CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to containers and related devices. The
present disclosure relates specifically to various lid assemblies for beverage container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various embodiments relate to lid assemblies with improved performance characteristics,
such as improved insulation, reduced condensation, improved sealing, and venting features.
[0004] One embodiment of the invention relates to a container assembly including a bottom
panel that defines a bottom-most surface, a rotational axis around which the bottom
panel is centered, a wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel and the wall extending
around the rotational axis, a lid centered on the rotational axis, a first helical
threading extending from the lower portion of the lid away from the rotational axis,
a second helical threading extending from the upper portion of the lid away from the
rotational axis, and a cover centered on the rotational axis. The wall and bottom
panel collectively partially define a storage compartment, and the wall defines an
upper opening opposite the bottom panel. The lid includes a lower portion and an upper
portion above the lower portion. The lid includes a drinking aperture providing fluid
communication between the storage compartment and an exterior of the wall. The first
helical threading is configured to detachably engage the lid to the wall, and the
lid threadably engages with the wall via the first helical threading. The cover includes
an inner wall, an outer wall, and a third helical threading. The third helical threading
extends from the inner wall towards the rotational axis and engages with the second
helical threading to couple the cover to the lid. The cover seals the drinking aperture
when the cover is coupled to the lid. The inner wall is radially closer to the rotational
axis than the outer wall. The cover includes one or more chambers defined at least
in part by the inner wall and the outer wall. The one or more chambers provide thermal
insulation between the inner wall and the outer wall.
[0005] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a container assembly including a bottom
panel that defines a bottom-most surface, a rotational axis around which the bottom
panel is centered, a wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel and the wall extending
around the rotational axis, a lid centered on the rotational axis and detachably engaged
with a drinking container, a first helical threading extending from the lid away from
the rotational axis, a second helical threading extending from the lid distinct from
the first helical threading, a gasket coupled to the lid, and a cover centered on
the rotational axis. The wall and bottom panel collectively partially define a storage
compartment. The wall defines an upper opening opposite the bottom panel. The lid
includes a first drinking aperture and a first venting aperture. The first drinking
aperture and the first venting aperture provide fluid communication between the storage
compartment and an exterior of the wall. The first helical threading are configured
to detachably engage the lid to the wall. The lid threadably engages with the wall
via the first helical threading. The second helical threading extends away from the
rotational axis. The cover includes an outer wall, an upper wall, and a third helical
threading extending from the outer wall towards the rotational axis and engaging with
the second helical threading to couple the cover to the lid. The upper wall includes
a second drinking aperture and a second venting aperture. The cover actuates between
an open position and a closed position. When the cover is in the open position the
first drinking aperture and the first venting aperture are in fluid communication
with the second drinking aperture and the second venting aperture, respectively, and
when the cover is in the closed position the second drinking aperture and the second
venting aperture are interfacing with and sealed by the gasket.
[0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a container assembly including a bottom
panel that defines a bottom-most surface, a rotational axis around which the bottom
panel is centered, a wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel and the wall extending
around the rotational axis, a lid centered on the rotational axis and detachably engaged
with a drinking container, a helical threading extending from the lid away from the
rotational axis, a gasket coupled to the lid, and a cover centered on the rotational
axis. The wall and bottom panel collectively partially define a storage compartment.
The wall defines an upper opening opposite the bottom panel. The lid includes a first
drinking aperture and a first venting aperture. The first drinking aperture and the
first venting aperture provide fluid communication between a storage compartment in
the drinking container and an exterior of the drinking container. The helical threading
is configured to detachably engage the lid to the wall. The lid threadably engages
with the wall via the helical threading. The cover includes an outer wall and an upper
wall extending from the outer wall towards the rotational axis. The cover is detachably
coupled to the lid. The upper wall includes a second drinking aperture, a first protrusion
extending towards the gasket and circumferentially surrounding the second drinking
aperture, a second venting aperture, and a second protrusion extending towards the
gasket and circumferentially surrounding the second venting aperture. The cover actuates
between an open position and a closed position. When the cover is in the open position
the first drinking aperture and the first venting aperture are in fluid communication
with the second drinking aperture and the second venting aperture, respectively, and
when the cover is in the closed position the first protrusion is interfacing with
the gasket to seal the second drinking aperture and the second protrusion is interfacing
with the gasket to seal the second venting aperture.
