Drinking Container and Lid

This Application is a Non-Provisional Patent Application of U.S. Application Ser. No. 63/645,200, filed May 10, 2024, entitled “DRINKING CONTAINER AND LID” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

This invention relates generally to dispensing and delivery systems for beverages, such as water, flavored water, and others.

The prior art includes various devices for delivering beverages to a user, including devices that provide additives to a base liquid. Such devices include pre-mix systems, such as those described in U.S. Pat. 7,306,117, in which a predetermined amount of additive is dispensed into a base liquid within the container and mixed therewith prior to consumption. Prior art systems also include devices in which an additive is provided to a base fluid as it is dispensed from a container. Such delivery systems are exemplified by U.S. Pat. 8,230,777, which describes a dispensing system in which a base liquid flows through a supplement area containing solid supplements, and U.S. Pat. 8,413,844, which describes a water pitcher having a filter and an additive chamber in which the additive is dispensed as water is poured from the dispenser.

Some recently developed cartridge-based drinking systems provide for the adjustable mixing of an additive (e.g., a flavoring component) with a base fluid (e.g., water) as the base fluid flows out of a container and through the cartridge. In some cases, base fluid may flow into one or more entry ports of the cartridge and through a mixing nozzle, which facilitates mixing of an adjustable additive flow from a cartridge additive reservoir with the base fluid flow in a mixing section in the cartridge. The mixed flow may proceed to a dispensing spout of the cartridge where the mixed contents are consumed by a user. These cartridges are readily adapted to containers, such as water bottles, the contents of which are dispensed as the container is inverted and the cartridge is thereby immersed in the supply of base fluid residing at the inverted top of the container. However, cartridges of this type are not readily adapted for use with containers that normally remain in an upright position when the contents are dispensed (i.e., through a straw mounted within the container) and where the base fluid supply resides at the bottom of the container. For example, some containers may not have a fluid tight seal at an upper opening, preventing the container from being inverted for drinking because water or other base fluid will leak from the container. As a result, some cartridge arrangements are not usable with such drinking containers. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for drinking and beverage dispensing systems that facilitate the use of such flow-through mixing cartridges with containers that remain upright when the contained liquid is consumed.

This disclosure relates to dispensing and delivery systems for beverages, such as flavored or otherwise treated water, and others. In some cases, the disclosure relates to dispensing and delivery systems in which an additive, such as a flavoring, concentrate or supplement intended for mixing with water, may be provided in replaceable cartridges and mixed with a base fluid, such as water, as the base fluid is dispensed and/or consumed from a container. In some cases, one-way flow of base fluid through a cartridge may be provided to prevent additive from mixing with the base fluid supply. Some dispensing and delivery systems may provide for user adjustment of the amount of additive that is mixed with the base fluid.

In some embodiments, a lid or other cartridge holder may be configured to receive and operate with a replaceable additive cartridge, including cartridges that typically require inversion of an associated container for proper operation. For example, some cartridges may have a base fluid inlet located above a bottom of the cartridge, such as near an upper portion of the cartridge where the cartridge sealingly engages with a vessel, vessel lid or other support. As a result, for base liquid to enter the base fluid inlet, a container with which the cartridge is associated must be inverted or otherwise tilted so that base liquid can contact the base fluid inlet(s) and be drawn into the cartridge. In some embodiments, a lid or other cartridge holder may be configured to receive and operate with such cartridges without requiring the lid or cartridge holder, and the cartridge, to be inverted or otherwise tilted for proper drinking operation. Rather, the lid or other cartridge holder may remain in a vertical or upright state, e.g., so a bottom of the cartridge is positioned below a base liquid inlet of the cartridge, while allowing for consumption of base liquid through the cartridge. Such an arrangement may provide for much more convenient use of cartridges, including use with containers that do not permit tilting or inversion (e.g., because base liquid may leak from the container when inverted). As another example, such an arrangement may allow a user to employ a cartridge and cartridge holder as a type of drinking straw that can be held generally upright and dipped at a lower end into a base liquid for drinking. Thus, some arrangements can be employed without requiring any particular type of base liquid container, e.g., a cartridge holder and cartridge may be used with a standard drinking glass.

In some embodiments, a lid is provided for use with a drinking container including a vessel having an internal space to hold a base liquid and an opening to the internal space. The lid may include a body having an engagement portion configured to engage with the drinking container at the opening to close the opening, e.g., to sealingly close the opening, and define a flowpath from an inlet configured to receive the base liquid from the internal space and an outlet for communicating with an area outside of the internal space. As an example, with the lid engaged with the drinking container, a user may be able to drink liquid from the vessel internal space by applying suitable suction to the outlet of the lid, which draws base liquid into the inlet and through the flowpath. In some cases, the lid body may threadedly engage with the vessel at the opening to the internal space. For example, the engagement portion may be configured to engage with the vessel at the opening by rotation of the lid relative to the vessel about an engagement axis. In some cases, the lid body may engage with the vessel at the opening by linear and/or sliding movement, e.g., by inserting a sleeve portion of the lid body into the vessel opening in a downward direction.

In some cases, the flowpath be free of any one-way valve from the inlet to the outlet and may be entirely closed from the inlet to the outlet. For example, the flowpath may define a closed conduit through which base fluid may be removed from the vessel. In some cases, the flowpath may permit base liquid to be provided into the vessel, e.g., by pouring base liquid into the outlet of the flowpath.

