Novel Lid Assembly

The present invention is related to a lid assembly. Specifically, the present invention is related to a lid assembly which has simplified design featuring a spout that can be controllably operated with a linkage system.

Various drinking containers commonly found in the art typically consist of a container body and a lid secured to it. The lid includes a mechanism designed to open or close a liquid passage that connects the interior of the container body to the exterior. In some existing lid assemblies, the liquid passage is closed by applying downward pressure on the lid, causing the tube or spout forming the passage to bend or fold. While prior art offers multiple structures to reopen the bent or folded liquid passage, these solutions often lack speed in operation or are structurally complex. As a result, the invention addresses the need for a simplified lid design featuring a spout that can be effortlessly operated with one hand using a handle, allowing quick and easy switching between the open and closed positions of the folded or bent spout.

The present invention seeks to address issues of these mechanisms lack capability to adjust its resistance force and response time, or at least to provide an alternative to the public.

The first aspect of the present invention is related to a lid assembly, for a container, comprising: a main body, removably mounting to said container, said main body is provided with a receiving chamber and a passage fluidically communicable with the interior of said container; a spout, configured to provide an internal thoroughly-hollow bore and to sit over said passage and to pivotably mounted to said main body in said receiving chamber, such that said spout is movable between a first position where said passage and said bore being communicable and a second position where said passage and said bore being not communicable; a handle, operatively connecting to said spout and to said main body; a connecting member, having a first end movably connecting to said spout and a second end connecting to said handle; and characterized in that, the connection between said spout, said connecting member, and said handle define a linkage system, whereby the movement of said handle actuates the movement of said spout.

In some embodiments, said connecting member comprising a first link member and a second link member connecting said first link member, the free end of said first link member connecting said spout and the free end of said second link member connecting said handle.

In some embodiments, said free end of said first link member connecting to the lower portion of said spout.

In some embodiments, said spout pivotably mounted to the upper portion of said main body.

In some embodiments, said free end of said second link member connecting to the lower portion of said handle.

In some embodiments, said first link member and said second link member connecting at an angle, preferably an obtuse angle.

In some embodiments, said first link member being configured to provide a pair of bifurcated portions.

In some embodiments, the upper portion of said main body being profiled to provide said receiving chamber.

In some embodiments, the lower portion of said main body being profiled to provide spacing allowing the movement of said handle.

In some embodiments, the connection between said handle and said main body being a pivotal connection.

In some embodiments, the connection between said handle and said main body being a slidable connection.

In some embodiments, the internal surface of said main body being provided with a pair of grooves, and said handle being provided with a pair of protrusions fit in said pair of grooves.

In some embodiments, said passage being arranged at the lower portion of said main body.

The present invention is now presented by way of examples with reference to the figures in the following paragraphs. Objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in or are apparent from the following description. It shall be understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art that the following description is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions.

It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present invention shall have the usual meanings understood by person with ordinary skills in the art to which the present invention belongs. “First”, “second” and similar expression used in the embodiments of the present invention do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. “Front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” and other terms indicating orientation or similar terms are only described for the exemplary relative positional relationship shown in the drawings to facilitate the understanding. It does not limit the disclosed components in the present invention can only follow this specific relative positional relationship. “Connect or the like”, “mount or the like” or “secure or the like” or “assemble or the like” is not limited to physical or mechanical connections, whether direct or indirect.

Referring now to the drawings,illustrate a container assemblycomprising a containerand a lid assemblyplaced thereon. The containerhas a top opening. The lid assemblycan be configured to connect to the containerfor removably covering the top opening. The containeris used to contain or store contents such as liquid and may be of any type known in the art. The lid assemblycomprises a main body, a spoutmounted to the main body, and a lever system.

