Container lid assembly with locking handle and additive cartridge chamber

Abstract

A lid and closure assembly is adapted for use with a drinking container having an internal space configured to hold a base liquid. The lid and closure assembly can accommodate an additive cartridge. A push button latching mechanism enables user release and latching of the closure assembly. A locking mechanism, which may be a pivoting handle, prevents accidental operation of the latching mechanism. The closure can be coupled to the lid base and configured to move from a closed position in which the closure covers an additive cartridge receiving space, and an open position in which the additive cartridge receiving space is not covered. The closure can be configured to accommodate an upper portion of the additive cartridge when the closure is in the closed position.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A lid assembly for use with a drinking container having an internal space configured to hold a base liquid and a drinking container opening, the lid assembly comprising:
 a lid base configured to attach to the drinking container, the lid base including a lid base opening;   a cartridge chamber extending from the lid base opening and defining an additive cartridge receiving space;   a closure coupled to the lid base and configured to move from a closed position in which the closure covers the additive cartridge receiving space, and an open position in which the additive cartridge receiving space is not covered, wherein the closure is configured to accommodate an upper portion of the additive cartridge when the closure is in the closed position;   a latching mechanism movable between a latched position, in which the latching mechanism retains the closure in the closed position, and a release position in which the closure is free to move to the open position; and   a handle configured to selectively lock the latching mechanism and thereby prevent the latching mechanism from moving to the release position.   
     
     
         2 . The lid assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle encircles the domed portion. 
     
     
         3 . The lid assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle rests on the shoulder. 
     
     
         4 . The lid assembly of  claim 3 , wherein an outer portion of the closure disposed beneath the shoulder protrudes outwardly. 
     
     
         5 . The lid assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle has an inner surface flush with an outer surface of the domed portion in the closed position. 
     
     
         6 . The lid assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a chamber-straw connector formed by an elongate body comprising:
 a longitudinal axis, 
 a chamber-straw connector passage extending along the longitudinal axis, 
 a chamber connection portion, and 
 a straw connection portion opposite the chamber connection portion, 
 wherein, when assembled, the chamber connection portion is disposed within the cartridge chamber and the straw connection portion is disposed outside the cartridge chamber; and 
   a straw configured to be received within the chamber-straw connector passage such that a fluid pathway extends continuously through the straw and the cartridge chamber.   
     
     
         7 . The lid assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a push button configured to move the latching mechanism into the release position. 
     
     
         8 . A lid assembly for use with a drinking container having an internal space configured to hold a base liquid and a drinking container opening, the lid assembly comprising:
 a lid base configured to attach to the drinking container, the lid base including an enclosing wall and a lid base opening encircled by the enclosing wall;   a cartridge chamber extending from the lid base opening and defining an additive cartridge receiving space;   a closure coupled to the lid base and configured to move from a closed position in which the closure covers the additive cartridge receiving space, and an open position in which the additive cartridge receiving space is not covered, wherein the closure is configured to accommodate an upper portion of the additive cartridge when the closure is in the closed position;   a hinge positioned on an outermost edge of the enclosing wall, wherein the hinge is configured to enable pivoting movement of the closure;   a latching mechanism movable between a latched position, in which the latching mechanism retains the closure in the closed position, and a release position in which the closure is free to move to the open position; and   a handle configured to selectively lock the latching mechanism and thereby prevent the latching mechanism from moving to the release position.   
     
     
         9 . The lid assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle encircles the domed portion. 
     
     
         10 . The lid assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle rests on the shoulder. 
     
     
         11 . The lid assembly of  claim 10 , wherein an outer portion of the closure disposed beneath the shoulder protrudes outwardly. 
     
     
         12 . The lid assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle has an inner surface flush with an outer surface of the domed portion in the closed position. 
     
     
         13 . The lid assembly of  claim 8 , further comprising a push button configured to move the latching mechanism into the release position. 
     
     
         14 . The lid assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the lid base includes a lid base wall perpendicular to the enclosing wall and wherein accommodating the upper portion of the additive cartridge when the closure is in the closed position includes accommodating a cartridge base, a flavor adjuster, and a drinking spout assembly all extending outwardly from lid base wall. 
     
     
         15 . A lid assembly for use with a drinking container having an internal space configured to hold a base liquid and a drinking container opening, the lid assembly comprising:
 a lid base configured to attach to the drinking container, the lid base including a lid base wall and an inner annular wall extending outwardly from lid base wall and forming a lid base opening;   a cartridge chamber extending inwardly from the lid base opening and defining an additive cartridge receiving space;   a closure coupled to the lid base and configured to move from a closed position in which the closure covers the additive cartridge receiving space, and an open position in which the additive cartridge receiving space is not covered, wherein the closure is configured to accommodate an upper portion of the additive cartridge disposed within the lid base opening when the closure is in the closed position;   a latching mechanism movable between a latched position, in which the latching mechanism retains the closure in the closed position, and a release position in which the closure is free to move to the open position; and   a handle configured to selectively lock the latching mechanism and thereby prevent the latching mechanism from moving to the release position.   
     
     
         16 . The lid assembly of  claim 15 , wherein accommodating the upper portion of the additive cartridge when the closure is in the closed position includes accommodating a cartridge base, a flavor adjuster, and a drinking spout assembly all extending outwardly from lid base wall. 
     
     
         17 . The lid assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the closure includes a domed portion and a shoulder, wherein the handle wraps around domed portion and rests on the shoulder. 
     
     
         18 . The lid assembly of  claim 17 , wherein an outer portion of the closure disposed beneath the shoulder protrudes outwardly. 
     
     
         19 . The lid assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the handle has an inner surface flush with an outer surface of the domed portion in the closed position. 
     
     
         20 . The lid assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a chamber-straw connector formed by an elongate body comprising:
 a longitudinal axis, 
 a chamber-straw connector passage extending along the longitudinal axis, 
 a chamber connection portion, and 
 a straw connection portion opposite the chamber connection portion, 
 wherein, when assembled, the chamber connection portion is disposed within the cartridge chamber and the straw connection portion is disposed outside the cartridge chamber; and 
   a straw configured to be received within the chamber-straw connector passage such that a fluid pathway extends continuously through the straw and the cartridge chamber.