In some cases, the flowpath may include a cavity configured to receive a cartridge to treat the base liquid and which is inserted into the cavity via the outlet, e.g., the cartridge may mix a flavoring or other additive to base liquid as the base liquid moves from the inlet to the outlet for consumption by a user. In some embodiments, the lid body may include a wall that extends downwardly from the outlet and defines the cavity, e.g., the wall may extend from an upper side of the lid body to a lower side of the lid body. The cavity may have a cross sectional area that is larger than a cross sectional area of portions of the flowpath between the cavity and the inlet. In some cases, the outlet is located at an upper side of the lid, and the outlet and the cavity may be configured to receive the cartridge by inserting the cartridge through the outlet and into the cavity, e.g., so a bottom portion of the cartridge extends to a position below a lower side of the lid. In some cases, the cartridge may have a fluid inlet that is located above a bottom portion of the cartridge and thus above a bottom of the cavity in which the cartridge is positioned. In some embodiments, a portion of the body that defines the outlet is configured to removably engage with the cartridge, e.g., the lid body may include a threaded portion to threadedly engage with a cartridge received into the cavity. In some cases, the engagement portion may be configured to engage with the vessel at the opening by rotation of the lid relative to the vessel about an engagement axis, and the cavity may extend from the lid along a cartridge axis that is transverse to the engagement axis. In some embodiments, the cartridge may be configured to engage with a portion of the lid at the outlet by rotation of the cartridge about the cartridge axis. In some embodiments, a centerline of the flowpath extends along the cartridge axis.

In some embodiments, the cartridge may be received in the cavity via the outlet, and the cartridge and the cavity may be configured such that the base liquid received into the cavity surrounds an outer surface of the cartridge. In some cases, the cavity may be configured to receive the base liquid into the cavity only through a port at a bottom of the cavity, e.g., via a conduit attached at a bottom of the cavity. In some embodiments, the cartridge may have a fluid inlet positioned above a bottom of the cartridge and above a bottom of the cavity. Thus, liquid entering the cavity at a port at the bottom of the cavity may be required to flow upwardly from the bottom of the cartridge to the fluid inlet. In some cases, the cartridge may include a one-way valve in a cartridge flowpath of the cartridge, and the cartridge and the lid may be configured such that the one-way valve of the cartridge prevents flow of base liquid along the flowpath in a direction from the outlet toward the inlet of the flowpath. In some embodiments, the one-way valve may be configured to prevent flow of the base liquid from the cavity to the inlet.

In some embodiments, the cartridge may include a treated liquid outlet and the cartridge and the lid may be configured such that suction applied to the treated liquid outlet causes flow of the base liquid from the inlet to the treated liquid outlet. In some cases, the cartridge and lid may be configured such that suction applied to the treated liquid outlet causes flow of the base liquid from the inlet to the treated liquid outlet with the inlet positioned below the treated liquid outlet.

In some embodiments, the cartridge may include an additive reservoir holding an additive to be mixed with the base liquid and a mixing chamber configured to mix the additive with the base liquid. The mixing chamber may be configured above the additive reservoir with the inlet of the flowpath positioned below the outlet.

In some embodiments, the cartridge may be configured such that additive does not contact the cavity.

In some embodiments, the cartridge may be configured to open a path for additive to exit the additive reservoir without puncturing any portion of the additive reservoir.

In some cases, the lid may include an adjustable length portion that defines the inlet at a first end and is fluidly coupled to the outlet at a second end. In some cases, the flowpath includes a straw or other conduit that extends downwardly from a bottom of the cavity, e.g., and defines the inlet of the flowpath. In some embodiments, the body includes a wall that extends downwardly from the outlet and defines a cavity for a cartridge, and the cavity may have a cross sectional area that is larger than a cross sectional area of the adjustable length portion. In some cases, the adjustable length portion may include at least two telescoping portions, e.g., two conduit portions may slidingly engage to define a variable length flowpath. In some cases, the engagement portion is configured to engage with the vessel at the opening by rotation of the lid relative to the vessel about an engagement axis, and the adjustable length portion may extend along a flowpath axis that is transverse to the engagement axis. In some embodiments, a centerline of the flowpath extends along the flowpath axis. In some cases, a cartridge may be configured to engage with a portion of the lid at the outlet by rotation of the cartridge about the flowpath axis. In some embodiments, a cavity to receive a cartridge may be configured to receive the base liquid into the cavity only through a port at a bottom of the cavity that is fluidly coupled to the adjustable length portion.

In some cases, the lid body may include a thumb pad on an upper surface of the lid configured for receiving a force to move the body relative to the vessel to engage the lid with the vessel. For example, a user may grasp or otherwise apply force to the thumb pad to move the lid relative to the vessel, e.g., for placing the lid on the vessel, rotating the lid relative to the vessel and/or other manipulation of the lid. In some embodiments, a vent may extend through the thumb pad from an upper side of the lid body to a lower side of the lid body. In some cases, the vent may include a one-way valve. In some embodiments, the lid may include a rib or fin that extends upwardly from the lid body and engages with the thumb pad. The rib or fin may have an opening, e.g., that extends laterally or horizontally, that receives the thumb pad. In some cases, the thumb pad may include a resilient material, e.g., so that the thumb pad can be inserted into the opening of the rib or fin and be frictionally engaged with the rib or fin at the opening. In some embodiments, the vent may extend through the rib or fin and the thumb pad from an upper side of the lid to a lower side of the lid.

Various exemplary embodiments of the device are further depicted and described below.

Inventive features are described below with reference to illustrative embodiments, but it should be understood that inventive features are not to be construed narrowly in view of the specific embodiments described. Thus, inventive features are not limited to the embodiments described herein. It should also be understood that various inventive features may be used alone and/or in any suitable combination with each other, and thus various embodiments should not be interpreted as requiring any particular combination or combinations of features.

