LID-SECURING MECHANISM, BEVERAGE CONTAINER WITH LID-SECURING MECHANISM, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]The field relates to travel beverage holders and other containers that can be sealed, e.g., using a lid, to retain liquids inside.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Travel containers are often used to transport liquids. For example, travel beverage containers including those that are insulated, non-insulated, double-walled, or otherwise configured to hold a liquid are often used by consumers to transport their beverages. Travel beverage containers often have a lid for sealing an opening of the container. These lids are often screw-on or press-on lids. However, such lids often readily leak due to absence of a strong seal. Leak-proof mechanisms are typically cumbersome, e.g., requiring excessive turning or force to open and/or close the lid which can result in degradation over time and frustration of use. Leak-proof mechanisms can also be costly or challenging to implement on certain products. Therefore, a lid-securing mechanism that can be easily implemented, easily used, and also provide a substantially sealed connection that is durable, is needed.

SUMMARY

[0003]This summary is intended to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form which are further described below in the detailed description section of this disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004]In brief, and at a high level, this disclosure describes, among other things, a lid-securing mechanism, a container that includes a lid-securing mechanism, e.g., a liquid-holding container such as a travel beverage container used for transporting liquids, and methods of manufacturing, testing, and using the same, among other things.

[0005]In embodiments, a lid-securing mechanism is provided. The lid-securing mechanism can include separate elements that can be mateably engaged to thereby form a seal that substantially limits or inhibits liquids from passing through the seal. The lid-securing mechanism can include a first element located on a base structure (e.g., a cup or canister or other partial enclosure) and a second element located on a lid. The first element and the second element are configured to be releasably and/or reversibly coupled together to form a seal between the lid and the base structure. In embodiments, the first element is a plurality of protrusions located about an inner surface of the base structure, and the second element is a plurality of channels located about the lid. In some embodiments, this relative location of the protrusions/channels can be reversed. The protrusions and channels are configured so that the protrusions can be aligned with the channels, and then inserted into and through the channels to thereby secure the lid to a rim of the base structure (e.g., cup or canister) and as a result create a substantially leak-inhibiting seal. In embodiments, the seal can be enhanced through incorporating curves, contours, or slopes into the channel walls of the channels, so that translating the protrusions through the channels shifts the lid along a central axis of the base structure, thereby increasing a pressure of the lid against the rim (e.g., to help establish a substantially leak-inhibiting seal). In embodiments, the lid can include a ring of material that is at least partially compressible (e.g., one or more rubbers, foams, polymers, and/or other natural or synthetic materials). In such embodiments, the material can be compressed to help establish the seal, e.g., through manual pressure, or during translation of the lid along the central axis. In embodiments, protrusions can be integrally formed on a surface, or separately attached to a surface; further, channels can be integrally formed on a surface, or can be part of a separate structure attached to a surface. The aforementioned lid-securing configurations can allow a lid to be easily secured including with a more limited need for application of turning and pressing forces. In addition, the aforementioned lid-securing configurations can allow a lid to be secured with less than a 45, less than a 30, or less than a 15 degree turn, among other turning rotations, thereby simplifying and easing attachment of the lid.

[0006]In an embodiment, a beverage container assembly is provided. The beverage container assembly can include a cup that is configured to be removably coupled to a lid. The cup can include a first end having a base and a second end having a rim that defines an opening at the top of the cup. The cup can have a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, the sidewall having an inner surface with a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions can be spaced equally about a circumference of the inner surface, each protrusion extending at least partially towards a central axis of the cup. The lid can include a plurality of channels spaced equally about a circumference of the lid. Each channel can have an opening that is alignable with one of the plurality of protrusions, allowing the plurality of protrusions to be inserted into the plurality of channels to removably and/or reversibly couple the lid to the cup.

[0007]In another embodiment, a sealable container assembly is provided. The sealable container assembly can include a container that is configured to be removably coupled to a lid. The container can include a first end having a base at the bottom of the container and a second end having a rim that defines an opening at the top of the container. The container can have a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, the sidewall having an inner surface with a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions can be spaced equally about a circumference of the inner surface, each protrusion extending at least partially towards a central axis of the container. The lid can include a plurality of channels spaced equally about a circumference of the lid. Each channel can have an opening that is alignable with one of the plurality of protrusions, thereby allowing the plurality of protrusions to be inserted into the plurality of channels to removably and/or reversibly couple the lid to the cup.

