CONTAINER LID SYSTEM

Abstract

A container lid system having a lid body with a drinking aperture, a slider aperture and slider, and a recess located on the underside of the lid body. The slider slides within the slider aperture between a first position covering the drinking aperture and a second position exposing the drinking aperture. Slider may be an assembly with first, second, and third slider members that releasably attach to each other via a post in the first member that extends through the slider aperture and second slider member, with the third slider member attaching to the post and retaining the assembly. Venting functionality is achieved by the slider assembly forming a vent channel with the recess on the underside of the lid body when the slider moves towards the open position. Some versions omit the lid body bottom recess and venting functionality or include a matching container.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to:

• • Chinese patent application 2025200743239, filed on Jan. 13, 2025;
  • U.S. design patent application 29/991,551, filed on Feb. 28,2025;
  • U.S. design patent application 29/993,539, filed on Mar. 14, 2025; and
  • U.S. design patent application 30/015,298, filed on Jul. 28, 2025.
    Each of the above is fully incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reusable drinking containers and water bottles are increasingly popular, in part, due to a desire to certain liquids as the beverage of choice (for health or other reasons) as part of an active lifestyle and to be more environmentally friendly by avoiding disposable, more single use containers. Despite myriad drinking container variations in the prior art and within this market, varietal demand is seemingly unending, and users crave novel functionality and design.

Mugs, coffee cups, tankards, steins, beakers, and goblets are exemplary types of drinking containers that fall within the abovementioned category. A variety of hot drinks may commonly be the desired contents of these containers. As such, users desire optimized spillage prevention with venting functionality within such containers. Thus, what is needed is a new container lid system optimizing spillage prevention and venting functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the above, a new and innovative container lid system is provided. The system may include a lid body with a drinking aperture, a slider aperture and slider, and a recess located on the underside of the lid body. The slider is configured to slide within the slider aperture between a first position covering the drinking aperture, and a second position exposing the drinking aperture. The slider may be an assembly with first, second, and third slider members that releasably attach to each other via a post in the first member that extends through the slider aperture and second member, the third slider member attaching to the post and retaining the assembly together. Venting functionality is achieved by the slider assembly forming a vent channel with the recess on the underside of the lid body when the slider moves towards the open position. Some versions omit the lid body bottom recess and venting functionality. Some versions include a matching container.

These and other aspects 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 FIGURES

To further clarify the above and other aspects 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 typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The drawings may not be drawn to scale. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a lid in a first embodiment of the system.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a lid in a first embodiment of the system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of a lid in a first embodiment of the system.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of a lid in a first embodiment of the system.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a slider assembly in a first embodiment of the system.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second slider assembly portion in a first embodiment of the system.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a slider assembly member in a first embodiment of the system.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of a lid in a second embodiment of the system with a slider assembly in a closed position.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of a lid portion in a second embodiment of the system with a slider assembly in an open position.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective exploded view of a lid in a second embodiment of the system.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective exploded view of a lid in a second embodiment of the system.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a slider assembly member in a second embodiment of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

The present invention in its various embodiments, some of which are depicted in the figures herein, is a container lid system. Broadly, the container lid system may include one or more of a a lid body with a drinking aperture, a slider aperture and slider, and a recess located on the underside of the lid body. The slider is configured to slide within the slider aperture between a first position covering the drinking aperture, and a second position exposing the drinking aperture. The slider may be an assembly with first, second, and third slider members that releasably attach to each other via a post in the first member that extends through the slider aperture and second member, the third slider member attaching to the post and retaining the assembly together. Venting functionality is achieved by the slider assembly forming a vent channel with the recess on the underside of the lid body when the slider moves towards the open position. Some versions omit the lid body bottom recess and venting functionality. Some versions include a matching container.

FIGS. 1-7 show a first exemplary embodiment of the container lid system. The system has a lid body 100 and a slider assembly configured to slide within a mounting groove 141 and/or slider assembly aperture 120. Slider assembly may be comprised of a first slider member 200 and a second slider member 300 with a sealing seat. The lid body 100 has a drinking aperture 110 and slider assembly aperture 120. Second slider member 300 may have a sealing member such as a flexible gasket 310. First slider member 200 may have a connecting post 210 that extends downward through the second slider member 300. The lower end of the connecting post 210 may connect to a third slider member configured as detachable retaining member 400. The third slider member 400 abuts below the second slider member 300 to press the sealing member 310 against the lid body 100.