Instead, one or more features of the embodiments described may be combined with any other suitable features of other embodiments. For example, some embodiments are described including features of an adjustable length portion that is part of a flowpath from an inlet to an outlet of a lid, a lid flowpath that includes no one-way valves or other flow control elements, a lid flowpath arranged at an angle relative to an engagement axis along which the lid is engageable with a vessel, and a thumbpad on the lid configured to receive force to move the lid relative to a vessel. These features may be used together as in the embodiments below, or independently of each other, e.g., a lid may include a flowpath with an adjustable length portion, but the flowpath may be parallel to an engagement axis and may include a one-way valve or other flow control element in the flowpath. As another example, a lid may include no thumbpad or adjustable length portion but include a flowpath with no one-way valve or flow control element. These are merely two examples, but those of skill will appreciate that any suitable combination of features described below may be employed to the extent such features are not mutually exclusive.

show drinking containerthat includes a lidand a vessel, e.g., that may be used to hold a drinkable liquid and to deliver the liquid to a user for drinking. The vesselmay be configured with an internal spaceto hold a base liquid, such as water or any other drinking liquid, and an opening to access the internal space, e.g., at an upper end of the vesselso base liquid can be provided into the internal space. The vesselmay be configured with any suitable features, such as one or more handlesto permit a user to hold and manipulate the vesselby hand, a tapered or otherwise shaped bottom portion(e.g., to permit the vesselto be placed in a vehicle cup holder or other receptacle), a flexible wall or other portion to permit a user to squeeze the vesselso as to reduce the volume of the internal space, and others. The vesselmay have any suitable size (e.g., height and/or width) and/or volume of the internal space, and may be configured to help keep a base liquid at a desired temperature and/or to reduce heat transfer between the base liquid in the internal space and an environment outside of the vessel. For example, the vesselmay have an insulated wall (e.g., a double wall container with a vacuum or otherwise low-pressure space between the walls), and/or an electronic heating and/or cooling element (such as an electrical resistance heating element, Peltier device, etc.).

A lidmay be configured to cooperate with a vesselto close, or at least partially close, the opening of the vessel to the internal spaceand may be configured for use with vesselsof multiple different types. Thus, a lidmay be configured to operate with one particular type of vesselor with multiple different types of vessels. A lidmay be configured to operate as an adapter to permit a vesselto be used with a cartridge(see) for treating base liquid contained in the internal space. For example, such a cartridgemay be configured to provide an additive or other material that is combined with the base liquid in the vesselfor drinking. Although referred to as a “lid”, a lidneed not entirely close or seal a vessel opening to the internal spaceand may be configured to operate with vesselsthat have no cap or covering for the opening to the internal space, or that include a cap or covering that at least partially covers the opening to the internal space. For example, a vesselmay have no other cap or covering over an opening to the internal spaceof the vessel, and a lidmay engage with a vesselto function as the only cap or covering at the vessel opening. In other embodiments, the vesselmay include a cap or covering to at least partially close an opening of the vesselto the internal spaceand the lidmay cooperate with an opening of the cap or covering. Thus, reference herein is made to the lidengaging with a vesselat an opening to an internal spaceof the vessel, and such reference is intended to include embodiments in which a vessel has no cap or covering at all and the lidfunctions as the only cap or covering for the vesselas well as embodiments in which the vessel has cap or covering (e.g., which can be opened or removed to gain access to the internal space) that engages with a lid. Thus, the lidcan function as an adapter in some cases, e.g., to permit a user to employ a cartridgewith a vesselthat otherwise may not normally be compatible with such use, e.g., because the cartridgeis not configured to engage with the vessel. The lidcan engage with a vessel(including a vessel cap or cover) in any suitable way using an engagement portion, such as by a threaded connection, bayonet connection, friction fit (such as by frictionally engaging a gasket on the lidwith a portion of the vessel), a clamp, etc. The lidmay seal the internal spaceclosed, e.g., so that liquid in the internal spacedoes not exit if the vesselis inverted with the lidin place and/or so that air cannot enter the internal space, or the lidmay engage the vesselwithout sealing the internal spaceclosed.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, the threaded connection may provide for left-handed and right-handed orientations of the lid(and cartridge) relative to the vessel. The male threaded portion on the lidmay be a single spiral thread, for example, and the female threaded portion of the vesselmay have two entry points disposeddegrees from one another. When installation of the lidis started at one rotational position relative to the vessel, the lidwill assume a left-handed orientation on the vesselwhen fully seated, the cartridge spoutbeing located towards the user when the vessel handleis grasped with the left hand. When installation of the lidis started at a second rotational position relative to the vessel, the lidwill assume a right-handed orientation on the vessel when the lidis fully seated, the cartridge spoutbeing located towards the user when the vessel handleis grasped with the right hand. Indiciasuch as “R” and “L” may be provided on the vessel near the lid with a corresponding alignment or indexing indicator, such as an arrowhead on the lidto facilitate installation of the lid by the user in one of the two positions. Althoughshow an arrangement in which the engagement portionis configured as a male element to fit within or into an opening of the vessel, the engagement portionmay be configured as a female element configured to receive and engage with a corresponding portion of the vessel. Engagement of the lidwith the vesselcan form a fluid-tight seal, e.g., to prevent leakage of base liquid from the internal space, although this is not required.

