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 allowing all the components of the lid assembly that can be disassembled.

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, they are designed structurally complex, bringing inconveniences to users. Even worse, the complex components are tiny and cannot be disassembled, causing hygienic concerns. As a result, the invention addresses the need for a lid design featuring with simple design.

The present invention seeks to address the problem above, or at least to provide an alternative to the public. In particular, the present invention provides an advantage that all the components of the lid assembly that can be disassembled for cleaning.

The first aspect of the present invention is about a hinge mechanism, for a lid assembly for a container, comprising: a first mounting structure with a first profile on a main lid member of said lid assembly; a coupler having a first end and an opposing second end, said first end being engaged with said first mounting structure and being provided with a second profile operably coupling to said first profile of said first mounting structure, said coupler being configured to operably move reciprocally towards and away from said first mounting structure; and a first lid movably connecting to said main lid member to move between a first position covering a passage on said main lid member fluidically communicable with the interior of said container and a second position uncovering said passage, and operably connecting to said coupler, and characterized in that, when said first lid being at said first position and said second position, said first mounting structure and said first end of said coupler coupling with each other due to the coupling between said first profile and said second profile; and during the movement of said first lid, said coupler moving axially away from said first mounting structure due to the decoupling of said first profile and said second profile.

In some embodiments, said coupler being resilient, whereby said coupler being configured to operably move reciprocally towards and away from said first mounting structure.

In some embodiments, said coupler comprising: a sleeve having a first end having said first profile, and an opposing second end; and a first resilient member engaging with said second end of said sleeve; and whereby said coupler being configured to operably move reciprocally towards and away from said first mounting structure.

In some embodiments, said sleeve having a second end with a hollow structure to receive said first resilient member, and the interior of said hollow structure of said sleeve being provided with a stopper portion to limit the movement of said first resilient member.

In some embodiments, said first lid having a first end having a hollow structure to receive said first resilient member and said sleeve, and a stopper portion to limit the movement of said first resilient member; and a second end movably connecting to said main lid member.

In some embodiments, said first resilient member having: a first end engaging with said sleeve and a second end engaging with said first lid.

In some embodiments, said hinge mechanism further comprising: a first engagement member, provided to the interior of said hollow structure of said first lid; and a second engagement member, provided to the exterior of said sleeve; and wherein said first engagement member engaging with said second engagement member, such that said the movement of said first lid controlling the movement of said sleeve.

In some embodiments, said hinge mechanism being a multi-angle locking hinge mechanism.

In some embodiments, said hinge mechanism being a two-angle locking hinge mechanism or a bistable hinge mechanism.

In some embodiments, said hinge mechanism further comprising: a first actuating structure, preferably a cam structure, provided to said first lid; an aperture on said main lid member; and a valve arranged in said aperture; and wherein when said first lid moving from its said first position to said second position, said first actuating structure acting against said valve for releasing the internal pressure of said container.

In some embodiments, said first actuating structure positioned at said second end of said first lid.

The second aspect of the present invention is about a lid assembly, for a container, comprising:

In some embodiments, the angle between said first position and said second position of said first lid being exceed 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, said bracket having two opposite standing walls, and/or said third engagement member of said bracket being a groove.

In some embodiments, said sliding member being configured to provide a wing received in said groove of said bracket.

In some embodiments: said button comprising a shaft; and said sliding member comprising a stopper portion for limiting the movement of said shaft of said button; and wherein the movement from their respective said first position to said second position of said button and said sliding member being synchronized.

In some embodiments, the movement of said button from its said second position to said first position being realized by relaxation of the biased third resilient member.

In some embodiments, the movement of said sliding member from its said second position to said first position being realized by relaxation of the biased biasing member; and/or the movement of said sealing structure from its said second position to said first position being realized by relaxation of the biased biasing member.

In some embodiments, said main lid member further comprising an aperture fluidically communicable with the interior of said container.

In some embodiments, said second resilient member being a valve positioned in said aperture of said main lid member.

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 lid assemblyfor a container. The container has a top opening; however, for clarity's sake it is not shown in the figures. The lid assemblycan be configured to connect to the containerfor removably covering the top opening. The container is used to contain or store contents such as beverage and may be of any type known liquid in the art.

is an exploded lid assembly. The lid assemblycomprises a main body, a plate, a first axle, a first lid, a second lid, a sleeve, a first resilient member, a second resilient member, a valve, a button, a third resilient memberA, a first sealB, a second sealC, a sliding member, a bracket, a connector, a seal, a second axle, a biasing member, a base member, a seal, an adapter, and a fastener.

