Claims:1. An apparatus, comprising:
at least one blocking structure disposed over an opening of a container or a lid associated with the container such that the blocking structure divides the opening into a first outlet and a second outlet, wherein the blocking structure is configured to retain a first object within the container upon tilting the container to more than a defined threshold angle relative to a reference position for dispensing at least a portion of contents of the container through the first outlet; and
at least one diversion structure disposed over the second outlet at a selected angle with respect to the opening, wherein the diversion structure is configured to divert a vaporized portion of contents of the container in a desired direction away from the container.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first outlet has a size that is smaller than the first object such that the first object is retained within the container upon tilting the container to more than the defined threshold angle.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking structure and the diversion structure are integrated into the lid configured to be positioned over the opening of the container.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one end of the diversion structure is pivotally fixed to one or more points on the blocking structure such that the diversion structure, when disposed in a first position, at least partially covers the second outlet and, when disposed in a second position, uncovers the second outlet.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the diversion structure is adapted to be disposed at one or more intermediated positions between the first position and the second position for diverting the vaporized portion of the contents in the desired direction through the second outlet.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the diversion structure comprises a plane surface or a curved surface, and wherein a shape of one or more of the plane surface and the curved surface comprises one or more of a square, a rectangle, a cone, and a parabola.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking structure and the diversion structure are fixed to one or more points on an outer edge of the container around the opening of the container.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least one end of the diversion structure is pivotally fixed to one or more points on the blocking structure such that the diversion structure, when disposed in a first position, at least partially covers the second outlet and, when disposed in a second position, uncovers the second outlet.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the diversion structure is adapted to be disposed at one or more intermediated positions between the first position and the second position for diverting the vaporized portion of the contents in the desired direction through the second outlet.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the diversion structure comprises a plane surface or a curved surface, and wherein a shape of one or more of the plane surface and the curved surface comprises one or more of a square, a rectangle, a cone, and a parabola.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the diversion structure is co-planar to the blocking structure in the first position, forms an obtuse angle with respect to the blocking structure in an intermediated position between the first position and the second position, and is perpendicular or forms an acute angle with respect to the blocking structure in the second position.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking structure comprises at least two L-shaped parts that are slidably coupled to each other and are configured to allow a user to adjust a length associated with the blocking structure to fit over containers of different sizes.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lid is coupled to the container using a thread mechanism, a press fit mechanism, a snap fit mechanism, or a hook and latch mechanism.
14. A container, comprising:
a protective apparatus, the protective apparatus comprising:
at least one blocking structure disposed over an opening of the container such that the blocking structure divides the opening into a first outlet and a second outlet, wherein the blocking structure is configured to retain a first object within the container upon tilting the container to more than a defined threshold angle relative to a reference position for dispensing at least a portion of contents of the container through the first outlet; and
at least one diversion structure disposed over the second outlet at a selected angle with respect to the opening, wherein the diversion structure is configured to divert a vaporized portion of contents of the container in a desired direction away from the container.

15. A lid associated with a container, the lid comprising:
a protective apparatus, the protective apparatus comprising:
at least one blocking structure disposed over an opening of the lid such that the blocking structure divides the opening into a first outlet and a second outlet, wherein the blocking structure is configured to retain a first object within the container upon tilting the container to more than a defined threshold angle relative to a reference position for dispensing at least a portion of contents of the container through the first outlet; and
at least one diversion structure disposed over the second outlet at a selected angle with respect to the opening, wherein the diversion structure is configured to divert a vaporized portion of contents of the container in a desired direction away from the container.
, Description:PROTECTIVE APPARATUS

BACKGROUND

[0001] Embodiments of the present specification relate generally to a protective apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus that protects a user while using contents of a container.
[0002] Containers are devices that create partially or fully enclosed spaces that can be used to contain, store, and/or transport objects and materials like food, and fluid items like beverages, etc. There are certain beverages that taste better if consumed hot, and certain others that taste better when cold. For example, beverages like coffee, tea, and soups taste better if consumed at a warmer temperature. Beverages like iced alcoholic drink and ice tea, in contrast, may taste better when consumed at a colder temperature. Generally, containers that carry such beverages vary in sizes and materials depending on specific characteristics of the beverage (e.g., a type and a temperature of the beverages) and/or preferences of a user. For instance, an iced alcoholic drink is typically served in a glass container. In another instance, hot beverages like coffee and tea are served in paper cups, plastic cups, earthenware containers, and ceramic containers. However, conventional containers may not provide an optimal drinking experience.
