. provisional application 62/490,207 titled A Lid for a Fluid Container Having an Integral Valve Member filed Apr. 26, 2017.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that these embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components and structures may not have been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments of the present invention.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Additionally, specific features and structures described in conjunction with one embodiment and providing a specific function may be employed in other embodiments provided such a configuration is consistent with the provision of the specific in the other embodiments. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

A lid for use with a fluid container having a rim is disclosed. The lid comprises a body member having a peripheral portion, an outer surface and an inner surface on the opposite side of the body member from the outer surface. The inner surface of the body member faces the fluid container when mounted thereto. The peripheral portion of the body member includes an inner surface configured for mounting in confronting relation with the rim of the fluid container to couple the lid to the fluid container. The body member includes a drinking aperture adjacent an outer edge of the body member and extending therethrough. The lid further includes a hinge and a valve member having a first end coupled to an edge of the peripheral portion via the hinge. The valve member extends to a distal end and includes a sealing portion configured for sealing the drinking aperture. A portion of the valve member is adjacent the outer surface of the body member and configured to be slidably moveable between a first sealing orientation in which the sealing portion of the valve member substantially occludes the drinking aperture and a second drinking orientation in which the valve member does not occlude the drinking aperture so as to permit fluid flow therethrough. Additionally, the body member, the hinge, and the valve member are formed as a continuous one-piece integral member and the valve member is adjacent the outer surface of the body member.

More specifically, referring to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of a lid 100 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated and configured for use with a fluid container 50. The lid 100 includes a body member 101 having an outer or upwardly facing surface 101a and an opposing inner or containing facing surface 101b that faces the fluid container 50 when the lid 100 is mounted thereto. Additionally, the body member 101 has a central body 102 and a peripheral portion 104 in the illustrated embodiment is a generally ring-shaped region that surrounds the central body 102. The body member 101 has a lower circumferential peripheral edge 103 that generally defines a first plane. The peripheral portion 104 includes a raised portion 104a that extends above the central body 102. The peripheral portion 104 also includes an side edge portion 104b. The inner surface of the peripheral portion 104 has a generally concave circumferential lower edge portion 104c that is configured to sealably couple to a rim 52 of the fluid container 50 when the lower circumferential peripheral edge 103 is urged over the rim 52 of the fluid container 50.

The peripheral portion 104 includes a drinking aperture 106 extending through the raised portion 104a which serves as a drinking orifice. A valve member 108 is formed as a continuous integral unitary member with the body member 101 from a deformable material as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The valve member 108 includes a first proximal portion or arm portion 108a and a second distal portion or second valve portion 108b. The first proximal portion 108a extends from a self-hinge 108c to a crease or bend 108d. The term self-hinge, as used herein, is used to refer to a structure that is bendable so as to perform a hinge function and that is integrally formed as a one piece continuous structure and of the same material with members connected to both sides of the hinge. The second distal portion 108b extends from the crease or bend 108d to a distal end 108e. The second distal portion 108b includes a sealing portion 108f and a valve member aperture or valve member opening 108g that extends through the second distal portion 108b. The sealing portion 108f in the illustrated embodiment is a protuberance that is cooperative with the drinking aperture 106 when disposed in a sealing orientation to substantially seal the drinking aperture 106 as discussed in greater detail below.

The valve member 108 is formed as a single continuous integral unitary member with the body member 101 from a deformable material. The valve member 108 is foldable with respect to the body member 101 at the self-hinge 108c. When folded at the self-hinge 108c, the first proximal portion 108a may confront an outer edge of the peripheral portion 104 when the second valve portion 108b is in the first sealing orientation as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The sealing portion 108f and the valve member aperture 108g are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the valve member aperture 108g is located more proximate to the distal end 108e of the valve member 108 than the sealing portion 108f In an alternative embodiment, the locations of the sealing portion 108f and the valve member aperture 108g are reversed so that the sealing portion 108f is more proximate the distal end 108e of the valve member 108.

The second distal or valve portion 108b of the valve member 108 is slidably movable radially over the raised portion 104a between a first sealing orientation as shown in FIG. 3 and a second drinking orientation shown in FIG. 4 generally along a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to the first plane. More specifically, the second valve portion 108b is slidably movable in first and second opposing directions generally along a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to the first plane and generally parallel to a radial axis through the drinking aperture 106 to cause the sealing portion 108f to assume the first sealing orientation and the second drinking orientation, respectively. In the first sealing orientation shown in FIG. 3, the sealing portion 108f extends into and occludes the drinking aperture 106 to substantially seal the drinking aperture 106 and avoid the flow of liquid therethrough. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing portion comprises a substantially flat surface that occludes the drinking aperture 106 when aligned therewith. While the illustrated embodiment includes a recessed central body 102 and peripheral portion 104 extending above the central body, the configuration of the body member 101 may be varied without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. By way of example, and not limitation, the body member 101 may alternatively have a generally planar upper surface, include a raised drinking spout as subsequently discussed and/or include other upper surface configurations consistent with the provision of the sealing and unsealing functions for the drinking aperture as herein described.

