Vapor flow lid

Abstract

A container lid for preventing spills or leaks, which enhances the flow and direction of aromatic vapors of beverages within the container to the consumer's nostrils, is disclosed. The lid comprises vapor ports that provide for aerodynamic redirection of aromatic vapors toward the drinker's nostrils, and one or more spill-preventing mechanisms to keep beverages within the container in case of overfilling or tipping, and an optional manual closure to contain heat and aroma within the container when it is not in use.

1 . A lid for a beverage container comprising:
 a. a drinking side comprising a drink opening along one periphery of the lid; and   b. one or more vapor ports offset to either side of a central longitudinal axis defined by the center of the drink opening and a location on a periphery of the lid substantially opposite the center of the drink opening.   
     
     
         2 . The lid of  claim 1 , wherein the vapor port is offset at least about 0.1 cm to either side of the central longitudinal axis, measured from the edge of the vapor port proximal to the central longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         3 . The lid of  claim 2 , wherein the vapor ports are located above, along, and/or below a central latitudinal axis that is perpendicular to and bisects the central longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         4 . The lid of  claim 3 , wherein the vapor ports are located below the central latitudinal axis. 
     
     
         5 . The lid of  claim 3 , wherein the vapor ports are located above the central latitudinal axis. 
     
     
         6 . The lid of  claim 1 , comprising two or more vapor ports, located to each side of the central longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         7 . The lid of  claim 1 , wherein the vapor ports are movable between the central axis and the periphery of the lid. 
     
     
         8 . The lid of  claim 1 , wherein the vapor ports comprise a covering that is substantially permeable to vapors escaping from beverages within the container, and substantially impermeable to liquids. 
     
     
         9 . The lid of  claim 7 , wherein the covering is composed of a material selected from spunbonded olefins, water-resistant fabrics, porous glass, metal, or polymers. 
     
     
         10 . The lid of  claim 7 , wherein the covering is affixed to the top side of the lid. 
     
     
         11 . The lid of  claim 7 , wherein the covering is affixed to the underside of the lid. 
     
     
         12 . The lid of  claim 1 , comprising a seal assembly beneath one or more of the vapor ports that seals the vapor port in the event liquid in the container is tipped toward the vapor port. 
     
     
         13 . The lid of  claim 1 , comprising a float assembly beneath one or more of the vapor ports that seals the vapor port in the event liquid in the container is tipped toward the vapor port. 
     
     
         14 . The lid of  claim 1 , comprising a baffle assembly beneath one or more of the vapor ports that diverts liquid from the vapor port the event liquid in the container is tipped toward the vapor port. 
     
     
         15 . The lid of  claim 1 , comprising a manual closure for closing the vapor ports and, optionally, the drink opening. 
     
     
         16 . A lid for a beverage container comprising:
 a. a drinking side comprising a drink opening along one periphery of the lid; and   b. one or more vapor ports located in proximity to nostrils of a user drinking from the container, wherein the one or more vapor ports comprises a covering that is substantially permeable to vapors escaping from beverages within the container, and substantially impermeable to liquids.   
     
     
         17 . The lid of  claim 16 , wherein the covering is composed of a material selected from spunbonded olefins, water-resistant fabrics, porous glass, metal, or polymers. 
     
     
         18 . The lid of  claim 16 , wherein the covering is affixed to the top side of the lid. 
     
     
         19 . The lid of  claim 16 , wherein the covering is affixed to the underside of the lid. 
     
     
         20 . The lid of  claim 16 , comprising one or more vapor ports offset to either side of a central longitudinal axis defined by the center of the drink opening and a location on a periphery of the lid substantially opposite the center of the drink opening. 
     
     
         21 . The lid of  claim 20 , wherein the vapor port is offset at least about 0.1 cm to either side of the central longitudinal axis, measured from the edge of the vapor port proximal to the central longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         22 . The lid of  claim 21 , wherein the vapor ports are located above, along, and/or below a central latitudinal axis that is perpendicular to and bisects the central longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         23 . The lid of  claim 22 , wherein the vapor ports are located below the central latitudinal axis. 
     
     
         24 . The lid of  claim 22 , wherein the vapor ports are located above the central latitudinal axis. 
     
     
         25 . The lid of  claim 20 , comprising two or more vapor ports, located to each side of the central longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         26 . The lid of  claim 20 , wherein the vapor ports are movable between the central axis and the periphery of the lid. 
     
     
         27 . The lid of  claim 16 , comprising a manual closure for closing the vapor ports and, optionally, the drink opening.