[0008]In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a beverage container assembly is provided. The method includes forming a cup that includes a first end creating a base at the bottom of the cup, a second end creating a rim that defines an opening at the top of the cup, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end. The sidewall can be formed with an inner surface that includes a plurality of protrusions, e.g., spaced equally about a circumference of the inner surface, each protrusion extending at least partially towards a central axis of the cup. The method also includes forming a lid that includes a plurality of channels spaced equally about a circumference of the lid. Each channel can have an opening that is alignable with one of the plurality of protrusions, thereby allowing the plurality of protrusions to be inserted into the plurality of channels to removably and/or reversibly couple the lid to the cup

[0009]The beverage container assembly, sealable container assembly, methods of manufacturing and using the same, and other embodiments described herein can provide multiple advantages and improvements. For example, using the beverage container assembly and related assemblies described herein that includes a lid securing mechanism can reduce, limit, or inhibit liquids from exiting the container, e.g., even when the container is positioned at different orientations and/or experiences changing atmospheric conditions. In some aspects, the seal created by the components described herein can be sufficiently tight that the lid securing mechanism in the closed position is substantially fully or entirely leak-proof, thus limiting instances of spilling, while allowing the user to more easily secure and unsecure the lid when desired, with confidence that such limited engagement will result in a leak-inhibiting seal. In addition, the aspects described herein allow a lid-securing mechanism to be implemented with limited excess components and greater simplicity and cost-efficiency, among other benefits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]The embodiments described herein related to lid-securing mechanisms, container assemblies with lid-securing mechanisms, e.g., such as beverage container assemblies and travel beverage containers, and methods of manufacturing, testing, and using the same are described in detail in connection with the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein, and wherein:

[0011]FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a beverage container assembly with a lid-securing mechanism, in accordance with embodiments hereof;

[0012]FIG. 2 depicts a side elevation view of the container shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments hereof;

[0013]FIG. 3 depicts a top elevation view of the container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in accordance with embodiments hereof;

[0014]FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a lid-securing mechanism in an uncoupled configuration, in accordance with embodiments hereof;

[0015]FIG. 5 depicts a partially see-through perspective view of the lid-securing mechanism of FIG. 4 but instead in a coupled or secured configuration, in accordance with embodiments hereof;

[0016]FIG. 6 depicts a container assembly with a lid-securing mechanism similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in accordance with embodiments hereof;

[0017]FIGS. 7A and 7B depict examples of uniquely-shaped protrusions that can form part of a lid-securing mechanism for releasably or reversibly securing a lid to another structure, in accordance with embodiments hereof;

[0018]FIGS. 8A and 8B depict cross-sections of different protrusions that can form part of a lid-securing mechanism, in accordance with embodiments hereof;

[0019]FIGS. 9A-9C depict an example process of operating a lid-securing mechanism by shifting a protrusion into and through a channel shaped to shift a lid along a central axis of a container to which the lid is being coupled, in accordance with embodiments hereof; and

[0020]FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of a method of forming/manufacturing a container with a lid-securing mechanism, in accordance with embodiments hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021]This detailed description is provided in order to meet statutory requirements. However, this description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention described herein. Rather, the claimed subject matter may be embodied in different ways, to include different steps, different combinations of steps, different elements, and/or different combinations of elements, similar to those described in this disclosure, and in conjunction with other present or future technologies. In addition, although the terms “step” and “block” may be used herein to identify different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between different elements except when the order is explicitly stated.

[0022]In general, disclosed herein are lid-securing mechanisms; products, cups, and containers having lid-securing mechanisms; and methods of manufacturing, testing, and using the same, among other things. The lid-securing mechanisms described herein can be operated to releasably or reversibly couple a lid to a rim of a liquid-holding container, e.g., a travel beverage container, and thereby quickly and easily form a substantially leak-inhibiting seal. In embodiments, the lid-securing mechanism is operated by inserting a plurality of protrusions located on an inner surface of a cup or container into a plurality of channels located on a lid (the location of the protrusions and channels may in alternative aspects be reversed to provide a similar connection). In embodiments, the channels and the protrusions can have a friction fit such that overcoming a frictional resistance is required to advance the protrusions through the channels. In addition, in embodiments, the channels can be shaped, sized, and directionally oriented to allow the protrusions, once inserted and being translated through the channels, to shift along a central axis of an associated cup and/or container. This shifting, in turn, translates the lid and cup/container towards and/or closer to each other and thereby increases the tightness of the seal that is being formed. In further embodiments, methods of manufacturing lid-securing mechanisms and associated cups, containers, and assemblies are provided, and methods of testing and using the same are also provided herein. Detailed and non-limiting examples of the present subject matter are discussed below in connection with attached FIGS. 1-10.

