Technical field The invention relates to a lid assembly for a drinking container and to a drinking container as such.

Background Drinking containers typically comprise a container body and a lid assembly. The container body, on the one hand, encloses a holding volume for holding a drinking liquid. It thereby features a top opening, via which a drinking liquid can be brought into and/or removed from the holding volume. The lid assembly, on the other hand, can be mounted onto the container body, at its top opening. In doing so, the top opening is covered and drinking liquid is prevented from spilling.

The lid assembly may be a simple cap, screwable onto the top opening of the container body. Other drinking containers may comprise a lid assembly that additionally includes a straw, extending into the container body. The user may fill the holding volume with a hot or cold drinking liquid (e.g., ice water or coffee) when the lid assembly is removed. After having mounted the lid assembly back onto the container body, the user may suck the straw in order to drink the liquid.

More advanced lid assemblies exist, further comprising a pivotable drinking spout having an first, stowed configuration and a second, dispensing configuration. In its stowed configuration, the drinking spout is largely received within a spout compartment formed by the lid housing. In some designs, the spout can be grasped by hand at its upper portion, in order for it to be pulled into its open configuration. However, it might not be very hygienic to contact the area of the drinking opening.

Other lid assemblies try to address such issues through the provision of other opening mechanisms. However, with an ever increasing design complexity, the lid assembly is more difficult to handle in a manner that is readily comprehensible to the user. In WO 2017 214 161 Al, for instance, the spout is movable from the stowed configuration into the dispensing configuration, responsive to the actuation of a button. Only optionally, the spout is further provided with a spout cover.

US 2017 144 809 provides a lid that includes an activator (in the shape of a handle) and fluid-flow member (resembling a drinking spout). Both are pivotally connected to the lid. Moreover, a connecting member pivotally connects to both the activator and the fluid-flow member. Because of this connection, when pivoting the handle in one direction, the fluid-flow member will pivot into the opposite direction. Both therefore have an opposite sense of rotation, which may be counterintuitive for a user. In any case, in doing so, the drinking spout is brought into its open position.

US 2012 181 277 provides a lid that includes a cap, a drinking spout, and a pulling member. The pulling member has an accommodating groove for sheltering the drinking spout. Both spout and the pulling member are pivotally fixed onto the cap. The drinking spout further has two walking projections that move in sliding grooves formed by the puling member. As such, by manipulating the pulling member, the drinking spout can be pulled out or sheltered within the accommodating groove. This is more hygienic. A drawback, however, is that the pulling member should have large overall dimensions. Indeed, it should completely cover the drinking spout, from its base (where it is fixed to the cap), up to its drinking opening. Such large pulling members may hinder the user upon drinking.

US 8 672 174 further provides a cover member having first and second drinking apertures. The first aperture is opened/closed by a drinking member. The second aperture is opened/closed by a closure member. Both are pivotally attached to the cover member, about the same axis of rotation. However, it is believed that such complicated design having two drinking openings may be counterintuitive for a user.

The present invention is aimed at providing a novel drinking container and/or lid assembly, thereby solving at least some of the abovementioned problems. Special attention is paid to user-friendliness. Other important factors include durability, reliability, cleanability, hygiene, and simplicity. A simple design is envisaged, featuring the least possible moveable parts. Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, the invention concerns a lid assembly according to claim 1. The lid assembly comprises a lid housing and a drinking spout. Latter drinking spout is pivotally mounted onto the lid housing. It is thereby moveable between a first, stowed configuration and a second, dispensing configuration. The invention further provides a user accessible grip member, which in turn is moveably mounted onto the drinking spout. More specifically, the grip member is moveable between a first, closed configuration and a second, open configuration.

In its closed and open configurations, the grip member may provide a grip portion that is positioned closer to, respectively further away from the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. In its closed configuration, the grip member may allow the user to move the drinking spout from its stowed configuration into its dispensing configuration, in a manner that is intuitively clear. Namely, by gripping and pulling a grip portion in the neighborhood of the drinking end portion. In doing so, it is not necessary for the user to contact the drinking end portion itself, which is more hygienic. Moreover, the grip member may be moved into an open configuration w.r.t. the drinking spout, wherein it does not or only minimally hinder the user in drinking.