The second distal portion 108b of the valve member 108 may be urged outward by exertion of manual pressure at the distal end 108e, which is provided as a turned down portion or flange. Urging of the second distal portion 108b of the valve member 108 radially outward from the position illustrated in FIG. 3 causes the second distal portion 108b to slidably move to the second drinking orientation illustrated in FIG. 4. When the second distal portion 108b of the valve member 108 is disposed in the second drinking orientation, the drinking aperture 106 and the valve member aperture 108g are generally aligned so as to permit the flow of liquid through the aligned valve member aperture or opening 108g and the drinking aperture 106.

The second distal or valve portion 108b may be configured to releasably secure the second valve portion 108b in at least one of the first sealing orientation and the second drinking orientation. More specifically, based on the angles, configuration or shapes selected for the confronting edges of the raised portion 104a and the sealing portion 108f, the second valve portion 108b may be releasably secured in the second drinking orientation with the raised portion 104a disposed between the distal end 108e of the second distal portion 108b and a confronting edge of the sealing portion 108f More specifically, based on the cooperative angles, configuration or shapes selected for the confronting edges of the protuberance forming the sealing portion 108f and the outer edge of the raised portion 104a, the second distal or valve portion 108b may be lockable or temporarily securable in the second drinking orientation or not lockable or temporarily securable in such orientation. If designed so as not to be releasably lockable or securable in the second drinking orientation, the user will need to maintain manually applied pressure to the distal end 108e of the second distal portion 108b to maintain the second distal portion 108b in the second drinking orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, when in the first sealing orientation, the first proximal portion 108a generally confronts the side of the peripheral portion 104 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. It should be recognized that based on the relative positions of the sealing portion and the opening 108g in the second valve portion 108b, the first proximal portion 108a may be disposed in generally confronting relation with the peripheral outer edge 104 of the body member 101 when the second valve portion 108b is disposed in the first sealing orientation or the second drinking orientation.

When the valve member 108 is disposed in the first sealing orientation, the protuberance forming the sealing portion 110 at least partially extends into the drinking aperture 106 and is cooperative with the drinking aperture 106 to releasably secures or maintains the valve member 108 in the first sealing orientation when the protuberance is aligned with the drinking aperture 106. Although depicted in FIGS. 1-4 as a protuberance that at least partially extends into the drinking aperture when the second valve portion 108b is in the sealing orientation, in another embodiment, the sealing portion 108f may comprise a generally flat portion of the second valve portion 108b.

Additionally, while the valve member is illustrated as being designed so that the resilient self-hinge urges the first proximal portion 108a of the valve member 108 to confront or be urged toward the outer periphery of the body member 101, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, it should be appreciated that alternatively, the self-hinge in the variously disclosed embodiments involving slidable displacement of the valve member along a radius of the body member for sealing and unsealing the drinking aperture may be configured and sprung so as to cause the first proximal portion to be spaced from the outer periphery of the lid as illustrated in FIG. 4, in which event, a user of the lid would need to urge the first proximal portion radially inward to cause the valve member to change orientations.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a lid 200 which is similar in many respects to the lid illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 but which includes a different valve configuration from that illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, includes a body member 201 having an upper surface 201a and an inner or fluid container facing surface 201b. The body member 201 further includes a central body portion 202 that is surrounded by an outer periphery 204 having a raised portion 204a that includes a drinking aperture 206. The lid 200 includes a valve member 208 having a first proximal portion or arm portion 208a and a second distal portion or valve portion 208b. In the FIG. 5 embodiment the second distal portion 208b of the valve member 208 is substantially planar along a length thereof. The first proximal portion 208a extends from a self-hinge 208c to a crease or bend 208d and, as illustrated in exemplary FIG. 5 generally confronts an outer edge of the outer periphery 204 of the body member 201 when the valve member is positioned in a first sealing orientation. The second distal portion 208b extends from the crease or bend 208d to a distal end 208e. The second distal portion 208b includes a sealing portion 208f which is a substantially planar portion of the second distal portion 208b and a valve member aperture 208g spaced therefrom. The valve member aperture 208g is more proximate to the distal end 208e than the sealing portion 208f In an alternative embodiment, the positions of the sealing portion 208f and the valve member aperture 208g are reversed.