[0023]Looking initially at FIGS. 1-3, a beverage container assembly 100 is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The beverage container assembly 100 includes a lid 102 and a cup 104 that are configured to be releasably and/or reversibly coupled together to form a seal. The beverage container assembly 100 may optionally further include a handle 106 to facilitate carrying the beverage container assembly 100. As further shown in FIG. 1, in embodiments, the lid 102 can have a lid body portion 108 and a flip component 110 with a spout opening through which a user is able to drink fluids stored within the beverage container assembly 100. In different embodiments, the flip component 110 can be a spout portion or a straw mechanism. The flip component 110 extends through an opening of the lid body portion 108 so that it extends through and above a first surface (exterior surface) of the lid body portion 108. Looking at FIG. 1, the cup 104 includes an end 112 that forms a base of the cup 104, an end 114 with a rim that defines an opening at the top of the cup 104, and a sidewall 116 connecting and extending between the end 112 and the end 114. The cup 104 of the beverage container assembly 100 may optionally include a handle 106 located on the sidewall 116 to facilitate transport of the beverage container assembly 100 by a user. FIG. 2 depicts a side elevation view of the lid 102 coupled to the cup 104 as shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments hereof. FIG. 3 depicts a top elevation view of the lid 102 coupled to the cup 104 as shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments hereof. In FIGS. 1-3, element 104 is referred to as a cup. This term is intended to be broadly encompassing and to include different types of enclosures with a base, a sidewall, and an opening such that the enclosure is suitable for holding liquids, and is not intended to be limited to a particular type, size, shape, or class of drink container. In some embodiments, the beverage container assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3 could be similarly integrated into another type of container, e.g., such as a canister-type container, e.g., as shown in one non-limiting example in FIG. 6.

[0024]Looking now at FIG. 4, a partial cut-away, perspective view of the lid 102 and the cup 104 is depicted, in accordance with embodiments hereof. FIG. 4, in particular, shows one configuration of a lid-securing mechanism, in particular, lid-securing mechanism 400. The lid-securing mechanism 400 includes a plurality of protrusions 404 located about an inner surface 406 of the cup 104 as shown in FIG. 4. The plurality of protrusions 404 are alignable with, and insertable into and through, a plurality of corresponding channels 402 located about a circumference of the lid 102 as also shown in FIG. 4. In embodiments, the position of the protrusions 404 and the channels 402 can be reversed, e.g., such that instead the protrusions are on the lid 102 and the channels are on the cup 104. For the purposes of illustration and explanation, in FIG. 4, only a selection of the protrusions 404 and a selection of the channels 402 are shown and identified (e.g., due to the perspective and cut-away nature of the design shown in FIG. 4). However, in various embodiments, any number, e.g., 1-10, of protrusions and corresponding channels can be positioned about a circumference of a cup, e.g., cup 104 and a lid, e.g., lid 102, for use in engaging and reversibly coupling the lid and the cup, as described further below.