Preferably, the grip member is pivotally mounted onto the drinking spout, wherein the drinking spout and grip member are pivotable between their respective first and second configurations, in a mutually same sense of rotation. It is especially advantageous that one type of user action (i.e. a pulling action on a force lever about its pivot axes) suffices (a) for moving the grip member away from the drinking opening, and (b) for pivoting the drinking spout from its stowed configuration into its dispensing configuration. US 2017 144 809 does not provide a drinking spout and grip member having the same sense of rotation. Rather the activator and fluid-flow member have an opposite sense of rotation.

US 2012 181 277 does not provide a grip member that is pivotally mounted onto the drinking spout. Rather, the drinking spout and pulling member is pivotally mounted onto the cap itself. US 8 672 174 does not provide a grip member that is pivotally mounted onto the drinking spout. Rather, the drinking member and closure member are pivotally mounted to the cover member itself.

In a preferred embodiment of claim 3, the pivot axes of the drinking spout and grip member are offset to one another. For instance, the mounting point for the grip member may be positioned more towards the drinking end. The grip member can therefore be made shorter.

In a second aspect, the invention concerns a drinking container that comprises a lid assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

Description of figures

Figure 1 shows a lateral cut of a lid assembly according to a possible embodiment of the invention.

Figures 2A-B further show a perspective view and lateral cut of the drinking spout and grip member, residing in their first configuration.

Fig ures 2C-D show a perspective view and lateral cut of the drinking spout and grip member, presently residing in their second configuration.

Figure 3 further shows an exploded view of the drinking spout and grip member.

Figures 4A-B respectively show a lateral cut, and a top perspective view on a lid assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention concerns a drinking container comprising a container body and a lid assembly, as well as a lid assembly as such.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

"A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

"About" as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/-10% or less, more preferably +/-5% or less, even more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

"Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

The expression "% by weight", "weight percent", "%wt" or "wt%", here and throughout the description unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the respective component based on the overall weight of the formulation.

As used herein, "selective" and "selectively," when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of a drink container according to the present disclosure, means that the specified action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct or indirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the drink container. In a first aspect, the invention concerns a lid assembly for a drinking container, the lid assembly comprising :

- a lid housing having a lid opening that provides a passage through the lid housing, and

- a drinking spout comprising a base portion and a drinking end portion, said drinking spout enclosing a spout channel that extends through the drinking spout, to a drinking opening provided at the drinking end portion of the drinking spout,

wherein the drinking spout is pivotally mounted onto the lid housing between a first, stowed configuration and a second, dispensing configuration, and wherein the lid assembly further comprises a user accessible grip member for moving the drinking spout between the first and the second configurations. In particular, said grip member is moveably mounted onto the drinking spout between a first, closed configuration and a second, open configuration.

The lid assembly comprises a lid housing. The latter is preferably provided with coupling means, for releasably coupling said lid housing onto the top opening of a container body. Latter coupling means may include a thread coupling means, a snap coupling means, a bayonet coupling means, and/or any other type of coupling means. The top opening may be at least partly sealed-off by the lid housing when mounted onto the container body. However, the lid housing may further be provided with one or more lid openings and/or vent openings. These may still provide a passage for drinking liquid and gasses, through the lid housing.

The lid assembly further comprises a drinking spout having a base portion and a drinking end portion. The drinking spout encloses a spout channel that extends through the drinking spout, between a base opening (at its base portion) and a drinking opening (at its drinking end portion). Latter spout channel extends substantially straight. Preferably, rather spout channel is not or only slightly curved, such that it can easily be cleaned. Moreover, it is thereby highly unlikely that pieces (e.g. ice) will get stuck within the spout channel. It is generally preferred when taking a sip that the drinking spout somewhat runs towards the user. Quite advantageously, the present drinking spout may take a "dispensing configuration" w.r.t. the lid housing. The drinking spout may thereby protrude upwardly from the lid housing. Additionally or alternatively, the drinking spout may thereby protrude from the lid housing along a radially inclined direction, towards a drinking side w.r.t. the lid assembly. Preferably, in its dispensing configuration, the spout channel of the liquid spout is in fluid communication with the lid opening formed by the lid housing. The present drinking spout may additionally take a "stowed configuration" w.r.t. the lid housing, in which the drinking container and lid assembly may take a more compact form. For instance it may be possible to accommodate the drinking container inside a handbag, with the drinking spout residing in its stowed configuration. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the drinking spout is in its stowed configuration at least partly received within a spout compartment formed by the lid housing.