[0003] For example, if a person consumes coffee from a lid-less container, as a top portion of the container is completely open, vapors flowing out of the lid-less container would be directed towards person’s face causing inconvenience for the person drinking coffee. Sometimes, if the person wears spectacles, vapors deposit on the spectacles and affect clarity of vision of the person. In addition, since the top portion of the container is open, contents may spill if a person is not careful while handling the container. Similarly, while consuming a cold beverage like ice tea having ice cubes from the lid-less container, the ice cubes often float to a rim of the container, blocking the smooth flow of beverage into one's mouth. The ice cubes also detract from one's pleasure when it hits the teeth, lips, or nose while a person is engaged in drinking the beverage. This problem is particularly acute for persons who wear dentures, plates, or other dental work that may be sensitive to direct contact with the ice cubes themselves. Additionally, the sudden shifting of the ice cubes to the rim of the container can cause spills as the container is tipped to allow the person to drink from it. Despite these issues, the ice cubes and the vapors are ingredients that form an integral part of the drinking experience. Accordingly, several drinking aids have been proposed to mitigate the issues with such ingredients to enhance the overall drinking experience.
[0004] For example, a WIPO published patent reference WO2015147968A1 describes an airflow-cooling lid for a hot beverage container that enables a user to cool down a beverage in the container by blowing outside air across a surface of the beverage without removal of the lid. The airflow-cooling lid comprises a circular cover snuggly placed over the hot beverage container having a drinking opening in form of an opening for consuming the beverage and an exhaust opening to be used as either the intake or exhaust portal for the air drawn over the surface of the beverage. The lid described in this reference appears to provide a way for a rapid cooling of the hot beverage in the container. A person has to blow outside air into the drinking opening such that the hot beverage is cooled rapidly. Moreover, vapors from the hot beverage are diverted away from person’s face via the exhaust opening while blowing the outside air into the drinking opening. However, the lid described in this published patent reference requires manually blowing outside air into the drinking opening for diverting the vapors away from the person’s face. In addition, frequent blowing of outside air into the drinking opening brings down a temperature of the hot beverage quickly, thus being unsuitable for people who may prefer the beverage to remain hot for a longer time.
[0005] In addition, the US granted patent reference US3399780 describes a lip protector device used in combination with a drinking glass, or like. The device is a one-piece plastic member having a generally flat level base platform rimmed with a rib and of generally C shape for permitting entry of ice cubes into the glass at the inside portion of the C shape. The device also blocks flow of ice cubes from the glass by the body of the C shape with the outside portion of the C shape adjacent to the wall of the drinking glass. The lip protector device described in this US granted patent reference requires a base portion of the device to be placed above the beverage level in the drinking glass. In other words, if the beverage level in the container surpasses the base portion of the device, the device would fail to prevent ice cubes from engaging a person’s mouth. Accordingly, there remains a need for a cost-effective and simplified apparatus that allows for an enhanced drinking experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0006] According to an exemplary aspect of the present specification, a protective apparatus is provided. The protective apparatus includes at least one blocking structure and at least one diversion structure. The blocking structure is disposed over an opening of a container or a lid associated with the container such that the blocking structure divides the opening into a first outlet and a second outlet. The blocking structure is configured to retain a first object within the container upon tilting the container to more than a defined threshold angle relative to a reference position for dispensing at least a portion of contents of the container through the first outlet. The diversion structure is disposed over the second outlet at a selected angle with respect to the opening. The diversion structure is configured to divert a vaporized portion of contents of the container in a desired direction away from the container. The first outlet has a size that may be smaller than the first object such that the first object is retained within the container upon tilting the container to more than the defined threshold angle.
[0007] The blocking structure and the diversion structure may be integrated into the lid configured to be positioned over the opening of the container. One end of the diversion structure may be pivotally fixed to one or more points on the blocking structure such that the diversion structure, when disposed in a first position, at least partially covers the second outlet and, when disposed in a second position, uncovers the second outlet. The diversion structure may be adapted to be disposed at one or more intermediated positions between the first position and the second position for diverting the vaporized portion of the contents in the desired direction through the second outlet. The diversion structure may include a plane surface or a curved surface. A shape of one or more of the plane surface and the curved surface may include one or more of a square, a rectangle, a cone, and a parabola.