[0025]In at least some embodiments herein, a plurality of protrusions, e.g., protrusions 404, can be spaced apart by substantially equal circumferential distances, e.g., on the inner surface 406. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, each protrusion 404 extends inward or rather at least partially towards a central axis 401 of the cup 104. In some embodiments, when looking at a cross-section of a protrusion along a tangential direction as shown for example in FIGS. 8A and 8B, each protrusion 404 may slope as it transitions towards its apex (e.g., as shown in one example in FIG. 8B). In embodiments, the apex of each protrusion 404 may be sloped or may be a surface that is substantially flat and/or planar (e.g., as shown in one example in FIG. 8A). In some embodiments, when looking at a protrusion outward from the central axis along a radial direction, e.g., as in FIGS. 7A and 7B, each protrusion 404 can have a circular shape (e.g., as shown in one example in FIG. 7A) or can have an elongated shaped (e.g., as shown in one example in FIG. 7B) as the profile is defined against an inner surface, e.g., inner surface 406. The protrusions can also have other shapes. Elongated shapes of protrusions can include pill-shaped, oval-shaped, elliptical-shaped, and/or race-track-shaped protrusions in different embodiments. In accordance with embodiments herein, the protrusions 404 can be integrally formed with the inner surface 406 of the cup 104, such that a surface of each protrusion 404 and the inner surface 406 of the sidewall 116 are co-extensive and/or continuous. To state it differently, in some embodiments, the inner surface 406 and the surface of each protrusion 404 can be formed, e.g., through the associated manufacturing process (e.g., molding, e.g., vacuum or injection molding), to be a continuous surface without clear or delineated junctions between distinct materials, such that there is a smooth transition across the adjacent surfaces. This configuration may help facilitate smooth engagement with the channels 402 on the lid 102.

[0026]Looking still at FIG. 4, the lid 102 includes the plurality of channels 402 that are spaced-apart, in this example substantially equally, about a circumference of the lid 102. FIG. 4 shows how each channel 402 includes an opening, e.g., opening 410 as identified in FIG. 4, and also includes an end-surface, e.g., end-surface 412 as identified in FIG. 4. The openings are each positioned to be alignable with one of the plurality of protrusions 404 located on the inner surface 406. Inserting the plurality of protrusions 404 into the correspondingly-aligned channels 402 then removably couples the lid 102 to the cup 104. In some embodiments, the protrusions 404 and channels 402 can be sized, shaped, and adapted to have a friction fit, or rather, be formed such that inserting a protrusion 404 into a corresponding channel 402 requires, to some extent, overcoming a degree of static/kinetic frictional resistance. This frictional resistance can help with retaining the lid 102 in a desired rotational position on the cup 104, and in addition help maintain the seal that is formed through engagement of the lid-securing mechanism 400.

[0027]In embodiments, the lid 102 can include a ring 418 of compressible material (e.g., rubber, foam, soft plastic, or another polymeric material) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9A-9C. In addition, the plurality of channels 402 can each include a channel wall, e.g., channel wall 414 as identified in FIG. 4, that is at least partially sloped, curved, and/or contoured, e.g., towards the end 112 as shown in FIG. 1 and relative to FIG. 4. This sloped, curved, and/or contoured profile of the channel wall means that translating the plurality of protrusions 404 through the plurality of channels 402 at least to some extent shifts the lid 102 along the central axis 401 as identified in FIG. 4. This, as a result, increases a pressure of the lid 102 against a rim 115 of the cup 104 (located at the end 114). To state it differently, inserting a protrusion 404 into a channel 402 having the sloped, curved, and/or contoured channel wall 414, and then shifting the protrusion 404 along the channel wall 414 towards the end-surface 412, pulls the lid 102 and the rim 115 closer together, increasing a tightness of the seal formed between the lid 102 and the rim 115 increasing its leak-inhibiting characteristics. This process is depicted in FIGS. 9A-9C. FIGS. 9A-9C show a cross-section, side-elevation view of the configuration depicted in FIG. 4 in a sequence where the lid-securing mechanism 400 of FIG. 4 is being engaged. In FIG. 9A, it can be seen that a protrusion 404 is in the process of being aligned with a channel 402 that includes the sloped, curved, and/or contoured channel wall 414, while the elements are still separated. Then, in FIG. 9B, it can be seen that the protrusion 404 has been aligned with the channel 402 by placing the lid 102 onto the cup 104. It can be seen that there is still a gap 902 between the lid 102 and the rim 115 indicating that the lid 102 is not yet fully secured on the rim 115. Then, in FIG. 9C, it can be seen that the protrusion 404 has been inserted through the channel 402 (e.g., by rotating the lid 102 on the rim 115 to operate the lid-securing mechanism 400). This causes the protrusion 404 to shift along and up the channel wall 414 and as a result pulls the lid 102 towards the rim 115 and in doing so imparts a force on and/or compresses, at least partially, the ring 418 as shown by the lack of gap 904 in FIG. 9C, thereby increasing a tightness and liquid-impermeableness of the seal. In addition to increasing the tightness of the seal, the sloped configuration of the channel wall 414 near the opening 410 can also facilitate easier insertion of each protrusion 404 into the corresponding channel 402, among other benefits.

