CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/625,715, filed on Feb. 2, 2018 and entitled “THERMOS LID WITH VENTED TAB,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND Liquid containers are used in a variety of settings and environments. Some containers include spouts and vents to facilitate the ability to drink from the containers. However, when the container is used for a heated beverage, it can sometimes be difficult to open the vents (if there are any) in the existing containers and some of the spouts do not have adequate venting in the lid to facilitate smooth flow of the heated beverage. While drinking a heated beverage from such a container, a consumer can become frustrated and, sometimes, even burned. Accordingly, there is a need for a better thermos lid design.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.
BRIEF SUMMARY Disclosed embodiments include an improved thermos lid. In some embodiments, a thermos lid includes a spout, a vent, and a rotatable valve cover that includes a snorkel. The rotatable valve cover is rotatable so as to either reveal or cover/seal the spout. When the spout is revealed, the snorkel is positioned overtop of the vent, which creates a pathway between the vent and an outside atmosphere.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a profile view of an example thermos with a lid and a dual functioning base.
FIG. 2 illustrates a top-angle inclined view of an example thermos.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an example thermos.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example thermos where the lid and the dual functioning base have been removed.
FIG. 5 illustrates various nesting features of an example thermos.
FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an example thermos where an inner nestable thermos has been removed from within the outer thermos and the lid and the dual functioning base have been removed.
FIG. 7 illustrates another exploded view of an example thermos where the inner nestable thermos is viewed on its side while the outer thermos is viewed from a top view.
FIG. 8 illustrates another exploded view of an example thermos where both the inner nestable thermos and the outer thermos are viewed from a top angled view.
FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the outer thermos.
FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the inner nestable thermos.
FIG. 11 illustrates a profile view of the outer thermos where the dual functioning base has been removed.
FIG. 12 illustrates additional details of the dual functioning base.
FIG. 13 illustrates the dual functioning base mounted on a bottom portion of the outer thermos to thereby act as a base for the outer thermos.
FIG. 14 illustrates the dual functioning base mounted on a top portion of the outer thermos to thereby act as a lid for the outer thermos.
FIG. 15 illustrates a profile view of the outer thermos where the dual functioning base is acting as a lid.
FIG. 16 illustrates profile views of both the inner nestable thermos and the outer thermos where the inner nested thermos is covered with a lid and the outer thermos is covered with the dual functioning base.
FIG. 17 illustrates another view of the example thermos.
FIG. 18 illustrates an example lid for securing the nestable inner thermos.
FIG. 19 illustrates a different example lid with a snorkel for relieving internal pressure while the thermos is in use.
FIG. 20 illustrates a top-angle inclined view of the different example lid.
FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of the different example lid, which top view shows a spout through which liquid issues, a snorkel for providing a pathway between a vent and the outside atmosphere so as to relieve internal pressure while liquid issues through the spout, and a rotatable valve covering disposed in a position such that the spout and snorkel are open to the outside atmosphere.
FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of the different example lid where the rotatable valve covering is positioned to close off the spout and snorkel from the outside atmosphere.
FIG. 23 illustrates a close-up view of the different example lid so as to better show the snorkel.
FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate cross-sectional views of the lid, including the snorkel portion as well as the different air flow directions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Disclosed embodiments are directed to a thermos lid. This lid allows a user to drink directly from a spout located on the lid. This spout can be opened or closed by manipulating a snorkeled vent or tab that is formed on the rotatable valve cover. When a cut-away portion of the rotatable valve cover is disposed overtop of the spout so as to reveal the spout, then liquid is able to freely issue from the nestable inner thermos. Relatedly, an unpleasant gurgling effect is prevented through the use of the vented/snorkled tab that is built directly into the rotatable valve cover. The vented tab is easy to manipulate by a user pushing or pulling on the snorkeled tab/handle. When the cut-away portion of the rotatable valve is positioned overtop of the spout, a corresponding vent in the lid (opposite the spout) is aligned with the passageway of the snorkel. Then, air is able to freely pass into the container through the snorkel (i.e., air passage) while the fluid in the container flows out of the spout. Even more particularly, when the cut-away portion of the rotatable valve cover is disposed overtop of the spout, then the snorkel is also disposed overtop of an additional opening in the lid (i.e. a vented tab). The snorkel provides a pathway from the other opening to the atmosphere. As a result, there is no buildup of negative pressure inside the nestable inner thermos when liquid is drained therefrom.
