BEVERAGE CONTAINER LID, ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM

Abstract

The disclosure is directed to a beverage container lid, assembly and system. The beverage container lid, assembly and system are operationally configured to store fluid in a fluid reservoir of a beverage container lid and convey fluid out from the fluid reservoir to a target destination such as a fluid reservoir of a corresponding beverage container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/155,211, filed on Mar. 1, 2021, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to a beverage container lid, assembly and system.

2. Background Art

Beverage containers such as reusable plastic fitness or exercise bottles, shakers/mixers, insulated tumblers, and the like are often used by persons at home, at work, and when in transit, for example, while driving an automobile, piloting a boat, hiking, exercising, riding a bicycle, and while performing other activities. Because persons often like to include additives such as beverage flavoring, liquor, nutritional supplements, creamer, medicine and/or other additives to a beverage, convenient storage and dispensing of one or more additives into a beverage container is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a lid for a beverage container comprising (1) a fluid additive reservoir; and (2) a primer pump operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir to a target destination external the fluid additive reservoir. In one embodiment, the lid comprises a first opening in fluid communication with the fluid additive reservoir and a second opening in fluid communication with a target destination including, but not necessarily limited to a fluid reservoir of a beverage container attached to the lid. In one embodiment, the primer pump comprises a multi-directional fluid pathway operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir to a target destination including, but not necessarily limited to a fluid reservoir of a beverage container attached to the lid.

The present disclosure is also directed to a lid for a beverage container comprising a housing that includes a fluid additive reservoir and a primer pump located on the housing in fluid communication with fluid additive reservoir, wherein the primer pump is operationally configured to convey fluid from a first fluid location in the fluid additive reservoir to a second fluid location external the housing and operationally configured to convey fluid from the second fluid location to a third fluid location external the lid. In one embodiment, when the lid is attached to a beverage container, then the third fluid location is a fluid reservoir of the beverage container. In one embodiment, the housing includes a first opening in fluid communication with the fluid additive reservoir and a second opening in fluid communication with the third fluid location. In one embodiment, when the lid is attached to a beverage container, then the third fluid location is a fluid reservoir of the beverage container. In one embodiment, the primer pump includes an upstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid additive reservoir and a downstream fluid in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir of the beverage container. In one embodiment, the second fluid location is within a bulb of the primer pump. In one embodiment, the primer pump includes an upstream fluid conduit comprising an open distal end located within the fluid additive reservoir and a downstream fluid conduit comprising an open distal end located external the fluid additive reservoir.

The present disclosure is also directed to a beverage container system comprising (1) a beverage container including a fluid reservoir; and (2) a lid releasably attachable to the beverage container, the lid comprising a fluid additive reservoir and a primer pump operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir into the fluid reservoir of the beverage container. In one embodiment, the lid includes a housing comprising the fluid additive reservoir, the housing also comprising an exterior part including a sealable first opening providing fluid access to the fluid additive reservoir and a sealable second opening providing fluid access to the fluid reservoir of the beverage container. In one embodiment, the lid comprises a fluid additive reservoir external the housing that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir of the beverage container and in fluid communication with the fluid additive reservoir of the lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side sectional partial phantom view of an embodiment of a lid for a beverage container of this disclosure and a side view of part of an open end of a corresponding beverage container for the lid.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional partial phantom view of another embodiment of a lid for a beverage container of this disclosure and a side view of part of an open end of a corresponding beverage container for the lid.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional partial phantom view of another embodiment of a lid for a beverage container of this disclosure and a side view of part of an open end of a corresponding beverage container for the lid.

FIG. 4 is a side partial sectional and partial phantom view of another embodiment of a lid for a beverage container of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional partial phantom view of another embodiment of a lid for a beverage container of this disclosure and a side sectional view of part of an open end of a corresponding beverage container with the lid mated with the beverage container.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a primer pump of a lid for a beverage container of this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional partial phantom view of another embodiment of a lid for a beverage container of this disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a lid for a beverage container of this disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a lid for beverage container of this disclosure mated with a beverage container.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of a lid for a beverage container of this disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side partial phantom elevational view of a beverage container system of this disclosure.

FIG. 12 is another side partial phantom elevational view of the beverage container system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage container system of this disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective exploded view of the beverage container system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of part of an outer beverage container and an intermediate member of the beverage container system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an outer housing of a lid assembly of the beverage container system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of part of an intermediate member of the beverage container system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a perspective exploded view of an upper member and a bottom member of a fluid additive reservoir compartment of a lid assembly of the beverage container system of FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 is a perspective exploded view of the upper member and bottom member of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a beverage container system of this disclosure.

DEFINITIONS USED IN THE DISCLOSURE

The term “at least one”, “one or more”, and “one or a plurality” mean one thing or more than one thing with no limit on the exact number; these three terms may be used interchangeably within this disclosure. For example, at least one device means one or more devices or one device and a plurality of devices.

The term “about” means that a value of a given quantity is within ±20% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±15% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±10% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±7.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±2.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±1% of the stated value.