The main bodyis formed by connecting an upper lidwith a lower lid, and the lower lidis adapted to be removably attached to the opening of the container. For example, the lower lidhas internal threads formed on an inner surface thereof, which internal threads cooperate with external threads formed on an outer surface of the wall component of the containerto secure the lid assembly to the container.show the upper lidand the lower lidin great details. As shown, the upper lidhas a receiving chamberto accommodate the spoutin place when it is fully folded (see), and a locking memberto engage the folded spout. A passageextends through the lower lidand protrudes into or is open to the receiving chamber. The lower lidhas a recessthat is running therethrough on the side opposite to the passage. The facing outwardly recessis sized to allow for movement of the lever systemwhich can pivot to displace in the region of the recess. This will be discussed herein below.

As shown in, the passageformed therethrough the lower lidis in fluid communication with the spoutand in fluid communication with the opening of the containerfor allowing the liquid contained in the containerto flow out of the containerthrough the spout. In this embodiment, the spoutis made from an elastic material like silicone and provided as one piece. The spoutcomprises an orifice, a baseand an internal hollow boreextending from the orificethrough the base. The spoutis mounted in a way that the spoutcan be moved between a first position where the spoutis outwardly exposed and a second position where the spoutis received in the receiving chamber. Specifically, the baseis mounted on the upper lidvia a first pivotand is pivotal between the first position (see) where the hollow boreis in alignment with the passageand the opening of the containerto dispense the fluid, and the second position (see) where the hollow boremisaligns from the passageand thus from the opening of the containerto prevent the fluid from dispensing from the container. Advantageously, a silicone member, like a pad, is placed between the baseof the spoutand the passageto create a sealing effect to prevent leakage of the fluid.

In this embodiment, the lever systemcomprises a first link memberhaving a first pivot end, a second link memberfixed to the first link memberand having a second pivot end, and a handle. Advantageously, in the present invention, the first link memberand the second link membercan be integrally formed. Preferably, the first link memberand the second link memberare formed integrally. As illustrated, the first link memberand the second link memberare connected at an angle, such as at an obtuse angle. The first pivot endof the first link memberis articulated to the spoutat a position adjacent to the basevia a second pivot, and the second link memberis articulated at the second pivot endto a lower end of the handleon the inner surface thereof. Such configuration provides better force transmission from the handle to the spout. The handleis pivotally coupled at its upper part to the upper lidsuch that the handleis able to pivot relative to the main body. The first link memberprotrudes beyond the recessand laterally extends above the lower lidand beneath the locking memberof the upper lid, which allows for free movement of the first link memberwithout hindrance. The recessis sized to allow for displacement of the second link memberand the handletherein when they carry out the pivotal movement.

Referring now toto, there is illustrated the pivotal movement of the spoutfrom the fully folded position to the fully open position. In the specification, “the fully folded position of the spout” and “the second position of the spout” are interchangeable; “the fully open position of the spout” and “the first position of the spout” are interchangeable. As discussed above, the first link memberand the second link memberare respectively articulated to the spoutand the lower end of the handle.shows the spoutis in the fully folded position where the hollow boreis completely deviated from the passage, and the fluid communication between the passage, namely the interior of the container, and the exterior of the containeris closed or blocked. In this case, no dispensing of the fluid contained in the containeris allowed. When an inward pressure is applied to the lower part of the handle(see), the second link membercoupled to the lower end of the handleis caused to pivot and displace inwardly and upwardly in the recessand at the same time the upper part of the handlepivots outwardly relative to the upper lid. During the inward displacement process of the second link member, the first link memberintegral with the second link membersimultaneously moves inwardly and upwardly. Because the spoutis articulated to the first link member, the spoutis driven by the upward and inward movement of the first link memberto pivot upwardly and away from the main body. The inward pressure applied to the handleis continued, the second link membercontinues to move inwardly and upwardly further in the recessuntil it abuts against the lower lidwhere the spoutpivots to its fully open position and stands substantially perpendicular to the lower lid. As illustrated in, the hollow boreof the spoutis in alignment with the passageand the interior of the containerwhen the spoutis in the fully open position. In this case, the fluid communication between the passagewith the spoutand the opening of the containerresumes, thereby allowing the liquid contained in the containerto flow through the passageand the spout. The container, in, is in ready-to-use state for dispensing the liquid. When it is necessary to close the lid assembly, the spoutmay be folded down to its fully folded position. During this folding process, the first link memberand the second link membermove downwardly and outwardly, which causes the lower part of the handleto pivot outwardly relative to the lower lidand the upper part of the handleto pivot inwardly relative to the upper liduntil the locking memberformed on the upper lidengages with the spoutin the fully folded position. In this case, the fluid communication of the passage, namely the opening of the container, and the spout, is blocked to prevent the fluid contained in the containerfrom being dispensed through the spout, as clearly shown in.