Thermos with a Dual Functioning Base Referring to FIG. 1, a thermos 100 is presented. This thermos 100 is comprised of an outer thermos 105 and a nestable inner thermos 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the nestable inner thermos 110 is currently nested within (i.e. fitted inside) the outer thermos 105 such that only a lip portion (where the arrow corresponding to the nestable inner thermos 110 is pointing) of the inner thermos 110 is visible. The thermos 100 also includes a lid 115 and a dual functioning base 120. Additional details on this dual functioning base 120 will be discussed later. As also illustrated in FIG. 1, the outer thermos 105 additionally includes a latching mechanism 125. This latching mechanism 125 is structured so as to secure the nestable inner thermos 110 to the outer thermos 105 when the inner nestable thermos 110 is nested inside the outer thermos 105. Although not visible in FIG. 1, the inner nestable thermos 110 includes a corresponding latching mechanism. Here, the lid 115 is being used to seal the nestable inner thermos 110.
FIG. 2 illustrates a thermos 200 that is analogous to the thermos 100 of FIG. 1. Here, thermos 200 is visualized from a top-angle inclined view. Thermos 200 also includes an outer thermos 205, a nestable inner thermos 210 (where only a lip portion is currently visible), a lid 215, a dual functioning base 220, and a latching mechanism 225.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the thermos 200 of FIG. 2. From this top view, only the lid 300 is clearly viewable.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the thermos 400, which is analogous to the thermos 100 of FIG. 1 and thermos 200 of FIG. 2. Here, thermos 400 includes an outer thermos 405, an inner thermos 410 (where only a lip portion is visible), a lid 415, a dual functioning base 420, and a latching mechanism 425.
It is worthwhile to reflect on the shape of the outer thermos 405. With the dual functioning base 420 removed from the bottom portion of the outer thermos 405, it is apparent that the outer thermos 405 is narrower at its upper and bottom portions. This particular design is beneficial because it more fully secures the nestable inner thermos 410 when positioned within the outer thermos 405. To clarify, due to the structure of the nestable inner thermos 410, when the nestable inner thermos 410 is nested inside of the outer thermos 405, both a top portion of the nestable inner thermos 410 and a bottom portion of the nestable inner thermos 410 are secured by the narrower upper and bottom portions of the outer thermos 405. This securing functionality will become more apparent in later Figures when the nestable inner thermos 410 is removed from within the outer thermos 405.
Additionally, the dual functioning base 420 is structured so as to securely fit on the narrower bottom portion of the outer thermos 405. When the dual functioning base 420 is thusly situated, the dual functioning base 420 serves as a base portion for the thermos 400. Similar to the earlier Figures, the lid 415 is structured so as to fit, or rather cover, the nestable inner thermos 410. When the nestable inner thermos 410 is removed from within the outer thermos 405, the dual functioning base 420 is now able to serve as a lid for the outer thermos 405 while the lid 415 can continue to operate as the lid for the inner thermos 410. As a result, both the nestable inner thermos 410 and the outer thermos 405 have a corresponding lid, which lids are able to retain any liquids that are inside either the nestable inner thermos 410 or the outer thermos 405. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the dual functioning base 420 may serve as either a base for the outer thermos 405 or as a lid for the outer thermos 405. In some embodiments, the dual functioning base 420 is structured to form a friction fit with the narrower bottom portion of the outer thermos 405 and with the narrower top portion of the outer thermos 405.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the dual functioning base 420 is not limited to the structure illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, in some embodiments, both the narrower bottom portion and the narrower top portion of the outer thermos 405 include respective threaded portions, and the dual functioning base 420 includes complementary threading to enable the dual functioning base 420 to screw onto the narrower bottom portion and the narrower top portion of the outer thermos 405. In some embodiments, the outer thermos 405 is a straight cylinder thermos without a narrower top portion and/or a narrower bottom portion. In some embodiments, the outer thermos 405 includes only a narrower top portion or, alternatively, only a narrower bottom portion. In some embodiments, the top and/or bottom portions flare outward or inward a determined amount.