The term “substantially” or “essentially” means that a value of a given quantity is within ±10% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±7.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±2.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±1% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±0.5% of the stated value. In other embodiments, the value is within ±0.1% of the stated value.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference is now made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and particular language will be used to describe the same. It is understood that no limitation of the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by way of the disclosure. As understood by one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates, various changes and modifications of the principles as described and illustrated are herein contemplated.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to particular embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term “beverage” refers to a drinkable or potable liquid or liquid mixture. Beverages of this disclosure may include, but are not necessarily limited to non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages, non-carbonated beverages, carbonated beverages, blended beverages, hot mixed beverages, warm mixed beverages, cold mixed beverages, iced beverages, blended beverages, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of beverages contemplated herein include, straight alcoholic beverages, cocktail beverages, non-carbonated water, carbonated water, fruit juice, coffee, tea, smoothies, shakes, dairy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, hemp milk, oat milk, lemonade, supplemental nutrition liquid mixtures, soft drinks, i.e., colas/sodas, and combinations thereof. For purposes of this disclosure, a “beverage container” may refer to a cup, bottle, can, pot, thermos, canteen, flask, jug, jar or any other vessel operationally configured to contain a liquid therein. In one embodiment, a beverage container may be portable. In one embodiment, a beverage container may be hand held.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a lid for a beverage container, comprising a fluid additive reservoir and a primer pump operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir to a target destination. In one embodiment, a target destination includes a fluid reservoir of a beverage container that is releasably attachable to the lid. A beverage container that is releasably attachable to a lid of this disclosure may be constructed from materials including, but not necessarily limited to glass, one or more plastics, one or more rubbers, one or more ceramics, one or more metals, one or more composite materials, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a beverage container usable with a lid of this disclosure may include a disposable beverage container constructed from polypropylene plastic. In one embodiment, a beverage container usable with a lid of this disclosure may include a paper beverage container comprising one or more coating agents, e.g., a poly-coated contain, a wax coated container, as such are understood by the skilled artisan. In one embodiment, a beverage container usable with a lid of this disclosure may include a recycled paper beverage container comprising recycled fibers. In one embodiment, a beverage container usable with a lid of this disclosure may include a heavy duty, hard wall plastic container. In one embodiment, a beverage container usable with a lid of this disclosure may include a heavy duty, flexible plastic container. In one embodiment, a beverage container usable with a lid of this disclosure may include a foam container. In one embodiment, a beverage container usable with a lid of this disclosure may include a combination of one or more recycled plastics and one or more recycled fibers.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a lid for a beverage container, wherein the lid comprises one or more fluid additive reservoirs and a primer pump operationally configured to convey fluid out from the one or more fluid additive reservoirs to a target destination including, but not necessarily limited to a fluid reservoir of a beverage container that is releasably attached to the lid.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a beverage container system comprising a beverage container and a lid releasably attachable to the beverage container, wherein the lid comprises a fluid additive reservoir and a primer pump operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir into the beverage container.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a beverage container system comprising a releasable lid and a beverage container comprising a beverage reservoir, wherein the releasable lid comprises a fluid additive reservoir and a primer pump, and wherein the primer pump is operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir directionally away from the beverage reservoir prior to conveying the fluid directionally toward and into the beverage reservoir.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a method for adding fluid additive to a beverage comprising the steps of (1) providing a beverage container for holding a beverage and a lid releasably attachable to the beverage container, wherein the lid comprises a fluid additive reservoir and a primer pump operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir into the beverage container, and (2) conveying fluid from the fluid additive reservoir into the beverage container according to operation of the primer pump. In one embodiment, with fluid additive available in the fluid additive reservoir of the lid, a volume of fluid additive conveyed from the lid into the beverage container for any one transfer of a desired volume of fluid additive corresponds to the type of primer pump employed and the extent of operation of the primer pump.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a method for adding fluid additive to a beverage comprising the steps of (1) providing a beverage container system comprising a beverage container for holding a beverage and a lid releasably attachable to the beverage container, wherein the lid comprises a fluid additive reservoir and a primer pump operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir into the beverage container, and (2) conveying fluid from the fluid additive reservoir into the beverage container by operating the primer pump. In one embodiment, with fluid additive available in the fluid additive reservoir, a volume of fluid additive conveyed from the lid into the beverage container corresponds to the type of primer pump employed and the extent of operation of the primer pump.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a lid for a beverage container, the lid comprising (1) a housing including a fluid additive reservoir within the housing; and (2) a primer pump located on the housing operationally configured to (a) convey fluid from a first fluid location in the fluid additive reservoir to a second fluid location external the housing within a bulb of the primer pump and (b) convey fluid from the second fluid location to a third fluid location within a fluid reservoir of a beverage container in fluid communication with the lid.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a lid for a beverage container comprising a housing including a first fluid reservoir within the housing and a second fluid reservoir external the housing. In one embodiment, the second fluid reservoir comprises an open space within a bulb of a primer pump that is attached to the housing and in fluid communication with the first fluid reservoir.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a beverage container system comprising a lid and an adjustable beverage container assembly adjustable between a first maximum fluid volume size and a second minimum fluid volume size.