A lidmay be configured to permit a user to drink base liquid from the vessel, e.g., with the vesselin an upright or vertical orientation shown in. In some cases, a lidmay include a flowpaththat extends from an inlet(e.g., on a lower side of the lid) to an outlet(e.g., on an upper side of the lid). In some embodiments, the flowpathmay be fixed relative to the lid, e.g., arranged at a fixed angle relative to the lid. The outletmay be configured to be positioned outside of the internal spaceof the vessel, e.g., on an upper side of the lid, and the inletmay be configured to be positioned in the internal spaceof the vessel, e.g., so the inletis positioned on a lower side of the lid. In some cases, the flowpathmay extend along a straight line from the inletto the outlet. In some cases, the inletmay be configured to be submerged in base liquid in the vessel, e.g., so base liquid can be drawn into the flowpathby suction applied at the outletand/or by pressure in the internal space. For example, a user may apply suction to the outlet(i.e., by applying suction to a dispensing spoutof a cartridge secured to the outletof the lid) so as to cause liquid in the internal spaceof the vesselto flow into the inletand towards the outletof the lid. Thus, in some cases the flowpathmay be entirely closed or sealed in a fluid sense from the inletto the outlet, e.g., so the flowpathcan function as a type airtight, sealed flowpath with no openings between the inletand the outlet. In some embodiments, the flowpathmay be entirely free of any one-way valve (e.g., that prevents flow of base liquid in a direction from the outletto the inlet) or other flow control device (such as a controllable valve, etc.). Such an arrangement may permit for easier drinking through the flowpath, easier cleaning of the flowpath, and/or providing base liquid into the vesselvia the outlet. As an example, water may be provided into the outletof the flowpathand flow into the internal spacevia the inlet. The lidmay include a vent, such as an orifice or other opening through a portion of the lidbody, a one-way valve, etc., to permit air to enter the internal spaceof the vesselas base liquid is removed via the flowpathand/or to permit air to exit the internal space. In some embodiments, the ventmay include an umbrella or other valvethat permits air entry into the internal space, but prevents or otherwise resists exit of air or base liquid from the internal space, e.g., if the vesselis inverted. The ventmay permit a user to drink more easily from the internal spacevia the flowpath, e.g., because base liquid that is removed from the vesselcan have its volume replaced with air that enters via the vent. Moreover, a one-way ventfacilitates the maintenance of ambient pressure (and prevents a vacuum) of the volume of replacement air residing in the space above the base liquid contained in the vessel.

In some cases, the flowpathcan include an adjustable length portion, e.g., so a straight-line distance between the inletand the outletcan be adjusted. Such a configuration may allow the lidto extend to or near the bottom of vesselsof different internal heights in the internal space. For example, a distance between the inletand outletmay be extended for taller vesselsand reduced for vesselsof shorter height. Such a configuration may permit a user to consume all or nearly all base liquid in vesselsof different sizes, but is not required. The adjustable length portioncan be implemented in any suitable way. In some embodiments, the adjustable length portioncan include two or more telescoping portions, e.g., first tubular portionhaving a size that fits over or within a second tubular portionso the first tubular portioncan move longitudinally relative to the second tubular portionand adjust the size of the flowpath. The first and second tubular portions,may be coupled so that a suitable seal is formed between the portions,at least for a range of relative movement of the portions,. For example, a gasket, suitable interference or friction fit or other configuration at an interface between the portions,may be provided for the sealing function. Other configurations for the adjustable length portionare possible, such as a flexible tubular member, a tubular component with a bellows element that can be adjusted in length, etc. In short, any configuration that permits a change in distance between the inletand the outletcan be employed. In some cases, a first end of the adjustable length portionmay define the inletof the flowpathand a second end of the adjustable length portionmay be fluidly coupled to upstream portions of the flowpath, e.g., the second end of the adjustable length portionmay be fixed relative to the lidbody. A length of the adjustable length portionmay be adjusted automatically, e.g., by an inlet end of the adjustable length portioncontacting a bottom of the vesseland retracting as needed, or may be adjusted by a user manipulating one or more parts of the adjustable length portion. The inletmay include a slotted end to permit or improve flow of base liquid into the flowpatheven when the inlet rests on the bottom of the vessel.