[0007] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a lid assembly including a rotational
axis, a lid centered on the rotational axis, a first helical threading extending from
a lower portion of the lid away from the rotational axis, a second helical threading
extending from an upper portion of the lid that is above the lower portion, and a
cover centered on the rotational axis. The first helical threading is configured to
detachably engage the lid to a wall of a drinking container. The lid includes a drinking
aperture providing fluid communication between a storage compartment in the drinking
container and an exterior of the lid. The second helical threading extends from the
upper portion away from the rotational axis. The cover includes an inner wall, an
outer wall, and a third helical threading. The third helical threading extends from
the inner wall towards the rotational axis and engages with the second helical threading
to couple the cover to the lid. The cover seals the drinking aperture when the cover
is coupled to the lid. The inner wall is radially closer to the rotational axis than
the outer wall. The cover defines one or more pockets (e.g., air pockets) between
the inner wall and the outer wall, the one or more pockets providing thermal insulation
between the inner wall and the outer wall.
[0008] In various embodiments, the cover includes a plurality of support walls radially
extending from the inner wall to the outer wall with respect to the rotational axis.
Each of the one or more pockets is defined at least in part by one or more of the
plurality of support walls.
[0009] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a lid assembly including a rotational
axis, a lid centered on the rotational axis and detachably engaged with a drinking
container, a first helical threading extending from a lower portion of the lid away
from the rotational axis, a second helical threading extending from an upper portion
of the lid above the lower portion, a gasket coupled to the lid, and a cover centered
on the rotational axis. The lid includes a first drinking aperture and a first venting
aperture. The first drinking aperture and the first venting aperture provide fluid
communication between a storage compartment in the drinking container and an exterior
of the lid. The first helical threading is configured to detachably engage the lid
to a wall of the drinking container. The second helical threading extends from the
upper portion away from the rotational axis. The cover includes an outer wall, an
upper wall, and a third helical threading extending from the outer wall towards the
rotational axis, the third helical threading engaging with the second helical threading
to couple the cover to the lid. The upper wall includes a second drinking aperture
and a second venting aperture. The cover actuates between an open position and a closed
position such that when the cover is in the open position the first drinking aperture
and the first venting aperture are in fluid communication with the second drinking
aperture and the second venting aperture, respectively, and when the cover is in the
closed position the second drinking aperture and the second venting aperture are interfacing
with and sealed by the gasket.
[0010] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a lid assembly including a rotational
axis, a lid centered on the rotational axis and detachably engaged with a drinking
container, a helical threading extending from a lower portion of the lid away from
the rotational axis, the helical threading configured to detachably engage the lid
to a wall of the drinking container, a gasket coupled to the lid, and a cover centered
on the rotational axis. The lid includes a first drinking aperture and a first venting
aperture. The first drinking aperture and the first venting aperture provide fluid
communication between a storage compartment in the drinking container and an exterior
of the lid. The cover includes an outer wall and an upper wall extending from the
outer wall towards the rotational axis. The cover detachably couples to the lid. The
upper wall includes a second drinking aperture, a first protrusion extending circumferentially
around the second drinking aperture and towards the gasket, a second venting aperture,
and a second protrusion extending circumferentially around the second venting aperture
and towards the gasket. The cover actuates between an open position and a closed position
such that when the cover is in the open position the first drinking aperture and the
first venting aperture are in fluid communication with the second drinking aperture
and the second venting aperture, respectively, and when the cover is in the closed
position the second drinking aperture and the second venting aperture are interfacing
with and sealed by the gasket.
[0011] In various embodiments, the gasket includes a third drinking aperture and a third
venting aperture. When the cover is in the open position the first drinking aperture
is in fluid communication with the second drinking aperture via the third drinking
aperture, and the first venting aperture is in fluid communication with the second
venting aperture via the third venting aperture.