When installed, the third slider member 400 is fixed below the second slider member 300 to form a top-to-bottom constraint that maintains a stable connection between the first slider member 200 and the second slider member 300. Due to the resisting action of the third slider member 400, the sealing member 310 on the second slider member 300 is tightly pressed against the lid body 100, ensuring that the drinking aperture 110 remains sealed when the first slider member 200 covers and/or closes the drinking aperture 110, preventing liquid leakage. Compared to traditional snap-fit methods, this design uses the third slider member 400 to achieve convenient assembly and disassembly between the first slider member 200 and the second slider member 300. Pushing the first slider member 200 moves the second slider member 300, allowing the flexible gasket 310 to switch between closing and opening the drinking aperture 110.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the connecting post 210 may be provided with a retaining groove 211, with the third slider member 400 having a corresponding retaining cavity 410. The retaining cavity 410 may have a lateral opening, allowing the third slider member 400 to be laterally attached to the connecting post 210. The retaining groove 211 may serve as a fixing structure on the connecting post 210 to guide and constrain the position of the third slider member 400. The retaining rib 420 on the sidewall of the retaining cavity 410 fits into the retaining groove 211, forming a stable connection. The lateral opening of the retaining cavity 410 allows the third slider member 400 to slide onto the connecting post 210 from the side, eliminating the need for complex rotation or alignment operations. In other optional embodiments, the third slider member 400 could also be a nut that screws onto the connecting post 210, or any number of other fastening means.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a flexible gasket 320 may be provided between the second slider member 300 and the third slider member 400. Third slider member 400 may abut second slider member 300 via the flexible gasket 320. The second slider member 300 may have a downward-opening groove, and the flexible gasket 320 may be installed within the groove. The flexible gasket 320 increases the frictional force between the third slider member 400 and the connecting post 210, enhancing the stability of their connection. Flexible gasket 320 may be made of silicone or other material with comparable and/or suitable properties.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the third slider member 400 has a resisting surface in contact with the flexible gasket 320, and the end of the resisting surface near the lateral opening has a guiding surface 430. The guiding surface 430 is designed as a sloped or curved surface to guide the third slider member 400 during insertion, gradually approaching and compressing the flexible gasket 320. As the third slider member 400 is inserted further, the contact area between the guiding surface 430 and the flexible gasket 320 increases until the retaining rib 420 fully fits into the retaining groove 211, at which point the flexible gasket 320 reaches maximum deformation, providing stable resisting force.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7 the connecting post 210 is provided with another flexible gasket or sealing ring 212, the second slider member 300 has a mounting through-hole 330, the connecting post 210 passes through the mounting through-hole 330, and the sealing ring 212 forms a sealed fit with the wall of the mounting through-hole 330. The elastic deformation of the sealing ring 212 under pressure fills the gap between the connecting post 210 and the mounting through-hole 330, achieving a sealing effect. The sealing ring 212 is typically made of elastic materials such as rubber, silicone, or polyurethane, which offer good elasticity and corrosion resistance, maintaining stable sealing performance under various environmental conditions. The primary function of the sealing ring 212 is to prevent fluid leakage from the gap between the connecting post 210 and the mounting through-hole 330. When the connecting post 210 passes through the mounting through-hole 330, the sealing ring 212 is compressed and tightly fits against the hole wall, forming an effective sealing barrier.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the upper end of the mounting through-hole 330 protrudes upward to form a protruding post 340 with a flange portion, which can be detachably inserted into the slider assembly aperture 120. The protruding post 340, as part of the second slider member 300, protrudes upward and fits into the slider assembly aperture 120. With the illustrated embodiment, this is done by positioning the second slider member perpendicularly to the slider assembly aperture, inserting the flange portion therein, and rotating 90 degrees into a rotational interference fit. This design allows for a certain degree of movement freedom while ensuring a firm connection. The inner wall of the mounting through-hole 330 has a positioning groove 350, and the connecting post 210 has a positioning portion 213 that engages with the positioning groove 350 to prevent the first slider member 200 from rotating relative to the second slider member 300, enhancing connection stability.

As shown in FIG. 4, the flexible gasket 310 is annular, and when the drinking aperture 110 is closed, the drinking aperture 110 and the slider assembly aperture 120 may be located within the area enclosed by the flexible gasket 310. The primary function of the flexible gasket 310 is to isolate the drinking aperture 110 and the slider assembly aperture 120, preventing fluid leakage from these openings. When the drinking aperture 110 is closed, the flexible gasket 310 tightly fits against the corresponding component, forming a closed sealed area to ensure no fluid escapes.