In some cases, the flowpathcan include a cavity, e.g., that is configured to receive a cartridgethat is inserted into the cavityvia the outletopening. For example, the cartridgemay be inserted into the outletopening so a bottom of the cartridge is positioned below a lower side of the lidand an upper part of the cartridge sealingly engages with the outletopening, e.g., by threaded engagement. The cartridgemay treat base liquid that is consumed via the flowpath, e.g., by filtering, flavoring, or otherwise modifying the base liquid in some way. Thus, base liquid drawn into the inletof the flowpathmay flow to, and accumulate in, the cavityfor treatment by the cartridge. In this regard, and according to an aspect of the disclosure, once a user “primes” the system by drawing base fluid into the flowpathby applying suction to the cartridge dispensing spout(creating a vacuum within the cartridge base fluid flow path and thus in the flowpath), the cavityoperates as an elevated reservoir of base liquid surrounding the cartridge. For example, an elevated reservoir may refer to a reservoir of liquid which is elevated relative to an upper surface of liquid within the vessel. The shape and dimensions of cavitymay thus ensure that a ready supply of base liquid is available to flow into entry ports of the cartridgeat appropriate pressure (e.g., ambient and without vacuum or flow resistance) and flow rate to support and not impede optimal mixing operation of the cartridge. Accordingly, in some embodiments, while the cavitysupports a volume of base liquid (e.g., a buffer of base liquid), for example after the user has “primed” the system, a pressure induced by suction applied by a user to the cartridge dispensing spoutmay urge the volume of base liquid in the cavitytowards the cartridge dispensing spoutand may urge base liquid in the vesselinto the flowpath. In some cases, the cavityand other portions of the flowpathmay be arranged to enable a user to apply a more consistent and/or reduced amount of suction to dispense liquid from the cartridge dispensing spoutin comparison to a system with a cavitywhich is not configured to support a volume of base liquid in an elevated reservoir. In some cases, the cavityand other portions of the flowpathsuch as the tubular portions,may be configured to provide desired flow resistance, e.g., so that the cartridge additive mixing function operates properly and/or so that the user does not exert an unnecessary amount of effort in drawing liquid through the flowpath. Portions of the flowpathsuch as the tubular portions,may be sized and otherwise configured so that liquid held in the cavitydoes not drain out, e.g., if the vesselis turned on its side. This may help prevent requiring the user to “reprime” the flowpath, i.e., draw air out of the flowpathso that liquid can be pulled into and through the cartridge. The cavityand other portions of the flowpathsuch as the tubular portions,may be sized and/or otherwise configured so that a minimum amount of liquid is required to prime the system (draw any air out of the flowpath before liquid begins emerging from the cartridge). For example, the cavitymay be made so the inner wall fits closely to the cartridge, minimizing any volume of liquid in the cavitywhile maintaining a desired resistance to flow (e.g., suitably low). As another example, the tubular portions,or other parts of the flowpathseparate from the cavitymay be made to have a suitably small volume (e.g., diameter and/or length) so as to minimize a volume of liquid needed to prime the flowpathwhile providing a desired resistance to flow (e.g., suitably low). Thus, a user may be required to draw a minimal amount of air through the cartridgeand flowpath, e.g., after a cartridge is first placed in the cavity, before liquid can be consumed from the cartridge. In some cases, the flowpathmay include a one way valve, e.g., at a bottom of the flowpathor elsewhere, to help prevent backflow of liquid from flowpath, e.g., when a cartridgeis removed from the cavity. However, in some cases, a cartridgemay include a one way valve that prevent backflow from the cartridge spoutand thereby prevent backflow of liquid in the flowpathwhen the cartridgeis sealingly engaged in the cavity.

Since the cavitymay be accessible from an upper (or outer) side of the lid, a user may be permitted to replace and/or exchange a cartridgewith respect to the lidwithout removing the lidfrom the vessel. This may provide more convenient use for a user, e.g., to allow a user to replace a cartridgethat is spent or empty of additive and/or to allow a user to exchange a first cartridgefor another that has a different additive (e.g., so a user can change flavors).

In some cases, a body of the lidmay include a wall that extends downwardly from the outletand defines the cavity, e.g., a cylindrical wall that defines the cavitymay extend from an upper side of the lid body to a lower side of the lid body, e.g., so a lower portion of the cavityis positionable in the internal spaceof the vessel. The cavitymay be fixed relative to the body of the lid. A port or opening at an extreme lower end of the cavitymay be fluidly coupled to an adjustable length portionor other part of the flowpathso base liquid can be received into the cavityfrom the inlet. Thus, the cavitymay be entirely closed except for a port or opening at the lower end and the outletat the upper end. In some cases, the cavitymay have a cross sectional area that is larger than a cross sectional area of portions of flowpathbetween the cavityand the inlet(such as an adjustable length portion, if employed). In some cases, an inner wall of the cavitymay fit closely to a cartridge. This configuration may reduce an amount of base liquid that must be drawn into the flowpathbefore base liquid begins to enter the cavityand/or begins to exit at the outlet. The cavitymay be configured to receive a cartridgeso that a gap or space is present between the inner wall of the cavityand an outer surface of the cartridge. This may permit base liquid to surround at least a lower part of the cartridgethat is in the cavityand flow to an inlet of a cartridge flowpath that is located at an upper part of the cavity. That is, the cartridgemay have a fluid inlet into which liquid enters the cartridge for mixing with additive that is located above a bottom of the cartridge. As a result, liquid entering the cavityat the bottom of the cavitymust flow upwardly past the bottom of the cartridgeto the fluid inlet of the cartridge. In some cases, the fluid inlet of the cartridgemay be located near, at or above a ring or other component that engages at the outletopening.

A cartridgemay engage a lidin any suitable way, such as with an engagement portionwhich can include a threaded connection, bayonet connection, friction fit (such as by frictionally engaging a gasket on the cartridgewith a portion of the lid), a clamp, etc.

As can be seen in, an engagement portionof the lidbody at the outletincludes a thread to engage a complementary thread portion of a cartridge. Thus, a portion of the lid body that defines the outletmay be configured to removably engage with the cartridge, but other alternatives are possible for engagement between a cartridgeand lid. Engagement of the cartridgewith the lidcan form a fluid-tight seal, e.g., to prevent leakage of base liquid from the internal spaceand/or the flowpath. To engage a cartridgewith the lid, a portion of the cartridge(e.g., a lower portion) may be inserted into the outletopening and into the cavity, e.g., so a lower part of the cartridgeis positioned in the cavitybelow a lower side of the lid. A collar or other portion of the cartridgemay engage with the engagement portionof the lidto hold the cartridgein the cavityand form a liquid-tight seal. Although the engagement portionis shown as a male element that engages with a female portion of a cartridge, the engagement portionmay be configured as a female element to engage with a male element of the cartridge, or have other arrangements.

