US20050035018A1 - Beverage container lids and methods of manufacturing beverage container lids - Google Patents
Beverage container lids and methods of manufacturing beverage container lids Download PDFInfo
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- US20050035018A1 US20050035018A1 US10/774,957 US77495704A US2005035018A1 US 20050035018 A1 US20050035018 A1 US 20050035018A1 US 77495704 A US77495704 A US 77495704A US 2005035018 A1 US2005035018 A1 US 2005035018A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support surface
- beverage container
- container lid
- opening
- lid
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
- B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
- B65D2203/02—Labels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00046—Drinking-through lids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
- B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00796—Totality
Abstract
Beverage container lids and methods for manufacturing beverage container lids are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a beverage container lid includes a thin, flexible body and an information member coupled to the body. The body includes a snap-fit retainer configured to engage a lip of a container, a support surface, and an opening in the support surface through which a fluid can flow. The information member includes a first surface juxtaposed and coupled to the support surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and indicia on the first and/or second surface.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/641,612, entitled “BEVERAGE CONTAINER LIDS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING BEVERAGE CONTAINER LIDS,” filed Aug. 15, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/178,384, filed Mar. 25, 2003, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
- The present invention relates generally to beverage container lids and methods of manufacturing beverage container lids. More particularly, the invention is directed to beverage container lids having medium members.
- Coffee chains, restaurants, movie theaters, sport venues, and other vendors sell coffee, juices, carbonated beverages, bottled water, and other beverages. Typically, beverages are served in a container with a lid attached to the container to prevent the beverage from spilling. After purchasing a beverage, an individual often consumes the beverage in a public place. For example, individuals frequently consume drink beverages at cafes, workplaces, sidewalks, restaurants, sport venues, and other public locations. As such, the beverage containers are highly visible to the public.
- Previous attempts have been made to capitalize on the visibility of beverage containers. For example, advertisements have been placed on the outer wall of containers and on paper sleeves that slide over a portion of the container to thermally insulate the consumer's hand. These advertising approaches, however, have several drawbacks. First, the advertisements on the sleeves and the outer wall of the containers are often covered by the consumer's hand. Accordingly, the advertisements are frequently obscured from view. Moreover, the consumer and/or vendor may not place the sleeve having the advertisement on the container. In addition, it is complex and expensive to manufacture containers with advertisements formed on the outer wall. Therefore, there is a need to improve the methods of advertising used with beverages.
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FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container and a container lid in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a container and a container lid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3A is a front isometric view of a container and a container lid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the container lid ofFIG. 3A . -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are top plan views of a container lid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a container and a container lid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a container and a container lid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 7A is a schematic front isometric view of a container lid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 7B is a schematic top plan view of the container lid ofFIG. 7A . -
FIG. 7C is a schematic side view of the container lid ofFIG. 7A . -
FIG. 8 is a schematic top plan view of a container lid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 9A is a schematic front isometric view of a container lid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 9B is a schematic top plan view of the container lid ofFIG. 9A . -
FIG. 9C is a schematic side view of the container lid ofFIG. 9A . - A. Overview
- The present invention is directed to beverage container lids and methods for manufacturing beverage container lids. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided of particular configurations of beverage containers and beverage container lids to provide a thorough understanding of and an enabling description for embodiments of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details explained in the following description. In other instances, well-known structures and operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
- Several aspects of the invention are directed to beverage container lids. In one embodiment, a beverage container lid includes a thin, flexible body and an information member coupled to the body. The body includes a snap-fit retainer configured to engage a lip of a container, a support surface, and an opening in the support surface through which a fluid can flow. The information member includes a first surface juxtaposed and coupled to the support surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and indicia on the first and/or second surface.
- In one aspect of this embodiment, the opening can be defined by tabs configured to flex as a straw is inserted into the opening. Alternatively, the opening can be circular or another suitable configuration. In either case, the support surface can include a central portion and an outer portion, and the opening can be formed in the outer portion of the support surface. In another aspect of this embodiment, the body can further include a plurality of flexible buttons on the support surface. The support surface can be a recessed support surface and the body may not include other recesses.