The drinking spout is pivotally mounted onto the lid housing. The drinking spout is thereby pivotally moveable w.r.t. the lid housing, between the first, stowed configuration and the second, dispensing configuration. In a non-limiting embodiment, the drinking spout may be pivoted within a well-defined range w.r.t. the lid housing, which range is delimited at one or both sides by a maximally dispensing configuration and/or a maximally stowed configuration. Of course, the drinking spout may also take intermediate configurations. Preferably, the drinking spout may at most be pivoted over a range of at least 60°, and of no more than 225°.

In a first, possible embodiment, the drinking spout (in its maximally stowed configuration) may be pivoted up to a maximally dispensing configuration, over a pivot range of no more than 90°. For example said maximum pivot range may cover about 60°, about 85°, about 86°, about 87°, about 88°, about 89°, about 90°, or any value therebetween.

In a second, possible embodiment, the drinking spout (in its maximally stowed configuration) may be pivoted up to a maximally dispensing configuration, over a pivot range that is larger than 90°. For instance said maximum pivot range may cover about 95°, about 100°, about 105°, about 120°, about 135°, about 150°, about 165°, about 180°, about 195°, about 210°, about 225°, or any value therebetween.

Preferably, the lid opening is in fluid communication with the spout channel, whenever the drinking spout resides in the dispensing configuration. Preferably, the lid opening is closed-off, whenever the drinking spout resides in the stowed configuration. In a possible embodiment, the spout channel is pinched in the stowed configuration, thus sealing off the lid opening. In another, possible embodiment, the base portion of the drinking spout connects to the lid housing by means of a ball joint. Latter ball joint thereby engages a spout seal circumscribing the lid opening. The lid opening is thus sealed-off, unless the drinking spout is pivoted such that is base opening is aligned with a lid opening (i.e. in a dispensing configuration of the drinking spout). Of course, the invention is not limited to any of these embodiments. The aforementioned dispensing configuration(s) need not necessarily be a maximally dispensing configuration. In a similar fashion, the aforementioned stowed configuration(s) need not necessarily be a maximally stowed configuration.

More generally, in a further or alternative embodiment, the drinking spout is pivotally mounted onto the lid housing, wherein the drinking spout connects to the lid housing by means of a curved engagement surface and corresponding engagement seal.

In one possible embodiment, the drinking spout itself forms a curved engagement surface, through which its base opening extends. Latter convex engagement surface may slidingly contact and engage an engagement seal comprised by the lid housing, circumscribing the lid opening. In an alternative, possible embodiment, the drinking spout is provided with an engagement seal that circumscribes its base opening. Latter engagement seal may thereby slidingly contact and engage a curved engagement surface, formed by the lid housing. Its lid opening thereby extends through latter engagement surface. The engagement surface(s) is/are preferably curved in such a way that contact with the engagement seal is maintained, throughout the pivotal range of the drinking spout w.r.t. the lid housing. In both embodiments, the lid opening is sealed off unless the lid opening is aligned with the base opening of the drinking spout. The latter is preferably only the case when the drinking spout resides in a dispensing configuration. A major advantage is that no drinking liquid can leak from the holding volume, whenever the drinking spout resides in its stowed configuration.

An issue with similar lid assembly designs (i.e. featuring a drinking spout that is pivotable with respect to the lid housing) is that they are often rather complex to manage. In particular, it is not always immediately obvious how to bring the drinking spout from its first, stowed configuration into its second, dispensing configuration. Some prior art lid assemblies may be provided with push button actuation mechanisms. However, these are rather complex to fabricate and difficult to clean. In other prior art lid assemblies, a base portion of the drinking spout needs to be pressed, for its drinking end portion to rise from the spout compartment. When not carefully designed, however, such lid assemblies may require the user to perform highly counter-intuitive actions for moving the drinking spout between its stowed and dispensing configurations.

The present invention further provides a user accessible grip member for moving the drinking spout between its first and second configurations. The grip member itself is thereby moveably mounted onto the drinking spout. More specifically, the grip member is moveable w.r.t. the drinking spout, between a first, closed configuration and a second, open configuration. The grip member is preferably "user-accessible", in that it can be gripped by the user in its first and/or second configurations. Preferably, the grip member provides a user grip by which it can be gripped, at least in the first, closed configuration. Preferably, the grip member provides a user grip, at least for moving the drinking spout from its first, stowed configuration into its second, dispensing configuration.

