US20070075081A1 - Reusable container with flavor chamber in lid - Google Patents
Reusable container with flavor chamber in lid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070075081A1 US20070075081A1 US11/542,855 US54285506A US2007075081A1 US 20070075081 A1 US20070075081 A1 US 20070075081A1 US 54285506 A US54285506 A US 54285506A US 2007075081 A1 US2007075081 A1 US 2007075081A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- flavor
- chamber
- lid
- beverage
- hole
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G21/00—Table-ware
- A47G21/18—Drinking straws or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/22—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
-
- 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
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
-
- 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
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
- B65D51/28—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials
- B65D51/2807—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials the closure presenting means for placing the additional articles or materials in contact with the main contents by acting on a part of the closure without removing the closure, e.g. by pushing down, pulling up, rotating or turning a part of the closure, or upon initial opening 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
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
- B65D81/3205—Separate rigid or semi-rigid containers joined to each other at their external surfaces
-
- 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
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
- B65D81/3216—Rigid containers disposed one within the other
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/12—Vessels or pots for table use
- A47G2019/122—Vessels or pots for table use for holding and dispensing a plurality of different liquids
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/12—Vessels or pots for table use
- A47G2019/125—Vessels or pots for table use the lid comprising a compartment for holding sugar, cream or the like
-
- 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
- B65D2231/00—Means for facilitating the complete expelling of the contents
- B65D2231/02—Precut holes or weakened zones
- B65D2231/022—Precut holes or weakened zones for permitting the insertion of a tubular contents-removing device, e.g. a drinking straw
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
- Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
- Y02W30/80—Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging
Abstract
A lid for a cup having at least one flavor chamber, a beverage spout, and at least one sip hole. The beverage spout has a first opening and defines a passage through which a liquid from the cup can flow therethrough. The at least one sip hole has a first opening and defines a passage through which a flavoring from the at least one flavor chamber can flow therethrough.
Description
- This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/453,393 filed Jun. 15, 2006, which claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/723,699, filed Oct. 5, 2005, the entire content all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.
- Not Applicable
- In some embodiments this invention relates to lids or caps, for cups, bottles and cans, where the lid includes a flavor chamber that stores one or more different flavors which are to be mixed with the primary liquid contained within the cup, bottle or can, in the mouth of the person drinking from the cup, bottle or can.
- In the prior art, most of the conventional bottles and cans circulated and sold in markets each contain only a single kind of material, such as a drink or a liquid medicine. When a user wants to add another flavor of liquid or powder to a cup, bottle or can, so as to prepare a mixture prior to drinking or using the mixture, the user must add the substance from a separate container to the liquid contained in the cup, bottle or can, after removing the lid or cap. It is frequently difficult and inconvenient for the user to add a desired amount of the substance, from a separate container, to the primary liquid contained in the cup, bottle or can. This may result in an undesirable change in the taste, and/or quality of the mixed beverage. Furthermore, for “to-go” applications, once the flavor is mixed with the beverage, the opportunities for beverage variety and interactivity with a consumer are negligible.
- No beverage lid or cap is known which provides to a user active control over a type and/or amount of flavor to be added to a primary liquid. No beverage lid or cap is known which enables a user to regulate the concentration of a combined primary liquid and flavor additive within an individual's mouth prior to consumption by the individual. Also, no beverage lid or cap is known which provides to a user active control over the flow of supplemental flavor for combination with a primary beverage through the use of an individual's tongue.
- A need therefore exists for a lid or cap for a beverage container which offers interactivity, variety, and control, over the mixing of one or more supplemental flavors with a primary beverage. A need exists for a lid or cap which enables a user to choose from an almost infinite number of beverage versus flavor sips, and the control of the beverage sips with a user's tongue. A need exists for lid or cap which permits a user to regulate the inclusion of a precise serving dose of flavor for addition to a primary beverage, thereby providing a highly differentiated beverage flavor system. A need also exists for a lid or cap for a beverage container which allows virtually unlimited combinations of primary beverage and flavor combinations, interactively chosen by a beverage consumer.
- The art referred to and/or described above is not intended to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other information referred to herein is “prior art” with respect to this invention. In addition, this section should not be construed to mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 C.F.R. §1.56(a) exists.