[0028]In some embodiments, the lid 102 can include a particular number of channels 402 and the cup 104 can include a particular number of corresponding protrusions 404 on the inner surface 406 that can thus be inserted into the channels 402. For example, in embodiments, the lid 102 may comprise 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or more channels 402 that are spaced-apart, e.g., by substantially equal circumferential distances. The cup 104 would then have the same number of protrusions 404 to allow the lid 102 to be coupled to the cup 104. The number and in particular the length of each of the channels/protrusions 402/404 can determine how far the user would need to rotate the lid 102 to fully tighten the lid 102 against the rim 115 of the cup 104. For example, in an embodiment, 8 channels/protrusions 402/404 may be used in a lid-securing mechanism to enable a substantially secure seal to be formed. For example, 8 channels 402 and protrusions 404 can offer a higher degree of securement when it comes to the coupling the lid 102 and the cup 104. The length of each channel 402 and corresponding protrusion 404 may be directly related to how many total channels 402 and protrusions 404 are incorporated on the cup 104 and the lid 102. For example, in an embodiment that includes 8 channels 402 and 8 protrusions 404, then the length of each channel can roughly be determined by measuring the perimeter of the cup 104 or the lid 102 and dividing by 16 to determine the approximate size in millimeters of each protrusion 404 and each channel 402. Said a different way, in some embodiments, the circumferential length of the opposite side of each protrusion 404 or channel 402 will be a little less than the perimeter of the cup 104 or the lid 102 divided by two times the number of protrusions 404. For example, the length of each channel 402 could be roughly 1-3 mm, 2-6 mm, or 3-8 mm less than the value. The turning radius to couple the lid 102 to the cup 104 will depend on the length of the channels 402 (likewise, the length of the protrusions 404) such that a rotational translation of the lid 102 having 8 channels 402 from start to finish is equal to or less than 15 degrees of rotation about the central axis 401. In addition, in various embodiments, a length of each channel may be such that rotating a lid 45 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, or 15 degrees or less is sufficient to shift each protrusion to an abutting position against the corresponding end-surface of the channel.

[0029]Looking now at FIG. 5, a perspective view of the lid 102 coupled to the cup 104 is shown, in accordance with embodiments hereof. To illustrate elements obscured by the sidewall 116, the elements of the lid-securing mechanism 400 shown in FIG. 4 are depicted in broken lines. FIG. 5 shows how the protrusions 404, once inserted fully through the corresponding channels 402, help secure the lid 102 to the rim 115 and also pull the lid 102 against the rim 115. In doing so, the lid 102 and rim 115 compress the ring 418 further tightening or enhancing the seal.

[0030]Looking now at FIG. 6, one of a plurality of alternative embodiments contemplated herein is shown, in accordance with embodiments hereof. FIG. 6 in particular shows an example of a container assembly 600 with a lid-securing mechanism 602, e.g., that can be similar to the lid-securing mechanism 400 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In addition to the example of FIG. 6, the lid-securing mechanisms described herein can be incorporated into portable beverage containers (e.g., insulated and non-insulated), as well as other cans, cups, bowls, canisters, flasks, thermoses, containers, or other enclosures used to store liquids where selectively maintaining a substantially liquid-impermeable barrier at an opening is desired. The container assembly of FIG. 6 is merely provided to demonstrate the versatility of lid-securing mechanisms described herein.

[0031]Looking now at FIGS. 7A and 7B, example protrusions, e.g., like the protrusions 404 shown in FIG. 4A, having different shapes and suitable to be positioned on an inner surface, e.g., the inner surface 406 of cup 104 shown in FIG. 1, for engagement with corresponding channels on a lid, e.g., the lid 102 shown in FIG. 1, are provided, according to embodiments hereof. FIGS. 7A and 7B are looking radially outward from a central axis (e.g., central axis 401) towards an inner surface of a cup/container (e.g., inner surface 406 in FIG. 4). FIG. 7A shows a protrusion 702 that is generally a circular shape. FIG. 7B shows a protrusion 704 that is generally an elongated shape, e.g., pill-shape, race-track-shape, ovular shape, or another type of lengthened shape. FIGS. 8A and 8B show cross-sections of protrusions 803, 806 that form part of an inner surface 802 (that can be similar to inner surface 406 in FIG. 4). FIGS. 8A and 8B are oriented to look tangentially or circumferentially relative to the inner wall 802. The protrusion 803 in FIG. 8A is sloped, curved, and/or contoured as it transitions towards its apex 804 which includes a substantially flat or planar surface at the apex 804. The protrusion 804 in FIG. 8B is sloped, curved, and/or contoured as it transitions towards its apex 805, e.g., maintaining a generally sloped, curved, or contoured profile across the apex 805.