Turning now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 shows the outer thermos 505 and the nestable inner thermos 510. In this scenario, the nestable inner thermos 510 has been partially removed from its nested position within the outer thermos 505. A lip portion 515 of the nestable inner thermos 510 is also viewable. In the previous figures, this lip portion 515 was the only viewable portion of the nestable inner thermos 510. This lip portion 515 provides a grip for the user when separating the nestable inner thermos 510 from the outer thermos 505. Some embodiments, however, do not include this lip portion 515.
With the nestable inner thermos 510 now partially removed from its nested position, additional portions of the nestable inner thermos 510 are now viewable. Here, the latching mechanism 520 of the outer thermos 505 is viewable. Additionally, a corresponding latching mechanism 525 on the nestable inner thermos is also viewable. When the nestable inner thermos 510 is fully nested within the outer thermos 505, the latching mechanism 525 is secured, or rather “latched,” to the latching mechanism 520.
It will be appreciated that different latching mechanism types may be used. For instance, in FIG. 5, the latching mechanism 520 is structured as a protruding portion that protrudes outwardly from the outer thermos 505. The latching mechanism 525 is also a protruding portion. When the nestable inner thermos 510 is nested within the outer thermos 505, the protruding portion of the latching mechanism 525 fits within the protruding portion of the latching mechanism 520.
Other types of latching mechanisms may be used. For example, instead of outwardly protruding portions for the latching mechanisms 520 and 525, some embodiments are structured to include an inwardly protruding portion for the latching mechanisms 520 and 525. Similarly, some embodiments have screw-tight latching mechanisms such that the nestable inner thermos 510 screws into the outer thermos 505. Additionally, some embodiments utilize latch clasps for the latching mechanisms. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the latching mechanisms of the inner thermos and the outer thermos include complementary magnetic elements for securing the inner thermos to the outer thermos in a desired position. In another example, the latching mechanisms include complementary channels (e.g., elongated channels, protruding inward or outward, extending around the upper portions of the inner thermos and the outer thermos), which are configured to fit within one another to secure the inner thermos to the outer thermos. From this disclosure, it will be appreciated that any type of latching mechanism may be used to secure the nestable inner thermos 510 to the outer thermos 505 when the nestable inner thermos 510 is nested within the outer thermos 505. Accordingly, the embodiments should not be limited simply to that which is portrayed in the current Figures.
In some embodiments, the inner thermos 510 includes two or more latching mechanisms 525, and the outer thermos 505 includes two or more corresponding latching mechanisms 520 (as is more readily apparent on inner thermos 810 and outer thermos 805 of FIG. 8). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inner thermos and the outer thermos may include any number of corresponding latching mechanisms (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more latching mechanisms).
FIG. 6 illustrates another exploded view of a thermos. As illustrated, there is an outer thermos 605, which is an example implementation of the outer thermos 505 of FIG. 5, and a nestable inner thermos 610, which is an example implementation of the nestable inner thermos 510 of FIG. 5. Also shown is a lid 615, which is structured so as to close off the nestable inner thermos 610, and a dual functioning base 620. The dual functioning base 620 is structured so that it can either serve as a base to the outer thermos 605 or as a lid to the outer thermos 605. Additional details on this functionality will be discussed later.
As shown in FIG. 6, the outer thermos 605 is narrower at its top and bottom portions. Relatedly, the nestable inner thermos 610 is structured as a long cylinder. Of note, the diameter of the nestable inner thermos 610 is designed so that the nestable inner thermos 610 is able to be nested within the outer thermos 605. Additionally, the diameter of the narrower top and bottom portions of the outer thermos 605 are designed so that when the nestable inner thermos 610 is nested within the outer thermos 605, the outer portions of the nestable inner thermos 610 contact the inner portions of the narrower top and bottom portions of the outer thermos 605. In other words, the nestable inner thermos 610 (when nested within the outer thermos 605) is secured within the outer thermos 605 not only by a latching mechanism 625 on the outer thermos 605 and a corresponding latching mechanism 630 on the nestable inner thermos 610, but the nestable inner thermos 610 is also secured in place by the narrower top and bottom portions of the outer thermos 605. As a result, the nestable inner thermos 610 is prevented from rattling or otherwise moving while nested within the outer thermos 605. FIG. 6 also shows how the inner thermos 610 includes a lip 635, which can be used by a user to pull apart the two thermoses when they are in a nested state.