The second distal portion 208b is slidably movable along a radius of the body member 201 between the first sealing orientation as shown in FIG. 5 and a second drinking orientation in which the valve member aperture 208g generally aligns with the drinking aperture 206 by reason of the pliant and bendable nature of the self-hinge 208c. In the absence of applied manual pressure to the distal end 208e, the second distal portion 208b assumes the first sealing orientation illustrated in FIG. 5 self-hinge act like a spring to urge the second distal portion 208b to assume the first sealing orientation illustrated in FIG. 5. In other respects, the construction of the embodiment of FIG. 5 is substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a lid 300 having a body member 301 having an upper body member surface 301a and an inner body member surface or fluid container facing surface 301b. The body member 301 has a central body portion 302 surrounded by an outer periphery 304. The body member 301 includes a raised portion 304a that extends above the central body portion 302 and which includes an upwardly extending drinking spout 304b that extends outward to a tip defining a drinking aperture 306. The lid 300 further includes a valve member 308 having a first proximal portion or first arm 308a and a second distal portion or valve portion 308b. The second distal portion 308b is substantially planar along a portion of the length thereof. The first proximal portion 308a connects to the body member 301 via a self-hinge 308c. The first proximal portion 308a extends from the self-hinge 308c to a crease or bend 308d. The second distal portion 308b extends from the crease or bend 308d to a distal end 308e. The second distal portion 308b includes a sealing portion 308f and a valve member aperture 308g spaced therefrom. Though depicted as a generally flat sealing portion in FIG. 6, the sealing portion for sealing the drinking aperture 306 of the drinking spout 304b may alternatively be a protuberance that at least partially extends into the drinking aperture 306 when the second valve portion is in the first sealing orientation, or a protuberance that extends away from the drinking aperture and that forms a recess within the protuberance, wherein at least the tip of the drinking spout 304b extends into the recess of the protuberance when the second valve portion 308b is in the first sealing orientation.

The second distal portion 308b is slidably movable along a radius of the body member 301 that extends through the drinking aperture 306 between a first sealing orientation, shown in FIG. 6, and a second drinking orientation in which the valve member aperture 308g generally aligns with the drinking aperture 306. In the absence of applied manual pressure to the distal end 308e urging the second distal portion 308b in a direction radially outward from the center of the body member 301, the second distal portion 308b assumes the first sealing orientation illustrated in FIG. 6 with the sealing portion 308f substantially occluding the drinking aperture 306 formed in the drinking spout 304b. In an alternative embodiment, the positions of the sealing portion 308f and the valve member aperture 308g may be reversed, in which case, urging of the second distal portion 308b of the valve member 308 radially outward would cause the valve member 308 to assume the first sealing orientation with the sealing portion 308f occluding the drinking aperture 306.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of a lid 300′ in accordance with the present invention in which a valve member 308′ is normally open.

The valve member 308′ includes a first proximal portion or arm portion 308a′ and a second distal portion or valve portion 308b′ as shown. The second distal portion 308b′ includes a sealing portion 308f′ and a valve member aperture 308g′ that extends through the second distal portion 308b′. The embodiment of FIG. 7 generally corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 6 noting, however, that the location of the valve member aperture 308g′ and the sealing portion 308f′ have been reversed. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the sealing portion 308f′ is provided in the form of a protuberance. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing portion 308f′ may comprise a flat portion of the second distal portion 308b′. The second distal portion 308b′ is slidably movable between a first drinking orientation as shown in FIG. 7 in which the valve member aperture 308g′ aligns with the drinking aperture 306′ and a second sealing orientation in which the sealing portion 308f′ substantially occludes the drinking aperture 306′. More specifically, upon the application of a manual outwardly applied force to the distal end 308e′ of the valve member, the second distal portion 308b′ slidably moves to the first sealing orientation in which the sealing portion 308f′ occludes the drinking aperture 306′.

Based on the depth that the sealing portion 308f′ protuberance extends into the drinking aperture 306′, this embodiment can provide for the valve member 308′ to remain releasably secured in the sealed orientation. If the protuberance only extends slightly into the drinking aperture 306′, the valve member 308′ will return to the first drinking orientation in the absence of pressure applied to the distal end 308e′ of the valve member 308′. The angles, shapes and configuration associated with the confronting edges of the protuberance forming the sealing portion 308f ‘and the drinking aperture 306’ may be selected to facilitate locking of the valve member in the sealed orientation in some embodiments. The self-hinge 308c′ serves as a spring-like member as previously discussed to normally urge the second distal portion 308b′ to assume the drinking orientation illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is another embodiment which is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6, however, only the sealing portion 908f of the second distal portion 908b of the valve member 908 makes contact with the surface of the body member when in the first sealing orientation. Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the sealing portion 908f comprises a protuberance that extends into the drinking aperture to occlude the aperture in the first sealing orientation.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a portion of a lid 400 that includes a body member and valve member 408 formed as a continuous integral unitary structure and interconnected by a hinge 408c. The valve member 408 includes a first proximal portion or arm portion 408a and a second distal portion or valve portion 408b. The first proximal portion 408a extends from the self-hinge 408c to a crease or bend 408d and the second distal portion 408b extends from the crease or bend 408d to a distal end 408e. The second distal portion 408b includes a sealing portion 408f and a valve member aperture or opening 408g through the second distal portion 408b. The first proximal portion 408a is substantially straight and planar along its length. Alternatively, the first proximal portion 408a may be provided with a curved shape to achieve desired spring-like characteristics to urge the valve member 408 to the first sealing orientation depicted in FIG. 9.