[0008] The blocking structure and the diversion structure may be fixed to one or more points on an outer edge of the container around the opening of the container. One end of the diversion structure may be pivotally fixed to one or more points on the blocking structure such that the diversion structure, when disposed in a first position, at least partially covers the second outlet and, when disposed in a second position, uncovers the second outlet. The diversion structure may be adapted to be disposed at one or more intermediated positions between the first position and the second position for diverting the vaporized portion of the contents in the desired direction through the second outlet. The diversion structure may include a plane surface or a curved surface. A shape of one or more of the plane surface and the curved surface may include one or more of a square, a rectangle, a cone, and a parabola.
[0009] The diversion structure may be co-planar to the blocking structure in the first position, may form an obtuse angle with respect to the blocking structure in an intermediated position between the first position and the second position, and may be perpendicular, or may form an acute angle with respect to the blocking structure in the second position. The blocking structure may include at least two L-shaped parts that are slidably coupled to each other and are configured to allow a user to adjust a length associated with the blocking structure to fit over containers of different sizes. The lid may be coupled to the container using a thread mechanism, a press fit mechanism, a snap fit mechanism, or a hook and latch mechanism.
[0010] In another aspect, a container integrated with a protective apparatus is provided. The protective apparatus includes at least one blocking structure and at least one diversion structure. The blocking structure is disposed over an opening of a container such that the blocking structure divides the opening into a first outlet and a second outlet. The blocking structure is configured to retain a first object within the container upon tilting the container to more than a defined threshold angle relative to a reference position for dispensing at least a portion of contents of the container through the first outlet. The diversion structure is disposed over the second outlet at a selected angle with respect to the opening. The diversion structure is configured to divert a vaporized portion of contents of the container in a desired direction away from the container.
[0011] In yet another aspect, a lid associated with a container having a protective apparatus is provided. The protective apparatus includes at least one blocking structure and at least one diversion structure. The blocking structure is disposed over an opening of the lid such that the blocking structure divides the opening into a first outlet and a second outlet. The blocking structure is configured to retain a first object within the container upon tilting the container to more than a defined threshold angle relative to a reference position for dispensing at least a portion of contents of the container through the first outlet. The diversion structure is disposed over the second outlet at a selected angle with respect to the opening. The diversion structure is configured to divert a vaporized portion of contents of the container in a desired direction away from the container.

DRAWINGS

[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a protective apparatus for a container, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a container having the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 disposed over the container carrying a hot fluid, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a container having the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 disposed over the container carrying a cold fluid and solid objects like ice cubes, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a blocking structure of the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 in a contracted state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the protective apparatus of FIG. 4 having the blocking structure disposed over a container of a first size in the contracted state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the blocking structure of the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 in a partially extended state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of the protective apparatus of FIG. 6 having the blocking structure disposed over a container having a specified diameter in a partially extended state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of the blocking structure of FIG. 4 having first and second L-shaped parts in a fully extended state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 8 having the blocking structure disposed over another container in the fully extended state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of a lid of a container including the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 integrated therein, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 11A illustrates a front perspective view of a lid of a container including the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 integrated therein, the protective apparatus having an arc shaped blocking structure, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 11B illustrates a front perspective view of a lid of a container including the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 integrated therein, the protective apparatus having the blocking structure that includes a U-shaped cut disposed inwards at its center, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 11C illustrates a front perspective view of a lid of a container including the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 integrated therein, the protective apparatus having a K-shaped blocking structure, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 11D illustrates a front perspective view of a lid of a container including the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 integrated therein, the protective