[0012] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description
which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art
from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the
written description included, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood
that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description
are exemplary.
[0013] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated
in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more
embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation
of the various embodiments. In addition, alternative exemplary embodiments relate
to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals
refer to like elements in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container assembly including a lid assembly, according
to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid of the lid assembly of FIG. 1, according to
an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cover of the lid assembly of FIG. 1, according
to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view from above of a lid assembly for a drinking container,
according to another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view from below of the lid assembly of FIG. 9, according
to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lid and a first gasket of the lid assembly of
FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view from below of the cover and a second gasket of the lid
assembly of FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of the second lid assembly of FIG. 9, according to
an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a lid assembly for a drinking container, according
to another exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view from below of the lid assembly of FIG. 14, according
to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the lid assembly of FIG. 14, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the lid and a gasket of the lid assembly of FIG.
14, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lid and the gasket of the lid assembly of FIG.
17, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view from below of the cover of the lid assembly of FIG.
14, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a cross-section view of the lid assembly of FIG. 14, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of lid assemblies for beverage
containers are shown. The lid assemblies are designed to selectively actuate between
an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the beverage is accessible,
for example, for a user to drink. In the closed position, the beverage is enclosed
within the beverage container, thereby protecting the beverage from spilling out of
the container. Various lid assemblies described herein engage against the container
and include covers that selectively seal one or both of the apertures in the lid,
thereby sealing the contents of the container within the storage compartment. Various
lid assemblies described herein include thermal insulation, such as via chambers,
between the inner wall and outer wall, thereby reducing condensation on an exterior
of the lid assemblies.
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, various aspects of container assembly 170 including container
172 and lid assembly 110 are shown. Container assembly 170 includes bottom panel 182
that defines a bottom-most surface 184, a rotational axis 112 around which bottom
panel 182 is centered, a wall 178 extending upwardly from the bottom panel 182, a
lid 120 centered on the rotational axis 112, first helical threading 124 extending
from a lower portion 122 of the lid 120 away from rotational axis 112, second helical
threading 128 extending from an upper portion 126 of lid 120 away from rotational
axis 112, and a cover 150 centered on the rotational axis 112 and coupled to the lid
120.
[0017] In various embodiments, container 172 includes bottom panel 182 defining a bottom-most
surface 184, wall 178 extending around rotational axis 112 (e.g., extending circumferentially)
and extending upwardly from bottom panel 182, and storage compartment 186. Wall 178
and bottom 182 collectively partially define storage compartment 186. Wall 178 defines
upper opening 188 opposite bottom panel 182. Upper opening 188 provides fluid communication
for contents within storage compartment 186 (e.g., liquids) to be moved to exterior
174 of container 172. Body 190 of container 172 includes bottom panel 182 and wall
178. In various embodiments, container 172 includes coupling component 180 (e.g.,
ledges) configured to couple container 172 to a cleat in a Milwaukee PACKOUT
® modular storage unit. In a specific embodiment, coupling component 180 is compatible
with the coupling mechanism(s) described in International Patent Publication No.
WO 2017/191628, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0018] Lid assembly 110 includes rotational axis 112, lid 120, and cover 150 centered on
the rotational axis 112. Lid 120 is engaged with a drinking container. Lid 120 includes
lower portion 122 and upper portion 126 above the lower portion 122, lid 120 including
drinking aperture 130 providing fluid communication between storage compartment 186
and exterior 174 of wall 178. Lid assembly 110 includes first helical threading 124
extending from a lower portion 122 of the lid 120 away from the rotational axis 112.
In various embodiments, the thread pattern of first helical threading 124 permits
the lid assembly 110 to couple to a variety of bottles. First helical threading 124
is configured to detachably engage the lid 120 to wall 178 of container 172, lid 120
threadably engaging wall 178 via the first helical threading 124. The lid 120 further
includes a drinking aperture 130 providing fluid communication between a storage compartment
186 in the drinking container 172 and an exterior of the lid 120 (and drinking container
172).