In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a lid for one or more beverage containers, wherein the lid comprises one or more fluid chambers or fluid reservoirs and a manual pump operationally configured to convey fluid from the one or more fluid chambers or fluid reservoirs of the lid into a fluid reservoir of a corresponding beverage container.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a beverage container system including a lid and an adjustable beverage container assembly. The beverage container system is operationally configured as a closed system for storing, carrying and conveying fluid from the lid to a fluid reservoir of the adjustable beverage container assembly.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a beverage container system including a lid and a corresponding two-part beverage container assembly. The beverage container system is operationally configured as a closed system for storing, carrying and conveying fluid from the lid to at least a first fluid reservoir of the two-part beverage container assembly.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a method for adding fluid to a fluid reservoir of a beverage container, the method comprising providing a lid for a beverage container operationally configured to store fluid and convey fluid from the lid to the fluid reservoir of the beverage container. In one embodiment, a lid for a beverage container may include a manually operated primer pump operationally configured to convey fluid from the lid to a fluid reservoir of a corresponding beverage container. In one embodiment, all or substantially all of the fluid stored in the lid may be transferred to a fluid reservoir of a corresponding beverage container in a single transfer via a primer pump of the lid. In another embodiment, less than all of the fluid stored in the lid may be transferred to a fluid reservoir of a corresponding beverage container via one or more transfers via a primer pump of the lid. In another embodiment, all or substantially all of the fluid stored in the lid may be transferred to a fluid reservoir of a corresponding beverage container via a plurality of transfers via a primer pump of the lid.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a lid 10 for a beverage container 5 is provided, the lid 10 comprising an assembly of component parts operationally configured to convey one or more fluids stored or housed within the lid 10 to a target destination external the fluid additive reservoir including, but not necessarily limited to a fluid reservoir of a beverage container 5 in fluid communication with the lid 10. In one embodiment, one or more fluids may be housed within the lid 10 and conveyed to a corresponding beverage container 5 for purposes of consumption of the one or more fluids as a beverage. In another embodiment, one or more fluids may be housed within the lid 10 and conveyed to a corresponding beverage container 5 for purposes of consumption as an additive of a beverage stored in the beverage container 5. For example, one or more fluids stored within the lid 10 may be configured or otherwise provided as one or more flavor additives, as one or more medicinal additives, as one or more nutritional supplement additives, as one or more alcoholic beverage additives, as one or more antimicrobial additives, as one or more herbal additives, as one or more essential oil additives, and combinations thereof for one or more beverages housed within or to be added to one or more corresponding beverage containers 5. In one embodiment, one or more fluids to be housed within a lid 10 and conveyed out from the lid 10 as described herein may be referred to as “one or more fluid additives.”

As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment a lid 10 may comprise a housing 12 with a fluid reservoir therein (herein referred to as “fluid additive reservoir 15”). In this embodiment, the housing 12 comprises an exterior part 13 including a sealable first opening 18 providing fluid access to the fluid additive reservoir 15 and a sealable second opening 20 providing fluid access to a corresponding beverage container 5. The housing 12 also includes a solid interior part 14 operationally configured as a fluid barrier between the lid 10 and a corresponding beverage container 5. In this embodiment, the first opening 18 is operationally configured as a fluid inlet for directing one or more fluid additives into the fluid additive reservoir 15 and as a fluid outlet for directing fluid additive out from the fluid additive reservoir 15. In this embodiment, the second opening 20 is operationally configured as a fluid outlet for the consumption of a beverage housed in a fluid reservoir of a corresponding beverage container 5. The second opening 20 is also operationally configured as a fluid inlet for adding fluid to a fluid reservoir of a corresponding beverage container 5.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first opening 18 may be provided as a raised threaded member located on an exterior part 13 of the housing 12 operationally configured to receive a threaded screw cap 19 in releasable attachment thereto for fluidly sealing the first opening 18 and the fluid additive reservoir 15 during operation of the lid 10. As shown in FIG. 2, in another embodiment the lid 10 may include a raised member for receiving a releasable pop-off cap 22 operationally configured to seal the first opening 18 and the fluid additive reservoir 15 during operation of the lid 10. In still another embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the housing 12 may include a first opening 18 in the form of an aperture operationally configured to receive a releasable plug 23 therein that is operationally configured to fluidly seal the first opening 18 and the fluid additive reservoir 15 during operation of the lid 10. Although a lid 10 of this disclosure may be built to scale, for operation with a hand held portable beverage container 5 a fluid additive reservoir 15 suitably has a volume up to or about 0.18 liters (6.0 fluid ounces). Likewise, a first opening 18 may include a size suitable for adding a desired volume of one or more fluid additives to the fluid additive reservoir 15. In one non-limiting embodiment, a first opening 18 may include an inner diameter of or about 15.0 mm (0.59 inches).

As depicted in FIG. 4, in one embodiment the housing 12 may include a transparent or partially transparent viewing window 33 configured as a visual fluid volume indicator regarding the amount of fluid additive (hereafter “fluid additive 100”) stored within the fluid additive reservoir 15 at any given moment. In one embodiment, a window 33 may comprise one or more graduation marks as shown in FIG. 4 visible from an exterior surface of the window 33 corresponding to a particular fluid volume level of fluid additive 100 within the fluid additive reservoir 15. As understood by the skilled artisan, the one or more graduation marks of a window 33 may include numerical indicators corresponding to a particular fluid volume level of fluid additive 100 within the fluid additive reservoir 15, for example, 1, 2 and 3 corresponding to 1.0 fluid ounce, 2.0 fluid ounces and 3.0 fluid ounces. In one embodiment, one or more graduation marks of a window 33 may be mold formed as part of the window 33. In another embodiment, one or more graduation marks may be silk screened onto the window 33. One non-limiting example of a window comprising graduation marks is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,031, titled “Container for Liquids Having Viewing Window,” issued on Apr. 23, 2002, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In another embodiment, one or more graduation marks may be provided adjacent the window 33 similar as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,075,666, titled “Nursing Bottle,” issued on Jan. 29, 1963, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. As understood by the skilled artisan, the perimeter of the window 33 suitably includes a fluid seal with the housing 12 for fluidly sealing the fluid additive reservoir 15.