As mentioned above, the grip member in turn is moveable w.r.t. to the drinking spout. As such the grip member may, in its closed configuration, provide a grip portion that is positioned closer to the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. Latter grip portion may, in an open configuration of the grip member, be positioned further away from the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. The grip member in its closed configuration may thereby allow the user to move the drinking spout from its stowed configuration into its dispensing configuration, in a manner that is intuitively clear. Namely, by gripping and pulling a grip portion that neighbors the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. It is thereby not necessary for the user to contact the drinking end portion itself, which is more hygienic. Moreover, the grip member may be moved into an open configuration w.r.t. the drinking spout. The grip portion is therein positioned further away from the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. Preferably, in said open configuration, the grip member does therefore not, or only minimally hinder the user in drinking.

Preferably the grip member is an external grip member. This allows for a simple design and easy cleaning. The grip member may in its closed configuration take a more compact form, e.g. by abutting the drinking spout. The grip member may comprise locking means (e.g. locking tabs and/or locking grooves) for locking the grip member to the drinking spout and/or to the lid housing. Such locking means may ensure that the grip member and/or drinking spout do not leave their first configurations unintentionally.

Preferably, the drinking spout is selectively moveable between its first, stowed configuration and its second, dispensing configuration. Preferably, the grip member is selectively moveable between its first, closed configuration and its second, dispensing configuration.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the lid assembly further comprises a straw enclosing a straw channel, which straw channel is in fluid communication with said lid opening. The "lid opening" may therein also be referred to as the "straw opening". In a dispensing configuration of the drinking spout, the straw channel is preferably in fluid communication with the spout channel, through the straw opening. Together they form a drinking channel that extends from the drinking opening into the holding volume of the container body. An advantage is that the user no longer needs to tip the container when drinking.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the grip member comprises a cover portion for covering and uncovering at least a part of the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. In such embodiments, the terms "grip member" and "cover member" may be interchanged. The cover member may at least partly cover the drinking end portion, when residing in its closed configuration. When subsequently moving the cover member into its open configuration, at least a part of the drinking end portion may be uncovered. It is not necessary for the cover member to entirely seal off the drinking opening. The cover member may merely cover a part of the drinking end portion, such that it can no longer be touched directly, increasing the hygiene.

It is advantageous that the grip member therein performs a double function, of (a) moving the drinking spout between its first and second configurations and (b) of covering and uncovering its drinking end portion. However, the invention is in no way limited to a grip member that features a cover portion. Alternatively, a separate cover member featuring a cover portion may be provided. Yet alternatively, the lid assembly does not include such a cover portion.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the grip member is pivotally mounted to the drinking spout. Alternatively, the grip member may for instance be slidably mounted onto the drinking spout. The invention in general is not limited to any of these mounts.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the grip member is pivotally mounted onto the drinking spout, thereby having a pivotal range of at least 75°. In a non-limiting embodiment, the grip member may be pivoted within a well-defined range w.r.t. the drinking spout, which range is delimited at one or both sides by a maximally open configuration and/or a maximally closed configuration. Of course, the grip member may also take intermediate configurations. Preferably, the grip member may maximally be pivoted over a range of at least 75°, more preferably at least 90° and maximally 180°. For instance said pivot range may cover about 75°, about 90°, about 105°, about 120°, or any value therebetween. Preferably, said grip member may be pivoted such, into an open configuration, that it does not or only minimally hinder the user when drinking. In possible embodiments, the grip member may have a pivotal range of at least 90°.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the drinking spout and grip member have substantially parallel pivot axes. In a further or alternative embodiment, the drinking spout and grip member are pivotable between their respective first and second configurations, in a mutually same sense of rotation. It is especially advantageous that one type of user action (i.e. a pulling action on a force lever about its pivot axes) suffices (a) for pivoting the drinking spout from its stowed configuration into its dispensing configuration, and (b) for uncovering the drinking end portion of the drinking spout. This allows for managing the lid assembly in a very intuitive way.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the grip member has an abutment portion for limiting the pivotal movement of the grip member in a maximally open configuration. Starting from the drinking spout in its stowed configuration, and the grip member in its closed configuration, the grip member may first be gripped and pulled into its maximally open configuration. Further pivotal movement of the grip member w.r.t. the drinking spout is thereby blocked. Continuation of the pulling action will thus cause the drinking spout to pivot about its pivot axis. This allows for opening the drinking mechanism in a highly convenient way.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the grip member pivoting about its mounting point (provided by the drinking spout) is associated with a first torque resistance, while the drinking spout pivoting about its mounting point (provided by the lid housing) is associated with a second torque resistance. Upon pulling the grip member, and when both reside in their closed configuration, the first torque resistance is preferably smaller than the second torque resistance. Therefore, the grip member will first pivot into its maximally open configuration. Only then, the drinking spout will start to pivot into its open configuration. Advantageously, the grip member will no longer hinder the user when drinking; it has already been brought into its open configuration.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the grip member comprises an edge portion that in the first, closed configuration protrudes beyond and/or above a drinking end portion of the drinking spout. Said edge portion may comprise a raised gripping edge. Said edge portion may provide a grip portion. Said edge portion may constitute a distal edge portion, such that it provides a maximum force lever. Main portions of the drinking spout and grip member may, in their first configurations, be housed within a spout compartment formed by the lid housing. Preferably, the aforementioned edge portion thereby protrudes above and/or beyond said spout compartment. Preferably, the aforementioned edge portion is accessible to the user, even in the first configuration of the drinking spout and grip member.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the drinking spout comprises a separate spout body and mouthpiece. The spout body and mouthpiece may comprise a different material. For instance, the spout body may comprise a material having a higher rigidity and/or a higher abrasion-resistance. For instance, the mouthpiece may comprise a material having a lower hardness, a higher toughness, and/or a higher flexibility. Advantages are mentioned below, thereby referring to the description that accompanies figure 3.