In some cases, the cartridgeincludes a treated liquid outlet and the vessel, cartridge and lid are configured such that suction applied to the treated liquid outlet causes the base liquid to flow from the inletto the treated liquid outlet. For example, a cartridgemay include a spout(a treated liquid outlet) to which a user may apply suction for drinking from the flowpath. Such suction may cause base liquid in the vesselto enter the inletof the flowpathand flow to the cavity. Base liquid in the cavitymay enter a cartridge flowpath of the cartridgefor treatment by the cartridgeand then treated fluid may flow to the treated liquid outlet (e.g., spout) of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridgemay include a one-way valve in the cartridge flowpath to prevent or otherwise resist the flow of mixed additive and base fluid from the cartridge mixing section. The lidmay be configured such that the one-way valve of the cartridgeprevents flow of base liquid in the flowpathin a direction from the outlettoward the inletof the flowpath, e.g., from the cavityto the inlet. This may provide various benefits, such as allowing a user to stop drinking from the treated liquid outlet for a period of time, and then later drink from the treated liquid outlet without having to again draw liquid into the flowpathand fill the cavitywith base liquid. In other words, the one-way valve of the cartridgemay prevent backflow in the flowpathsuch that base liquid does not drain from the flowpathand into the vesselwhen drinking stops. Such drinking and prevention of backflow may be performed with the inletof the flowpathpositioned below the outlet, e.g., with the vesselin an upright orientation. In some cases, the lidmay be configured with a one-way ventsuch that when the lidis installed on the container, air contained in the space above a supply of base fluid in the vesselis maintained at ambient pressure but cannot escape the vessel. As a result, flow of base liquid in the flowpathin a direction from the outlettoward the inletof the flowpath, e.g., from the cavityto the inlet, may be prevented or otherwise resisted since such flow would otherwise cause a reduction in volume and corresponding increase in pressure in the air above the base fluid supply. Thus, in some cases, flow of liquid in the flowpathfrom the outletto the inletmay be prevented or otherwise resisted by the ventalone, and a one-way valve or other flow resisting arrangement of the cartridgeor flowpathneed not be included to prevent flow of liquid in the flowpathfrom the outletto the inlet, at least when the lidis secured to the vessel.

In some cases, the cartridgemay include an additive reservoir holding an additive to be mixed with the base liquid and a mixing chamber configured to mix the additive with the base liquid. This may permit a user to drink base liquid from the vessel, e.g., plain water, and have the base liquid mixed with an additive (e.g., a flavoring, nutraceutical, vitamin, and/or any other additive) for consumption. In some cases, a one-way valve of the cartridgemay be positioned downstream of the mixing chamber, which may help prevent backflow of mixed beverage into any portion of the flowpath(such as the cavity) and/or the vessel. This can help prevent contamination of base liquid in the flowpathand/or vessel, e.g., a base liquid in the vesselmay remain unflavored or otherwise unmixed with any additive, allowing a user to switch cartridgeswith little risk of cross contamination. In some cases, the mixing chamber may be configured above, or downstream of, the additive reservoir when the inletof the flowpathis positioned below the outlet. In some embodiments, portions of the additive reservoir may contact base liquid in the cavity, e.g., which may help maintain a desired pressure in the additive reservoir where the additive reservoir has a flexible wall to contain the additive.

In some embodiments, the flowpathmay be oriented at an angle relative to an engagement axisrelative to which a lidis moved (e.g., rotated and/or moved linearly) to engage with a vessel. Such an arrangement may permit a user to more easily access the outletof the flowpathand/or a cartridge, whether for cartridge placement and/or drinking. For example, the engagement portionmay be configured to engage with the vesselat the vessel opening by rotation of the lidrelative to the vesselabout an engagement axis, which may be oriented vertically. Such an example is shown inwhere the lidmay be rotated about a vertical axis so the engagement portionengages with the vesselto secure the lidto the vessel. In some embodiments, the lidmay be moved linearly along an engagement axisto engage the lidwith a vessel. For example, such an arrangement may be provided where the engagement portionofis replaced with an unthreaded sleeve and gasket that is engaged with a vesselby moving the lidvertically downward relative to the vessel, e.g., so as to insert the sleeve and gasket linearly into an opening of the vessel. As can be seen in, the flowpathmay be oriented at an angle relative to the vertical (e.g., the engagement axis), e.g., so the inletis not positioned directly under the outlet. This may help position the outletalong an edge of the lidand/or orient the outletand/or cartridgetreated liquid outlet in a more convenient location while permitting the inletto be positioned near a bottom of the vessel. In some embodiments, however, the flowpathmay be oriented so as to be parallel to the engagement axis.

In some cases, a cartridgemay be configured so that when the cartridgeis received in a cavityof a lid, flow exiting the cartridgeto a user may be along a direction that is transverse to the engagement axis, e.g., at an angle relative to the vertical when the vesselis oriented vertically. This may allow a user to more comfortably drink from the vessel, e.g., while keeping the vesselin an upright or vertical orientation. In some cases, a cartridgemay be configured to engage with a portion of the lidat the outletby rotation of the cartridgeabout a cartridge axisthat is transverse to the engagement axis, e.g., at an angle relative to the vertical when the vesselis oriented vertically. This angled orientation may permit a user to more easily manipulate a cartridgeduring placement on the lid, e.g., while maintaining the vesselis an upright orientation. In some cases, one or more portions of the flowpathmay be oriented at an angle that is transverse to the engagement axis, e.g., at an angle relative to the vertical when the vesselis oriented vertically. For example, where employed, a part of the adjustable length portionmay extend along a flowpath axisthat is transverse to the engagement axis. In some cases, a centerline of the flowpathmay extend along the flowpath axis, e.g., a centerline of the cavityand an adjustable length portionmay be along a straight line that is at an angle to the engagement axis.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, and as can be seen in, a flexible connectormay secure the second tubular portionto the cavityand provide a telescoping function, either in addition to that provided by the portions,or in place thereof. The flexible connectormay be made from an elastomeric material and may include a cavity-engaging portion, which may be a grommet-shaped portion that forms a fluid-tight seal with an aperture in the bottom of cavity, e.g., the cavity-engaging portionmay sealingly engage with a lipat the bottom of the cavityby interference fit, adhesive, clamp, etc. The flexible connectormay include a tube engaging portion, e.g., which frictionally engages and forms a fluid tight seal with the second tubular portion. In some cases, the engagement between the connectorand the second tubular portionmay provide for an adjustable length, e.g., provide a telescoping feature to allow for adjustment of the length of the flowpath. In some cases, the connectorneed not be flexible, but may be rigid either in whole or in part.