To achieve desired resilience and spring characteristics for the self-hinge and valve member in the various embodiments, the thickness of the deformable material may be selectively varied in the area of the self-hinge and along portions of the first proximal portion of the valve member. By way of example and not limitation, the self-hinge and selected portions of the valve member, including the first proximal portion and the second distal portion of the valve member may be made thicker or thinner than the body member of the lid and thicker or thinner than other portions of the first proximal portion and the second distal portion of the valve to achieve desired resilience, stiffness and spring characteristics for the valve member.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment of a lid 500 having a central body portion 502 and an outer periphery 504 having a drinking spout 506 defining and terminating at a drinking aperture 506a. The lid 500 further includes a valve member 508 formed as a continuous integral unitary structure with the outer periphery 504 of the lid 500. The valve member 508 includes a first proximal portion or first arm 508a and a second distal portion or second valve portion 508b. A self-hinge 508c couples the first proximal portion 508a to the outer periphery 504 of the lid 500. The first proximal portion 508a extends from the self-hinge 508c to a crease or bend 508d and the second distal portion 508b extends from the crease or bend 508d to a distal end 508e. The second distal portion 508b includes a sealing portion 508f that may comprise a protuberance that extends downward from the second distal portion 508b. The sealing portion 508f is cooperative with the drinking aperture 506a to occlude the drinking aperture 506a and thereby substantially seal the aperture 506a when sealing portion 508f is vertically aligned with the drinking aperture 506a. The sealing portion 508f may extend into the drinking aperture 506a and thereby more securely maintain the valve member 508 in the sealing orientation when the sealing portion 508f is aligned with the drinking aperture 506a. The first proximal portion 508a may have substantially straight edges along its length or be provided with a curved or other suitable shape to provide desired spring-like characteristics to normally urge the sealing portion 508f into alignment with the drinking aperture 506a to substantially seal the drinking aperture 506a.

The second valve portion 508b is slidably movable laterally (i.e. sideways) to seal and unseal the drinking aperture 506a. More specifically, upon manual urging of the second valve portion 508g in a direction generally perpendicular to a radius of the lid extending through the drinking aperture 506a, the second valve portion is displaced laterally so as to uncover and unseal the drinking aperture 506a as depicted in FIG. 11.

The lid 500 is shown in FIG. 10 with the sealing portion 508f occluding the drinking aperture 506a and is shown in FIG. 11 with the sealing portion 508f offset from the drinking aperture 506a so as to permit drinking from the drinking aperture 506a. The second valve portion 508b includes generally curved edges 508g which abut a side of the drinking spout 506 when the second valve portion 508b is laterally offset from the drinking spout 506 to maintain the second distal portion 508b of the valve member 508 in the unsealed orientation in one embodiment. The second distal portion 508b may be slidably moved to the left or right (generally perpendicular to a radius of the lid through the drinking aperture) of the drinking spout 506 to unseal the drinking aperture 506a.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of a lid 600 having a central body portion 602 and an outer periphery 604 having a drinking spout 606 defining a drinking aperture 606a. The lid 600 further includes a valve member 608 formed as a continuous integral unitary structure with the outer periphery 604 of the lid 600. The valve member 608 includes a first proximal portion or arm portion 608a and a second distal portion or valve portion 608b. A self-hinge 608c couples the first proximal portion 608a to the outer periphery 604 of the lid 600. The first proximal portion 608a extends from the self-hinge 608c to a crease or bend 608d and the second distal portion 608b extends from the crease or bend 608d to a distal end 608e. The second valve portion 608b includes a sealing portion 608f that may comprise a protuberance that extends downward from the second distal valve 608b toward the lid 500. The sealing portion 608f is cooperative with the drinking aperture 606a to occlude the drinking aperture 606a and thereby substantially seal the drinking aperture 606a when the sealing portion 608f is vertically aligned therewith. The first proximal portion 608a may be substantially straight along its length or provided with a curved or other suitable shape and is configured to provide desired spring-like characteristics to urge the sealing portion 608f toward and into the drinking aperture 606a to substantially seal the drinking aperture 606a when the sealing portion 608f is vertically aligned therewith. The second valve portion 608b is slidably movable laterally (i.e. sideways) to unseal the drinking aperture 606a.