FIG. 7 shows another view of an outer thermos 705, a nestable inner thermos 710, a lid 715, and a dual functioning base 720. Here, the outer thermos 705 is positioned in an upright manner while the nestable inner thermos 710 is positioned on its side. Furthermore, the lid 715 is shown as being a type of screw-on lid. In other embodiments, however, the lid 715 may be a press-fit or friction-fit lid.
FIG. 8 presents a similar scenario in which an outer thermos 805, a nestable inner thermos 810, a lid 815, and a dual functioning base 820 are displayed. Here, however, both the outer thermos 805 and the nestable inner thermos 810 are now positioned in an upright manner.
Additional focus will now be directed to the lid 815. As illustrated, the lid 815 includes a threaded portion 825 and a rubber gasket 830. The threaded portion 825 is able to screw into a corresponding threaded portion 835 on the nestable inner thermos 810. As a result, the lid 815 may be securely screwed onto the nestable inner thermos 810. When the lid 815 is thusly disposed, any substance within the nestable inner thermos 810 is prevented from leaking out of the nestable inner thermos 810. The rubber gasket 830 provides an additional seal so as to prevent substances from leaking out of the nestable inner thermos 810. It will be appreciated that while FIG. 8 illustrates the lid 815 as having the threaded portion 825 and the rubber gasket 830, other embodiments are structured in a different manner. Indeed, some embodiments do not include the rubber gasket 830. Some embodiments include a latch clasp as opposed to the threaded portion 825. Accordingly, from this disclosure, it will be appreciated that the lid 815 may include any suitable structure so that the lid 815 is able to be secured to the nestable inner thermos 810 and is able to retain substances within the nestable inner thermos 810. Similarly, when the dual functioning base 820 operates as a lid for the outer thermos 805, the dual functioning base 820 may be screwed on to the opened top portion of the outer thermos 805, it may be force fit onto the top portion, or it may be latch clasped onto the top portion. In this regard, the dual functioning base 820 is also structured to seal the top portion of the outer thermos 805. Additionally, in some embodiments, the dual functioning base 820 includes its own corresponding rubber gasket.
FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the outer thermos 905, which is an example implementation of the outer thermos 805 of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 specifically shows how the outer thermos 905 flares outward in its middle portion.
Relatedly, FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the nestable inner thermos 1005, which is an example implementation of the nestable inner thermos 810 of FIG. 8. In contrast to the middle flaring of outer thermos 905 of FIG. 9, the inner thermos 1005 does not flare outward in its middle elongated section.
FIG. 11 illustrates the outer thermos 1105 having a narrower bottom portion 1110 and a narrower top portion 1115. Disposed on the narrower top portion 1115 is a latching mechanism 1120. Although not shown in FIG. 11, there is a corresponding latching mechanism on the nestable inner thermos. FIG. 11 also shows a dual functioning base 1125. This dual functioning base 1125 includes an inner securing member 1130 used to seal the dual functioning base 1125 to either the narrower top portion 1115 or the narrower bottom portion 1110.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, the diameter of the narrower bottom portion 1110 is substantially similar to the diameter of the narrower top portion 1115. When the dual functioning base 1125 is positioned, clasped, sealed, or otherwise affixed to the narrower bottom portion 1110 (so that it is acting as a base to the outer thermos 1105), the securing member 1130 securely fits to the narrower bottom portion 1110. Relatedly, when the dual functioning base 1125 acts as a lid to the outer thermos 1105, the securing member 1130 securely fits, clasps, seals, or otherwise affixes to the narrower top portion 1115. When thusly positioned, the dual functioning base 1125 is able to prevent any substance (e.g., liquid or solid) located within the outer thermos 1105 from leaking out. Additional details on the dual functioning base 1125 are presented in FIG. 12.