- B. Embodiments of Beverage Container Lids Including Medium Members
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FIG. 1 is an isometric view of acontainer 100 and acontainer lid 110 attached to thecontainer 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Thecontainer 100 is a receptacle configured to contain beverages such as drinks, water, juices, coffee, tea, and/or other beverages for storage and/or consumption. Thecontainer 100 can be a low-cost, disposable cup or bottle made of paper products, Styrofoam, plastic, or other suitable materials. Alternatively, thecontainer 100 can be a washable, reusable receptacle or other type of vessel for carrying beverages. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontainer 100 includes anupper portion 102 to which thecontainer lid 110 is removably attached. In other embodiments, thecontainer 100 can have other configurations, and/or thecontainer lid 110 may not be removably attached to thecontainer 100. For example, thecontainer lid 110 can be fixed to thecontainer 100, or thecontainer lid 110 can be integral with thecontainer 100. - The
container lid 110 includes abody 120 and a separatemedium member 150 carried by thebody 120. Thebody 120 can be a thin, flexible, disposable plastic member formed by stamping, pressing, or other suitable manufacturing processes. In the illustrated embodiment, thebody 120 includes atop surface 122, asupport surface 124 offset from thetop surface 122, arecess 130 between a portion of thesupport surface 124 and thetop surface 122, and anengagement portion 140 to releasably engage theupper portion 102 of thecontainer 100. Thetop surface 122 can have an annular shape and include anopening 128 through which a user drinks. Thetop surface 122 can also include avent opening 129 opposite theopening 128 to allow air to flow into the interior region of thecontainer 100 as fluid flows out through theopening 128. In the illustrated embodiment, thesupport surface 124 can be a flat surface that is generally parallel to thetop surface 122. Moreover, thesupport surface 124 can be recessed from thetop surface 122 and configured to carry themedium member 150. In other embodiments, thetop surface 122 and thesupport surface 124 can be coplanar and/or thesupport surface 124 can have another configuration. - The
recess 130 is configured to facilitate drinking from thecontainer lid 110. More specifically, therecess 130 allows a user to comfortably place his or her lips on each side of theopening 128 to drink. In the illustrated embodiment, therecess 130 is defined by aninterior back wall 132, a recessedsurface 134, and an interiorfront wall 136. Theinterior back wall 132 extends from thesupport surface 124 to the recessedsurface 134. In the illustrated embodiment, theinterior back wall 132 is generally perpendicular to thesupport surface 124, and the recessedsurface 134 is generally parallel to thetop surface 122. The interiorfront wall 136 extends downward from the radially inward edge of thetop surface 122. More specifically, a first portion of the interiorfront wall 136 extends from thetop surface 122 to the recessedsurface 134, and a second portion of the interiorfront wall 136 extends from thetop surface 122 to thesupport surface 124. In other embodiments, thebody 120 may not include theinterior back wall 132. For example, the recessed surface can be oriented at an angle to increase the depth of the recess as the recessed surface extends from thesupport surface 124 toward the interiorfront wall 136 adjacent to theopening 128. In additional embodiments, therecess 130 can have other configurations, or, alternatively, thebody 120 may not include a recess. - The
medium member 150 is carried by thebody 120 and conveys a message or other information to individuals who view thecontainer lid 110. Themedium member 150 includes afirst surface 152 and asecond surface 154 opposite thefirst surface 152. Thesecond surface 154 can be securely attached to thesupport surface 124 with an adhesive. For example, thesecond surface 154 can include an adhesive similar to the adhesive placed on the back of a sticker to attach themedium member 150 to thesupport surface 124. In other embodiments, another type of adhesive can be deposited onto thesupport surface 124 and/or thesecond surface 154 before themedium member 150 is placed on thesupport surface 124. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment described below with reference toFIG. 2 , at least a portion of themedium member 150 is removable from thebody 120. - The
medium member 150 of the illustrated embodiment is sized and shaped to substantially cover thesupport surface 124. More specifically, themedium member 150 includes astraight edge 160 adjacent to theinterior back wall 132 and anarcuate edge 162 adjacent to the interiorfront wall 136. In other embodiments, themedium member 150 can have other configurations. For example, themedium member 150 can have a rectangular, triangular, circular, or other shape. Moreover, in additional embodiments, themedium member 150 may not substantially cover the entire area of thesupport surface 124. Themedium member 150 can also include avent 129′ to be superimposed over a vent in thesupport surface 124 in lieu of or in addition to thevent 129 in thetop surface 122 of thebody 120. - The
medium member 150 includesindicia 170 on thefirst surface 152 to provide information to individuals who view thecontainer lid 110. Theindicia 170 can include analphanumeric text 172, a graphic 174, symbols, and/or images. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, thetext 172 states “ALSO TRY OUR FRESH BEANS” and the graphic 174 represents a bag of coffee beans. In other embodiments, theindicia 170 can include other text, symbols, images, and/or graphics. In additional embodiments, theindicia 170 can be photo-responsive, such as being configured to glow in the dark. - One feature of the