illustrate different views of the main bodyof the lid assembly according to the present invention. The main bodyis configured to provide a passageA that is fluidically communicable with the interior of the container, a through-holeE for receiving the button, and a recessed area that is advantageously sized to accommodate the plate. Within the recessed area, there is an apertureB for receiving the valve. Additionally, a pair of first mounting structures-namely, a first memberC-and a second memberC-—are provided to enable a rotational connection between the main bodyand the first lid. A pair of second mounting structures, comprising a first memberD-and a second memberD-, are also included to enable a rotational connection between the main bodyand the plate. The first memberC-of the first mounting structures is shaped as a hemisphere and includes an internal ridgeC-A. Although the ridgeC-A is shown in a vertical orientation in the figures, this should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention, as the ridge may instead be positioned horizontally or at any other angle within the hemisphere. Opposite the first memberC-is the second memberC-of the first mounting structures. The second memberC-also has a hemispherical shape and is configured to enable a rotational connection, for example, between the main bodyand the first lid. In some embodiments, a ridge may also be provided inside this hemisphere, similar to the ridgeC-A of the first member. Advantageously, the rotational connection between the first mounting structures and the first lidallows the first lidto move between a first position, in which it covers the passageA, and a second position, in which it disengages from the main body, thereby leaving the passageA exposed. The interior of the main bodymay be provided with threads that can engage with other threads that may be provided on the container, such that the main bodycan be removably mounted to the container.

are different views of the first lid. The first lidis designed to provide a first endA for connecting to the first memberC-of the first mounting structures of the main body, and to provide an actuating structureB, such as a cam structure, adjacent to said first endA. The first lidis also provided with a second endC, which is opposite to the first endA. The second endC is configured to have a hollow structure inside which is an engagement memberD, for example, a ridge along the length direction from the second endC to the first endA. Inside the hollow structure of the first lid, there is a stopper portionE, which is used for limiting the movement of the first resilient memberwhen the first resilient memberis received in the hollow structure of the first lid. In some embodiments, the engagement memberD is just partially extended along the length direction from the second endC to the first endA, as shown in. In some embodiments, the engagement memberD can be a groove. In some embodiments, the first endA is mounted at the second memberC-of the first mounting structures, while the second endC is mounted at the first memberC-of the first mounting structures, such that the first lidcan be movable between a first position covering the passageA and a second position uncovering said passageA.

are different views of the sleeve. The sleevehas a first endA and an opposing second endB. Along the outer circumferential wall of the sleeve, there is an engagement memberC, which can engage with the engagement memberD of the first lidsuch that the movement of the first lidcan operably rotate the sleevebetween the first mounting structures. When the first lid, at its first position, undergoes a rotation to its second position, the sleeve, at its first position, will be followed to rotate to its second position accordingly. The engagement memberC can be a groove along the length of the sleeveon the outer circumferential wall of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the engagement memberC can be a ridge.shows the view of the sleevewhen the sleeveinis viewed. The sleeveinis in its first orientation; the first endA resembles a V-shape, as shown in. The V-shape of the first endA can receive the ridgeC-A of the first memberC-of the first mounting structures in.shows the view of the sleevewhen the sleeveinis viewed. The sleeveinis in another orientation orthogonal to the first orientation (the intermediate during the movement of the first lid from its first position to its second position, or vice versa); the first endA resembles an outwardly protruding triangular shape, as shown in. When the vertex of the triangular shape meets the ridgeC-A of the first memberC-of the first mounting structures in, the vertex of the triangle will slip over the ridgeC-A easily, and then subsequently, the slope of the triangle will gradually slip over the ridgeC-A as the sleevekeeps further rotation. Advantageously, the slope of the triangle can be slightly curved inwards from the vertex to the bottom of the triangular shape to facilitate the sliding.

illustrates the assembly of the sleeveand the first resilient memberwith the main body. The first resilient memberis designed to be received within the hollow structure located at the second endB of the sleeve. To enhance functionality, the interior of this hollow structure includes a stopper portionD. This stopper portion acts to limit the movement of the first resilient memberonce it has been inserted into the sleeve, thereby ensuring controlled positioning and reliable operation within the assembly.depicts the orientation of the sleevewhen the first lid is in its first position, whereasshows the orientation of the sleevewhen the first lid is in its second position. The key distinction between these two orientations is the placement of the engagement memberC, which is circumferentially displaced by 180 degrees between the two states. Despite this rotational difference, the profile of the first endA of the sleeveengages with the ridgeC-A of the first memberC-in both positions, as illustrated in FIG.A. This consistent engagement demonstrates that, regardless of whether the first lid is in the first or second position, the profile of the first memberC-of the first mounting structures remains coupled with the first endA of the sleeve, in accordance with the earlier description.

