Lever actuated lid and container and method for using same

Abstract

A device for transporting and drinking liquids includes a body having a sidewall extending longitudinally between an upper surface and a lower surface. The sidewall has an inner surface that defines at least part of an aperture through the body and an outer surface, opposite the inner surface. The device also includes a sealing surface projecting from the inner surface of the body and a seal actuator including a linkage engaged with a seal. The seal is engaged with the inner surface of the body; the linkage is adapted to translate rotational displacement of the linkage into a linear displacement of the seal towards and away from the sealing surface of the body between closed and open positions. A lever engaged with the linkage is adapted to impart a rotational force onto the linkage to rotate.

1 . A lever actuated lid, comprising:
 a body including a sidewall extending longitudinally between an upper surface and a lower surface, the sidewall having an inner surface that defines at least part of an aperture through the body and an outer surface that is opposite the inner surface;   a sealing surface projecting from the inner surface of the body;   a seal actuator including a linkage engaged with a seal, the seal being engaged with inner surface of the body, the linkage configured to translate rotational displacement of the linkage into linear displacement of the seal, the linear displacement being towards and away from the sealing surface of the body and between respective closed and open positions; and   a lever engaged with the linkage and configured to impart a rotational force onto the linkage to rotate.   
     
     
         2 . The lever actuated lid of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a recess formed in the seal; and 
 an arm extending from an end of the linkage, the arm including a projection configured to move within the recess when the linkage rotates. 
 
     
     
         3 . The lever actuated lid of  claim 1  further comprising:
 the lever including a first keyed end; and 
 the linkage includes a first stud configured to receive the first keyed end of the lever. 
 
     
     
         4 . The lever actuated lid of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a spring engaged with the linkage and configured to impart a closing force on the seal to hold the seal against the sealing surface of the body. 
 
     
     
         5 . The lever actuated lid of  claim 1  wherein the rim and the body are a single unitary structure. 
     
     
         6 . The lever actuated lid of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a track projecting from the inner surface of the body; and 
 guide arms projecting from the seal, the guide arms configured to engage with the track. 
 
     
     
         7 . The lever actuated lid of  claim 1  wherein the body includes:
 a coupling configured to couple the body to a container. 
 
     
     
         8 . The lever actuated lid of  claim 7  wherein the coupling is a threaded coupling. 
     
     
         9 . The lever actuated lid of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a gasket configured to aid in sealing the seal to the sealing surface of the body. 
 
     
     
         10 . The lever actuated lid of  claim 9  wherein the gasket forms at least a portion of the sealing surface of the body. 
     
     
         11 . A method of actuating a lid, the method comprising:
 coupling a lid to a fluid container, the lid including an actuated seal that is positionable between an open position in which an interior of the fluid container is in fluid communication with an environment external to the fluid container and a closed position in which the interior of the fluid container is not in fluid communication with the environment external to the interior of the fluid container;   applying a force on a lever;   rotating a linkage about a stud that is coupled to the lever; and   translating the rotation of the linkage into a linear displacement of a seal away from a sealing surface to form an annular opening