container lid 110 of the illustrated embodiment is that themedium member 150 can include an advertisement, a coupon, a contest piece, a promotional message, and/or other information. An advantage of this feature is that the information on themedium member 150 is displayed at a highly visible location that is not likely to be covered as the user holds thecontainer 100. Accordingly, the information is highly visible for the purchaser of thecontainer 100 and others to see. For example, a vendor who sells beverages in thecontainer 100 can advertise other products, provide coupons, and/or display other information on themedium member 150. Alternatively, the vendor can generate revenue by allowing other companies to advertise on themedium member 150. - Another advantage of the
container lid 110 of the illustrated embodiment is that thebody 120 can be manufactured for use with a standard-size container. Alternatively, thebody 120 can be manufactured for use with a custom-size container according to a customer's specifications. Moreover, themedium member 150 can be formed with several generic promotional messages, or alternatively, themedium member 150 can include custom messages for specific customers. - C. Other Embodiments of Beverage Container Lids Including Medium Members
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FIG. 2 is an isometric view of acontainer 100 and acontainer lid 210 removably attached to thecontainer 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Thecontainer lid 210 can be generally similar to thecontainer lid 110 described above with reference toFIG. 1 . For example, thecontainer lid 210 includes abody 120 and amedium member 250 carried by thebody 120. Themedium member 250 includes afirst portion 251 securely attached to thebody 120 and asecond portion 255 removably attached to thefirst portion 251. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst portion 251 includes afirst surface 252, asecond surface 254 attached to thesupport surface 124, and a plurality offirst indicia 270 a on thefirst surface 252. Thesecond portion 255 of themedium member 250 includes afirst surface 256, asecond surface 258 opposite thefirst surface 256, and a plurality ofsecond indicia 270 b on thefirst surface 256. The first and second indicia 270 a-b can include alphanumeric characters, symbols, images, and/or graphics. - The
second surface 258 of thesecond portion 255 of themedium member 250 can also include indicia. For example, in one embodiment, thesecond portion 255 can include a coupon. In one such embodiment, thesecond indicia 270 b on thefirst surface 256 can indicate the product and the savings to the consumer, and the indicia on thesecond surface 258 can include a bar code to facilitate redemption of the coupon. - In the illustrated embodiment, the first and
second portions second portions second portion 255 is attached to thefirst portion 251, thesecond portion 255 covers thefirst portion 251. In other embodiments, the first andsecond portions - The
second portion 255 of themedium member 250 is configured to be removably attached to thefirst portion 251. In one embodiment, thefirst surface 252 of thefirst portion 251 can have a glossy coating and thesecond surface 258 of thesecond portion 255 can have an adhesive to adhere to the glossy coating. In other embodiments, other attachment devices can be used. In any of these embodiments, thefirst surface 252 of thefirst portion 251 can be coupled to thesecond surface 258 of thesecond portion 255 when themedium member 250 is attached to thesupport surface 124 of thebody 120. Thesecond portion 255 can be subsequently detached from thefirst portion 251. For example, after purchasing the beverage, the purchaser may detach thesecond portion 255 from thefirst portion 251. In one embodiment, thesecond portion 255 includes a tab 280 (shown in broken lines) projecting from thearcuate edge 262 b to enable the purchaser to pull thesecond portion 255 off thefirst portion 251. In other embodiments, thesecond portion 255 may not include atab 280 and may be peeled off thefirst portion 251. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
second portion 255 includes a coupon or a proof of purchase toward a frequent user discount. Accordingly, the purchaser may detach and retain the coupon before disposing of thecontainer 100 and thecontainer lid 210. In other embodiments, thesecond portion 255 may include other interesting or valuable information that a purchaser may want to retain. Moreover, themedium member 250 may include a game piece in which thesecond portion 255 is removed and thefirst indicia 270 a on thefirst portion 251 or the indicia on thesecond surface 258 of thesecond portion 255 reveal whether the game piece is a winner. - One feature of the
container lid 210 of the illustrated embodiment is that thesecond portion 255 of themedium member 250 can be easily detached from thefirst portion 251. An advantage of this feature is that thesecond portion 255 can include a coupon, a proof of purchase, a message, an address, and/or other information that the user can conveniently detach and retain in a pocket, purse, or other location. Another feature of thecontainer lid 210 is that thefirst indicia 270 a are covered before thesecond portion 255 is detached from thefirst portion 251. An advantage of this feature is that themedium member 250 can be used as a game piece or other device in which information is temporarily hidden. -