apparatus having a rectangular shaped blocking structure having a cut out portion in the middle, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 12A illustrates an embodiment of a thread mechanism for fitting a lid having the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 over a container, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 12B illustrates an embodiment of a press fit mechanism for fitting a lid having the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 over a container, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 12C illustrates an embodiment of a snap fit mechanism for fitting a lid having the protective apparatus 102 of FIG. 1 over a container, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 12D illustrates an embodiment of a hook and latch mechanism having hooks and latches in an unlocked state for fitting a lid having the protective apparatus 102 of FIG. 1 over a container, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 12E illustrates an embodiment of the hook and latch mechanism of FIG. 12D with the hooks and the latches in a locked state for fitting the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 over a container, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates a front perspective view of a container having the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 used for preparing hot fluids, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 14 illustrates a front perspective view of a soup bowl having the protective apparatus of FIG. 1, the protective apparatus including a diversion structure in a closed state for maintaining a temperature of contents of the soup bowl, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following description presents an exemplary apparatus for protecting a user when using contents of a container. The apparatus is disposed over the container by itself or by means of a lid and is used to divert vapors or fumes emanating from the contents in the container in a desired direction away from a person’s face. At the same time, the apparatus is also capable of allowing contents of the container to flow out through an opening upon tilting the container to more than a defined threshold angle relative to a reference position while retaining solid objects immersed in the contents within the container. Certain exemplary configurations of the apparatus are described in greater detail with reference to FIGs. 1-14.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view 100 of a protective apparatus 102 for a container (not shown in FIG. 1) that prevents undesirable objects from coming in contact with a user during use of contents of the container. To that end, in certain embodiments, the protective apparatus 102 includes a blocking structure 104 for retaining solid objects (e.g., ice cubes) within the container, while allowing contents of the container to flow out through an outlet for user’s consumption. It may be noted that although the blocking structure 104 is shown as a rectangular element in the FIG. 1, it is to be understood that the blocking structure 104 can be of any shapes. Examples of such shapes include a solid or perforated square, an arc, a semicircle, a parabola, and a U-shaped element. In one embodiment, the protective apparatus 102 having the blocking structure 104 is disposed at a rim of the container as shown and described in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9. However, in other embodiments, the protective apparatus 102 may be disposed over any desired opening of the container to enable corresponding protective action.
[0036] In one embodiment, the blocking structure 104 is made up of a rigid material. Examples of such rigid material include metal plates and polymeric materials. In another embodiment, the blocking structure 104 is made up of a flexible material or an elastic material. Examples of such materials include rubber like materials, plastic materials like polyethylene and polypropylene, and flexible metals like aluminum, and graphene. In certain embodiments, a length of the blocking structure 104 can be adjusted to fit over different sizes of rims or lids of containers, as shown and described in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 5, 7, and 9.
[0037] The protective apparatus 102 further includes a diversion structure 106 that is coupled to the blocking structure 104 and is configured to divert vaporized portion of contents or fumes flowing out of the container in a desired direction away from a user’s face. In one embodiment, the diversion structure 106 may be fixed permanently at a desired angle with respect to the blocking structure 104. In another embodiment however, the diversion structure 106 may be free to rotate from a first position (e.g., a closed state) to a second position (e.g., an open state) around a pivot point. Additionally, the diversion structure 106 may be capable of being fixed stationary at any desired intermediated positions forming desired angles with respect to the blocking structure 104. Further, the diversion structure 106 may be substantially co-planar to the blocking structure 104 in the closed state. In certain embodiments, the diversion structure 106 may form an obtuse angle with respect to the blocking structure 104 while fixed stationary at an intermediated position. The diversion structure 106 may partially cover an opening at a top portion of the container or the lid to divert vapors or fumes away from the user while fixed stationary at the intermediated position. In certain other embodiment, the diversion structure 106 may be perpendicular or may form an acute angle with respect to the blocking structure 104 in the open state.
[0038] In one embodiment, the diversion structure 106 may be made of a flexible material such that a position of the diversion structure 106 may be manually adjusted to fix the diversion structure 106 at a desired angle with respect to the blocking structure 104. Examples of such materials include rubber like materials, plastic materials like polyethylene and polypropylene, and flexible metals like aluminum, and graphene.