Referring again to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the second opening 20 includes a fluid conduit 21 that may extend from the exterior part 13 of the housing 12 through the fluid additive reservoir 15 and out beyond the interior part 14 of the housing 12 providing an opposing opening (hereafter “fluid inlet 24”) for receiving a beverage to be consumed via the second opening 20 (see also FIG. 8). In another embodiment, a fluid inlet 24 of the fluid conduit 21 may terminate at the interior part 14 of the housing 12 as shown in FIG. 4. Similar as described above, a second opening 20 may include a raised threaded member operationally configured to receive a threaded screw cap or a raised member operationally configured to receive a pop-off cap or an aperture operationally configured to receive a releasable plug therein. In an embodiment of a lid 10 operationally configured for use with a squeeze type beverage container, a second opening 20 may comprise a pop-up fluid outlet as known in the art. One non-limiting example of a re-sealable bottle closure is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,172,095 B2, titled “Bottle Closure Containing Beverage Concentrate,” issued on Feb. 6, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

A lid 10 of this disclosure further comprises a manual fluid pump operationally configured to direct fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir 15 of the lid 10 to a target destination or target location external the lid 10, e.g., direct fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir 15 into a fluid reservoir of a corresponding beverage container 5 or to another location external the lid 10 such as a sink, a waste basket, a liquid container, a mouth of a person or animal, a floor or ground surface, or other target destination as desired. With particular reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, one suitable manual fluid pump includes a primer bulb pump or “primer pump 25” attached to the exterior part 13 of the housing 12 and operationally configured to direct fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir 15 to a target destination such as into a fluid reservoir 6 of a corresponding beverage container 5. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment the primer pump 25 includes (1) a mounting body 26 operationally configured to sealably mate with an opening of the housing 12, (2) a flexible or depressible hollow bulb 27 connected to the mounting body 26 and located external the housing 12, (3) at least one upstream fluid conduit 28 having a proximal end connected to the mounting body 26 in fluid communication with the bulb 27 and a distal end 30 in fluid communication with the fluid additive reservoir 15 and (4) at least one downstream fluid conduit 29 having a proximal end connected to the mounting body 26 in fluid communication with the bulb 27 and a distal end 31 located external the fluid additive reservoir 15 and in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 6 of a corresponding beverage container 5. As understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of primer pumps, a hollow bulb 27 may be depressed one or more times to expel air out from the bulb 27 through the downstream fluid conduit 29 wherein the negative pressure within the bulb 27 is effective to draw fluid additive 100 from the fluid additive reservoir 15 through the upstream fluid conduit 28 away from the interior part 14 of the housing 12 and the fluid reservoir 6 (see directional Arrow A) into the bulb 27 as shown in FIG. 5. As fluid additive 100 enters the bulb 27, additional depressing of the bulb 27 is effective to expel air and fluid additive 100 out from the bulb 27 through the downstream fluid conduit 29 into a fluid reservoir 6 of a corresponding beverage container 5 (see directional Arrow B) wherein the fluid additive 100 may mix with liquid such as a beverage 7 stored within the fluid reservoir 6. As also understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art of primer pumps, a bulb 27 as described herein may also serve as a fluid reservoir for fluid received from the fluid additive reservoir 15. In addition, although the directional Arrows A and B illustrate up-and-down vertical flow of fluid additive 100 according to the vertical orientation of the upstream fluid conduit 28 and the downstream fluid conduit 29, in another embodiment, the upstream fluid conduit 28 and/or the downstream fluid conduit 29 may comprise a non-vertical orientation.

For purposes of operation with a beverage container 5 of this disclosure, one suitable bulb 27 may include an outer diameter of or about 1.5 cm (0.59 inches) and include an apex at a distance of or about 2.0 cm (0.79 inches) from the mounting body 26 of the primer pump 25, i.e., an apex at a distance of or about 2.0 cm (0.79 inches) from the exterior part 13 of the housing 12. One suitable bulb 27 may be constructed of one or more transparent flexible plastics. In another embodiment, a bulb 27 may be constructed of one or more non-transparent flexible plastics. In another embodiment, a bulb 27 may be constructed of one or more semi-transparent flexible plastics. One non-limiting example of a primer pump 25 of this disclosure as depicted in FIG. 6 includes a snap-in primer assembly commercially available from Walbro, Tuscon, Ariz., U.S.A. As understood by the skilled artisan, commercially available primer assemblies typically comprise replaceable bulbs 27. As also understood by the skilled artisan, a primer pump 25 of this disclosure may be operationally configured for use with liquids within a certain viscosity range. For use as part of a lid 10 for a beverage container 5, in one embodiment a primer pump 25 is operationally configured for use with liquids having a dynamic viscosity the same or similar as water at temperatures above 0.0° C. (above 32.0° F.). As understood by the skilled artisan, the dynamic viscosity of water at 1.0° C. (33.8° F.) is 1.7323 cP, the dynamic viscosity of water at 20.0° C. (68.0° F.) is 1.0005 cP and the dynamic viscosity of water at 96.1° C. (205.0° F.) is 0.293 cP.

As shown in FIG. 5, fluid additive 100 may be directed from a first location (or “first fluid location”) within the fluid additive reservoir 15 of the housing 12 to a second location (or “second fluid location”) external the housing 12, i.e., external the exterior part 13 of the housing 12 within the bulb 27 of the primer pump 25 before being conveyed to a third location (or “third fluid location”) external the housing 12 within a fluid reservoir 6 of a corresponding beverage container 5. Accordingly, a primer pump 25 of this disclosure provides a multi-directional fluid pathway for fluid additive 100 from an initial fluid location within the fluid additive reservoir 15 through the bulb 27 to a final location external the downstream fluid conduit 29. In one embodiment, a primer pump 25 may be constructed to include an upstream fluid conduit 28 and a downstream fluid conduit 29 of a desired length, inner diameter, outer diameter and shape or configuration. As further shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment the proximal end of the upstream fluid conduit 28 may be connected to the mounting body 26 at a higher elevation than the proximal end of the downstream fluid conduit 29 whereby fluid additive 100 within the bulb 27 may flow toward the downstream fluid conduit 29 via gravitational flow.