As outlined above, it is understood that the first resilient memberis fittingly received within the hollow structures of both the first lidand the sleeve. During movement of the first lidfrom its first position to its second position, or vice versa, the outwardly protruding triangular shape of the sleeve—as illustrated ininteracts with the ridgeC-A of the first memberC-. When their profiles do not match, this interaction pushes the sleeveaxially away from the first mounting structure, i.e., the first memberCof the first mounting structures, thereby compressing or biasing the first resilient member. As the rotation of the first lidcontinues and eventually reaches either the first or second position, the profiles of the first endA of the sleeve and the ridgeC-A realign and couple once more. This re-engagement allows the previously biased resilient member to return to its relaxed state, thus pushing the sleeveback toward the first memberC-of the mounting structures. From the above explanation, it becomes clear that the interaction between the first member of the first mounting structures, the sleeve, and the first lid defines a unique hinge mechanism. Owing to the specially designed profiles of the first endA and the ridgeC-A, this hinge mechanism can be characterized as a two-angle locking hinge mechanism, or more broadly, a bistable hinge mechanism. Moreover, due to the profile geometry of the first endA of the sleeve, the mechanism may also function as a multi-angle locking hinge. Notably, once the user initiates rotation of the first lidfrom one position to the other, the design facilitates automatic transition between the positions without the need for additional force or user intervention. In some embodiments, the second memberC-of the first mounting structures may be configured in the same manner as the first memberC-, enabling symmetrical functionality. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the combination of the sleeveand the first resilient membermay be replaced by a coupler that exhibits the same characteristics. For instance, such a coupler could be substantially similar to the sleevedescribed above, but formed from a resilient material, thereby integrating the mechanical and elastic functionalities into a single component.

show different views of valve, which includes a second resilient member. The valveis positioned within apertureB of the main body. It functions to release pressure from the interior of the container. Advantageously, the second resilient member—such as a spring—is sleeved around the shaft portion of valve, as shown in the figures, enhancing the axial movement of shaft.

show the opening of the first lid from its first position to its second position, thereby exposing the passageA. As seen, the actuating structureB has a D-shaped profile, with one truncated flat portion and one circular portion. When the first lidis in its first position, the truncated flat portion of the actuating structureB does not act upon the upper portion of valve. As the first lidrotates from its first position to its second position, the circular portion of the actuating structureB begins to engage the upper portion of the valve. As a result, the lower portion of the valve flexes, exposing apertureB of the main body. When the first lidrotates back from its second position to its first position, the actuating structureB disengages, allowing the valveto relax. The resilient memberthen helps the valvereturn to its original position. In some embodiments, for simple design, the valvecan be simply and directly replaced with a resilient member and it is not necessary to be positioned in the apertureB of the main body. This replacement does not affect the operation of the hinge mechanism as described above.

show different views of the button. The buttonis designed with a plateA and a shaftB connected to the plateA. Advantageously, the diameter of the shaftB is sized to fit into the through-holeE of the main body. Preferably, the length of the shaftB is greater than the depth of the through-holeE, meaning that a portion of the shaftB extends beyond the through-hole when fully inserted. To facilitate the movement of the shaftB into and out of the through-holeE, a resilient memberA, as shown in, may be provided during the assembly of the button. Advantageously, sealsB andC, also shown in, are included in the assembly to ensure proper sealing. Along the length of the shaftB, two recesses-namely, recessC and recessD—are provided to receive sealsC andB, respectively.

show different views of the plate. The platehas a zig-zag shape, comprising a first portionA and an adjacent second portionB. For clarity, line D inillustrates the separation between the first portionA and the second portionB. In this specification, the terms “first portion of the plate” and “second portion of the plate” refer to the opposite sides of the plate that move in opposite directions during rotation about a rotational connection. For example, when the first portion of the plate moves downward, the second portion moves upward. More specifically, “the first portion of the plate moves downward” means that it is positioned lower than the second portion. Along line D, the plateis configured with a pair of holesD to enable rotational connection—e.g., via an axle, the holesD, and the second mounting structuresD. Advantageously, the second mounting structuresD may be grooves designed to receive the axle, which passes through the holesD. Additionally, the bottom side of the first portionA of the plateis provided with a protrusionC. This protrusion is sized and shaped to interact with a resilient member positioned within the protrusionF, located in a recessed area of the main body. This configuration facilitates the rotation of the plateabout the axle.

shows the assembly of plateinto the recessed area of main body. As seen, the first portionA of plateis positioned closer to the connection between main bodyand first lidthan the second portionB, while second portionB is located closer to buttonthan first portionA. As shown in, plateis sandwiched between the first actuating structure of first lidand valveor its alternative. Referring back to, it can be seen that, before the first portionA of the plate is biased downward, the second portionB prevents buttonfrom being pushed.