[0039] Further, it may be noted that although the diversion structure 106 is shown as a U-shaped element in the FIG. 1, it is to be understood that the diversion structure 106 can be of any shape. Generally, the diversion structure 106 may include a plane or a curved geometrical surface to divert vapors in a desired direction with respect to the user. In certain embodiments, the plane or curved geometrical surface may be fabricated in a desired shape including one or more of a square, a rectangle, a cone, and a parabola. In one embodiment, the diversion structure 106 may be of a shape that is similar to a shape of at least a part of a rim or lid of the container. For example, if a rim of a container is circular, the diversion structure 106 may be of a semi-circular in shape. In another embodiment, a shape of the diversion structure 106 may be different from a shape of the rim or the lid of the container. For example, the rim may be of a circular shape, whereas the diversion structure 106 may be of a square shape.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the protective apparatus 102 having the blocking structure 104 and the diversion structure 106 are integrated as a single unit such that these structures are not separable from each other. Alternatively, the blocking structure 104 and the diversion structure 106 may be removably coupled to each other, for example using snap-fit mechanisms, such that these structures are separable from each other if required for adjusting positions of these structures when using with the container. In addition, the protective apparatus 102 may be integrated with an opening or a lid associated with the container at the manufacturing stage itself, such that, the container and the protective apparatus 102 can be sold as a single product in the market. Alternatively, the protective apparatus 102 may be sold as a separate device that may be retrofitted over containers or lids of various sizes.
[0041] Accordingly, the protective apparatus 102 may be widely used across various industries, such as in a food industry, as is described with reference to FIGs. 2-14. However, it is to be understood that the protective apparatus 102 may also be used in other industries such as in a chemical industry for diverting harmful fumes emanating from chemicals stored in a container away from a user for ensuring safety of the user.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view 200 of a container 202 having the protective apparatus 102 of FIG. 1 disposed over the container 202 carrying a hot fluid. In an exemplary embodiment, the container 202 has a cylindrical shaped opening 204 at a rim portion 206 that forms an outer edge of the container 202.
[0043] In certain embodiments, the blocking structure 104 of the protective apparatus 102 is disposed at the rim portion 206 of the container such that the a first end 208 of the blocking structure 104 couples to one end of the rim portion 206 and a second end 210 of the blocking structure 104 couples to another end of the rim portion 206. Moreover, the blocking structure 104 is disposed at a position slightly inward from an edge 212 of the container 202 such that a gap is formed between the edge 212 and the blocking structure 104. Thus, the blocking structure 104 coupled to both ends of the rim portion 206 and disposed slightly inward from the edge 212 of the container 202 divides the opening 204 into a first outlet 214 and a second outlet 216. In one embodiment, the first outlet 214 may be used as a drinking or pouring outlet through which the contents contained within the container 202 flow out due to a gravitational force upon tilting the container 202 to more than a defined threshold angle.
[0044] In certain embodiments, the diversion structure 106may be manually positioned at a desired angle with respect to the blocking structure 104 to divert vaporized contents in a desired direction. For example, the diversion structure 106 depicted in the FIG. 2 is fixed at an intermediated position and forms an obtuse angle with respect to the blocking structure 104. This diversion structure 106 may divert vapors 218 emanating out of the container 202 through the second outlet 216 away from the user such that a user can consume the contents of the container 202 through the first outlet 214 without being affected by the vapors 218. As previously noted, apart from expelling the vapors 218 out of the container 202 in a desired direction by positioning the diversion structure 106 at the desired angle, the protective apparatus 102 is also capable of retaining solid objects within the container 202 while allowing contents to flow out through the first outlet 214 as described with reference to FIG. 3.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view 300 of a container 302 having the protective apparatus 102 of FIG. 1 disposed over a container 302. As shown in FIG. 3, the container 302 may carry a cold fluid and solid objects like ice cubes 304. In an exemplary embodiment, the container 302 is of a conical shaped having an opening 306 at a top portion and having a rim portion 308 that forms an outer edge of the container 302. As explained with reference to FIG. 2, the blocking structure 104 is disposed over the container 302 at the rim portion 308 and is positioned slightly inwards from a side surface 310 of the rim portion 308 to form a first outlet 312 and a second outlet (not visible in FIG. 3). The diversion structure 106 depicted in FIG. 3 is semi-oval shaped, similar to the shape of at least a part of the rim portion 308. Moreover, the diversion structure 106 is substantially co-planar to the blocking structure 104 in a closed state, and therefore, the diversion structure 106 completely covers the second outlet. In certain embodiments, a shape and a position of the blocking structure 104 may be selected such that the first outlet 312 of a desired shape and a desired size is formed.