FIG. 3A is a front isometric view of acontainer 100 and acontainer lid 310 removably attached to thecontainer 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Thecontainer lid 310 can be generally similar to thecontainer lid 110 described above with reference toFIG. 1 . For example, thecontainer lid 310 includes abody 120 and amedium member 350 carried by thebody 120. Themedium member 350 includes afirst surface 352 and asecond surface 354 attached to asupport surface 124 of thebody 120.FIG. 3B is a top plan view of thecontainer lid 310 ofFIG. 3A . Referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B , themedium member 350 includes a plurality of first indicia 370 a (shown inFIG. 3A ) and a plurality ofsecond indicia 370 b (shown inFIG. 3B ). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second indicia 370 a-b include alphanumeric text. For example, the first indicia 370 a include “INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST BEVERAGE,” and thesecond indicia 370 b include “ALSO AVAILABLE IN A LITE VERSION.” In other embodiments, the indicia 370 a-b can also include symbols, images, and/or graphics. - In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second indicia 370 a-b include lenticular elements. More specifically, the first indicia 370 a are visible when the
container lid 310 is viewed at a first angle (as illustrated inFIG. 3A ), and thesecond indicia 370 b are visible when thecontainer lid 310 is viewed at a second angle (as illustrated inFIG. 3B ) different than the first angle. The first indicia 370 a are not visible when thecontainer lid 310 is viewed at the second angle, and thesecond indicia 370 b are not visible when thecontainer lid 310 is viewed at the first angle. In this embodiment, the first and second indicia 370 a-b are formed on themedium member 350 through lenticular printing. In other embodiments, themedium member 350 can include a hologram or other suitable device so that the indicia that are visible change as the angle at which the medium member is viewed changes. In additional embodiments, themedium member 350 can include a first portion and a second portion removable from the first portion, as described above with reference toFIG. 2 . -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are top plan views of acontainer lid 410 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Thecontainer lid 410 can be generally similar to thecontainer lid 110 described above with reference toFIG. 1 . For example, thecontainer lid 410 includes abody 120 and amedium member 450 carried by thebody 120. Themedium member 450 includes a plurality of thermally responsive indicia 470 a-b. More specifically, a plurality offirst indicia 470 a (shown inFIG. 4A ) are visible when thebody 120 is at a first temperature, and a plurality ofsecond indicia 470 b (shown inFIG. 4B ) are visible when thebody 120 is at a second temperature different than the first temperature. Thefirst indicia 470 a are not visible when thebody 120 is at the second temperature, and thesecond indicia 470 b are not visible when thebody 120 is at the first temperature. Accordingly, the indicia 470 a-b visible to the user change depending on the temperature of thebody 120. In other embodiments, themedium member 450 can further include indicia that are not thermally responsive. One advantage of this embodiment is that as the temperature of the beverage in the container changes, the indicia 470 a-b on thecontainer lid 120 that are visible to the user can also change. -
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of acontainer 100 and acontainer lid 510 removably attached to thecontainer 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Thecontainer lid 510 can be generally similar to thecontainer lid 110 described above with reference toFIG. 1 . For example, thecontainer lid 510 includes abody 120 and amedium member 550 carried by thebody 120. Themedium member 550 includes afirst surface 552, asecond surface 554 attached to asupport surface 124, andindicia 570 on thefirst surface 552. Thecontainer lid 510 further includes a consumable item 580 (shown in broken lines) carried by themedium member 550. In the illustrated embodiment, theconsumable item 580 is a breath mint. In other embodiments, theconsumable item 580 may be gum, candy, a breath strip, or another object suitable for freshening breath or consumption. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontainer lid 510 includes awrapper 582 to contain theconsumable item 580. Thewrapper 582 can be a thin piece of plastic to protect theconsumable item 580 from exposure to the ambient environment. In other embodiments, theconsumable item 580 can be removably attached to themedium member 550 with other devices. In additional embodiments, thecontainer lid 510 may not include themedium member 550 and theconsumable item 580 can be attached to thebody 120. -
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of acontainer 100 and acontainer lid 610 removably attached to thecontainer 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Thecontainer lid 610 can be generally similar to thecontainer lid 110 described above with reference toFIG. 1 . For example, thecontainer lid 610 includes abody 620 and amedium member 650 carried by thebody 620. Themedium member 650 can include adisplay 659 configured to selectively displayindicia 670 including alphanumeric characters, symbols, images, and/or graphics. Suitablemedium members 650 include products developed by E Ink Corporation of Cambridge, Mass., T-Ink Incorporated of New York, N.Y., and Universal Display Corporation of Ewing, N.J. - The