FIG. 12 illustrates a dual functioning base 1205, which is an example implementation of the dual functioning base 1125 of FIG. 11. Here, this dual functioning base 1205 also includes a securing member 1210, which is representative of the securing member 1130 of FIG. 11. From this disclosure, it will be appreciated that the diameter of the securing member 1210 is designed so that the dual functioning base 1205 is able to securely fit onto the narrower top and bottom portions of the outer thermos (e.g., narrower top portion 1115 and narrower bottom portion 1110 of FIG. 11). In some embodiments, the securing member 1210 is or includes a rubber gasket seal.
FIG. 13 illustrates a scenario where the dual functioning base is securely positioned to the narrower bottom portion of the outer thermos. When thusly positioned, the dual functioning base acts as a base to the outer thermos. Similarly, FIG. 14 illustrates a scenario where the dual functioning base is securely positioned to the narrower top portion of the outer thermos. When thusly positioned, the dual functioning base acts as a lid to the outer thermos. In this regard, it is noted that, in some embodiments, the base/lid forms a friction fit with the top of the outer container and the base of the outer container, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
FIG. 15 illustrates a profile view of the outer thermos where the dual functioning lid is securely mounted on the narrower top portion of the outer thermos. In this position, the dual functioning base is acting as a lid for the outer thermos.
FIG. 16 illustrates profile views of both the outer thermos and the nestable inner thermos. Here, the dual functioning base is securely mounted to the narrower top portion of the outer thermos such that it is acting as a lid for the outer thermos. Relatedly, a lid is also securely mounted to the nestable inner thermos. As a result, both the outer thermos and the nestable inner thermos are able to be securely covered with a lid.
FIG. 17 illustrates the same thermos that was presented in FIG. 1. Here, it will be appreciated that the disclosed embodiments relate to an improved thermos design. In particular, an outer thermos and a nestable inner thermos are presented. The nestable inner thermos is able to be securely nested within the outer thermos. Indeed, the nestable inner thermos is secured not only by a latching mechanism, but also by a narrower top and bottom portion of the outer thermos. As a result of the combination of the latching mechanism and the narrower top and bottom portions of the outer thermos, the nestable inner thermos is prevented from becoming dislodged or rattling. Additionally, the thermos includes a lid that may be securely mounted to the nestable inner thermos. The thermos also includes a dual functioning base. When securely positioned on the bottom portion of the outer thermos, the dual functioning base acts as a base. In situations where the nestable inner thermos is removed, then the dual functioning base may then act as a lid for the outer thermos. Accordingly, the dual functioning base is structured to perform multiple different functionalities.
Thermos Lid with Vented Tab FIG. 18 illustrates a lid 1805 that is representative of the lid 115 of FIG. 1 and the lid 815 of FIG. 8. Similar to lid 815, lid 1805 also includes a threaded portion 1810 and a rubber gasket 1815. As discussed earlier, lid 1805 is able to be securely mounted to the nestable inner thermos so as to seal that thermos. As a result, any substance that is disposed within the nestable inner thermos is prevented from leaking out. The lid 1805 also includes a handle portion 1820, which provides a carrying support for the lid 1805 and/or a thermos to which the lid 1805 may be attached (e.g., nestable inner thermos 810 of FIG. 8). Here, this handle portion 1820 is shown as being an integrated part of the lid 1805 such that the handle portion 1820 is firmly mounted to a top part of the lid 1805. Accordingly, FIG. 18 illustrates one example embodiment of a lid. It will be appreciated, however, that other types of lids are available.
For example, FIG. 19 illustrates another example lid 1905. Similar to the lid 1805 of FIG. 18, lid 1905 also includes a threaded portion 1915 and a rubber gasket 1910. The threaded portion 1915 is able to be screwed into a corresponding threaded portion on the nestable inner thermos. As a result, the lid 1905 is able to secure the inner contents of the nestable inner thermos from leaking out. It will be appreciated, however, that other embodiments include other structures for securing the lid 1905 to the nestable inner thermos. For example, some contemplated lids are structured to include a clasp latch. Additionally, some contemplated lids are structured as a pop-on/pop-off lid (e.g., a lid that has a continuous ring snap for securing the lid in place). Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments should not be limited solely to that which is illustrated in FIG. 19.
Lid 1905 is also displayed as including a movable handle 1920. In particular, this movable handle 1920 is pivotally connected to the lid 1905 in such a manner that the moveable handle 1920 may be moved to multiple different positions. Therefore, while the embodiment presented in FIG. 18 included a fixed handle, the embodiment presented in FIG. 19 includes a moveable handle.