In one embodiment of a primer pump 25 as shown in FIG. 6, the upstream fluid conduit 28 and the downstream fluid conduit 29 may be provided as tubular members or other conduits, each being defined by a longitudinal axis. In another embodiment, the upstream fluid conduit 28 and/or the downstream fluid conduit 29 may be provided as non-linear tubular members or other conduits comprising one or more turns or bends thereby providing non-linear fluid flow there through. In another embodiment, a primer pump 25 may include one or more add-on tubular members or other conduits fluidly communicated with the upstream fluid conduit 28 and/or the downstream fluid conduit 29 of the primer pump 25 in a manner effective to extend the operable length of the upstream fluid conduit 28 and/or the downstream fluid conduit 29. Non-limiting examples of add-on tubular members may include, but are not necessarily limited to fixed shape tubing, flexible tubing, and combinations thereof that may be adhered to and/or mechanically connected to the upstream fluid conduit 28 and/or the downstream fluid conduit 29 of a primer pump 25 and also adhered to and/or mechanically connected to other add-on tubular members and/or other conduits. As such, the upstream fluid conduit 28 and/or the downstream fluid conduit 29 are not limited to any one shape or configuration, but may include a shape or configuration best suited for flowability of one or more particular fluid additives 100 and/or a shape or configuration operable with a lid 10 of a particular construction including particular structural features, e.g., a particular housing 12 size and/or shape configuration, a particular fluid additive reservoir 15 size and/or shape configuration, the location of a primer pump 25 along a housing 12, the configuration of the interior part 14 of the housing 12, and combinations thereof.

With further reference to FIG. 5, a distal end 30 of the upstream fluid conduit 28 may terminate at or near the interior part 14 of the housing 12 effective for the primer pump 25 to transfer substantially all or most of the fluid additive 100 out from the fluid additive reservoir 15. In one non-limiting embodiment, a distal end 30 of the upstream fluid conduit 28 may terminate at a distance of or about 0.5 mm (0.0197 inches) from the inner surface of the interior part 14 of the housing 12 up to or about 5.0 mm (0.197 inches) from the inner surface of the interior part 14 of the housing 12. Although the interior part 14 of the housing 12 is depicted in FIGS. 1-5 as comprising a planar horizontal type inner surface, in another embodiment the inner surface of the interior part 14 of the housing 12 may comprise a non-horizontal type surface, for example, a sloped surface operationally configured to direct fluid additive 100 via gravitational flow toward the open distal end 30 of the upstream fluid conduit 28 as shown in FIG. 7. As depicted in FIG.

5, in one embodiment the downstream fluid conduit 29 may include a length whereby an open distal end 31 of the downstream fluid conduit 29 is located within a fluid reservoir 6 of a corresponding beverage container 5 during operation of the lid 10. In another embodiment, the distal end 31 of the downstream fluid conduit 29 may terminate at the interior part 14 of the housing 12 similar as the fluid inlet 24 of the fluid conduit 21 as shown in FIG. 4. Although the lid 10 may be built to scale, a lid 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 operationally configured for use with a portable hand held type beverage container 5 may include an upstream fluid conduit 28 and a downstream fluid conduit 29 with lengths as described in Table 1.

	TABLE 1
	Minimum Length	Maximum Length
Upstream fluid conduit 28:	8.0 mm	25.0 mm
Downstream fluid conduit 29:	30.0 mm	60.0 mm

In one embodiment, a lid 10 of this disclosure may be operationally configured for use with a particular beverage container 5. In another embodiment, a lid 10 of this disclosure may be operationally configured for use with a plurality of beverage containers 5 including a plurality of commercially available beverage containers 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 a lid 10 may include an inner threaded mating surface 35 operationally configured to connect to an outer threaded mating surface 8 of one or more beverage containers 5 in a manner effective to form a fluid seal there between. As shown in FIG. 2, a lid 10 may be provided as a slip-over lid 10 including an inner mating surface 37 operationally configured to mate with or abut an outer mating surface 9A of one or more beverage containers 5 in a manner effective to form a fluid seal there between. As shown in FIG. 3, in another embodiment a lid 10 may be provided as a pop-in lid 10 including an outer mating surface 38 operationally configured to mate with or abut an inner mating surface 9B of one or more beverage containers 5 in a manner effective to form a fluid seal there between.

A lid 10 of this disclosure may also include a ring or hook type handle 40 as shown in FIG. 9 operationally configured to be held by a person's hands and/or fingers or carried via a strap, key chain, hook or the like attached to the handle 40. As shown in FIG. 9, the lid 10 may comprise a pivot attachment 42 for the handle 40 and a pop-off cap 22, each of which may be independently pivoted about the pivot attachment 42 as desired. In one embodiment, a pivot attachment 42 may be provided as a self-closing spring loaded pivot hinge operationally configured to bias a handle 40 (see directional Arrow C) to a closed position against the housing 12. In another embodiment, a pivot attachment 42 may be provided as a self-closing spring loaded pivot hinge operationally configured to bias a pop-off cap 22 toward a second opening 20 of the lid 10. In another embodiment, a pivot attachment 42 may include one or more torsion springs operationally configured to bias the handle 40 and/or the pop-off cap 22 directionally as desired.

