Rapid-flow and smooth-spouted container lid

Abstract

A lid ( 110 ) is provided for attaching to the rim ( 118 ) of the open end ( 116 ) of a container ( 112 ). The lid includes a large content discharge opening ( 124 ) in a smooth spout ( 122 ) around which the lips of a user can form a seal. The lid further includes a small vent opening ( 128 ) through the lid, or between the lid and the container. The large opening in the smooth spout and the small vent opening in the lid allow for unobstructed and rapid dispensing of the contents of the container, such as a liquid beverage, in a controlled and spill-free manner during consumption.

1 . A lid for placement onto the rim of a container at its open end, comprising:
 a. a mounting skirt having a retention feature suitable for securing said lid to said container,   b. a smooth spout having a content discharge opening large enough to allow rapid flow of the contents of said container and small enough to fit comfortably into the mouth of a user, allowing said user to form a seal with their lips around said smooth spout, and   c. a vent opening that allows air to enter into said container as contents are dispensed through said content discharge opening,   whereby said lid allows for unobstructed and rapid dispensing of the contents of said container in a controlled manner.   
     
     
         2 . The lid of  claim 1 , wherein said smooth spout is located at a proximal end of said lid. 
     
     
         3 . The lid of  claim 1 , wherein said smooth spout is located at the center of said lid. 
     
     
         4 . The lid of  claim 1 , wherein said vent opening includes a channel formed between said lid and the wall of said container at its open end, an inlet located at an end of said channel outside of said container, and an outlet located at another end of said channel inside of said container. 
     
     
         5 . The lid of  claim 4 , wherein the channel of said vent opening wraps around said lid substantially adjacent to the rim of said container. 
     
     
         6 . The lid of  claim 1 , wherein said vent opening is formed through said lid. 
     
     
         7 . The lid of  claim 6 , wherein said vent opening is provided by a cut which forms a vent tab in said lid, and wherein said vent tab is bendable at a hinge. 
     
     
         8 . The lid of  claim 6 , wherein said vent opening is provided by one or more holes through said lid. 
     
     
         9 . A lid for placement onto the rim of a cup at its open end, comprising:
 a. a mounting skirt having a retention feature suitable for securing said lid to said cup,   b. a smooth spout having a content discharge opening large enough to allow rapid flow of liquid of said cup and small enough to fit comfortably into the mouth of a user, allowing said user to form a seal with their lips around said smooth spout, and   c. a vent opening that allows air to enter into said cup as liquid is dispensed through said content discharge opening,   whereby said lid allows for unobstructed and rapid dispensing of the liquid of said cup in a controlled manner so that spillage is prevented during consumption.   
     
     
         10 . The lid of  claim 9 , wherein said smooth spout is located at a proximal end of said lid. 
     
     
         11 . The lid of  claim 9 , wherein said smooth spout is located at the center of said lid. 
     
     
         12 . The lid of  claim 9 , wherein said vent opening includes a channel formed between said lid and the wall of said cup at its open end, an inlet located at an end of said channel outside of said cup, and an outlet located at another end of said channel inside of said cup. 
     
     
         13 . The lid of  claim 12 , wherein the channel of said vent opening wraps around said lid substantially adjacent to the rim of said cup. 
     
     
         14 . The lid of  claim 9 , wherein said vent opening is formed through said lid. 
     
     
         15 . The lid of  claim 14 , wherein said vent opening is provided by a cut which forms a vent tab in said lid, and wherein said vent tab is bendable at a hinge. 
     
     
         16 . The lid of  claim 14 , wherein said vent opening is provided by one or more holes through said lid. 
     
     
         17 . A lid for placement onto the rim of a container at its open end, comprising:
 a. retention means for securing said lid to said container,   b. dispensing means for allowing rapid flow of the contents of said container through said lid,   c. sealing means for allowing a user to seal the lips of their mouth to said lid to prevent spillage of the contents of said container through said dispensing means when drinking, and   d. venting means for allowing air to enter into said container as contents are dispensed through said dispensing means to prevent a flow-inhibiting vacuum condition within said container,   whereby said lid allows for unobstructed and rapid dispensing of the contents of said container in a controlled manner.   
     
     
         18 . The lid of  claim 17 , wherein said retention means includes a retention feature, and wherein said retention feature forms a mechanical interlock between said lid and said container. 
     
     
         19 . The lid of  claim 17 , wherein said dispensing means and said sealing means include a content discharge opening large enough to allow rapid flow of the contents of said container and a smooth spout small enough to fit comfortably into the mouth of said user of said lid. 
     
     
         20 . The lid of  claim 17 , wherein said venting means includes a vent opening with a channel between said lid and said container or a vent opening with one or more holes through said lid.