[0046] For example, a rectangular shaped blocking structure disposed at the rim portion 308 forms a semi-elliptical shaped first outlet. In another example, an arc shaped blocking structure disposed at the rim portion 308 forms an elliptical shaped first outlet. By changing a position of the blocking structure 104 by increasing or decreasing a distance between the side surface 310 of the rim portion 308 and the blocking structure 104, the first outlet of a desired size is formed. For example, moving the blocking structure 104 from its current position towards the side surface 310 decreases the distance between the side surface 310 and the blocking structure 104, and hence, a size of the first outlet 312 decreases accordingly. It is to be noted that while moving the blocking structure 104 towards the side surface 310, a length associated with the blocking structure 104 has to be decreased to fit at the rim portion 308. Similarly, while moving the blocking structure 104 away from the side surface 310 for increasing a size of the first outlet 312, a length associated with the blocking structure has to be increased to fit at the rim portion 308. To that end, the blocking structure 104 is configured to allow a user to adjust its length through a mechanism that is explained in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 4, 6, and 8.
[0047] Thus, the first outlet 312 of the desired shape and the desired size is formed by selecting the shape and the position of the blocking structure 104. In one embodiment, a width of the first outlet 312 is substantially smaller than the width of solid objects (e.g., the ice cubes 304) present in the container 302. Therefore, the ice cubes 304 are prevented from reaching the rim portion 308, thereby allowing a user to drink the cold fluid conveniently without getting disturbed by frequent engagement of the ice cubes 304 with user’s lips while drinking. Thus, the blocking structure 104 allows only the cold fluid to flow out via the first outlet 312 upon tilting the container 302 to more than a defined threshold angle 316 relative to a reference position 318, while restraining the ice cubes 304 within the container 302. The reference position 318, for example, may be a default position of the container 302 when placed upright on a flat surface with the protective apparatus 102 facing upwards and an opposite end resting on the flat surface.
[0048] FIGS. 4 through 9 depict the blocking structure 104 that is configured to allow a user to adjust its length to fit over rim portions of containers of varying sizes. Although FIGS. 4, 6, and 8 depict the blocking structure 104 as including two L-shaped parts that are moveably coupled to each other for adjusting its length in a manner similar to a guide rail assembly, it is understood that the blocking structure 104 can be modified by other ways for configuring the blocking structure 104 to adjust its length and fit over various containers. In certain embodiments, an L-shaped part of the blocking structure 104 includes a horizontal part, a vertical part that couples to one end of the horizontal part, and stoppers disposed at opposite end of the horizontal part.
[0049] For example, with reference to FIG. 4, a side perspective view 400 of the blocking structure 104 of the protective apparatus 102 in a contracted state is illustrated. The blocking structure 104 includes first and second L-shaped parts 402A, 402B having horizontal parts 404A and 404B, vertical parts 406A and 406B, and stoppers 408A and 408B. The horizontal part 404B is slidably coupled to the horizontal part 404A through a guide channel. The first and the second L-shaped parts 402A and 402B can be pulled away from each other or towards each other in order to adjust a length of the blocking structure 104. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view 500 of the blocking structure 104 of FIG. 4 in the contracted state disposed over a container 502 of a first size having an opening 504.
[0050] FIG. 6 depicts a side perspective view 600 of the blocking structure in the protective apparatus of FIG. 1 in a partially extended state. In the partially extended state, the first and the second L-shaped parts 402A and 402B are pulled away from each other partially from the contracted state for extending a length of the blocking structure 104. FIG. 7 depicts a front perspective view 700 of the protective apparatus of FIG. 6 having the blocking structure disposed over a container having a specified diameter in a partially extended state. As depicted in FIG. 7, the first and the second L-shaped parts 402A and 402B are disposed over a container 702 of a second size and having an opening 704 in the partially extended state. It may be noted that the container 702 is slightly bigger than the container 502 of FIG. 5, and hence, the blocking structure 104 depicted in FIG. 4 may not fit over the container 702 unless a length associated with the blocking structure 104 is extended at least partially to fit over the container 702.
[0051] Further, FIG. 8 depicts a side perspective view 800 of the blocking structure of FIG. 4 having first and second L-shaped parts in a fully extended state. In the fully extended state, the first and the second L-shaped parts 402A and 402B are pulled away from each other completely beyond which a length of the blocking structure 104 cannot be extended further. To that end, the stoppers 408A and 408B are provided. The stoppers 408A and 408B engage with each other upon pulling the first and the second L-shaped parts 402A and 402B completely, and hence, prevent the first and the second L-shaped parts 402A and 402B from moving further and from disengaging. FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of the blocking structure 104 of FIG. 8 in the fully extended state disposed over a container 902 of a third size and having an opening 904.