The lever systemis configured and arranged in a manner that the pivotal movement of the handledrives the second link memberand the first link memberto pivot and displace upwardly and inwardly, thereby causing the spoutto pivot between the fully open position and the fully folded position. This unique lever system of the invention not only prevents undesired outflow, dispensing or leakage of the liquid contained in the containerwhen it is not in use, but also provides a simple and convenient way of switching the lid assemblybetween a closed state and an open state.

In the embodiments shown in, the connection between the spout, the first link member, the second link member, and the handledefine a linkage system of the present invention, whereby the movement of the handle actuates the movement of the spout.

In some cases, an additional levers or link members in operative connection with the lever systemmay be provided to facilitate the pushing of the handle. For instance, one or more further lever or link member may be provided to form a compound lever or link member together with the first and second link members,. The compound lever or link member can operate the handle faster and with an ease.

illustrate a container assemblycomprising a containerand a lid assemblyplaced thereon. The containerhas a top opening. The lid assemblycan be configured to connect to the containerfor removably covering the top opening. Like the containerof the above embodiment, the containeris used to contain or store contents such as liquid and may be of any type known in the art. The lid assemblycomprises a main body, a spoutmounted to the main body, and a lever system.

The main bodyis formed by connecting an upper lidwith a lower lid, and the lower lidis adapted to be removably attached to the opening of the container. For example, the lower lidhas internal threads formed on an inner surface thereof, which internal threads cooperate with external threads formed on an outer surface of the wall component of the containerto secure the lid assembly to the container.show the upper lidand the lower lidin great details. As shown, the upper lidhas a receiving chamberto accommodate the spoutin place when it is fully folded (see), and two inwardly facing groovesformed two opposite sides of the receiving chamber. A passageextends through the lower lidand protrudes into or is open to the receiving chamber.

In the fully open position, the passageformed therethrough the lower lidis in fluid communication with the spoutand in fluid communication with the opening of the containerfor allowing the liquid contained in the containerto flow out of the containerthrough the spout. Like the first embodiment discussed above, the spoutis made from an elastic material like silicone and provided as one piece. The spoutcomprises an orifice, a baseand a hollow boreextending from the orificethrough the base. The spoutis mounted in a way that the spoutcan be moved between the first position where the spoutis outwardly exposed and the second position where the spoutis received in the receiving chamber. The baseis mounted on the upper lidvia a first pivotA of the spout. The first pivotsA are respectively articulated to recessesB of the upper lidsuch that the spoutis pivotal between the first position (see) where the hollow boreis in alignment with the passageand the opening of the containerto dispense the fluid, and the second position (see) where the hollow boremisaligns from the passageand thus from the opening of the containerto prevent the fluid from dispensing from the container. Advantageously, a silicone member, like a plate, is placed between the baseof the spoutand the passageto create a sealing effect to prevent leakage of the fluid.

In this second embodiment, the lever systemcomprises a first link memberand a second link membereach having a first pivotA and a second pivotA, and a handlehaving a base plateslidably received in the two inwardly facing groovesof the upper lidand a standing portionextending upwardly from one end face of the base platetowards a free end of the base plate. The second pivotsA are respectively articulated to two sides of the base platevia second aperturesB of the handle, and the first pivotsA are respectively articulated to two opposite sides of the spoutvia first aperturesB of the spout. The base plateof the handleis slidable in the groovesof the upper lidsuch that the handlemoves between an extended position (see) and a retracted position (see) relative to the main body. The slidable movement of the base platecauses the first link memberand the second link memberto pivot, which pivotal movement in turns induces the spoutcoupled to the first and second link members,to pivot up to its fully open position or down to its fully folded position around the basethereof.