[0019] Lid assembly 110 includes second helical threading 128 extending from an upper portion
126 of the lid 120 that is above the lower portion 122. Second helical threading 128
extends from the upper portion 126 away from the rotational axis 112.
[0020] Cover 150 includes inner wall 152, outer wall 154, and third helical threading 156.
Third helical threading 156 extends from the inner wall 152 towards the rotational
axis 112 and engages with the second helical threading 128 (of lid 120) to couple
the cover 150 to the lid 120. Cover 150 seals the drinking aperture 130 when the cover
150 is coupled to the lid 120. Inner wall 152 is radially closer to the rotational
axis 112 than outer wall 154. Cover 150 includes one or more chambers 158 defined
at least in part by inner wall 152 and the outer wall 154. The one or more chambers
158 provide thermal insulation between the inner wall 152 and the outer wall 154.
In various embodiments, chambers 158 (e.g., air pockets, vacuum(s) and/or volumes
of reduced pressure) help insulate the cap and reduce condensation. In various embodiments,
cover includes handle 162 extending upward away from lid 120, handle 162 configured
to be grasped by a user to carry cover 150 (and by extension lid 120 and container
172).
[0021] In various embodiments, cover 150 includes a plurality of support walls 160 extending
from the inner wall 152 to the outer wall 154. In various embodiments, plurality of
support walls 160 extend radially with respect to the rotational axis 112. Each of
the one or more chambers 158 is defined at least in part by one or more of the plurality
of support walls 160, as well as the inner wall 152 and the outer wall 154. In various
embodiments, at least one of the one or more chambers 158 are defined at least in
part by one or more of the plurality of support walls 160.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 5, lid 120 includes an annular wall 134 that extends radially away
from the rotational axis 112, and the annular wall 134 is between the upper portion
126 and the lower portion 122, and the annular wall 134 extends radially further from
the rotational axis 112 than each of upper portion 126 and the lower portion 122.
In various embodiments, lid 120 includes annular wall 134 that extends radially away
from rotational axis 112, and the annular wall 134 is between the first helical threading
124 and the second helical threading 128, and the annular wall 134 extends radially
further from the rotational axis 112 than each of first helical threading 124 and
the second helical threading 128.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 6, upper portion 126 of lid 120 includes a first cylindrical wall
132 extending away from lower portion 122 of lid 120, and the first cylindrical wall
132 defines the drinking aperture 130. In various embodiments, the first cylindrical
wall 132 circumferentially surrounds the drinking aperture 130.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 8, cover 150 includes a second cylindrical wall 164 that interfaces
with the first cylindrical wall 132 to seal the drinking aperture 130 when the cover
150 is coupled to the lid 120. In various embodiments, cover 150 includes a recess
166 that extends circumferentially around the rotational axis 112, and the recess
166 receives the first cylindrical wall 132 to seal the drinking aperture 130 when
the cover 150 is coupled to the lid 120.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 9-13, various aspects of lid assembly 210 are shown. Lid assembly
210 is substantially the same as lid assembly except for the differences discussed
herein. Lid assembly 210 can be coupled to and engaged with container 172 of container
assembly 170 in place of lid assembly 110.
[0026] Lid assembly 210 includes rotational axis 212, first helical threading 224 extending
from a lower portion 222 of the lid 220 away from the rotational axis 212, second
helical threading 228 extending from an upper portion 226 of the lid 220 above the
lower portion 222 and distinct from first helical threading 224, gasket 280 coupled
to lid 220, and cover 250 centered on rotational axis 212. First helical threading
224 is configured to detachably engage lid 220 to a wall of a container (e.g., wall
178 of container 172). Second helical threading 228 extends away from rotational axis
212.
[0027] Lid 220 is centered on rotational axis 212 and detachably engaged with a drinking
container (e.g., container 172). Lid 220 includes first drinking aperture 230 and
first venting aperture 232, the first drinking aperture 230 and the first venting
aperture 232 providing fluid communication between a storage compartment in the drinking
container and an exterior of the wall of the container (e.g., wall 178 of container
172).