Lid 1905 also includes a snorkel 1925. This particular feature will be presented in more detail later, however, by way of a brief introduction, this snorkel 1925 provides an air pathway to a vented tab (not shown in FIG. 19) that is also located on the lid 1905. When the snorkel 1925 is disposed over top of the vented tab, then the vented tab opens the inner chamber of the nestable inner thermos to the outside atmosphere. As a result, any negative pressure that has been built up as a result of draining the liquid from inside the nestable inner thermos can be relieved and a gurgling effect will be eliminated.
FIG. 20 illustrates a top-angle inclined view of the lid 2005, which is representative of the lid 1905 of FIG. 19.
Turning now to FIG. 21, FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of the lid 2105, which is representative of the lid 1905 of FIG. 19. Here, lid 2105 also includes a moveable handle 2110, which is representative of the moveable handle 1930 of FIG. 19. Additionally, lid 2105 includes a snorkel 2115, which is representative of the snorkel 1925 of FIG. 19. As also shown in FIG. 21, the lid 2105 includes a spout 2130 positioned on a top portion of the lid 2105 and a rotatable valve covering 2125 positioned above the spout 2130. The rotatable valve covering 2125 also includes a cut-away portion 2120.
Turning first to the rotatable valve covering 2125, this rotatable valve covering 2125 is structured so as to be rotatable in either a clockwise or counterclockwise manner (as indicated by the bidirectional arrow depicted on the rotatable valve covering 2125) when viewed from a top perspective, as is presented in FIG. 21. When the rotatable valve covering 2125 is rotated so that the cut-away portion 2120 is positioned overtop the spout 2130, then the spout 2130 will be revealed. From this spout 2130, liquid may be drained from the nestable inner thermos. In other words, a person may drink from the nestable inner thermos using this spout 2130. As illustrated, the rotatable valve covering 2125 is a covering for the spout 2130. When the cut-away portion 2130 is not disposed overtop the spout 2130, then the spout 2130 is not open and liquids are prevented from exiting the nestable inner thermos. In contrast, when the cut-away portion 2120 is disposed overtop the spout 2130, then the spout 2130 is open to the atmosphere and liquids may be drained from the nestable inner thermos. Accordingly, by rotating either in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner, the rotatable valve covering 2125 is able to reveal or cover the spout 2130.
Turning now to the snorkel 2115, the snorkel 2115 is formed as a part of the rotatable valve covering 2125. In other words, as the rotatable valve covering 2125 is rotated, so too is the snorkel 2115 rotated. When the cut-away portion 2120 is rotated to be over top of the spout 2130, then snorkel 2115 will be placed in a position so as to reveal another opening (not shown in FIG. 21) in the lid 2105. This other opening (i.e. a vented tab positioned on the top portion of the lid 2105) is provided so as to open the inner chamber of the nestable inner thermos to the outside atmosphere. If such an opening were not provided, then a buildup of negative pressure will occur in the inner chamber of the nestable inner thermos when the nestable inner thermos is tilted in a manner so as to drain liquid from therein. Furthermore, an unpleasant gurgling effect will occur. This unpleasant effect is eliminated by providing an additional opening in the lid 2105 so that no negative pressure will be built up upon the draining of the liquid from inside the nestable inner thermos. Accordingly, the snorkel 2115 is structured so as to provide a pathway from the additional opening to the outside atmosphere.
Although the snorkel 2115 and the cut-away portion 2120 are depicted as being positioned on opposite sides of the rotatable valve covering 2125 (e.g., the snorkel 2115 and the cut-away portion 2120 are separated by 180 degrees as measured from a vertex in the center of the rotatable valve covering 2125), those skilled in the art will recognize that the positioning of the snorkel 2115 and the cut-away portion 2120 is not limited to this configuration. Likewise, it will be appreciated that the spout 2130 and the vented tab on the top portion of the lid 2105 are not required to be positioned on opposite sides of one another, and that other configurations are possible. By way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the spout 2130 and the cut-away portion 2120 are separated from the vented tab and the snorkel 2115 by 170 degrees (as measured from a vertex in the center of the rotatable valve covering 2125).