As shown in FIG. 10, in another embodiment a handle 40 and pop-off cap 22 may be provided as a fixed assembly of components or as one-piece construction with a fixed or set angle 99 between the handle 40 and pop-off cap 22. As shown, the pivot attachment 42 may also include at least one torsion spring 45 operationally configured to bias the pop-off cap 22 to a closed position with a second opening 20 of the lid 10 (see directional Arrow D). In one embodiment, access to the second opening 20 may be accomplished by manually separating the pop-off cap 22 away from the second opening 20. Access to the second opening 20 may also be accomplished by manually directing the handle 40 away from the second opening 20 to remove the pop-off cap 22 from the second opening 20. Although the angle 99 formed between the handle 40 and pop-off cap 22 is not limited to a particular angle, the angle 99 provided is suitably effective to direct the handle 40 and pop-off cap 22 away from the second opening 20 an angular distance effective to open the second opening 20 a degree accessible to persons for drinking or pouring a beverage out through the second opening 20. In other words, the angle 99 provided between the handle 40 and pop-off cap 22 allows a person to manually direct the handle 40 and pop-off cap 22 connected thereto away from the second opening 20 in unison an angular distance so that the pop-off cap 22 does not contact a person's mouth, face or head when drinking a beverage 7 through the second opening 20 with his/her mouth or straw and so that the pop-off cap 22 does not obstruct fluid flow of a beverage 7 being poured out through the second opening 20, e.g., pouring a beverage 7 out through the second opening 20 into a drinking cup. A suitable angle 99 may range from or about 45.0 degrees up to or about 70.0 degrees. In one embodiment, the handle 40 may form an angle 99 with the pop-off cap 22 of or about 66.0 degrees.

In one embodiment, a lid 10 of this disclosure may be used with a beverage container 5 of a known size for holding a set maximum volume of fluid therein. Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, in another embodiment a lid 10 of this disclosure may be provided as part of a beverage container system including an adjustable beverage container assembly 75, the operable size of which may be changed between a first maximum volume size (see FIG. 11) and a second minimum volume size (see FIG. 12) to vary the maximum fluid volume storable therein. In one embodiment, a beverage container assembly 75 may comprise a lower member 50 moveable within an upper member 60, the location of the lower member 50 within the upper member 60 defining the size of the beverage container assembly 75 and the maximum fluid volume storable therein. In one embodiment, the lower member 50 may include a lip 52 disposed along the outer upper perimeter operationally configured to abut a flange 62 disposed along the lower inner perimeter of the upper member 60 in a manner effective to maintain the lower member 50 connected to the upper member 60. In addition, the lower member 50 comprises an outer threaded mating surface 54 adjacent the lip 52 operationally configured to threadedly connect with a first threaded mating surface 64 of the upper member 60 in a manner effective to hold the lower member 50 in a first fixed position to form a beverage container assembly 75 of a first size or first fluid volume. As shown, one or more seals 59, e.g., one or more O-rings and/or gaskets, may be disposed between the lip 52 and flange 62 providing a fluid seal there between.

Referring to FIG. 12, the lower member 50 may be directed within the upper member 60 whereby the threaded mating surface 54 of the lower member 50 may form a threaded connection with a second threaded mating surface 66 of the upper member 60 in a manner effective to hold the lower member 50 in a second fixed position to form a beverage container assembly 75 of a second size or second fluid volume. Suitably, the upper member 60 also includes a third mating surface operationally configured to mate with a lid 10 similar as a beverage container 5 as described in reference to FIGS. 1-3.

Other adjustable beverage container assemblies are herein contemplated. For example, in one embodiment, the upper member 60 may include upper and lower magnetic surfaces for holding a metal lower member 50 in a first fixed position and second fixed position as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. In another embodiment, the lower member 50 and upper member 60 may be secured via a slotted catch or twist lock type configuration wherein a protuberance of the lower member 50 may mate with a slot disposed along the inner surface of the upper member 60 or vice versa.

In another embodiment, a lid 10 of this disclosure may be provided as part of a beverage container system as depicted in FIGS. 13-19. In this embodiment, the beverage container system includes at least a two-part beverage container assembly 80 and a lid provided as “lid 110” or “lid assembly 110.” In particular, the beverage container assembly 80 comprises an outer beverage container 81 and an inner beverage container 82 operationally configured to rest within the outer beverage container 81 wherein the outer beverage container 81 is operationally configured as an outer contact surface for a user of the beverage container assembly 80, e.g., a hand held contact surface, and the inner beverage container 82 is operationally configured as a thermal container defining a desired maximum fluid volume of the beverage container system. With reference to FIG. 14, the lid assembly 110 includes an outer housing 112 and a fluid additive reservoir compartment comprised of an upper member 113 or “top plate 113” and a bottom member 114 or “tray 114.”

In this embodiment, the inner beverage container 82 is held in a fixed position within the outer beverage container 81 via an intermediate member 90 operationally configured to interconnect the beverage container assembly 80 and the lid assembly 110. As shown in FIG. 15, in one embodiment an intermediate member 90 may be provided as an annular member operationally configured to mate with an annular rim 86 of the outer beverage container 81 in a manner effective to hold the outer beverage container 81 in a fixed position during use. In this embodiment, the outer beverage container 81 has one or more raised members or tabs 84 extending out from the rim 86 as shown and the intermediate member 90 has a first end 96 comprising one or more slots or grooves 91, each groove 91 being operationally configured to receive a corresponding tab 84 therein in a manner effective to provide a twist lock type connection between the outer beverage container 81 and the intermediate member 90. In one non-limiting embodiment as shown, the intermediate member 90 may comprise four grooves 91 spaced equidistant apart along the first end 96 and the outer beverage container 81 may comprise four corresponding tabs 84 spaced equidistant apart along the rim 86 for providing a twist lock type connection between the outer beverage container 81 and the intermediate member 90.