[0028] In various embodiments, lid assembly 210 includes gasket 290 (e.g., a ring gasket)
and gasket 280 (e.g., a bowtie gasket). Gasket 290 prevents leaks in the open position
and both gaskets 280, 290 prevent leaking in the closed position. In various embodiments,
lid assembly 210 includes gasket 290 coupled to lid 220.
[0029] In various embodiments, the lid 220 and cover 250 are coupled together so that the
more the lid 220 is twisted with respect to the cover 250, the more pressure is applied
to the gaskets 280, 290.
[0030] Lid 20 includes an annular wall 238 that extends radially away from the rotational
axis 212, and the annular wall 238 is between the upper portion 226 and the lower
portion 222, and the annular wall 238 extends radially further from the rotational
axis 212 than each of upper portion 226 and the lower portion 222.
[0031] Cover 250 includes an outer wall 252, an upper wall 256, and third helical threading
254 extending from the outer wall 252 towards the rotational axis 212 and engaging
with second helical threading 228 of lid 220 to couple the cover 250 to the lid 220.
The upper wall 256 includes second drinking aperture 258 and second venting aperture
260. The cover 250 actuates between an open position and a closed position such that
when the cover 250 is in the open position first drinking aperture 230 and first venting
aperture 232 are in fluid communication with second drinking aperture 258 and second
venting aperture 260, respectively, and when the cover 250 is in the closed position
second drinking aperture 258 and second venting aperture 260 are interfacing with
and sealed by the gasket 280.
[0032] In various embodiments, the threads (e.g., first helical threading 224) include a
step to prevent over-torquing of the lid 220 and the drinking container. This step
threading can facilitate removing the lid 220 when the lid 220 is tightly coupled
to the drinking container compared to threads that do not include a step.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 10, in various embodiments, lid 220 includes lower surface 236
that partially encloses the storage compartment of the drinking container when lid
220 is coupled to the drinking container.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 11, gasket 280 includes central portion 282 centered on rotational
axis 212, first projection 284 extending from central portion 282 radially away from
rotational axis 212, and second projection 286 extending from central portion 282
radially away from rotational axis 212 and first projection 284. Gasket 280 extends
along primary longitudinal axis 288. In various embodiments, primary longitudinal
axis 288 bisects first projection 284 and/or second projection 286.
[0035] In various embodiments, the gasket extends 280 along a primary longitudinal axis
288 such that the first projection 284 defines a width 289 perpendicular to the primary
longitudinal axis 288, the central portion 282 defines a width 283 perpendicular to
the primary longitudinal axis 288 that is narrower than the width 289 of the first
projection 284, and the second projection 286 defines a width 289 perpendicular to
the primary longitudinal axis 288 that is wider than the width 283 of the central
portion 282. In various embodiments, width 289 of first projection 284 is equal to
width 289 of second projection 286. In this arrangement, sidewalls 281 of gasket 280
extend outward from central portion 282 to outer wall 285 of first projection 284
and outer wall 287 of second projection 286. Stated another way, width of gasket 280
(e.g., perpendicular to longitudinal axis 288) increases between the sidewalls 281
the further that gasket 280 is from the center (e.g., axis 212). In various embodiments,
outer wall 285 of first projection 284 and outer wall 287 of second projection 286
extend circumferentially around axis 212.
[0036] In various embodiments, first projection 284 includes first channel 277 that extends
circumferentially around axis 212, and second projection 286 includes second channel
279 that extends circumferentially around axis 212. In various embodiments, first
channel 277 is concentric with respect to outer wall 285 of first projection 284,
and second channel 279 is concentric with respect to outer wall 287 of second projection
286.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 14-20, various aspects of lid assembly 310 are shown. Lid assembly
310 is substantially the same as lid assembly 210 or lid assembly 110 except for the
differences discussed herein. Lid assembly 310 can be coupled to and engaged with
container 172 of container assembly 170 in place of lid assembly 110.