In a further or alternative embodiment, the spout body is pivotally mounted onto the lid housing, while providing a moveable mounting point to the grip member. The spout body may thereby comprise a first body part and a second body part. In a further or alternative embodiment, the spout channel comprises a base portion, extending through said first body part, and a drinking end portion, extending through said mouthpiece. Advantages are again mentioned below, referring to the description accompanying figures 2B, 2D, and figure 3. In a second aspect, the invention concerns a drinking container comprising a container body, and further comprising a lid assembly as described above. In this regard, the same characteristics and corresponding advantages may be repeated.

The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a lateral cut of a lid assembly 1 (comprising a lid housing 10, a straw 20, a drinking spout 30, and a grip/cover member 40) according to a possible embodiment of the invention. Figures 2A-B further show a perspective view and lateral cut of the drinking spout and grip/cover member, residing in their first configuration. Figures 2C-D show a perspective view and lateral cut of the drinking spout and grip/cover member, presently residing in their second configuration. An exploded view of the drinking spout and grip/cover member is moreover shown in Figure 3.

The lid housing 10 comprises an upper portion with a downwardly extending side wall 13, forming a bottom opening 15. In the embodiment shown, the side wall 13 features an internal screw thread 14. As such, the lid assembly 1 can be combined with a container body that has an external thread corresponding thereto, obtaining a drinking container. A sealing ring 151 is provided, by which the fluid-tight connection between the container body and lid assembly 1 can be ensured. A handle 18 is further provided. In its upper portion, the lid housing 10 forms a spout compartment 16 into which a drinking spout 30 is pivotally mounted, as will be described more in detail below. In any case, the upper portion of the lid housing 10 thereby features a lid opening 11 that downwardly extends from the spout compartment 16 through the lid housing 10. On the outside (i.e. facing the spout compartment 16 and drinking spout 30), said lid opening 11 is circumscribed by a spout seal 111. Latter spout seal 111 thereby engages an engagement surface 333 on the drinking spout 30. The lid opening 11 is thereby closed off. On the inside (i.e. facing e.g. the holding volume of a container body, onto which the lid assembly 1 may be mounted), the lid opening leads to a straw receiver 112. The lid housing 10 is further has a pressure exhaust 121. The latter allows air to flow while the user is drinking, but prevents air or drinking liquid to flow in the opposite direction. Another function might be to equilibrate any important pressure differences between the holding volume and the environment of the drinking container, due to varying altitudes and/or evaporation by hot drinking liquids. The pressure exhaust 121 may be provided with an exhaust seal 122 (e.g. a porous, waterproof membrane) that prevents the drinking liquid from leaking through.