Referring now toto, there is illustrated the pivotal movement of the spoutfrom the fully folded position to the fully open position. As discussed above, the first link memberand the second link memberare respectively articulated to the spoutand also articulated to the free end of the handle.shows the handleis in the extended position, while the spoutis in the fully folded position where the hollow boreis completely deviated from the passage, and the fluid communication between the passage, namely the interior of the container, and the exterior of the containeris closed or blocked. In this case, no dispensing of the fluid contained in the containeris allowed. When an inward pressure is applied to the standing portionof the handle(see), the base plateof the handlewould be caused to slide inwardly in the groovesof the upper lid. During the inward sliding process of the handle, the first and second link members,articulated to the base platewould simultaneously pivot upwardly. Because the spoutis articulated to the first and second link members,, the spoutis driven by the upward movement of the first and second link members,to pivot upwardly and away from the main body. The inward pressure applied to the handleis carried on to cause the handlereach its retracted position, the first and second link members,continue to pivot upwardly further until the spoutpivots to its fully open position and stands against the side wall of the receiving chamberof the upper lidand substantially perpendicular to the main body. As illustrated in, the hollow boreof the spoutis in alignment with the passageand the interior of the containerwhen it is in the fully open position. In this case, the fluid communication between the passagewith the spoutand the opening of the container resumes, thereby allowing the liquid contained in the containerto flow through the passageand the spout. The container is in ready-to-use state for dispensing the liquid. When it is necessary to close the lid assembly, the spoutmay be folded down to its fully folded position. During this folding process, the first and second link members,would pivot downwardly and outwardly, which causes the base plateof the handleto slide outwardly in the groovesto reach its extended position, where the spoutfolds down to the fully folded position. In this case, the fluid communication of the passage, namely the opening of the container, and the spout, is blocked to prevent the fluid contained in the containerfrom being dispensed through the spout, as clearly shown in.

The lever systemis configured and arranged in a manner that the translational movement of the handledrives the first and second link members,to pivot upwardly or downwardly, thereby causing the spoutto assume the fully open position or the fully folded position, respectively. For example, when the handlemoves forward, i.e., moving into the receiving chamber, the first and second link members,pivot upwardly, thereby the spoutassumes the fully open configuration. This unique lever system of the invention not only prevents undesired outflow, dispensing or leakage of the liquid contained in the containerwhen it is not in use, but also provides a simple and convenient way of switching the lid assembly between a closed state and an open state.

In the embodiments shown in, the connection between the spout, the first link member, the second link member, and the handledefine a linkage system of the present invention, whereby the movement of the handle actuates the movement of the spout.

There is illustrated ina container assemblycomprising a main body, a spoutmounted to the main body, and a lever system.

The main bodyis formed by connecting an upper lidwith a lower lidwhich may be connected to the container, for example, through threads.show the upper lidand the lower lidin great details. As shown, the upper lidhas a receiving chamberto accommodate the spoutin place when it is fully folded (see). The receiving chamberhas an open side defining a space in which a handle is mounted, which will be discussed herein below. A passageextends through the lower lidand protrudes into or is open to the receiving chamber. The lower lidis in cylindrical shape, and an upper part of the cylindrical lower lidis connected to, for example snap fit, a lower part of the upper lid.

A passageformed therethrough the lower lidis in fluid communication with the spoutfor allowing the liquid contained in the container to flow out through the spout. Similarly, the spoutis made from an elastic material like silicone and provided as one piece. The spoutcomprises an orifice, a baseand a hollow boreextending from the orificethrough the base. The spoutis mounted in a way that the spoutcan be moved between a first position where the spoutis outwardly exposed and a second position where the spoutis received in the receiving chamber. The baseis mounted on the upper lidvia a first pivotand pivotal between a first position (see) where the hollow boreis in alignment with the passageto dispense the fluid, and a second position (see) where the hollow boremisaligns from the passageand thus from the opening of the container to prevent the fluid from dispensing. Advantageously, a silicone member, like a disk, is placed between the baseof the spoutand the passageto create a sealing effect to prevent leakage of the fluid.