[0038] Lid assembly 310 includes rotational axis 312, helical threading 322 extending from
a lower portion 336 of the lid 320 away from the rotational axis 312, the helical
threading 322 configured to detachably engage the lid 320 to a wall of the drinking
container (e.g., wall 178 of container 172), the lid 320 threadably engaging with
the wall via the helical threading 322, gasket 380 coupled to the lid 320, and cover
350 centered on the rotational axis 312. Lid 320 is centered on the rotational axis
312 and detachably engaged with a drinking container 172. Lid 320 includes first drinking
aperture 328 and first venting aperture 330. First drinking aperture 328 and first
venting aperture 330 provide fluid communication between a storage compartment in
the drinking container (e.g., storage compartment 186 of container 172) and an exterior
of the container (e.g., container 172).
[0039] Cover 350 includes an outer wall 352 and an upper wall 356 extending from the outer
wall 352 towards the rotational axis 312. Cover 350 is detachably coupled to the lid
320, the upper wall 356 including second drinking aperture 360, first protrusion 362
extending towards the gasket 380 and circumferentially around second drinking aperture
360, second venting aperture 364, and second protrusion 366 extending towards the
gasket 380 and circumferentially around second venting aperture 364. Cover 350 actuates
between an open position and a closed position such that when cover 350 is in the
open position first drinking aperture 328 and first venting aperture 330 are in fluid
communication with second drinking aperture 360 and second venting aperture 364, respectively,
and when the cover 350 is in the closed position the first protrusion 362 is interfacing
with the gasket 380 to seal the second drinking aperture 360 and the second protrusion
366 is interfacing with the gasket 380 to seal the second venting aperture 364.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 15, in various embodiments, lid 320 includes lower surface 326
that partially encloses the storage compartment of the drinking container when lid
320 is coupled to the drinking container.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 17-19, in various embodiments cover 350 is keyed to the lid 320
(e.g., the coupling is not a threaded coupling). Lid 320 includes vertical channels
334 (e.g., four vertical channels 334 in two pairs of two) and a locking projection
332 between the vertical channels 334 in the pair of vertical channels 334.
[0042] In various embodiments, cover 350 includes projections (e.g., locking projections
358 and/or securing projections 370) that extend radially away from the rotational
axis 312, the lid 320 includes lateral channels 324 that circumferentially extend
around the lid 320 with respect to the rotational axis 312, and the projections (e.g.,
locking projections 358 and/or securing projections 370) slide within the lateral
channels 324 when the cover 350 actuates between the open position and the closed
position with respect to the lid 320. In various embodiments, cover 350 includes locking
projections 358 and securing projections 370 extending from inner wall 354 radially
away from rotational axis 312. Lower wall 368 extends between outer wall 352 and inner
wall 354. When securing cover 350 to lid 320, locking projections 358 and securing
projections 370 are inserted in vertical channels 334. Then, cover 350 is rotated
relative to lid 320 such that locking projections 358 rotate over and past locking
projection 332 until both locking projections 358 and securing projections 370 are
secured within lateral channels 324 of lid 320. The interface between locking projections
332 of lid 320 and locking projections 358 of cover 350 biases cover 350 to remain
coupled to lid 320.
[0043] In various embodiments, gasket 380 is between the lid 320 and the cover 350 and there
is constant pressure on gasket 380. Cover 350 includes an axially extending rim or
lip, shown as first protrusion 362, surrounding the perimeter of second drinking aperture
360 and extending towards the gasket 380. Cover 350 includes an axially extending
rim or lip, shown as second protrusion 366, surrounding the perimeter of second venting
aperture 364 and extending towards the gasket 380. In this arrangement, first protrusion
362 extends around second drinking aperture 360 and second protrusion 366 extends
around second venting aperture 364 apply pressure from cover 350 to lid 320 via gasket
380. In various embodiments, the pressure between the lid 320 and cover 350 is the
same in the open and closed positions.
[0044] In various embodiments, gasket 380 includes third drinking aperture 382 and third
venting aperture 384. When cover 350 is in the open position, first drinking aperture
328 is in fluid communication with second drinking aperture 360 via third drinking
aperture 382, and first venting aperture 330 is in fluid communication with second
venting aperture 364 via third venting aperture 384.