The lid 600 is shown in FIG. 12 with the sealing portion 608f occluding the drinking aperture 606a in a sealing orientation and is shown in FIG. 13 with the sealing portion 608f laterally offset from the drinking aperture 606a in an unsealed orientation so as to permit drinking from the drinking aperture 606a.

In one embodiment, the second valve portion 608b includes first and second generally curved side edges 608g which abut a side of the drinking spout 606 when laterally offset from the drinking spout 606 to retain the second distal portion 608b of the valve member 608 in the unsealed orientation. The second valve portion 608b may be slidably moved laterally to the left or right of the drinking aperture 606 to unseal the drinking aperture 606 in the presently disclosed embodiment. Generally curved edges 608g may be provided on one or both sides of the second distal portion 608b and abut the drinking spout when laterally offset therefrom to retain the second distal portion 608b in the unsealed orientation. The embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13 function in a substantially similar manner to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 noting that the location of the self-hinge 608c in FIGS. 12 and 13 is on the opposite side of the lid 600 from the drinking spout 606 while in FIGS. 10 and 11, the self-hinge 508c is on the same side of the lid 500 as the drinking spout 506.

It should be noted that the self-hinge in the foregoing embodiments may be located at various locations along the periphery of the lid without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein provided lateral movement of the second valve portion may be achieved.

A further embodiment of a lid 700 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 14a-14d. More specifically, the lid 700 includes a body member 701 having a central body portion 702 and an outer periphery 704. The outer periphery 704 includes a drinking spout 706 that terminates at a lip defining a drinking aperture 706a. The lid 700 further includes a valve member 708 formed as a continuous integral unitary structure with the body member 701. The valve member 708 includes a first proximal portion or arm portion 708a and a second distal portion or second valve portion 708b. A self-hinge 708c couples the body member 701 to the first proximal portion 708a. The first proximal portion 708a extends from the self-hinge 708c to a crease or bend 708d and the second distal portion 708b extends from the crease or bend 708d to a distal end 708e.

FIG. 14a illustrates the lid with the valve member 708 in an unsealed orientation. More specifically, the second valve portion 708b includes an opening 708g. When the valve member is disposed in the unsealed orientation illustrated in FIG. 14a, the drinking spout extends through the opening 708g so as to expose the drinking aperture 706a and permit the passage of a fluid therethrough.

The second distal portion 708b also includes a sealing portion 708f, spaced from the opening 708g and proximate the distal end 708e of the second valve portion 708b. The sealing portion 708f may comprise a protuberance as illustrated in FIGS. 14a-d that extends downward from the second distal portion 708b. The sealing portion 708f is cooperative with the drinking aperture 706a and in one embodiment extends at least partially into the drinking aperture 706a to occlude the drinking aperture 706a and thereby substantially seal the drinking aperture 706a when aligned vertically with the drinking aperture 706 as shown in FIG. 14b. The valve member 708 is radially and slidably movable between the second drinking orientation as illustrated in FIG. 14a in which the drinking spout 706 extends through the opening 708g to permit drinking of a liquid through the drinking aperture 706a and the first sealing orientation illustrated in FIG. 14b in which the protuberance, which serves as the sealing portion 708f, extends at least partially into and substantially seals the drinking aperture 706a. The valve member 708 is releasably secured or retained in the unsealed second drinking orientation illustrated in FIG. 14a when the drinking spout 706 extends through the opening 708g of the second distal portion 708b and is releasably secured or retained in the first sealing orientation illustrated in FIG. 14b when the protuberance forming the sealing portion 708f extends at least partially into the drinking aperture 706a.

The first proximal portion 708a may be bent as illustrated, substantially straight along its length, curved or configured to conform to the shape of the outer periphery 704 of the body member 701. The valve member 708 is formed with a spring-like characteristic so as to urge the sealing portion 708f downward into the drinking aperture 706a to substantially seal the drinking aperture 706a when the sealing portion 708f is vertically aligned therewith in the first sealing orientation and to urge the second distal portion 708b downward so that the drinking spout 706 extends through the opening 708g when in the unsealed second drinking orientation.

FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c illustrate cross-sections of a portion of a lid in embodiments that include a drinking spout and the second distal portion of the valve member. As illustrated in FIG. 15a, the second distal portion of the valve member may include a protuberance that extends from the second distal portion and toward and into the drinking aperture defined by the drinking spout to occlude the opening and substantially seal the opening when the second distal portion is positioned in the sealing orientation. As illustrated in FIG. 15b, in another embodiment that includes a drinking spout, a sealing portion of the second distal portion of the valve member may be flat or substantially flat and abut the opening of the drinking spout to occlude and substantially seal the opening when the second distal portion is positioned in the sealing orientation. As illustrated in FIG. 15c, in yet another embodiment that includes a drinking spout, the second distal portion of the valve member may be provided with a hollow protuberance that extends upward from the second distal portion and away from the top surface of the lid. The upwardly extending protuberance defines a hollow recess that is configured to receive the drinking spout therein so as to occlude and substantially seal the drinking aperture of the drinking spout when the drinking spout is aligned with the recess and disposed therein in the sealing orientation.

The foregoing structures of the sealing portions of the second distal portion illustrated in FIGS. 15a-15c may be employed as sealing portions in the various embodiments of the lids disclosed herein that incorporate a drinking spout.

FIGS. 16-20 depict another embodiment of a one piece lid 800 that includes a body member 801, a valve member 802. The body member 801 includes a central body portion 806 and further includes opposed retaining members or tabs 804 outwardly extending from the outer or upper surface of the central body portion 806 of the body member 801. The retaining members or tabs 804 are configured to retain the valve member 802 with the second distal portion 802b confronting the drinking aperture while permitting slidable radial movement of the valve member 802 between a first position in which a drinking opening is unsealed and a second position in which the drinking opening is sealed.

The valve member 802 includes a first proximal portion or arm portion 802a that extends from a self-hinge 802c to a crease or bend 802d. The self-hinge 802c couples the valve member 802 to the body member 801 of the lid 800 and is formed as an integral continuous one piece member with the body member 801 and the valve member 802. The valve member 802 further includes a second distal or valve portion 802b that extends between the neck or crease 802d to a distal end 802e of the second distal portion 802b of the valve member 802. The second distal or valve portion 802c include a guide member 802f adjacent the distal end 802e of the valve member 802.

The opposed retaining members or tabs 804 extend upward from the outer surface of the body member 801 and have inwardly angled sides spaced from one another by a predetermined distance. The width of the guide member 802f is specified so as to be retained adjacent the upper surface of the body member 801 and captured between the opposed retaining members 804 while permitting slidable radial movement of the guide member 802f of the second distal portion 802b therebetween. In the foregoing manner the valve member 802 is maintained in its desired position while permitting slidable movement of the second distal portion 802b between a first sealing orientation and a second drinking orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member 802f is provided at the distal end of the second valve portion 802b and the body member 801 includes at least one pair of opposed retaining tabs 804 extending from the upper surface of the body member 801. In the illustrated embodiment two pairs of retaining tabs 804 are shown any desired number of retaining tab pairs may be employed.

The guide member 802f includes opposing side edges disposed in confronting relation with opposed retaining tabs 804. The retaining tabs 804 and the guide member 802e are cooperatively configured to retain the guide member 802f of the second valve portion 802b in substantially confronting relation with the outer surface of the body member 801 while permitting slidable movement of the guide member 802e between the retaining tabs 804 upon slidable movement of the second valve portion 802b between the first sealing orientation and the second drinking orientation.

Retaining tabs 804 in conjunction with the guide member 802f as presently described may be employed with any of the foregoing embodiments that rely upon radial movement of the second distal portion of the valve member to seal and unseal a drinking aperture to maintain the second distal portion properly seated and positioned with respect to the drinking aperture.

FIG. 17 illustrates the valve member 802 including the guide member 802f of FIG. 16 in cross-section with the valve member 802 disposed in the sealing orientation. A section 802g of the first proximal portion 802a may be provided with a portion having a reduced thickness to provided desired flex characteristics of the first proximal portion of the valve member 802. Alternatively, the first proximal portion 802a may be provided with a section having a reduced width as illustrated in FIG. 16 to provided desired flex characteristics of the first proximal portion 802a during slidable longitudinal movement of the second distal or valve portion 802b.

FIG. 18 illustrates the valve member 802 including the guide member 802f of FIG. 16 in cross-section along section BB with the valve member 802 disposed in the drinking or unsealed orientation.

FIG. 19 depicts the guide member 802f and retaining members 804 of FIG. 16 along section AA with guide member 802f disposed adjacent the body member 801 and retained between opposing retaining members 804.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged illustration of the valve member 802 of FIG. 16 along section BB depicting the guide member 802f of the second distal or valve portion 802b.

Each of the above-described embodiments may be formed of a thin deformable resilient material as a single continuous integral unitary member to permit fabrication of the lid and valve structure in a single molding operation. Additionally, in other embodiments, portions of the lid that do not require resilience may be formed of a thicker, stiffer or rigid material while portions of the lid such need to be bendable or resilient to achieve the desired functions, e.g. the self-hinge and/or the first proximal portion of the valve member, may be formed of a thinner deformable and resilient material. The lid and valve member may be formed of any suitable plastic, stainless steel, cellulose, or any other suitable deformable material. By way of example, and not limitation, the presently disclosed lids may be formed via vacuum forming, injection molding or any other suitable molding technique.

