Flexible Lid

Abstract

A flexible lid for containers provides a secure and leak-proof seal. The lid includes a top wall and a cylindrical flange forming a valve closure portion. A central plug extends from an underside of the top wall, wherein an annular channel is formed between the plug and the flange. The plug is deformable and can form a tight seal with a bottle when received within the annular channel. The flexible lid includes threads on the inner surface of the side wall for cooperating with the thread on the neck of the bottle, which is rotated to engage the threads and secure the lid to the bottle. The lid can be easily removed by unthreading from the neck and disengaging the plug to unseal the lid. In some embodiments, the plug is separable from the flange and replaced with a nipple that is inserted through an aperture in the top wall.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/457,451 filed on Apr. 6, 2023; the above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to caps and lids. The present invention provides a flexible lid having a plug configured to fit within a neck of a bottle.

In the realm of beverage containers, the design and functionality of bottle caps and lids present limitations in terms of flexibility and user convenience. Conventional lids predominantly comprise rigid structures that may prove cumbersome in various scenarios, hindering optimal user experience. These caps, typically made of materials such as plastic or metal, provide a stable but inflexible barrier to the bottle's contents. The traditional screw-on or snap-on designs, while widely adopted, lack adaptability to the dynamic needs of users seeking a more versatile and user-friendly solution.

The use of caps and lids to seal containers, such as bottles, is a common practice in the food and beverage industry, as well as in household products. The deficiencies inherent in conventional caps and lids become apparent in situations requiring a higher degree of adaptability. Rigid caps may pose challenges in scenarios where users desire a more flexible lid, especially in contexts involving squeezing or bending the container. Additionally, traditional caps may fall short in providing a secure seal after multiple uses, compromising the freshness and integrity of the beverage.

Furthermore, existing systems for sealing containers typically involve the use of screw-on caps or lids that require the application of simultaneous pressing and rotational forces for coupling and decoupling. While these caps provide a secure seal, they can be difficult for some individuals to open, especially for children or those with reduced hand strength.

Another issue with existing caps and lids is that they can be prone to leaking, particularly if the cap or lid is not tightly secured. This can lead to spillage or contamination of the container's contents. In addition, some caps or lids may not be compatible with certain container materials, which can further exacerbate the issue of leakage.

Additionally, conventional lids and caps are composed of materials that can only work or seal with specific container or bottle materials. For example, metal lids scratch glass and other types of metal, so having a metal lid will not universally seal any type of bottle. Many lids will not interchangeably form a seal or are suitable for use on glass, metal, and plastic bottles.

The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of existing caps and lids by providing a lid composed of flexible material and a plug that is insertable within the opening of a bottle, wherein the closure process provides a secure, leak-proof seal. The present invention allows for compatibility with a wide range of container materials, such as glass, plastic, and metal. Additionally, the lid is made of flexible materials, such as silicone, which provides additional durability and flexibility compared to traditional lids.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement for a flexible lid. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of flexible lids now present in the known art, the present invention provides a new flexible lid wherein the same can be utilized for securing to an opening of a container to provide a leak-proof seal.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the flexible lid comprising a top wall and a flange forming a valve closure portion. A plug extends from an underside of the top wall, wherein a channel is formed between the plug and the flange. The plug is deformable and can form a tight seal with a bottle when received within the channel.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the flexible lid comprising threads on the inner surface of the side wall for cooperating with the thread on the neck of the bottle, which is rotated to engage the threads and secure the lid to the bottle. The lid can be easily removed by unthreading from the neck and disengaging the plug to unseal the lid.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the flexible lid wherein the top wall comprises an aperture for separating the plug the flange. The plug is replaceable with a nipple insertable through the aperture and securable within the flange.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the flexible lid comprising a plug that is larger than the neck opening of the container, ensuring a tight seal that is compatible with a wide range of container materials, including glass, plastic, and metal.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the flexible lid comprising a two-step closure process that provides a secure, leak-proof seal.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an embodiment of the flexible lid wherein the lid is entirely composed of a same flexible material, such as silicone.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved new a flexible lid that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible lid.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of the flexible lid.

FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the flexible lid.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the flexible lid.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible lid.

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the flexible lid.

FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the flexible lid and a container.

FIG. 8 shows a close-up view of a perimeter of an embodiment of the flexible lid secured to a container.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible lid in a deformed state.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible lid, wherein the flange is inverted.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the flexible lid.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the flexible lid, wherein a plug is replaced by a nipple.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. For the purpose of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for securing a flexible lid to a container or bottle. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment(s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a perspective, a side, and a top plan view of an embodiment of the flexible lid, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible lid 1000 comprises a top wall 1200 and a flange 1300 extending substantially perpendicular therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the top wall 1200 is planar and void of openings. The flange 1300 is disposed continuously around a perimeter of the top wall 1200 forming a valve closure portion. The valve closure portion is configured to receive an opening of a bottle or container. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 1300 and top wall 1200 comprise a circular cross-sectional shape. However, in alternate embodiments, the flange and the top wall comprise any suitable shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a bottom plan view and a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible lid, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, a plug 1400 extends from an underside of the top wall 1200 within the valve closure portion 1210. The plug 1400 comprises a circular cross-sectional shape and forms an annular channel 1310 with the flange 1300. In other embodiments, the plug comprises any suitable cross-sectional shape adapted to fit within an opening of the bottle and form a seal therewith. The plug 1400 is sized to fit within the opening and neck of the container, and, in the shown embodiment, does not extend past a lowermost end of the flange 1300. In other embodiments, the plug extends past the lowermost end of the flange. In alternate embodiments, the plug is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the lid.