As further shown in FIG. 15, the intermediate member 90 also includes an outer threaded mating surface 92 operationally configured to connect with an inner threaded mating surface 135 of the outer housing 112 (see FIG. 16) in a manner effective to form a fluid seal between the intermediate member 90 and the lid assembly 110. As shown in FIG. 17, a second end 97 of the intermediate member 90 may comprise an annular groove or other surface effective to receive one or more seals 70, e.g., one or more O-rings and/or gaskets, to form a fluid seal between the intermediate member 90 and a bottom outer surface 111 of the tray 114.

With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the tray 114 includes a bottom inner surface 115 and an annular sidewall 116 operationally configured as a bottom surface and sidewall surface of the fluid additive reservoir 15 of the lid assembly 110. In one embodiment, a rim 117 of the sidewall 116 is operationally configured as a seat for receiving an inner surface 118 of the top plate 113 in a manner effective to provide a sealed fluid additive reservoir 15. In one embodiment, the inner surface 118 of the top plate 113 may be adhered to the rim 117 of the sidewall 116 in a manner effective to fluidly seal the fluid additive reservoir 15, e.g., via one or more food safe adhesives. In another embodiment including a plastic top plate 113 and plastic tray 114, the inner surface 118 of the top plate 113 may be j oined to the rim 117 via one or more heat treatments, e.g., via a heat gun or torch, in a manner effective to fluidly seal the fluid additive reservoir 15. In still another embodiment, an outer perimeter of the top plate 113 may include threads operationally configured for threadedly connecting with threads disposed along the sidewall 116 of the tray 114.

With further reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the top plate 113 includes a first aperture 121 operationally configured to receive the primer pump 25 there through in a manner effective for the mounting body 26 of the primer pump 25 to form a mechanical fluid seal along an inner perimeter of the first aperture 121. The top plate 113 also includes a second aperture 122 operationally configured to receive at least part of a drinking conduit 120 of the tray 114 there through in a manner effective for the drinking conduit 120 to form a mechanical fluid seal with an inner perimeter of the second aperture 122 (see FIG. 13). In addition, the tray 114 includes an aperture 119 provided as a boss for receiving at least part of the downstream fluid conduit 29 of the primer pump 25 there through in a manner effective for the downstream fluid conduit 29 to form a mechanical fluid seal with an inner perimeter of the aperture 119. One or more food safe adhesives may also be applied between (1) the first aperture 121 and mounting body 26 and/or (2) the second aperture 122 of the top plate 113 and the drinking conduit 120 and/or (3) the aperture 119 of the tray 114 and the downstream fluid conduit 29 to provide a fluid seal there between as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the drinking conduit 120 may be provided as a fixed linear fluid conduit. In another embodiment, the drinking conduit 120 may be provided as a fixed non-liner fluid conduit. In still another embodiment, the lid assembly 110 may include a moveable fold down type drinking conduit 120 operationally configured to be directed angularly ninety degrees from an upright open position similar as shown in FIG. 13 to a closed position adjacent the top plate 113 as shown in FIG. 20. In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the drinking conduit 120 includes a pivot attachment comprising a hinge type member 130 operationally configured to direct the open end of the drinking conduit 120 between an upright open position and a closed position as shown.

In another embodiment, the beverage container assembly 80 may be provided comprising only an outer beverage container 81 wherein the maximum fluid storage capacity of the beverage container system is determined according to the maximum fluid volume of the outer beverage container 81. In such an embodiment, the outer beverage container 81 may include an outer threaded surface similar as a beverage container 5 as described in FIG. 1 effective for connecting directly to the inner threaded mating surface 135 of the outer housing 112. Accordingly, in such an embodiment the beverage container system may exclude an intermediate member 90 and one or more seals 70 and the outer beverage container 81 may be provided without one or more tabs 84.

In still another embodiment of a beverage container system, an inner beverage container 82 may be provided as an optional beverage container for thermal drinking use. In such an embodiment, an outer beverage container 81 may comprise an outer threaded mating surface for single beverage container use and one or more tabs 84 when employing an inner beverage container 82 similar as described above.

Suitably, the housing 12, outer housing 112, top plate 113, tray 114, intermediate member 90, beverage container assembly 75 and beverage container assembly 80 as described above may be constructed from one or more materials including, but not necessarily limited to one or more materials resistant to chipping, cracking, excessive bending and reshaping as a result of ozone, weathering, heat, moisture, other outside mechanical and chemical influences, as well as physical impacts. Suitable materials of construction of the housing 12, outer housing 112, top plate 113, tray 114, intermediate member 90, beverage container assembly 75 and beverage container assembly 80 may include, but are not necessarily limited to one or more metals, plastics, filled composite materials, and combinations thereof. Suitable metals include, but are not necessarily limited to stainless steel, aluminum, and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics include, but are not necessarily limited to high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), polypropylene, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a plastic housing 12 and/or plastic outer housing 112 and/or plastic top plate 113 and/or plastic tray 114 and/or plastic intermediate member 90 and/or plastic beverage container assembly 75 and/or plastic beverage container assembly 80 of this disclosure may be manufactured via injection molding to provide a rigid reusable consumer item. In addition, the housing 12, outer housing 112, top plate 113, tray 114, intermediate member 90, beverage container assembly 75 and beverage container assembly 80 may be provided in one or more colors or one or more color patterns as desired or as may otherwise be required for one or more particular operations. In addition, the housing 12, outer housing 112, beverage container assembly 75 and beverage container assembly 80 may include one or more raised surfaces, knurling and/or outer rubber surfaces to promote user hand gripping.

The invention will be better understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples, which are illustrative only and not intended to limit the present disclosure to a particular embodiment.