In one embodiment, the disclosed lids are formed of a plastic having a thickness between 0.005 and 0.050 inch. In another embodiment, the lids are formed of a plastic having a thickness between 0.010 and 0.025 inch. In yet another embodiment, the lids are formed of a plastic having a thickness between 0.020 and 0.025 inch.

The self-hinge is a spring-like member that may be configured in different embodiments to urge the second valve portion to assume the first sealing orientation or the second drinking orientation in the absence of applied manual pressure to the second valve portion of the valve member.

While lids employed for cold beverages may be formed of many plastics known in the art, e.g. polypropylene, for high temperature applications plastics that can accommodate hot beverages, such as coffee or tea are preferred. By way of example and not limitation, it has been determined that for high temperature applications such as involving use of a lid with hot coffee or tea, a polypropylene impact copolymer material, may be employed or any other material that can accommodate the temperatures commonly experienced with such liquids without undue structural distortion.

A method of forming a lid and valve member is also disclosed in which any of the above-described lid and valve members are molded as a continuous integral unitary member in a single molding operation. The valve member is folded and formed along the self-hinge so that a portion of the valve member confronts the top surface of the lid and is urged via spring-like action towards the drinking aperture in certain embodiments. A secondary operation may be employed to provide the desired spring-like characteristics to the self-hinge in the various embodiments.

In other embodiments the above-described lids may be fabricated as two or three members. In the two piece lid configuration, a hinge having first and second hinge ends is fabricated as an integral one-piece continuous member with the body member or the valve member, i.e. the first end of the hinge is formed as a continuous one piece member with the body member or the valve member respectively. The second end of the hinge is attached to the other member vis any suitable attachment technique, e.g. ultrasonic welding, a glue or adhesive, or staking. In the three piece lid configuration, the body member, hinge and valve member are formed as separate and distinct structures. The hinge has opposing hinge ends which are attached to the body member and valve member respectively to form the lid. Attachment of the hinge ends to the body member and the valve member may be accomplished as described above or via any other suitable attachment techniques.

It will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that alterations, modifications and improvements to the above-described lid and valve member and methods of sealing a drinking aperture formed in a lid may be made without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are within the scope of the invention. The foregoing description and drawings are by way of example. Accordingly, the invention should not be viewed as limited except by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lid for use with a fluid container having a rim, the lid comprising:

a body member having an outer surface, an inner surface and a peripheral portion, the peripheral portion having an inner surface coupling portion of the body member inner surface configured for mounting in confronting relation with the rim of the fluid container to couple the lid to the fluid container, the body member including a drinking aperture extending therethrough;

a hinge;

a valve member coupled to the peripheral portion of the body member via the hinge, the valve member extending from a first end of the hinge to a distal end, the valve member including a sealing portion, wherein a portion of the valve member is adjacent the outer surface of the body member and configured to be slidably moveable between a first sealing orientation in which the sealing portion of the valve member substantially occludes the drinking aperture and a second drinking orientation in which the valve member does not occlude the drinking aperture so as to permit fluid flow therethrough, and wherein the body member, the hinge, and the valve member are formed as a continuous one-piece integral member and the valve member is adjacent the outer surface of the body member.

2. The lid of claim 1 wherein the body member includes a drinking spout extending from the outer surface of the body member to a tip defining the drinking aperture.

3. The lid of claim 1 wherein the body member, the hinge and the valve member are formed of a polypropylene material.

4. The lid of claim 3 wherein the body member, the hinge and the valve member are formed of a polypropylene impact copolymer material.

5. The lid of claim 1 wherein the body member, hinge and valve member are formed of one of a plastic, stainless steel and cellulose material.

6. The lid of claim 1 wherein the body member, the hinge and the valve member are formed of a material having a thickness between 0.005 and 0.050 inch.

7. The lid of claim 1 wherein the body member, the hinge and the valve member are formed of a material having a thickness between 0.010 and 0.025 inch.

8. The lid of claim 1, wherein the valve member includes a first proximal portion having a first end that extends from the first end of the hinge and a second valve portion that extends from a second end of the first proximal portion to the distal end of the valve member, wherein the sealing portion comprises a portion of the second valve portion.

9. The lid of claim 8 wherein the second valve portion is configured to releasably secure the second valve portion in at least one of the first sealing orientation and the second drinking orientation.

10. The lid of claim 8, wherein the body member has a lower circumferential peripheral edge generally defining a first plane and the second valve portion includes a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to the first plane and a radial axis of the lid that extends through the drinking aperture, the second valve portion being slidably movable generally along the longitudinal axis in first and second opposing directions to cause the sealing portion to assume the first sealing orientation and the second drinking orientation, respectively.