In the illustrated embodiment, the annular channel 1310 comprises threads 1320 on an inner surface of a sidewall 1330 of the flange 1300 for cooperating with a thread on a neck of the container (as seen in FIG. 7). In other embodiments, the flange is void of threads, wherein the plug secures the lid to the bottle. In the illustrated embodiment, the threads 1320 are entirely recessed within the sidewall 1330 of the flange 1300, such the non-recessed portions of the sidewall form a planar surface (as seen in FIG. 6).

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, there is shown a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the flexible lid, a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the flexible lid and a container, and a close-up view of a perimeter of an embodiment of the flexible lid secured to a container, respectively. In some embodiments, the flexible lid 1000 comprises a sealing ring 1420 extending entirely around an exterior sidewall of the plug 1400. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible lid 1000 comprises three sealing rings 1420 disposed in a stacked configuration around the plug 1400, wherein a gap 1430 is disposed between each sealing ring 1420. A benefit of the sealing ring 1420 is that it increases the diameter of the plug 1400 to allow the plug 1400 to better form a seal with the neck of the bottle 2000. In alternate embodiments, the flexible lid does not comprise any sealing rings, whereas in other embodiments, the flexible lid comprises any number of sealing rings, such as two or more than three sealing rings. In alternate embodiments, the sealing ring extends partially around the perimeter of the plug.

In some embodiments, indicia is disposed on a lower surface of the plug to indicate a size of opening the plug is adapted to fit within. In some embodiments, the flexible lid is void of the plug. In one embodiment, the lid 1000 is configured to engage the container in a manner that provides for a two-step closure. The two-step closure is described in detail in the method. The two-step closure provides for the lid to slide around the neck of the container, wherein the threads are generally aligned, such that rotation of the lid causes the threads to engage with the threads of the neck of the container and thereby seal.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for closing a container with a flexible lid (two-step closure process). In the illustrated embodiment, the method comprises providing a flexible lid 1000 having a top wall 1200 and a flange 1300 extending continuously from the top wall forming a valve closure portion. A central plug 1400 extends from an underside of the top wall 1200 within the valve closure portion, wherein the plug forms an annular channel with the flange 1300. The flange 1300 comprises threads on an inner surface of the sidewall for cooperating with a thread on a neck of the container 2000.

For closure, the lid 1000 is pressed over the neck of the container 2000, such that the plug 1400 is received within the neck and the threads 1320 on the lid are in close proximity to the threading on the container. The flexibility of the lid 1000 allows for deformation of the lid 1000 such that insertion of the lid can occur even with some of the threads partially seated together. In some instances, the threads are not aligned, but in close proximity. This coupling of the lid to the neck of the container is the first step in the closure. Once the neck of the container is within the annular channel, the lid 1000 is twisted or rotated relative to the neck in the direction of the threads to close or in the opposing direction of the threads to open. The rotation to close the lid causes the threads to engage the full distance or capacity of the threading on the container, thereby forming a secure sealed connection. This is the second step in the closure.

The plug 1400 forms a seal with the container 2000, wherein the flange 1300 is then rotated relative to the container to engage threads 1320 on the lid 1000 and the container neck. In the illustrated method, the threads 1320 are only aligned for cooperation after the plug 1400 is inserted into the neck opening, and a single force is applied to the lid for coupling and decoupling the lid from the container. To remove the lid 1000 from the container 2000, the flange 1300 is rotated in an opposite direction to unthread from the container neck and the plug becomes disengaged to unseal the lid as the lid moves away from the container neck. In the illustrated embodiment, no separation force is required to uncouple the lid from the container neck.

In another embodiment, the lid is configured to be pressed or forced onto the neck of the container, wherein no rotation or twisting of the lid is needed to form the seal. Similarly, the lid is configured to be peeled back to remove the lid from the neck of the container such that no rotation of the lid is needed.