[0032]Looking now at FIG. 10, a block diagram of an example method 1000 of manufacturing a beverage container assembly, any of those described herein or others, is provided, in accordance with embodiments hereof. The method 1000 includes blocks 1002-1004 but is not limited to this selection of elements, or the order depicted. In block 1002, the method 1000 includes forming a cup, e.g., the cup 104 shown in FIGS. 1-5, comprising a first end, a second end, and a sidewall with an inner surface that comprises a plurality of protrusions equally spaced apart, e.g., the protrusions 404 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Each protrusion is spaced about a circumference of the inner surface and extends at least partially towards a central axis, e.g., central axis 401 shown in FIG. 4, of the cup. In block 1004, the method 1000 includes forming a lid, e.g., the lid 102 shown in FIGS. 1-5, comprising a plurality of channels equally spaced apart, e.g., the channels 402 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Each channel has an opening that is alignable with one of the plurality of protrusions, wherein inserting the plurality of protrusions into the plurality of channels removably couples the lid to the cup, e.g., as shown in the attachment configuration of FIG. 5.

[0033]In accordance with embodiments herein, a cup or other enclosure described herein can be formed through molding, e.g., injection-molding or vacuum-molding, such that each protrusion is integrally formed with an inner surface of the cup or other enclosure. The protrusions can also be formed separately and attached to the inner surface. In aspects, protrusions can be formed such that they are elongated in shape and slope towards their corresponding apex. To compliment these protrusions, the channels can comprise a channel wall that is at least partially sloped, such that translating the plurality of protrusions through the plurality of channels shifts the lid along the central axis, thereby increasing a pressure of the lid against the rim. In some embodiments, the plurality of channels can each comprise a length such that, when the plurality of protrusions are inserted into the plurality of channels, the lid can rotate between about 10-30 degrees, on in an embodiments about 15 degrees, or less into a locked position in which each protrusion is abutted against an end of a corresponding channel.

[0034]In embodiments, a lid-securing mechanism as described herein, when integrated into an enclosure such as a cup or canister, can provide a substantially leak-proof or leak-inhibiting seal when secured. This seal can be tested, e.g., by inverting the assembly and identifying that substantially no liquid from the sealed enclosure has passed through the seal after a desired period of time e.g., at least 60 seconds.

[0035]Embodiment 1. A beverage container assembly, comprising: a cup, comprising: a first end having a base, a second end having a rim that defines an opening, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, the sidewall having an inner surface with a plurality of protrusions spaced about a circumference of the inner surface, each protrusion extending at least partially towards a central axis of the cup; and a lid, comprising: a plurality of channels spaced about a circumference of the lid, each channel having an opening that is alignable with one of the plurality of protrusions, wherein inserting the plurality of protrusions into the plurality of channels removably couples the lid to the cup.

[0036]Embodiment 2. The assembly of embodiment 1, wherein each protrusion slopes as it transitions towards its apex.

[0037]Embodiment 3. The assembly of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the apex of each protrusion comprises a surface that is substantially flat.

[0038]Embodiment 4. The assembly of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein each protrusion has a circular shape on the inner surface.

[0039]Embodiment 5. The assembly of any of embodiments 1-4, wherein each protrusion has an elongated shape on the inner surface.

[0040]Embodiment 6. The assembly of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the plurality of channels each include a channel wall that is at least partially sloped, such that translating the plurality of protrusions through the plurality of channels shifts the lid along the central axis thereby increasing a pressure of the lid against the rim.

[0041]Embodiment 7. The assembly of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the lid comprises a ring of compressible material that compresses against the rim as the plurality of protrusions are translated through the plurality of channels.

[0042]Embodiment 8. The assembly of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein each protrusion, upon insertion into one of the plurality of channels, has a friction fit.