EXAMPLE 1

In a first non-limiting example, a lid 10 of this is disclosure is operationally configured to receive one or more fluid additives 100 in the fluid additive reservoir 15 of the lid 10. Any particular fluid additive 100 or combination of fluid additives 100 to be directed into the fluid additive reservoir 15 may vary according to user preference and/or according to the type of beverage stored in a corresponding beverage container 5. Non-limiting examples of fluid additives 100 that may be directed into a beverage container 5 for adding to a consumable volume of fluid beverage include (1) one or more flavored liquid water enhancers, (2) one or more fruit juices, (3) one or more liquid nutritional supplements, (4) one or more liquid medicines, (5) one or more essential oils, (6) one or more spirits or alcoholic beverages, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of fruit juices include apple juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, lime juice, grape juice, prune juice, beet juice, tomato juice, pomegranate juice, and cranberry juice.

EXAMPLE 2

In a second non-limiting example, a lid 10 for a beverage container 5 is provided wherein the lid 10 is operationally configured as a shaker for preparing one or more fluid additives 100 in the fluid additive reservoir 15. In one embodiment, a flavored powder and a desired volume of water are added to the fluid additive reservoir 15. Once the flavored power and water are fluidly sealed within the fluid additive reservoir 15, the lid 10 is manually shaken until the flavored powder and water are mixed as desired. The resulting mixture of water and flavored powder housed within the fluid additive reservoir 15 acts as a fluid additive 100 of the lid 10 to be conveyed into a corresponding beverage container 5.

EXAMPLE 3

In a third non-limiting example, a lid 10 or lid assembly 110 as described above is provided operationally configured for use with a beverage container such as an insulated cooler and dispenser product (a “beverage cooler”) as is often used for holding ice and/or beverages for athletes, sports teams, picnic use, and the like. A lid 10 or lid assembly 110 of this example may be provided as a threaded screw-top lid operationally configured for use with a beverage cooler of a particular fluid volume, for example, a three gallon, five gallon, seven gallon or ten gallon beverage cooler. Non-limiting commercial sources of beverage coolers at the time of this disclosure include (1) Igloo Products Corporation, Katy, Tex., U.S.A.; (2) The Coleman Company, Inc., Chicago, Ill., U.S.A.; and (3) Stokely-Van Camp, Inc., Purchase, New York, U.S.A., e.g., orange colored Gatorade® beverage coolers.

EXAMPLE 4

In a fourth non-limiting example, a lid 10 or lid assembly 110 of this disclosure may be described as provided in the following three paragraphs.

A lid for a beverage container comprising a fluid additive reservoir and a primer pump operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir to a target destination external the fluid additive reservoir.

A lid for a beverage container comprising a housing including a fluid additive reservoir and a primer pump located on the housing in fluid communication with fluid additive reservoir, wherein the primer pump is operationally configured to convey fluid from a first fluid location in the fluid additive reservoir to a second fluid location external the housing and operationally configured to convey fluid from the second fluid location to a third fluid location external the lid.

A lid as part of a beverage container system, wherein the lid is releasably attachable to a beverage container comprising a fluid reservoir and wherein the lid comprises a fluid additive reservoir and a primer pump that is operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir into the fluid reservoir of the beverage container.

Although the present disclosure is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead might be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more other embodiments whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this disclosure, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like, the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more,” “one or a plurality” or the like.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The embodiment(s) described herein are meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the invention, which is defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A lid for a beverage container, comprising:

a fluid additive reservoir; and

a primer pump operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir to a target destination external the fluid additive reservoir.

2. The lid of claim 1, further comprising a first opening in fluid communication with the fluid additive reservoir and a second opening in fluid communication with the target destination.

3. The lid of claim 2, wherein the target destination is a fluid reservoir of a beverage container attached to the lid.

4. The lid of claim 1, wherein the primer pump comprises a multi-directional fluid pathway operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir to the target destination.

5. A lid for a beverage container, comprising:

a housing including a fluid additive reservoir; and

a primer pump located on the housing in fluid communication with fluid additive reservoir;

wherein the primer pump is operationally configured to convey fluid from a first fluid location in the fluid additive reservoir to a second fluid location external the housing and operationally configured to convey fluid from the second fluid location to a third fluid location external the lid.

6. The lid of claim 5, wherein when the lid is attached to a beverage container, then the third fluid location is a fluid reservoir of the beverage container.

7. The lid of claim 5, wherein the housing includes a first opening in fluid communication with the fluid additive reservoir and a second opening in fluid communication with the third fluid location.

8. The lid of claim 7, wherein when the lid is attached to a beverage container, then the third fluid location is a fluid reservoir of the beverage container.

9. The lid of claim 8, wherein the primer pump includes an upstream fluid conduit in fluid communication with the fluid additive reservoir and a downstream fluid in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir of the beverage container.

10. The lid of claim 5, wherein the second fluid location is within a bulb of the primer pump.

11. The lid of claim 5, wherein the primer pump includes an upstream fluid conduit comprising an open distal end located within the fluid additive reservoir and a downstream fluid conduit comprising an open distal end located external the fluid additive reservoir.

12. A beverage container system, comprising:

a beverage container including a fluid reservoir; and

a lid releasably attachable to the beverage container, the lid comprising a fluid additive reservoir and a primer pump operationally configured to convey fluid out from the fluid additive reservoir into the fluid reservoir of the beverage container.

13. The beverage container system of claim 12, wherein the lid includes a housing comprising the fluid additive reservoir, the housing also comprising an exterior part including a sealable first opening providing fluid access to the fluid additive reservoir and a sealable second opening providing fluid access to the fluid reservoir of the beverage container.

14. The beverage container system of claim 12, wherein the lid comprises a fluid additive reservoir external the housing that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir of the beverage container and in fluid communication with the fluid additive reservoir of the lid.