In alternate embodiments, the present invention provides a one-step method for closing a container with a flexible lid. In the illustrated embodiment, the method comprises providing a lid having a top wall and a flange extending continuously from the top wall forming a valve closure portion. A plug extends from an underside of the top wall within the valve closure portion, wherein the plug forms an annular channel with the flange. The flange comprises threads on an inner surface of the sidewall for cooperating with a thread on a neck of the container. In some embodiments, the flange is void of threads on the inner surface thereof. For closure, the lid is pressed over the neck of the container, such that the plug is received within the neck. Once the plug is received within the neck, and the neck of the container is within the annular channel, the container is sealed by the flexible lid via the single step. To remove the lid, a side of the lid is stretched/deformed and lifted away from the neck of the container. The lid is then easily pulled away and separated from the container.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible lid in a deformed state and a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible lid, wherein the flange is inverted, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible lid 1000 is elastic and composed of a material configured to bend and flex, such as silicone or rubber. In some embodiments, the entire lid 1000 is configured to deform elastically and return to its original shape when applied stress is removed. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire lid is composed of a same material. The flexible lid 1000 is soft. However, in alternate embodiments, the softness varies. In some embodiments, the hardness (durometer) of the lid 1000, for example, is between about 30 to 40 on the Shore A scale. In other embodiments, the hardness of the lid 1000 is between 50 to 60 on the Shore A scale. The material of the lid not only provides flexibility thereto, but improved grip as well due to the less smooth surface compared to metal caps. Furthermore, the more rigid a lid or cap is, the more difficult to untwist the lid from the container, whereas the softer the material of the lid, such as in the illustrated embodiment, the easier the lid is to squeeze and remove it from the threads of a container.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is shown an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the flexible lid and an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the flexible lid, wherein a plug is replaced by a nipple, respectively. In alternate embodiments, the top wall 1200 of the flexible lid 1000 comprises an aperture 1220 for separating the plug 1400 the flange 1300. In this way, the plug 1400 is replaced with a nipple 1600 configured to secure to the flange and top wall to allow the container to be used as an infant bottle. The plug 1400 is removably securable to the top wall 1200 and flange 1300 via any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the top wall 1200 comprises a recessed shoulder 1230 that receives an upper end 1410 of the plug 1400. The upper end 1410 comprises a larger diameter than a lower end 1450, wherein the lower end is intended to be received by the neck of a bottle.

In other embodiments, the recessed shoulder 1230 comprises a groove 1460 configured to receive a mating notch disposed on the upper end of the plug 1400. In this way, the plug is secured to the flange 1300 and top wall 1200 and prevented from rotating. In other embodiments, the plug is secured to the flange and top wall via any suitable manner, such as a friction fit or interlocking fastening elements.

In some embodiments, the flexible lid further comprises the nipple 1600 insertable through the aperture and securable within the flange. The nipple 1600 comprises an interlocking lower end 1610 configured to mate with the recessed shoulder 1230 of the top wall 1200.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A flexible lid, comprising:

a top wall;

a flange forming a sidewall extending from the top wall, the flange forming a valve closure portion configured to form a seal with a container;

a plug extending from an underside of the top wall within the valve closure portion;

wherein a channel is formed between the plug and the flange, the channel is configured to receive a neck of the container.

2. The flexible lid of claim 1, wherein the flexible lid is monolithic.

3. The flexible lid of claim 1, wherein the flange comprises silicone.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the plug is made of silicone.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the top wall is made of silicone.

6. The flexible lid of claim 1, wherein an inner side of the sidewall comprises a first thread adapted for cooperating with a corresponding second thread on the neck of the container.

7. The flexible lid of claim 6, wherein the first thread on the inner surface of the sidewall is helical and female as they are formed by being recessed in the sidewall.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the channel is annular.

9. The flexible lid of claim 8, wherein the flange comprises an annular shape.

10. The flexible lid of claim 1, wherein the plug is tapered from the underside of the top wall to a distal end thereof.

11. The flexible lid of claim 1, further comprising a sealing ring extending around the plug and positioned within the channel.

12. The flexible lid of claim 1, wherein the sidewall extends continuously from the top wall.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the plug is sized to fit within the neck of the container and does not extend past a lowermost end of the sidewall.

14. The flexible lid of claim 1, wherein the plug is configured to be larger than an interior of the neck opening.

15. The flexible lid of claim 1, wherein the top wall comprises an aperture for separating the plug the flange.

16. The flexible lid of claim 15, further comprising a nipple insertable through the aperture and securable within the flange.

17. A method for closing a container with a flexible lid comprising:

providing a lid having a top wall, a flange extending continuously from the top wall forming a valve closure portion, a plug extending from an underside of the top wall within the valve closure portion, wherein the plug forms an annular channel with the flange;

inserting the plug into the neck of the container such that the neck fits within the annular channel formed between the plug and the flange, wherein the plug forms a seal with the container;

rotating the lid relative to the container to engage a helical thread disposed on an interior wall of the flange of the lid and a helical thread disposed on the container neck, wherein the threads are only aligned for cooperation after the plug is inserted into the neck opening, and a single force is applied to the cap for coupling and decoupling the cap from the container.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the top wall comprises an aperture for separating the plug the flange.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising separating the plug from the flange.

20. The method of claim 19, inserting a nipple through the aperture and securing the nipple to the flange.