A straw 20 is further provided, and mounted onto the aforementioned straw receiver 112 of the lid housing 10, by means of a straw connector 21. To such end, the straw receiver 112 and straw connector 21 are provided with mutually corresponding screw thread 14'. Said straw 20 extends substantially downwardly (= against the height direction H) from the straw connector 21, thereby enclosing a straw channel 201. With the lid assembly 1 mounted onto a corresponding container body, the straw 20 will extend substantially downwardly into the latter, up to a straw opening 202 at its bottom end. In this configuration, the holding volume of the drinking container is in fluid communication with the lid opening 11 that traverses the lid housing 10. More particularly, liquid may flow from the drinking container through the straw opening 202 and via the straw channel 201 up to said lid opening 11. In the embodiment shown, the straw 20 does in fact not extend perfectly vertically, against the height direction. Rather, the straw 20 has a somewhat inclined direction of extension, towards the drinking side of the lid assembly 1, i.e. slightly into the longitudinal direction L. This will allow a user to collect a higher amount of drinking liquid by slightly tipping the upper portion of the drinking container towards him. Preferably, the remainder of the drinking liquid is thereby gathered near the straw opening 202.

As mentioned above, the lid assembly 1 further comprises a drinking spout 30 (which is shown in more detail in figures 2A-D and in figure 3). At its base portion 321, the drinking spout 30 is pivotally coupled to the lid housing 10, about a spout pivot axis 35. To such end, the drinking spout 30 is provided with a set of hinge pins 37 (see figures 2A, 2C) that coact with corresponding hinge holes provided in the lid housing 10 (not visible). In any case, the drinking spout 30 is pivotally moveable between a first, stowed configuration (as shown in figures 1 and 2A-B) on the one hand, and a second, dispensing configuration (as shown in figures 2C- D) on the other hand. The same orientation for the longitudinal L and height directions H (w.r.t. the lid housing 10) is assumed for all figures. At its base portion 321, the drinking spout 30 features a base opening 311 that provides access to an internal spout channel 31. Latter channel 31 extends through the drinking spout 30, up to its drinking end portion 322, where it forms a drinking opening 312. The drinking end portion 322 of the drinking spout 30 might advantageously be fitted against or into a user's mouth.

A grip member 40 is further provided onto the drinking spout 30. The grip member thereby comprises a cover portion 42, suitable for at least partly covering the aforementioned drinking end portion 322 of the drinking spout 30 (see figure 1). For this reason, the grip member 40 will further be referred to as the "cover member" 40. In any case, the cover member 40 is pivotally mounted onto the drinking spout 30, about a cover pivot axis 45. The cover member 40 is thereby moveable between a first, closed configuration (shown in figure 1, and in figures 2A-B) and a second, open configuration (shown in figures 2C-D) w.r.t. the drinking spout 30. To such end, the drinking spout 30 forms a set of hinge pins 37' that coact with corresponding hinge holes 47 formed by the cover member 40 (see figures 2A and 2C).

Figure 1 gives a cut view on the lid assembly 1, with the drinking spout 30 residing in its first, stowed configuration w.r.t. the lid housing 10. In turn, the cover member 40 resides in its first, closed configuration w.r.t. the drinking spout 30. The drinking spout 30 is largely contained within a spout compartment 16 formed by the lid housing 10. The cover member 40 is moreover provided with a locking tap 43 (see figure 2A) that hooks into a locking groove (not shown) formed by the lid housing 10. This ensures that the drinking spout 30 and cover member 40 may not unintentionally leave their current configuration. Indeed, the cover member 30 covers and contacts the drinking spout 30, and is itself locked into its closed configuration. As can further be seen, the base portion 321 of the drinking spout 30 contacts the aforementioned spout seal 111 by means of a ball joint engagement surface 333. The lid opening 11 that traverses the lid housing 10 is thereby tightly sealed-off.

In order to move the drinking spout 30 and cover member 40 into their second configurations, a user may grasp an edge portion 41 of the cover member 40. Indeed, latter edge portion 41 comprises a raised gripping edge that extends upwardly from the spout compartment 16, beyond a drinking end portion of the drinking spout 30; it is thereby always accessible to the user. It is further noted that the spout pivot axis 35 and the cover pivot axis 45 are substantially parallel, and orthogonal to the cutting plane of figure 1. Moreover, it is noted that the drinking spout 30 and cover member 40 are pivoting into the same sense of rotation 36, 46 (clockwise/counterclockwise), when moving between their first and second respective configurations. This allows for "opening" the lid assembly 1 in a manner that is intuitively clear. When exerting a pulling force onto said raised gripping edge, and upon increasing said force, either (a) the drinking spout 30 will first start to pivot about its spout pivot axis 35, or (b) the cover member 40 will first start to pivot about its cover pivot axis 45. Any of both may take place, further depending on the rotational friction involved.