[0052] In one embodiment, the vertical parts 406A and 406B of the blocking structure 104 engage with wall surfaces 506, 706, and 906 of the containers 502, 702 and 902 (see FIGS. 5, 7, and 9) for disposing the protective apparatus 102 over openings 504, 704, and 904, respectively. The vertical parts 406A and 406B are configured to engage with the wall surfaces 506, 706, and 906 of the containers 502, 702 and 902 using various mechanisms, for example, using adhesives and clips. In another example, the vertical parts 406A and 406B can be made of magnetic material, and therefore, may couple to wall surfaces of a container if the container is also made of a magnetic material. It may be noted that, for a sake of simplicity, only the blocking structure 104 of the protective apparatus 102 is shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 9. It may be understood that the protective apparatus 102 may also include the diversion structure 106 as described with reference to FIG. 1. While FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9 describe a set of embodiments in which the protective apparatus 102 is disposed over a container, FIGS. 10 through 12D describe another set of embodiments in which the protective apparatus 102 is integrated with a lid of a container instead of being disposed directly over the container as described in greater detail in subsequent paragraphs.
[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view 1000 of a lid 1002 of a container 1004 integrated with the protective apparatus 102 of FIG. 1. The protective apparatus 102 is integrated with the lid 1002 instead of being disposed directly over the container 1004. In one embodiment, the protective apparatus 102 is disposed on a rim portion 1006 over an opening 1008 of the lid 1002, and not over an opening of the container 1004. Thus, the protective apparatus 102 disposed over the opening 1008 divides the opening into a first outlet 1010 and a second outlet 1012. As previously noted, the first outlet 1010 may act as a drinking or pouring opening through which contents carried in the container 1004 flow out for user’s consumption upon tilting the container 1004 to more than a defined threshold angle relative to a reference position. However, the blocking structure 104 retains solid objects within the container 1004 while allowing the contents to flow out freely through the first outlet 1010. Additionally, the diversion structure 106 diverts vapors or fumes from the contents through the second outlet 1012. In certain embodiments, a shape and a size of the blocking structure 104 is selected such that the first outlet 1010 of a desired shape and a desired size is formed at the lid 1002. Examples of various shapes of the blocking structure 104 selected to form the first outlet 1010 of different shapes and sizes are depicted in FIGs. 11A-11D.
[0054] FIG. 11A illustrates a front perspective view of the protective apparatus 102, integrated with a lid of a container, and having an arc shaped blocking structure 1102 to form a first outlet 1104 having a parabolic shape. The protective apparatus 102 depicted in FIG. 11B includes a blocking structure 1106 having a U-shaped cut disposed inwards at its center forming a first outlet 1108 having an irregular shape. Similarly, the apparatus depicted in FIG. 11C includes a K-shaped blocking structure 1110 that forms a first outlet 1112 having a conical shape. A rectangular shaped blocking structure 1114 having a cut out portion in its middle, as depicted in FIG. 11D, forms a first outlet 1116 having a square shape. Thus, a shape of the blocking structure 104 can be selected to form a first outlet of any desired shape and size. Such lids, having the protective apparatus 102, can be mounted over containers using various mechanisms. Few exemplary mechanisms that can be employed for mounting a lid having the protective apparatus 102 over a container are depicted and described with reference to FIGs. 12A-12D.
[0055] FIG. 12A illustrates an embodiment of a thread mechanism for mounting a lid 1202 having the protective apparatus 102 of FIG. 1 integrated therein over a container 1204. The lid 1202 includes a plurality of internal threads (shown as continuous dotted lines 1206) disposed circumferentially at an inner surface of the lid 1202. While rotating the lid 1202 in a clockwise direction, the lid 1202 having the plurality of internal threads pass over external threads (shown as broken lines 1208) disposed circumferentially at an outer surface of the container 1204 such that the lid 1202 is mounted over the container 1204.