In this embodiment, the lever systemmay be considered as a variation of the lever systemdiscussed in the above embodiments. Specifically, the lever systemcomprises a first link memberhaving two opposite bifurcated portionsand a connection barconnecting the two bifurcated portions. Each of the two bifurcated portionshas a first pivot end. The bifurcated portionsare sized and shaped to be adapted for accommodation in the receiving chamberof the upper lidwith a play for free pivotal movement. For example, the illustrated bifurcated portionshave a slight curvature in their length direction. The lever systemfurther comprises a second link memberhaving one end linked to a center of the connection bar, a third link memberlinked to the other end of the second link memberand having a second pivot end, and a handlehaving an upper part provided in the open side of the receiving chamber. Advantageously, in the present invention, the second link memberand the third link membercan be integrally formed. Preferably, the first link member, the second link memberand the third link memberare formed integrally. As illustrated, the second link memberand the third link memberare connected at an angle, such as at an obtuse angle, in a similar way of the first embodiment. The first link memberis also obliquely and upwardly connected with the second link member. The first pivot endsof the two opposite bifurcated portionsare articulated respectively to two sides of the spoutat a position adjacent to the basevia a second pivot, and the third link memberis articulated at the second pivot endto an approximate middle portion of the handleand fully received in an indentationformed in the upper part of the handle. This articulation position on the handlehelps reducing the rotation angle and amplitude of the handle, when subject to the inward pressure, to an extent. The handleis pivotally coupled at its upper part to the upper lidsuch that the handleis able to pivot relative to the main body. The second link memberis positioned above and laterally extends above the lower lidand also within the receiving chamber, which allows for free movement of the second link memberwithout hindrance. The two opposite bifurcated portionsextends upwardly and obliquely from the second link memberand is pivotally coupled with the spout.

Referring now toto, there is illustrated the pivotal movement of the spoutfrom the fully folded position to the fully open position. As discussed above, the first link memberand the third link memberare respectively articulated to the spoutand the approximate middle portion of the handle, and the first and third link members,are connected by the second link member.shows the spoutis in the fully folded position where the hollow boreis completely deviated from the passage, and the fluid communication between the passageand the spoutis closed or blocked. In this case, no dispensing of the fluid contained in the container is allowed. When an inward pressure is applied to the lower part of the handle(see), the third link memberreceived in the indentationof the handlewould be caused to pivot and displace inwardly, and at the same time the upper part of the handlepivots outwardly relative to the upper lid. During the inward displacement process of the third link member, the first and second link members,would simultaneously move inwardly and upwardly by the third link member. Because the spoutis articulated to the two opposite bifurcated portions, the spoutis driven by the upward and inward movement of the two opposite bifurcated portionsto pivot upwardly and away from the main body. The inward pressure applied to the handleis carried on, the third link membercontinues to move inwardly further until the spoutpivots to its fully open position. As illustrated in, the hollow boreof the spoutis in alignment with the passageand the interior of the container when it is in the fully open position. In this case, the fluid communication between the passagewith the spoutand the opening of the container resumes, thereby allowing the liquid contained in the container to flow through the passageand the spout. The container is in ready-to-use state for dispensing the liquid. When it is necessary to close the lid assembly, the spoutmay be folded down to its fully folded position. During this folding process, the first link memberwould pivot downwardly, which cause the second and third link members,to move outwardly, and in turn causes the lower part of the handleto pivot outwardly relative to the lower lidand the upper part of the handleto pivot inwardly relative to the upper liduntil the spoutin the fully folded position. In this case, the fluid communication of the passageand the spoutis blocked to prevent the fluid contained in the container from being dispensed through the spout, as clearly shown in.