[0043]Embodiment 9. The assembly of any of embodiments 1-8, wherein the plurality of channels each comprise a length such that, when the plurality of protrusions are inserted into the plurality of channels, the lid rotates 15 degrees or less into a locked position in which each protrusion is abutted against an end of a corresponding channel.

[0044]Embodiment 10. The assembly of any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the plurality of protrusions comprise at least four protrusions that are spaced about the inner surface by approximately equal circumferential distances, each of the four protrusions also spaced a distance from the rim along the central axis.

[0045]Embodiment 11. A sealable container assembly, comprising: a container, comprising: a first end having a base, a second end having a rim that defines an opening, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, the sidewall comprising an inner surface having a plurality of protrusions spaced about a circumference of the inner surface, each protrusion extending at least partially towards a central axis of the container; and a lid, comprising: a plurality of channels spaced about a circumference of the lid, each channel having an opening that is alignable with one of the plurality of protrusions, wherein inserting the plurality of protrusions into the plurality of channels removably couples the lid to the container.

[0046]Embodiment 12. The sealable container assembly of embodiment 11, wherein the plurality of protrusions comprise at least four protrusions spaced apart on the inner surface by approximately equal circumferential distances.

[0047]Embodiment 13. The sealable container assembly of embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the lid includes a ring of compressible material, and wherein the plurality of channels each include a channel wall that is at least partially sloped, so that translating the plurality of protrusions through the plurality of channels shifts the lid along the central axis, increasing a pressure on the compressible material located between the lid and the rim.

[0048]Embodiment 14. The sealable container assembly of any of embodiments 11-13, wherein the plurality of protrusions are integrally formed with the inner surface, such that a surface of each protrusion and the inner surface of the sidewall are co-extensive.

[0049]Embodiment 15. The sealable container assembly of any of embodiments 11-14, wherein a sidewall of each channel is at least partially non-linear, such that shifting the plurality of protrusions through the plurality of channels translates the lid along the central axis.

[0050]Embodiment 16. A method of manufacturing a beverage container assembly, the method comprising: forming a cup that comprises: a first end comprising a base, a second end comprising a rim that defines an opening, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the sidewall is formed with an inner surface that comprises a plurality of protrusions spaced about a circumference of the inner surface, each protrusion extending at least partially towards a central axis of the cup; and forming a lid that comprises: a plurality of channels spaced about a circumference of the lid, each channel having an opening that is alignable with one of the plurality of protrusions, wherein inserting the plurality of protrusions into the plurality of channels removably couples the lid to the cup.

[0051]Embodiment 17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the cup is formed through molding, such that each protrusion is integrally formed with the inner surface.

[0052]Embodiment 18. The method of embodiment 16 or 17, wherein each protrusion is formed such that it is elongated in shape, and slopes towards its apex.

[0053]Embodiment 19. The method of any of embodiments 16-18, wherein each channel comprises a channel wall that is at least partially sloped, such that translating the plurality of protrusions through the plurality of channels shifts the lid along the central axis, thereby increasing a pressure of the lid against the rim.

[0054]Embodiment 20. The method of any of embodiments 16-19, wherein the plurality of channels each comprise a length such that, when the plurality of protrusions are inserted into the plurality of channels, the lid rotates 15 degrees or less into a locked position in which each protrusion is abutted against an end-wall of a corresponding channel.

[0055]In some aspects, this disclosure may include the language, for example, “at least one of [element A] and [element B].” This language may refer to one or more of the elements. For example, “at least one of A and B” may refer to “A,” “B,” or “A and B.” In other words, “at least one of A and B” may refer to “at least one of A and at least one of B,” or “at least either of A or B.” In some aspects, this disclosure may include the language, for example, “[element A], [element B], and/or [element C].” This language may refer to either of the elements or any combination thereof. In other words, “A, B, and/or C” may refer to “A,” “B,” “C,” “A and B,” “A and C,” “B and C,” or “A, B, and C.” In addition, this disclosure may use the term “and/or” which may refer to any one or combination of the associated elements. In addition, this disclosure may use the term “a” (element) or “the” (element). This language may refer to the referenced element in the singular or in the plural and is not intended to be limiting in this respect.

[0056]The subject matter of this disclosure has been described in relation to particular aspects, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. In this sense, alternative aspects will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present subject matter pertains without departing from the scope hereof. In addition, different combinations and sub-combinations of elements disclosed, as well as use and inclusion of elements not shown, are possible and contemplated as well.