[0045] To move the lid assembly 310 to the open position, the first drinking aperture 328
in the lid 320 is aligned with the second drinking aperture 360 in cover 350, and
the first venting aperture 330 in lid 320 is aligned with the second venting aperture
364 in cover 350.
[0046] It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in
detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to
the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures.
It should also be understood that the terminology is for description purposes only
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0047] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure
will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly,
this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements,
shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a
few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications
are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions
of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials,
colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings
and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally
formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements
may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements
or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical
algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative
embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be
made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary
embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0048] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth
herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order.
Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed
by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions
that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that
any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is
intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed
as meaning only one. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" refers to two components being
coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship
when acted upon by a force.
[0049] Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to any combination of any of the features,
and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications.
Any of the features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed
above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or
components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.
[0050] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the joining of two components
directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or
movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another
or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached
to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable
or releasable in nature.
[0051] While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the
claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination
of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently
claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications.
Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed
above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components
of any of the other embodiments discussed above.
[0052] In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths
and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures
will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary
embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute
and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures.
Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions
or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not
expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions
measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this
description.
1. A container assembly comprising:
a bottom panel that defines a bottom-most surface;
a rotational axis around which the bottom panel is centered;
a wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel, the wall extending around the rotational
axis, the wall and bottom panel collectively partially defining a storage compartment,
the wall defining an upper opening opposite the bottom panel;
a lid centered on the rotational axis, the lid comprising a lower portion and an upper
portion above the lower portion, the lid comprising a drinking aperture providing
fluid communication between the storage compartment and an exterior of the wall;
a first helical threading extending from the lower portion of the lid away from the
rotational axis, the lid threadably engaging with the wall via the first helical threading;
a second helical threading extending from the upper portion of the lid away from the
rotational axis; and
a cover centered on the rotational axis and comprising an inner wall, an outer wall,
and a third helical threading, the third helical threading extending from the inner
wall towards the rotational axis and engaging with the second helical threading to
couple the cover to the lid, the cover sealing the drinking aperture when the cover
is coupled to the lid, the inner wall radially closer to the rotational axis than
the outer wall, the cover comprising one or more chambers defined at least in part
by the inner wall and the outer wall, the one or more chambers providing thermal insulation
between the inner wall and the outer wall.
2. The container assembly of claim 1, the cover comprising a handle extending upward
away from the lid, the handle configured to be grasped by a user to carry the cover.
3. The container assembly of claim 1, the cover comprising a plurality of support walls
extending from the inner wall to the outer wall.
4. The container assembly of claim 3, wherein the plurality of support walls extend radially
with respect to the rotational axis.
5. The container assembly of claim 3, wherein at least one of the one or more chambers
are defined at least in part by one or more of the plurality of support walls.
6. The container assembly of claim 1, the upper portion of the lid comprising a first
cylindrical wall extending away from the lower portion of the lid, the first cylindrical
wall defining the drinking aperture.
7. The container assembly of claim 6, wherein the first cylindrical wall circumferentially
surrounds the drinking aperture.
8. The container assembly of claim 6, the cover comprising a second cylindrical wall
that interfaces with the first cylindrical wall to seal the drinking aperture when
the cover is coupled to the lid.
9. The container assembly of claim 6, the cover comprising a recess that extends circumferentially
around the rotational axis, wherein the recess receives the first cylindrical wall
to seal the drinking aperture when the cover is coupled to the lid.
10. The container assembly of claim 1, the lid comprising an annular wall that extends
radially away from the rotational axis, wherein the annular wall is between the upper
portion and the lower portion, and wherein the annular wall extends radially further
from the rotational axis than each of upper portion and the lower portion.