As shown in FIG. 6, the edge region of the first slider member 200 may be provided with a protruding rib 220, and the first slider member 200 abuts against the upper surface of the lid body 100 via the protruding rib 220. This reduces the contact area between the first slider member 200 and the lid body 100, lowering frictional resistance.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lid body 100 may have an inner lining 130 and an outer shell 140 fixed to each other, the lid body 100 with a mounting groove 141, and the first slider member 200 located within the mounting groove 141. The separate design of the inner lining 130 and outer shell 140 allows them to be made of different materials. For example, the inner lining 130 may be made of food-grade material for safety, while the outer shell 140 may be made of a material suitable for decorative effects, optimizing respective functions while reducing costs. The mounting groove 141 may be designed to facilitate the installation and secure positioning of the first slider member 200, ensuring its correct placement and smooth sliding on the lid body 100. The inner lining 130 may have a structure for fixing it to the cup body.

FIGS. 8-12 show a second exemplary embodiment of the container lid system. As described below, second embodiment shares many of the features of the first embodiment, but also differs in some key respects. Most notably, the second embodiment modifies the above design to optimize lid and/or container venting functionality.

The container lid system of FIGS. 8-12 comprises a lid body 800 and slider assembly 801 configured to slide within the slider assembly aperture 802 between a first position A where the drinking aperture 806 is closed and a second position B where the drinking aperture 806 is open. The slider assembly 801 may have first 803, second 804, and third 805 slider members.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first slider member 803 is configured for placement on top of the lid body when the system is in normal operation. First slider member 803 may have a post 807 that extends through the slider assembly aperture 802 and that allows a user to move the slider assembly 801 between the first A second B positions. First slider member 803 may have a top raised lateral portion 808 for facilitating user handling (i.e. moving the slider assembly 801 back and forth) and a bottom recessed portion 809, located on the underside of the lid body 800, and forming a part of the vent functionality described in more detail below. Post 807 may have a first groove 810 to fit an annular gasket 811 for sealing the post 807 within the slider assembly 801 (and/or lid body) and a second groove 812 for receiving the third slider member 805. Second groove 812 may have two flattened surfaces for preventing the rotation of the third slider member 805 once attached within the slider assembly 801.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second slider member 804 is configured for placement directly underneath the lid body 800 when the system is in normal operation. Second slider member 804 may cover and/or close the drinking aperture 806 in the first position A and open and/or expose the drinking aperture 806 in the second position B. Second slider member 804 may have an aperture 813 configured to receive the post 807, a flange portion 814 configured for insertion into the slider assembly aperture 802 (from beneath it), and, through a user's twisting motion, form a rotational interference fit with the lid body and/or slider assembly aperture 802. Second slider member 804 may have a recess 815 on one side to house a flexible gasket 816. When assembled within the slider assembly 801, the gasket 816 forms a raised wall around and/or adjacent to the perimeter of the top side of the second slider member 804 to create a volume and/or compartment forming a part of the vent functionality described in more detail below. The bottom side of second slider member 804 may have another recess 817 and flexible gasket 818 around the second sliding member aperture 813.

Referring briefly to FIG. 12, an embodiment of a second slider member 1201 is shown. The gasket 1202 of second slider member 1201 rises above the top surface of the body of the second slider member 1202 to form the volume and/or compartment 1203. The gasket 102 may have a plurality of top ridges and/or ribs 1203 that fold over to create a seal of the volume and/or compartment with the undersurface of the lid body when the slider assembly is attached and in normal operation, particularly in position A. Also, one or more additional sections 1205, 1206 of gasket, rubber, silicone, or other material of comparable and/or properties may extend between the gasket perimeter to assist with retention of the second slider member 1201 with respect to the undersurface of the lid body.

Third slider member 805 is configured to attach to the post 807, locate below and releasably retain the first 803 and second 804 slider members within the slider assembly 801. This may be accomplished through a variety of fastening mechanisms, including, for example, thread and bolt-type structure, snap structures, or, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, a clip-type system where the third slider member 805 has a slot 820 configured to clip and/or slide into the second groove 812 of the post 807. Flat portions on the post 807 abut slot edges and resist and/or prevent rotational movement of the third sliding member 805.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 8 and 9, venting structure and functionality is now further described. In FIG. 8, the slider assembly 801 (and second slider member 804 in particular) is in a forward position A wherein the drinking aperture 806 is covered and/or closed and the gasket 816 around the second slider member 804 seals the lid body 800 with respect to liquid container contents below, including by forming a barrier around the slider assembly aperture 802. In this configuration, liquid contents do not exit from the container and/or lid body 800, and the system may pressurize from the liquid contents.