The lever systemis configured and arranged in a manner that the pivotal movement of the handledrives the lever system consisting of the first, second and third link members,,to pivot and displace upwardly and inwardly, thereby causing the spoutto pivot between the fully open position and the fully folded position. This kind of a compound lever mechanism allows for faster and easier opening of the spout using the handle requiring less force.

In the embodiments shown in, the connection between the spout, the first, second and third link members,,, and the handledefine a linkage system of the present invention, whereby the movement of the handle actuates the movement of the spout.

Thus the present invention provides a lid assembly designed for use in a container, comprising a new handle-operated mechanism to open the spout and enable the fluid communication between the spout and the container. The new mechanism has a simple and compact structure.

are exploded views of a lid assembly constructed according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in different angles of perspective.

The container assembly of the fourth embodiment is a sophisticated design comprising three main components: a main body, a spout, and a lever system.

The main bodyis constructed by connecting an upper lidand a lower lid, which can be attached to a container, for example, via threads. The upper lidfeatures a receiving chamberdesigned to house the spoutwhen it is in its fully folded position. This chamber has an open side where a handle is mounted, and a passageextends through the lower lid, protruding into or opening to the receiving chamber. The lower lidis cylindrical, with its upper part connected to the lower part of the upper lid, possibly through a snap-fit mechanism.

The spout, crafted from an elastic material such as silicone, is a one-piece unit comprising an orifice, a base, and a hollow borethat runs from the orificethrough the base. It is mounted in such a way that it can pivot between a first position, where it is outwardly exposed for dispensing liquid, and a second position, where it is retracted into the receiving chamber. The baseis attached to the upper lidvia a first pivot, allowing it to pivot between these two positions. A silicone member, like a pad, plate, disk, or a ring, may be placed between the baseof the spoutand the passageto ensure a tight seal and prevent leakage.

The lever systemis a complex mechanism that includes a first link memberwith two bifurcated portionsconnected by a connection bar, a second link memberlinked to the center of the connection bar, a third link memberconnected to the second link member, and a handle. The first link memberis pivotally connected to the spoutvia the connection between the protrusions of the bifurcated portionsand the aperturesof the spout, while the third link memberis connected to the handle. When the handleis pressed, it causes the third link memberto pivot, which in turn moves the first and second link members,, thereby driving the spoutfrom its fully folded position to its fully open position. This action aligns the hollow boreof the spoutwith the passage, allowing liquid to flow from the container through the spout. Releasing the handlereverses the process, folding the spoutback into the receiving chamberand blocking the passageto prevent liquid from dispensing.

This lever mechanism is ingeniously designed to allow for quick and easy operation of the spoutwith minimal force, making the container assembly both user-friendly and efficient in controlling the flow of liquids.

In the embodiments shown in, the connection between the spout, the first and second link membersand, the third link member, and the handledefine a linkage system of the present invention, whereby the movement of the handle actuates the movement of the spout.

It shall be understood that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the content of separate embodiments, may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the content of a single embodiment, may be provided separately or in any appropriate sub-combinations. Also, a skilled person in the art would be aware of the prior art which is not explained in the above for brevity purpose. It is to be noted that certain features of the embodiments are illustrated by way of non-limiting examples. For example, the size and shape and position of the disclosed components can be adaptively changed to cater different users' need. The disclosed components are all examples to illustrate the present invention only and shall not construe as limiting to the scope of protection. Those skilled in the art could adjust and/or modify these components according to actual needs, and variations therefrom also fall into the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art would understand that “locked position”, “folded position”, and “closed position” attributes to their respective configuration, i.e., “locked configuration”, “folded configuration”, and “closed configuration”. Likewise, “locked configuration”, “folded configuration”, and “closed configuration” are due to their respective components in “locked position”, “folded position”, and “closed position” respectively. Those skilled in the art would also understand that “unlock position” and “open position” attributes to their respective configuration, i.e., “unlock configuration” and “open configuration”. Likewise, “unlock configuration” and “open configuration” are due to their respective components in “unlock position” and “open position” respectively.