11. A container assembly comprising:
a bottom panel that defines a bottom-most surface;
a rotational axis around which the bottom panel is centered;
a wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel, the wall extending around the rotational
axis, the wall and bottom panel collectively partially defining a storage compartment,
the wall defining an upper opening opposite the bottom panel;
a lid centered on the rotational axis and detachably engaged with a drinking container,
the lid comprising a first drinking aperture and a first venting aperture, the first
drinking aperture and the first venting aperture providing fluid communication between
the storage compartment and an exterior of the wall;
a first helical threading extending from the lid away from the rotational axis, the
lid threadably engaging with the wall via the first helical threading;
a second helical threading extending from the lid distinct from the first helical
threading, the second helical threading extending away from the rotational axis;
a gasket coupled to the lid; and
a cover centered on the rotational axis and comprising an outer wall, an upper wall,
and a third helical threading extending from the outer wall towards the rotational
axis and engaging with the second helical threading to couple the cover to the lid,
the upper wall comprising a second drinking aperture and a second venting aperture,
the cover actuating between an open position and a closed position, wherein when the
cover is in the open position the first drinking aperture and the first venting aperture
are in fluid communication with the second drinking aperture and the second venting
aperture, respectively, and when the cover is in the closed position the second drinking
aperture and the second venting aperture are interfacing with and sealed by the gasket.
12. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein the gasket comprises a central portion
centered on the rotational axis, a first projection extending from the central portion
radially away from the rotational axis, and a second projection extending from the
central portion radially away from the rotational axis and the first projection.
13. The container assembly of claim 12, wherein the gasket extends along a primary longitudinal
axis such that the first projection defines a width perpendicular to the primary longitudinal
axis, the central portion defines a width perpendicular to the primary longitudinal
axis that is narrower than the width of the first projection, and the second projection
defines a width perpendicular to the primary longitudinal axis that is wider than
the width of the central portion.
14. The container assembly of claim 13, wherein the width of the first projection is equal
to the width of the second projection.
15. The container assembly of claim 12, the first projection comprising a first channel
that extends circumferentially around the rotational axis.
16. The container assembly of claim 15, the second projection comprising a second channel
that extends circumferentially around the rotational axis.
17. The container assembly of claim 11, the lid comprising an annular wall that extends
radially away from the rotational axis, wherein the annular wall is between the first
helical threading and the second helical threading, and wherein the annular wall extends
radially further from the rotational axis than each of first helical threading and
the second helical threading.
18. A container assembly comprising:
a bottom panel that defines a bottom-most surface;
a rotational axis around which the bottom panel is centered;
a wall extending upwardly from the bottom panel, the wall extending around the rotational
axis, the wall and bottom panel collectively partially defining a storage compartment,
the wall defining an upper opening opposite the bottom panel;
a lid centered on the rotational axis and detachably engaged with a drinking container,
the lid comprising a first drinking aperture and a first venting aperture, the first
drinking aperture and the first venting aperture providing fluid communication between
a storage compartment in the drinking container and an exterior of the drinking container;
a helical threading extending from the lid away from the rotational axis, the lid
threadably engaging with the wall via the helical threading;
a gasket coupled to the lid; and
a cover centered on the rotational axis and comprising an outer wall and an upper
wall extending from the outer wall towards the rotational axis, the cover detachably
coupled to the lid, the upper wall comprising a second drinking aperture, a first
protrusion extending towards the gasket and circumferentially surrounding the second
drinking aperture, a second venting aperture, and a second protrusion extending towards
the gasket and circumferentially surrounding the second venting aperture, the cover
actuating between an open position and a closed position, wherein when the cover is
in the open position the first drinking aperture and the first venting aperture are
in fluid communication with the second drinking aperture and the second venting aperture,
respectively, and when the cover is in the closed position the first protrusion is
interfacing with the gasket to seal the second drinking aperture and the second protrusion
is interfacing with the gasket to seal the second venting aperture.
19. The container assembly of claim 18, the gasket comprising a third drinking aperture
and a third venting aperture, when the cover is in the open position the first drinking
aperture is in fluid communication with the second drinking aperture via the third
drinking aperture, and the first venting aperture is in fluid communication with the
second venting aperture via the third venting aperture.
20. The container assembly of claim 18, the cover comprising projections that extend radially
away from the rotational axis, the lid comprising lateral channels that circumferentially
extend around the lid with respect to the rotational axis, wherein the projections
slide within the lateral channels when the cover actuates between the open position
and the closed position with respect to the lid.