In a possible embodiment, the cover member 40 may first start to pivot over its complete pivotal range, up until the moment where an abutment portion 44 of the cover member 40 contacts the drinking spout 30. The cover member 40 now resides in maximally open configuration w.r.t. the drinking spout 30 (not depicted in any of the figures). It thereby provides a sturdy support. Moreover, since it extends more or less transversely to the drinking spout 40, it provides a good grip to the user for further increasing his pulling force. This may now only cause the drinking spout 30 to pivot about its spout pivot axis 35, up until the drinking spout 30 is moved into its maximally dispensing configuration, w.r.t. the lid housing 10. Alternative pivot combinations and combined pivot angle trajectories are of course readily provided by the skilled person.

Figures 2C (perspective view) and 2D (lateral cut view) show a drinking spout 30 in its second, dispensing configuration w.r.t. the spout seal 111 and lid housing 10 (not shown). Since the drinking spout 30 has pivoted within a spout compartment 16 of the lid housing 10, its ball joint engagement surface 333 has moved with respect to the circumferential spout seal 111. As can be seen in figure 2D, the base opening 311 of the drinking spout 30 is presently aligned with the lid opening 11 of the lid housing 10. As such, the spout channel 31 and straw channel 201 are in fluid communication, and the lid opening 11 is no longer closed off. Furthermore, the cover member 40 resides in a possible second (open) position w.r.t. the drinking spout 10. Preferably, the cover member 40 is thereby pivoted over at least 90° with respect to the drinking spout 30, such that it does not or only slightly hinder the user in drinking. It is especially noted that its abutment surface 44 is thereby not contacting the drinking spout 30, while this might well be possible, or while this might even be preferred. In any case, it is especially advantageous that one type of user action (i.e. a pulling action) suffices (a) for pivoting the drinking spout 30 from its stowed configuration into its dispensing configuration, and (b) for uncovering the drinking end portion 322 of the drinking spout 30. In their configuration of figures 2C and 2D, the drinking spout 30 and cover member 40 may be moved back into their first configurations by pivoting them over the same pivot angles 36, 46, into opposite rotation senses. This is also indicated in figures 2C-D.

Figure 3 further shows an exploded view of the drinking spout 30 and grip/cover member 40 described above. In particular, the drinking spout 30 comprises a mouthpiece 34 and a spout body 33. The spout body 33 thereby includes a first body part 331 and a second 332 body part, between which body parts 331, 332 the mouthpiece 34 is tightly and form-fittingly received. This is also visible in, for instance, figure 2B. The spout body 33 and mouthpiece 34 preferably comprise a different material. The spout body 33 may be fabricated from a material having a higher rigidity and/or a higher abrasion-resistance. The spout body 33 may be directly and pivotally mounted onto the lid housing 10, via hinge means such as a set of hinge pins 37. Additionally or alternatively, the spout body 33 may provide a direct and pivotable mounting to the cover member 40, through corresponding hinge means such as another set of hinge pins 37'. Due to its higher abrasion-resistance, a longer lifetime of these pivotable mounts can be achieved. Furthermore, a spout body 33 having a higher rigidity may provide a sturdier support to the cover member 40 and mouthpiece 34. Moreover, due to its higher flexural rigidity, the spout body 33 will not bend as easily due to a user exerting a moment of force, when moving the drinking spout 30 and cover member 40 between their first and second configurations. Yet another advantage is that a hard and smooth engagement surface, formed by a rigid spout body 33 will provide a tighter fit to the spout seal 111. Moreover, the corresponding rotational friction of the drinking spout 30 w.r.t. the lid assembly 10 may be decreased.

The mouthpiece 34 may be fabricated from a material having a lower hardness, a higher toughness, and/or a higher flexibility. Said material may additionally have sealing properties. A mouthpiece 34 having a lower hardness is more pleasant, since the mouthpiece 34 may contact the teeth of the user. A mouthpiece 34 having a higher toughness will thereby increase its lifetime; some users may indeed tend to bite mouthpieces. As shown in figures 2B and 2D, a base portion 313 of the spout channel 31 is formed by and through the first body part 331 of the spout body 33. An adjacent drinking end portion 314, on the other hand, is formed by and through the mouthpiece 34. The latter having sealant properties ensures a proper and fluid-tight fit of the drinking end portion 314 to the base portion 313 of the spout channel 31. The first body part 331 thereby radially encloses the spout channel 31, in turn providing a fluid-tight fit to the spout seal 111 as described above.