container lid 610 can further include a receiver 692 (shown in broken lines) operably coupled to themedium member 650 and configured to receive signals from a wireless network 690 (shown schematically). Thewireless network 690 can be a local area network, a hotspot, a WI-FI, or other wireless network. Thereceiver 692 accordingly receives signals from thewireless network 690, which are displayed on themedium member 650 as theindicia 670. Theindicia 670 can include advertisements, news, stock quotes, and/or other information. Thecontainer lid 610 can also include aspeaker 688 operably coupled to thereceiver 692. Thespeaker 688 accordingly transforms the signals from thewireless network 690 into an audio stream audible to those individuals who are proximate to thecontainer lid 610. In other embodiments, thecontainer lid 610 may not include both thedisplay 659 and thespeaker 688. - One feature of the illustrated embodiment is that a vendor can sell a beverage in the
container 100 and provide information to the user through thedisplay 659 and/or thespeaker 688 on thecontainer lid 610. An advantage of this feature is that the vendor can advertise or provide other information to the user in real time. Accordingly, the information displayed on themedium member 650 can change periodically. - In additional embodiments, the
container lid 610 can further include an electronic tag to communicate with external electronic devices in lieu of or in addition to thereceiver 692. In one embodiment, the communication device can be a hypertag manufactured by Hypertag Limited, of Cambridge, United Kingdom. The hypertag can communicate with personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, and/or other electronic devices via infrared, Bluetooth, or other wireless technology. For example, in one embodiment, if a user points a mobile phone toward the hypertag, content such as a website can be automatically displayed on the phone. This content can coincide with the information displayed on themedium member 650. For example, thedisplay 659 can include an advertisement for a movie and the hypertag can direct an electronic device to a website for purchasing movie tickets. -
FIG. 7A is a schematic front isometric view andFIG. 7B is a schematic top plan view of acontainer lid 710 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 7C is a schematic side view of thecontainer lid 710 with a straw inserted into an opening of thelid 710. Referring toFIGS. 7A-7C , thecontainer lid 710 includes abody 720 and amedium member 750 carried by thebody 720. The illustratedbody 720 includes atop surface 722, asupport surface 724 radially inward of thetop surface 722, and anopening 728 in thesupport surface 724. Thetop surface 722 can slope downward as it extends radially inward such that thesupport surface 724 is recessed. Alternatively, thebody 720 may not include a top surface and the support surface may not be recessed. In either of these embodiments, thebody 720 may not include any other recesses. - The illustrated
opening 728 is in an outer region of thesupport surface 724 and, accordingly, coplanar with thesurface 724. In other embodiments, however, the opening can be formed at the center of thesupport surface 724 or another location in thebody 720. The illustratedopening 728 is defined by a plurality oftabs 729 configured to flex so that astraw 790 can be inserted into theopening 728. In additional embodiments, such as the embodiment described below with reference toFIG. 8 , the opening can have other configurations that may or may not include tabs. - The
medium member 750 in this embodiment is attached to thesupport surface 724. Themedium member 750 can include indicia (not shown) and be generally similar to one of the medium members described above with reference toFIGS. 1-6 . The illustratedbody 720 further includes aside surface 726 and anengagement portion 740 to releasably engage the upper portion of a container. The length of theside surface 726 can vary depending on the desired height of thelid 710. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, theside surface 726 spaces thesupport surface 724 apart from theengagement portion 740 by a gap G. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment described below with reference toFIGS. 9A-9C , the gap may be smaller. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic top plan view of acontainer lid 810 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Thelid 810 can be generally similar to thelid 710 described above with reference toFIGS. 7A-7C . For example, thelid 710 includes abody 820 having asupport surface 824 and anopening 828 in thesupport surface 824. Theopening 828 can be generally circular or have another suitable configuration to receive a beverage dispenser, straw, or other object. Moreover, theopening 828 can be sized and configured such that a consumer can drink from theopening 828. -
FIG. 9A is a schematic front isometric view andFIG. 9B is a schematic top plan view of acontainer lid 910 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 9C is a schematic side view of the container lid 990 with a straw inserted into an opening of thelid 910. Referring toFIGS. 9A-9C , thecontainer lid 910 includes a body 920 and amedium member 750 carried by the body 920. The illustrated body 920 includes asupport surface 924, anopening 728 in thesupport surface 924, and a plurality ofbuttons 925 in thesupport surface 924. Thebuttons 925 can be flexible so that they can be depressed and remain in a depressed position. Thesupport surface 924 may also includetext 927 corresponding to theindividual buttons 925. The illustrated body 920 further includes anengagement portion 940 to releasably engage the upper portion of a container. - From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A beverage container lid, comprising:
a thin, flexible body including a snap-fit retainer configured to engage a lip of a container, a support surface, and an opening in the support surface through which a fluid can flow; and
an information member including a first surface juxtaposed and coupled to the support surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and indicia on the first and/or second surface.
2. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein the opening is defined by a plurality of tabs configured to flex as a straw is inserted into the opening.
3. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein the opening is generally circular.
4. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein the support surface includes a central region and an outer region, and wherein the opening is in the outer region of the support surface.
5. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein the body further includes a plurality of flexible buttons in the support surface.
6. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein the support surface is a recessed support surface, and wherein the body does not include other recesses.
7. A beverage container lid, comprising:
a body including a support surface and an opening for fluid passage in a direction generally transverse to the support surface, the opening being generally coplanar with the support surface; and
a medium member separate from the body, the medium member being coupled to the support surface with an adhesive.
8. The beverage container lid of claim 7 wherein support surface includes the opening.
9. The beverage container lid of claim 7 wherein the opening is defined by a plurality of tabs configured to flex as a straw is inserted into the opening.
10. The beverage container lid of claim 7 wherein the opening is generally circular.
11. The beverage container lid of claim 7 wherein the body includes a central region and an outer region, and wherein the opening is in the outer region of the body.
12. The beverage container lid of claim 7 wherein the body further includes a plurality of flexible buttons in the support surface.
13. The beverage container lid of claim 7 wherein the support surface is a recessed support surface, and wherein the body does not include other recesses.
14. A beverage container lid for use with a beverage container, the lid comprising:
a body including an engagement portion configured to releasably engage an upper portion of the beverage container and a support surface with a central region and an outer region, the outer region of the support surface having an opening for fluid passage; and
an information member attached to the support surface, the information member being a discrete component with respect to the body.
15. The beverage container lid of claim 14 wherein the opening is defined by a plurality of tabs configured to flex as a straw is inserted into the opening.
16. The beverage container lid of claim 14 wherein the opening is generally circular.
17. The beverage container lid of claim 14 wherein the body further includes a plurality of flexible buttons in the support surface.
18. The beverage container lid of claim 14 wherein the support surface is a recessed support surface, and wherein the body does not include other recesses.
19. A method for manufacturing a beverage container lid, the method comprising:
providing a lid body having a support surface, an opening in the support surface for fluid passage, and an engagement portion configured to releasably engage an upper portion of a beverage container; and
coupling a surface of a medium member to the support surface of the lid body so that the surface of the medium member is juxtaposed to the support surface of the lid body, the medium member further including indicia.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein coupling the medium member comprises attaching the medium member to a central portion of the support surface.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/774,957 US20050035018A1 (en) | 2003-08-15 | 2004-02-09 | Beverage container lids and methods of manufacturing beverage container lids |
PCT/US2004/009060 WO2004087510A2 (en) | 2003-03-25 | 2004-03-23 | Beverage container lids and methods of manufacturing beverage container lids |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/641,612 US20050035011A1 (en) | 2003-08-15 | 2003-08-15 | Beverage container lids and methods of manufacturing beverage container lids |
US10/774,957 US20050035018A1 (en) | 2003-08-15 | 2004-02-09 | Beverage container lids and methods of manufacturing beverage container lids |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/641,612 Continuation-In-Part US20050035011A1 (en) | 2003-03-25 | 2003-08-15 | Beverage container lids and methods of manufacturing beverage container lids |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050035018A1 true US20050035018A1 (en) | 2005-02-17 |
Family
ID=46301839
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/774,957 Abandoned US20050035018A1 (en) | 2003-03-25 | 2004-02-09 | Beverage container lids and methods of manufacturing beverage container lids |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20050035018A1 (en) |
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US8919591B2 (en) | 2011-04-06 | 2014-12-30 | Pactiv LLC | Insulating lid for a food container and method of making the same |
US20200029709A1 (en) * | 2018-07-27 | 2020-01-30 | Craig A. Felder | Waterproof lid with bluetooth speaker integration |
US10856681B2 (en) * | 2014-01-23 | 2020-12-08 | Abbey ABDIYE | Lid for beverage containers |
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