A vent channel is formed by portions of the lid body 800 and slider assembly 801. Notably, lid body 800 may have a recess and/or channel 819 on its underside, rear of the slider assembly aperture 802. When the slider assembly 801 is moved towards rear position B, gasket edge 816b passes beyond the proximal edge of the recess 819 edge to form a vent channel portion 820 wherein pressure (if any) from the container initially enters second slider member compartment. An overall vent channel that forms a passageway from one side of the lid (e.g., inside or underside) to a second opposite side of the lid (e.g., outside or topside) is formed through communication between and/or a pathway formed by the lid body recess 819, the second slider member compartment, the slider assembly aperture 802 above the compartment, and the bottom recessed portion 809 of the first slider member 803, which creates an opening to the outside of the lid body 800. So configured, the vent channel is also substantially enshrouded by the slider assembly 801 (first and second slider members in particular) in order to minimize spillage.

Some embodiments of the container lid system may include the container to which the lid system is configured to releasably attach. Such container lid system and container pairs may be shaped as a cup and/or mug with a handle. Thus configured, the problem of achieving a container lid system optimizing spillage prevention and venting functionality is achieved. Moreover, so configured, the slider assembly may be conveniently detached from the lid body for convenient cleaning, repair, replacement, etc.

The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, in certain embodiments, first, second, and third slider members may be combined into one or two elements. 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.

Claims

1. A container lid system comprising:

a lid body with a first aperture, a second aperture, and a bottom recess;

a slider configured to slide within the second aperture between a first position wherein the first aperture is covered, and a second position wherein the first aperture is exposed;

wherein the slider forms a vent channel with the bottom recess when the slider is in the second position.

2. The container lid system of claim 1, the slider being a slider assembly having a first slider member configured to allow a user to move the slider between the first and second positions.

3. The container lid system of claim 2, the first slider member having a post configured to extend through the second aperture.

4. The container lid system of claim 3, the slider assembly further having a second slider member for covering the first aperture when the slider is in the first position and exposing the first aperture when the slider is in the second position.

5. The container lid system of claim 4, the second slider member forming at least a portion of the vent channel when the slider is in the second position.

6. The container of claim 4, the slider assembly further comprising a third slider member configured to attach to the post to releasably retain the first, second, and third slider members together.

7. The container lid system of claim 1, further comprising a container to which the lid system is configured to releaseably attach.

8. A container lid system comprising:

a lid body with a drinking aperture, a slider aperture, and a bottom recess;

a slider assembly configured to slide within the slider aperture between a first position wherein the drinking aperture is covered and a second position wherein the drinking aperture is exposed, the slider assembly further having a first slider member with a post configured to extend through the slider aperture and allow a user to move the slider assembly between the first and second positions, a second slider member covers the drinking aperture in the first position and exposes the drinking aperture in the second position, the second slider member having an aperture configured to receive the post, and a third slider member configured to releasably attach to the post to retain the first, second and third slider members together;

wherein the slider assembly forms a vent channel with the bottom recess when the slider assembly is in the second position for venting a container.

9. The container lid system of claim 8, the first slider member having a recess configured to form at least a portion of the vent channel when the slider assembly is in the second position.

10. The container lid system of claim 8, the second slider member having a flange portion configured to form a rotational interference fit with the slider assembly aperture.

11. The container lid system of claim 8, the second slider member having a recessed portion configured to face the lid body and form at least a portion of the vent channel when the slider assembly is in the second position.

12. The container lid system of claim 8, the second slider member having a flexible gasket forming a raised wall around one side of the second slider member.

13. The container lid system of claim 8, the second slider member having a flexible gasket around the aperture configured to receive the post.

14. The container lid system of claim 8 wherein the post has two or more flat portions configured to bound a slot of the third slider member for releasable attachment of the third slider member to the first slider member.

15. The container lid system of claim 8, further comprising the container to which the lid system is configured to releaseably attach.

16. A container lid system comprising:

a lid body with a first aperture, a second aperture, and a bottom recess;

a slider assembly comprised of a first slider member with a post configured to extend through the second aperture and allow a user to move the slider assembly between first and second positions, a second slider member that covers the first aperture in the first position and exposes the first aperture in the second position, the second slider member having an aperture configured to receive the post, and a third slider member configured to releasably attach to the post to retain the first, second and third slider members together.

17. The container lid system of claim 16, the first slider member generally above the first and second apertures.

18. The container lid system of claim 16, the second slider member generally below the first and second apertures.

19. The container lid system of claim 16, the third slider member generally below the first and second apertures.

20. The container lid system of claim 16, further comprising a container to which the lid system is configured to releaseably attach.