11. The lid of claim 10, wherein the second valve portion includes an opening therethrough spaced along the longitudinal axis of the second valve portion from the sealing portion, wherein the opening in the second valve portion is generally aligned with the drinking aperture when the second valve portion is in the second drinking orientation to permit fluid flow through the drinking aperture and the opening.

12. The lid of claim 11 wherein the sealing portion comprises one of:

a generally flat portion of the second valve portion, and

a protuberance that at least partially extends into the drinking aperture when the second valve portion is in the sealing orientation.

13. The lid of claim 11 wherein the body member includes a drinking spout that extends from the outer surface to a tip defining the drinking aperture and the sealing portion comprises one of:

a generally flat portion of the second valve portion;

a protuberance that at least partially extends into the drinking aperture when the second valve portion is in the first sealing orientation; and

a protuberance that extends away from the drinking aperture and that forms a recess within the protuberance, wherein at least the tip of the drinking spout extends into the recess of the protuberance when the second valve portion is in the first sealing orientation.

14. The lid of claim 11 wherein the body member includes a drinking spout that extends from the outer surface to a tip defining the drinking aperture and the drinking spout extends through the opening when the second valve portion is in the second drinking orientation to releasably secure the second valve portion in the second drinking orientation.

15. The lid of claim 10 wherein the sealing portion comprises a protuberance and the protuberance at least partially extends into and is cooperative with the drinking aperture to releasably maintain the second valve portion in the first sealing orientation when the protuberance is aligned with the drinking aperture.

16. The lid of claim 10 wherein the hinge is a spring-like member configured to urge the second valve portion to assume the first sealing orientation.

17. The lid of claim 10 wherein the hinge is a spring-like member configured to urge the second valve portion to assume the second drinking orientation.

18. The lid of claim 10 wherein the first proximal portion is disposed in generally confronting relation with an outer edge of the peripheral portion when the second valve portion is disposed in one of the first sealing orientation and the second drinking orientation.

19. The lid of claim 10 wherein the second valve portion includes a guide member at the distal end of the valve member and the body member includes at least a pair of opposed retaining tabs extending from the outer surface of the body member, wherein the guide member includes opposing side edges disposed in confronting relation with opposed retaining tabs and wherein the retaining tabs and the guide member are cooperatively configured to retain the guide member of the second valve portion in substantially confronting relation with a portion of the outer surface of the body member while permitting slidable movement of the guide member between the retaining tabs upon slidable movement of the second valve portion between the first sealing orientation and the second drinking orientation.

20. The lid of claim 8 wherein the second valve portion is slidably movable laterally away from a radial axis of the lid extending through the drinking aperture to cause the second valve portion to assume the second drinking orientation.

21. The lid of claim 20, wherein the sealing portion comprises one of:

a generally flat portion of the second valve portion; and

a protuberance that at least partially extends into the drinking aperture in the first sealing orientation.

22. The lid of claim 20 further including a drinking spout that extends from the outer surface to a tip defining the drinking aperture and the sealing portion comprises one of:

a generally flat portion of the second valve portion;

a protuberance that at least partially extends into the drinking aperture when the second valve portion is in the first sealing orientation; and

a protuberance that extends away from the drinking aperture and that forms a recess within the protuberance, wherein at least the tip of the drinking spout extends into the recess of the protuberance when the second valve portion is in the first sealing orientation.

23. The lid of claim 20 wherein the hinge is a spring-like member configured to urge the second valve portion to assume the first sealing orientation.

24. A lid for use with a fluid container having a rim, the lid comprising:

a body member having an outer surface and a peripheral portion, the peripheral portion having an inner surface configured for mounting in confronting relation with the rim of the fluid container to couple the lid to the fluid container, the body member including a drinking aperture extending therethrough;

a hinge;

a valve member coupled to the peripheral portion of the body member via the hinge, the valve member extending from the hinge to a distal end, the valve member including a sealing portion, wherein a portion of the valve member is adjacent the outer surface of the body member and configured to be slidably moveable between a first sealing orientation in which the sealing portion of the valve member substantially occludes the drinking aperture and a second drinking orientation in which the valve member does not occlude the drinking aperture so as to permit fluid flow therethrough.

25. The lid of claim 24 wherein the hinge includes first and second ends, the first end of the hinge being formed as an integral one piece continuous member with one of the body member and the valve member and the second end of the hinge being attached to the other one of the body member and the valve member.

26. The lid of claim 24 wherein the hinge includes first and second ends, the body member, the valve member and the hinge are formed as three distinct structures and the first and second ends of the hinge are affixed to the body member and the valve member, respectively, to form the lid.