Figures 4A-B respectively show a lateral cut, and a top perspective view on a lid assembly 1 according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

Optionally, the lid assembly 1 has a pressure exhaust 121 and a pressure exhaust seal 122 as described previously, for the purpose of allowing air to flow in while the user is drinking. However, the pressure exhaust seal 122 is not drawn in Fig. 4A-B.

As a major difference in comparison to the above embodiments, the lid assembly 1 has a pressure relief channel 64 (instead of, or in addition to the pressure exhaust 121). The pressure relief channel 64 preferably cooperates with the drinking spout 30. Indeed, in the closed configuration of the drinking spout 30, the pressure relief channel 64 is closed off. In the open configuration of the drinking spout 30, the pressure relief channel is open. Optionally, the drinking spout 30 (e.g. its first body part 331) provides a protruding member 61 that directly engages the entrance of the pressure relief channel 64.

Such a pressure relief channel 64 is important when dealing with pressure differences. Generally, the pressure exhaust 121 only allows air to flow in, while it obstructs air (or liquid) to flow out. It is especially adapted for the convenience of drinking. In an environment of decreased pressure, for instance in a plane, there may thus be a pressure buildup inside the drinking container. In such cases, as soon as the drinking spout 30 is moved into its open configuration, drinking liquid may be forced out through the drinking spout 30. The pressure relief channel 64 resolves this problem. Indeed, the spout seal 111 is such that it engages an engagement surface 333 on the drinking spout 30, over a certain pivot range. The design is such that first the pressure relief channel 64 is opened up. Air present in the drinking container can flow out. Only when pivoting the drinking spout 30 even further, the spout channel 31 is aligned with the lid opening 11. By then, the inside and outside pressures have been brought in equilibrium. Preferably, the pressure relief channel 64 extends through a pressure relief seal 62. The latter is provided in a pressure relief opening 63 of the lid housing 10.

Fig. 4A also gives an enlarged view of a pressure relief seal 64 that is not yet assembled into the lid housing 10. Only during or after assembly, a portion is broken off. In doing so, the full channel 64 is established through the seal 64.

The numbered elements on the figures are:

I lid assembly

H height direction

L longitudinal direction

10 lid housing

I I lid opening

I II spout seal

112 straw receiver

121 pressure exhaust

122 exhaust seal

13 side wall

14 screw thread

15 bottom opening

151 sealing ring

16 spout compartment

18 handle

20 straw

201 straw channel

202 straw opening

21 straw connector

30 drinking spout

31 spout channel

311 base opening

312 drinking opening

313 base portion (spout channel)

314 drinking end portion (spout channel)

321 base portion (spout)

322 drinking end portion (spout)

33 spout body 331 first body part

332 second body part

333 engagement surface

34 mouthpiece

35 spout pivot axis

36 spout rotation angle

37 hinge pin

40 grip/cover member

41 edge portion

42 cover portion

43 locking tab

44 abutment portion

45 cover pivot axis

46 cover rotation angle

47 hinge hole

61 protruding member

62 pressure relief seal

63 pressure relief opening

64 pressure relief channel

Example - materials of a lid assembly and interior mechanism

In addition to any of the above, the lid housing may comprise polypropylene (PP), and preferably a HTPP. For instance said housing comprises a HTPP frame, optionally provided externally with a TPE overmold, for enhanced gripping properties. The lid housing may comprise multiple parts that are joined/formed together permanently - for instance via gluing, or via multi component injection molding. The lid housing may thus comprise a HTPP screw part (featuring internal screw thread), joined or formed together with a HTPP cover part. The lid assembly may further be provided with an external handle, for instance comprising acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). ABS advantageously has a high impact resistance and material toughness. The grip member may function as spout cover, for covering the drinking opening and drinking spout, in a non-used/stored configuration. The latter may comprise ABS.

The lid assembly and drinking container may further comprise one or more sealing rings comprising silicon. Latter material has a high durability, and is nontoxic. Any container body herein may comprise stainless steel. Preferably such container bodies are double-walled.

The straw may comprise polypropylene. The first and second body parts may comprise ABS. The mouthpiece, which is sandwiched between said body parts, preferably comprises silicon. This is more pleasant for the user. Also the spout seal, and any pressure exhaust seal and/or pressure relief seal preferably comprise silicon. It is supposed that the present invention is not restricted to any form of realization described previously and that some modifications can be added to the presented example of fabrication without reappraisal of the appended claims.