show different views of bracket. Bracketcomprises a base plateA—preferably a perforated base plate—and at least one standing wallB extending upward from base plateA. Advantageously, bracketincludes two standing wallsB. Together with base plateA, the two standing wallsB define a receptacle sized to accommodate sliding member. Each standing wallB is provided with a protrusionC at its upper portion, an engagement memberD (such as a groove) at its lower portion, and an apertureE adjacent to grooveD.

show various views of the sliding member. The sliding membercomprises a base plateA, preferably a perforated base plate, and at least one standing memberB extending upward from the base plateA and located adjacent to its edge, thereby defining a wing memberD. The wingD is dimensioned to fit within the grooveD of the bracket, allowing it to slide within the grooveD. The sliding memberfurther includes a stopper plateC extending upward from the base plateA. Advantageously, the sliding memberincludes two standing membersB, with the stopper plateC positioned between them.

are different views of the connector. The connectorresembles a horse shoe having a poleA connecting the two open endsB of the connectorand a front portionC profiled with a plurality of apertures to receive the seal. Each of the two open endsB is provided with an apertureD for receiving a corresponding protrusionC of the bracket.

illustrate the assembly of the bracket, sliding member, button, third resilient memberA, connector, seal, and biasing member. In, the sliding memberis shown in its first position, while in, it is in its second position. It can be understood that when a user pushes the buttonfrom its first position to its second position, this action causes the sliding memberto move correspondingly from its first position to its second position. During this movement, the distal end of the shaftB remains engaged with the stopper plateC. The upper side, or distal side, of the standing wallB is slanted to operably control the movement of the connector, as shown in. In this specification, the term ‘upper side or distal side of the standing wall’ refers to the side of the standing wall that faces away from the base plateA. As shown in the figures, when the sliding memberis gradually pushed inward from the first position to the second position, the upper side of the standing wallB is positioned higher relative to the open endsB of the connector. Therefore, as the sliding membermoves inward, the interaction between the standing wallB and the open endsB of the connectorincreases, thereby pushing the connectorto rotate downward about the connection between the aperturesD and the protrusionsC of the bracket, as illustrated in.

shows the sliding memberand the buttonin their second positions. Due to the downward position of the connector, it biases the biasing member, which is mounted inside the bracket. The biasing membermay be, for example, a torsion spring with a series of helical coils, and can be mounted inside the bracketby passing an axlethrough the aperturesE and through the helical coils of the torsion spring. When the user releases the button, the compressed third resilient memberA relaxes and pushes the buttonback from its second position to its first position. At this moment, the buttonis no longer engaged with the stopper plateC of the sliding member. The previously biased biasing memberthen relaxes, pushing the connectorto return from its second position to its first position. As a result, the open endsB of the connectorinteract with the upper side of the standing wallB, thereby pushing the sliding memberback from the second position to the first position. The assembly of the buttonwith the third resilient member, the sliding member, the bucket, biasing member, the connectordefines an actuation mechanism for the present invention, allowing a user to control the opening and closing of the passageA. The assembly of the buttonwith the third resilient memberA, the sliding member, the bracket, the biasing member, and the connectordefines an actuation mechanism for the present invention, which allows a user to control the opening and closing of the passageA.”

show different views of base member. Base memberhas a ring structure, with its internal circumference featuring a stageA. The circumferential wall above stageA defines the upper portion of base member, while the circumferential wall below stageA defines the lower portion. StageA, together with the upper portion of the circumferential wall, defines a receiving cavity for bracket, as shown in. The interior surface of the lower portion of base memberis provided with threadsB.show different views of adapter. Adapteralso has a ring structure and is designed to be smaller than base member, such that it can be received within the cavity of base member. The outer circumference of the upper portion of adapteris provided with threadsA, which are configured to engage with threadsB of base member. This allows adapterto be removably attached to base member. At the lower portion—preferably at the bottom—adapterincludes a pair of hooksB extending downward.depict different views of fastener, which features a central hollow channel that allows the legsF (see) of bracketto pass through. Fasteneris sized and shaped to fit within, and rotate inside, the cavity of adapter, which is defined by the circumferential wall and a stopper portionC. Fasteneris provided with at least one protrusionA. When protrusionA engages with hooksB, fasteneris prevented from further rotation, thereby maintaining the position shown in. It can be understood that the assembly inis secured, as legsF have outward-extending steps. When legsF of bracketpass through the central hollow channel of fastener, fastenerand bracketare fastened together via a snap-fit connection. Preferably, legsF are resilient and can be compressed inward and then return to their original positions. By rotating fastenerin the opposite direction, the engagement between protrusionA and hooksB can be released, allowing fastenerto be removed from adapter, as shown in.

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. For example, “a protrusion” in embodiments can be modify into “a recess”, or vice versa; for manufacturing purpose, the main body and/or the base member and/or the adapter in the disclosed invention can be made integrally as one piece as a main lid member.