In some embodiments, a lidmay include a thumb padconfigured to aid a user in moving the lidrelative to a vessel, e.g., for sealingly engaging the lidwith the vessel. For example as can be seen in, a lidmay include a thumb padthat extends upwardly, e.g., as a fin or wall, that presents a surface for a user's thumb to press on the lid. Such a thumb padmay permit a user to apply a rotating force on the lidby using a thumb or other structure, thereby avoiding any need for a user to grip an outer rim or circumference of the lid. This may permit some users, including those with a reduced ability to grasp a lid circumference, to more easily engage a lidwith a vessel. The thumb padmay have a surface that is offset from a rotation axis of the lid, e.g., so force applied to the thumb padmay suitably rotate the lidabout an engagement axis. The thumb padmay be configured to receive force for rotating the lidin both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, e.g., for engagement and disengagement with a vessel. In some embodiments, the thumb padmay permit a user to grasp the thumb padby thumb and finger, e.g., by pinching the thumb pad, and thereby permit a user to manipulate the lid. In some cases, the thumb padmay be formed as a resilient element, e.g., made of an elastomeric rubber or other material. In some cases, the thumb padmay be removable from the lid, e.g., as can be seen in. For example, the lidmay define an opening that receives the thumb pad. In some cases, and as can be seen in, the lidmay include a fin or ribthat extends upwardly from an upper surface of the lidand has an opening that extends laterally or horizontally through the fin or rib. The thumb padmay be inserted into the opening in the fin or riband held in place by a friction fit, adhesive, etc.

In some embodiments, a ventof a lidmay be positioned under and/or so as to extend through a thumb padand/or a fin or ribof the lid. This configuration may help prevent unintended blocking of the ventduring drinking or manipulation of the lid. For example, as can be seen in, a ventmay include an orifice or port that extends through the fin or riband the thumb pad(e.g., from an upper side of the lid body to a lower side of the lid body) and a valve element(such as an umbrella valve) may be provided under the thumb padon a lower side of the lid body to provide a one-way valve function. Since a user is less likely to touch the upper surface of the thumb padduring drinking and/or manipulation of the lid, the ventmay be more likely to remain open for flow as needed.

As will be appreciated, and in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, the features of the lidand associated components facilitate a closed, controlled fluid environment within the container interior with regard to the contained base liquid as well as the contained air. This environment, in turn, provides for control of the flow of base fluid into the flowpathsuch that the mixing performance of the cartridgeresiding in the cavitymay be optimal and not impeded. More specifically, the lidmay form a fluid-tight seal with the container. Similarly, the cartridgemay form a fluid-tight seal with the lid. The container interior may thus be isolated from the ambient environment (external to the vesselinterior) except for the one-way vent, which prevents outflow of air or base fluid from the vessel interior but permits inflow of replacement air into the vessel interior. Thus, once a supply of base fluid is brought up into the interior of cavityby suction applied by the user/consumer to the cartridge dispensing spout, the cavity supply of base fluid will tend to remain there, even when the user stops applying suction, and even if the cartridgeis removed, since the one-way ventprevents outflow of the air in the space above the base fluid contained in the vessel.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure, the flow pathand/or one-way ventmay be configured (tuned) to support optimal cartridge mixing. More specifically, components such as the flow pathand/or the one-way ventmay be configured to provide an optimal flow rate of base fluid through the cartridgeas the user applies suction to the cartridge dispensing spout. Flow rate of the base fluid through the cartridgemay be precisely controlled by controlling the pressure difference induced by the flow pathand one-way vent. The induced pressure difference and flow rate, in turn, may be varied by adjustment of component dimensions, such as the internal diameter and length of flow path, internal (flow passage) dimensions of inlet, internal diameter of connector, and dimensions of components of the one-way vent, including the air flow related dimensions and parameters of the umbrella or button valve, such as an air inlet port diameter and diameter of the umbrella or button valve stem extending through the air inlet port.

The flow pathand/or one-way ventin some cases may be altered in shape and/or dimension to support optimal cartridge mixing. In some cases, the flow pathmay include one or more features adapted to adjust the pressure in and/or flow of liquid through the flow path. For example, the flow pathmay include one or more projections disposed at least partially within the flow pathand configured to adjust the flow and/or pressure of liquid in the flow path. In some cases, one or more projections may be formed on or within one or more of the cavity, first tubular portion, second tubular portion, connector, cavity engaging portion, and tube engaging portionand may be disposed at least partially within the flowpath. In some embodiments, one or more of the cavity, first tubular portion, second tubular portion, connector, cavity engaging portion, and tube engaging portionmay include one or more tapered and/or curved portions (e.g., tapered and/or curved projections) disposed at least partially within the flowpath. For example, one or more of the cavity, first tubular portion, second tubular portion, connector, cavity engaging portion, and tube engaging portionmay include a tapered section with a first portion having a lesser diameter than a second portion of the tapered section positioned upstream of the first portion.