[0056] FIG. 12B illustrates an embodiment of a press fit mechanism for mounting a lid 1210 having the protective apparatus 102 of FIG. 1 integrated therein over a container 1212. In one embodiment, a size of the lid 1210 is selected such that it is slightly greater than a size of a rim portion of the container 1212. Hence, upon placing the lid 1210 over the rim portion of the container 1212 and manually exerting a force from a top portion of the lid 1210 towards the container 1212, the lid 1210 is tightly fitted over the container 1212. In addition, the container 1212 may include a ring structure 1214 that tightly encircles the container 1212. One end of the ring structure 1214 may include a loop or belt 1216, which in turn, couples to the lid 1210. The belt 1216 prevents the lid 1210 from falling down upon disengaging the lid 1210 from the container 1212.
[0057] FIG. 12C illustrates an embodiment of a snap fit mechanism for mounting a lid 1218 having the protective apparatus 102 of FIG. 1 integrated therein over a container 1220. The container 1220 includes a pair of grooves 1222 formed at sidewalls of the container 1220. The lid 1218 includes a pair of extended membranes 1224 having protrusions 1226 that are configured to snap fit with the grooves 1222 for mounting the lid 1218 over the container 1220.
[0058] FIG. 12D illustrates an embodiment of a hook and latch mechanism for mounting a lid 1228 having the protective apparatus 102 of FIG. 1 over a container 1230. In one embodiment, the container 1230 includes a pair of hooks 1232 disposed at sidewalls of the container 1230. The lid 1228 includes a pair of arms 1234 having latches 1236. In certain embodiments, as shown in the FIG. 12D, the lid 1228 is placed over a rim portion of the container 1230 and the arms 1234 are pulled down (shown using two down arrows) and the latches 1236 are made to engage with the hooks 1232 to form locks 1238 as shown in FIG. 12E. The locks 1238 thus formed ensure the lid 1228 is tightly mounted over the container 1230.
[0059] Although FIGS. 2 through 12D depict embodiments where the protective apparatus 102 is disposed over an opening of a container or a lid, the protective apparatus 102 can also be used with a container for preparing food items, as described with reference to FIG. 13.
[0060] FIG. 13 illustrates a front perspective view 1300 of a container 1304 having the protective apparatus 102 of FIG. 1 used for preparing hot fluids. For example, if the container 1304 is used for preparing tea, the protective apparatus 102 is used for diverting vapors, which form during the process of tea preparation, away in a desired direction such as towards a nearby chimney. As previously noted, the protective apparatus 102 divides an opening 1302 into a first outlet (not visible in FIG. 13) and a second outlet 1308. A filtering medium 1310 may be disposed over the first outlet. In one embodiment, the filtering medium 1310 includes a plurality of pores whose size is selected such that the pores are smaller than tea powder particles. Contents that are required for preparing tea may be added through the second outlet 1308 and subsequently the container 1304 is subjected to heat. Upon completion of the tea preparation process, the container 1304 is tilted to more than a desired threshold angle, such that, the prepared tea flows out through the filtering medium 1310, while the tea powder particles remain within the container 1304 and the vapors are directed away from the user.
[0061] FIG. 14 illustrates a front perspective view 1400 of a soup bowl 1402 having the protective apparatus 102 of FIG. 1 integrated with a rim portion 1404 of the soup bowl 1402. In certain embodiments, the diversion structure 106 of the protective apparatus 102 is placed in a closed state such that the diversion structure 106 completely covers a second outlet (not visible in the FIG. 14) of the soup bowl 1402. Thus, the diversion structure 106, placed in the closed state, prevents vapors 1406 from flowing out of the soup bowl 1402, while also maintaining a temperature of contents of the soup bowl 1402.
[0062] Thus, use of the protective apparatus 102 disposed over an opening of a container or a lid associated with the container improves user experience of using contents of a container. Unlike, conventional containers that cause vapors to be directed towards the user and/or cause a direct engagement of ice cubes with user’s mouth, the protective apparatus 102 diverts vapors away from user and prevents undesirable solid particles from escaping the container, thus improving the user experience.
[0063] Although specific features of various embodiments of the present systems and methods may be shown in and/or described with respect to some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. It is to be understood that the described features, structures, and/or characteristics may be combined and/or used interchangeably in any suitable manner in the various embodiments.
[0064] While only certain features of the present systems and methods have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the claimed invention.