FIG. 22 illustrates an example scenario in which the rotatable valve covering has been rotated so as to cover the spout. Because the spout is no longer open to atmosphere, liquids inside the nestable inner thermos are prevented from coming out. Stated differently, the cut-away portion 2205 is no longer disposed overtop of the spout. As a result the lid now fully seals the nestable inner thermos.
FIG. 23 shows another angle of the lid and the snorkel. As illustrated, the snorkel provides a pathway 2305 from a different opening (different from the spout) to the atmosphere. When the rotatable valve covering is rotated so that the cut-away portion is disposed overtop of the spout, then the snorkel is also disposed over the other opening. Such a position opens the inner chamber of the nestable inner thermos to atmosphere and thereby prevents a buildup of negative pressure. As a result, the other opening is acting as a vented tab.
FIG. 24A shows another view of a lid 2400A, which is representative of lid 2105 from FIG. 21. In particular, FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional side perspective view of the lid 2400A. In other words, FIG. 24A shows lid 2400A as if it were cut in half and viewed from a side perspective.
Lid 2400A includes a base section 2405 that can be screwed or otherwise connected to the thermos described earlier. Lid 2400A also includes a rotatable valve covering 2410, representative of the rotatable valve covering 2125 from FIG. 21. Lid 2400A also includes a first hole 2415 and a second hole 2420, which form parts of base 2405. When the rotatable valve covering 2410 is rotated to a particular position relative to the base 2405, then the holes 2415 and 2420 will be exposed to the outside environment via corresponding holes in the rotatable valve covering 2410. For instance, when the rotatable valve covering 2410 is properly positioned, air can flow through the “hole for airflow” 2430, in which an exposed region of the rotatable valve covering 2410 is lined up with hole 2415 such that the internals of the thermos will be exposed to the outer environment. Similarly, when the rotatable valve covering 2410 is in the proper position relative to base 2405, airflow can go through “hole for airflow” 2425, in which a hole or exposed region through a snorkel 2435 is lined up with hole 2420. Through use of the different holes, negative air pressure can be eliminated from within the confines of the thermos and liquid can escape the thermos.
Rotatable valve covering 2410 is connected to base 2405 via a push through flange member 2440. This flange member 2440 enables the rotatable valve covering 2410 to rotate or pivot about a central axis relative to base 2405. It also enables the rotatable valve covering 2410 to be securely fastened or affixed to the base 2405. It will be appreciated that any other type of connection member may be used in place of flange member 2440. When the rotatable valve covering 2410 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 24A, then liquid can be easily extracted from the thermos. When the rotatable valve covering 2410 is rotated to a different position, then liquid will be prevented from flowing out of the thermos because the holes in the base 2405 and the rotatable valve covering 2410 are no longer lined up with one another, thereby blocking or impeding liquid from exiting the thermos. Accordingly, FIG. 24A illustrates another example view of the improved lid design.
FIG. 24B shows another cross-sectional view of the lid 2400B, which is representative of lid 2400A from FIG. 24. Here, however, the rotatable valve covering has been rotated to a new position, where the new position is 180 degrees rotated relative to the previous position. In this new position, lid 2400B is still able to allow liquid to exit the thermos. For instance, because the different holes are still lined up (e.g., as shown generally by hole for airflow 2445 and hole for air flow 2450), liquid can still exit the thermos and no negative pressure will remain in the thermos.
Accordingly, the present embodiments provide an additional type of lid. This lid allows a user to drink directly from a spout located on the lid. This spout can be opened or closed by manipulating a rotatable valve cover. When a cut-away portion of the rotatable valve cover is disposed overtop of the spout so as to reveal the spout, then liquid is able to freely flow from the nestable inner thermos. Relatedly, an unpleasant gurgling effect is prevented through the use of a vented tab. This vented tab is opened to atmosphere through the use of a snorkel. In particular, when the cut-away portion of the rotatable valve cover is disposed overtop of the spout, then the snorkel is also disposed overtop of the other opening (i.e. the vented tab). The snorkel provides a pathway from the other opening to the atmosphere. As a result, there is no buildup of negative pressure inside the nestable inner thermos when liquid is drained therefrom.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