In some embodiments, a projection, tapered portion, curved portion or other flow altering element on one or more of the flowpathmay increase an amount of pressure, e.g., suction, needed to cause and/or maintain a flow of base liquid though the flowpath. In some cases, the projections may be formed in a position downstream (e.g., proximal to the outlet) in the flowpathsuch that at least a portion of the flowpathpositioned upstream (e.g., proximal to the inlet) of the projections requires a greater pressure, e.g., suction, to cause and/or maintain base liquid flow than portions of the flowpathlocated downstream of the projections. In some embodiments, the projections and/or shapes of one or more of the cavity, first tubular portion, second tubular portion, connector, cavity engaging portion, and tube engaging portionmay be configured to increase the consistency and/or reduce the amount of suction needed to dispense liquid from the cartridge dispensing spout.

As noted above, a cartridgethat is used with a lidmay be configured in a variety of different ways, e.g., as an adjustable additive cartridge system such as those described in U.S. Pat. 10,888,826 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.show exploded perspective and partial cross-sectional views of an example cartridgethat may be used with a lidhaving one or more features described herein. The cartridgemay include a number of components that are assembled in a generally stacked arrangement using snap-fit, threaded or other suitable connections that facilitate assembly. The components may include a cartridge cap having an additive flow adjustment actuatorthat is mounted for rotational movement on a cartridge cap base. The additive flow adjustment actuatormay include a dispensing spoutfrom which beverage may be consumed and may have a push-pull closurefor selectively permitting and preventing egress of fluid from the spout. Disposed between the additive flow adjustment actuatorand the cartridge cap baseis an additive flow metering component(e.g., a movable valve gate), which cooperates with a mixing nozzle(e.g., having a valve seat portion to cooperate with the valve gate). An annular one-way base fluid flow valve element(e.g., a one-way valve) may provide for one-way flow of base fluid through the cartridge, preventing backflow along a cartridge flowpath B, as will be described. An additive reservoir assembly may include including a reservoir spout, reservoirand outer housingthat are secured to the mixing nozzleand the cap base. The reservoirmay include a flexible pouch containing an additive that is fluidly coupled to the reservoir spout. The additive reservoir assembly may be secured to the cap baseusing snap fittings or other fastening elements, such as threaded fasteners or friction fastening. The outer housingmay be a cage or a solid-walled (illustrated) cover, and may be snap-fit to a flange of the reservoir spoutto protect the interior flexible reservoircontaining additive. The outer housingand reservoirmay be made of a transparent or translucent material to permit a user to view and identify the nature of the additive supply. The cap basemay have a threaded portion (e.g., at a lower inner wall as can be seen in) or any other suitable engagement portion to engage with the engagement portionof the lid, e.g., to form a fluid tight seal.

As can be seen in, assembly of the cartridgemay involve first inserting and snap-fitting the metering valvein place on the cartridge cap base. In a next step, the one-way sealing valveis placed onto the mixing nozzleand fit over the retaining ridge on the mixing nozzleand seated on outer annulusof the cap base. Next, the additive flow metering componentis threaded onto counterpart threads on the mixing nozzleand positioned in proper rotational orientation, e.g., fully closed as in.

The additive adjustment actuatoris then mounted on the cartridge cap basein proper alignment with the additive flow metering componentand so that rotation of the additive adjustment actuatorrotates the metering component. The additive adjustment actuatoris retained on cap basewith retaining tabsand may rotate with respect to the cap baseto enable selection of an additive level and associated position of metering component. The push-pull capmay then be placed on the spout. The reservoir spoutmay then be snap fit into the mixing nozzlelower portion, e.g., by engaging barbwith a corresponding groove in the mixing nozzle.

In operation, the additive flow adjustment actuatormay be rotated relative to the cap baseto cause rotation of the metering insertrelative to the mixing nozzle, resulting in axial, i.e., upward or downward movement of the metering insertby way of cooperating threads between the metering insertand the mixing nozzle. The metering insertis shown in a fully closed position in, and rotation of the additive adjustment actuatorcan open a flowpath for additive through the mixing nozzlewithout puncturing or otherwise causing damage to the additive reservoir. Axial movement of the metering insertresults in a change of additive flow through the metering area between the conical portion of metering insert(e.g., a valve gate portion) and the corresponding surface on mixing nozzle(e.g., a valve seat portion). As base fluid flows along a cartridge flowpath B of the cartridgeas a result of a pressure difference between the internal spaceof the vesseland the spout, i.e., from squeezing of a vesselhaving a flexible wall or by suction applied to the spoutby a user during drinking, additive flows along an additive flowpath A from the reservoirthrough the mixing nozzleand to a mixing area between the spoutand the one-way valvewhere base fluid and additive are mixed. The amount of additive mixed with the base fluid is determined by the rotational position of the additive adjustment actuator. The cartridge flowpath B extends from within the cavityand enters the cartridgeat fluid inlet portsof the mixing nozzle. The fluid inlet portsare located above the cap basewhich threadedly engages with the outletopening of the cavityand are above a bottom of the cartridge. The one-way valvecan prevent backflow of liquid along the cartridge flowpath B, and thus mixed fluid including additive and base liquid can be prevented from flowing back into the cavityand/or the internal spaceof the vessel.

While aspects of the invention have been shown and described with reference to illustrative embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventionencompassed by the appended claims.