- All U.S. patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.
- In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a lid for a cup. In one embodiment the lid is reusable. In another embodiment, the lid is disposable. The lid includes at least one flavor chamber, a beverage spout, and at least one sip hole. The beverage spout has a first opening and defines a passage through which a primary liquid from the cup can flow therethrough. The at least one sip hole has a first opening and defines a passage through which a flavoring from the at least one flavor chamber can flow therethrough. In at least one embodiment of the reusable lid, the at least one flavor chamber may have at least one seal removably engaged to the flavor chamber, so that at least one flavor may be added to the at least one flavor chamber.
- In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a straw comprising a first shaft, a second shaft and a connector engaging the first shaft to the second shaft. The first and second shafts each have a defined length. The length of the first shaft is greater than the length of the second shaft.
- In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a cap for a bottle. The cap has a beverage spout, at least one sip hole and at least one flavor chamber. The beverage spout defines a passage through which a liquid from the bottle can flow therethrough, and may have threads or a snap-on ridge by which the cap may engage the bottle. The at least one sip hole defines a passage through which flavoring from the at least one flavor chamber can flow therethrough.
- In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a cap for a can, the can having a side. The cap comprising a beverage spout, at least one sip hole and at least one flavor chamber. The cap is constructed and arranged to engage the can with the at least one flavor chamber extending along the side of the can.
- In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a container comprising a beverage chamber, a flavor chamber and a built-in straw constructed and arranged to allow flavoring to flow therethrough. In one embodiment, the flavor chamber is removably engaged to the container. In one embodiment, the flavor chamber is fixedly engaged to the container.
- The embodiments described herein offer interactivity, variety, and control to a user of the flavored container lid because the consumer chooses and varies beverage versus flavor sips, alternatively and interactively. The embodiments described herein allow virtually unlimited combinations of beverage and flavor where the consumer controls the flow of flavor and beverage with an individual's tongue. When a precise serving or dosage is added, this method becomes a highly differentiated beverage flavor delivery system.
- These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for further understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference may be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described an embodiments of the invention.
- A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a lid for disposable cups. -
FIG. 2 is a vertical detail cross-section side view of the lid and cup inFIG. 1 taken at line 2-2. -
FIG. 3 is the lid and cup ofFIG. 2 at an angle to show the dispensing of the flavoring from the flavor chamber and the liquid within the cup. -
FIG. 4 is detail isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a lid for disposable cups. -
FIG. 5 is a detail vertical cross-section side view of the lid inFIG. 4 taken at line 6-6 ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the lid inFIG. 4 taken at line 6-6. -
FIG. 7 is a detail cross-section side view of an alternative embodiment of a lid for disposable cups with an elevated flavor vent. -
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a lid with a plurality of flavor chambers. -
FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of a dual straw. -
FIG. 10 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a dual straw. -
FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a dual straw. -
FIG. 12 is a detail cross-section side view of a dual straw in an embodiment of the lid. -
FIG. 13 is a detail isometric view of a lid with a flavor packet attached to the underside of the lid. -
FIG. 14 is a view of the flavor packet inFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is a top view of an embodiment of a bottle cap for bottles. -
FIG. 16 is a detail cross-section side view of the embodiment ofFIG. 15 taken at line 16-16. -
FIG. 17 is a detail cross-section side view of an alternative embodiment of a bottle cap. -
FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a lid as engaged to a disposable can. -
FIG. 19 is a detail cross-section side view of the lid ofFIG. 18 taken at line 19-19. -
FIG. 20 is a view of a first embodiment of a reusable lid with a flavor chamber to be used with a reusable container. -
FIG. 21 is a detail cross-section side view of the lid ofFIG. 20 taken at line 21-21. -
FIG. 21 a is an alternative isometric detail view of a disposable flavor chamber for insertion with a lid. -
FIG. 22 is an alternative detail cross-section side view of a reusable container with a flavor chamber positioned at the bottom of the reusable container. -
FIG. 22 a is an alternative detail view of a reusable container with a flavor chamber disposed below the reusable container. -
FIG. 22 b is an alternative detail view of a disposable flavor chamber. -
FIG. 23 is a detail cross-section side view of an embodiment of a reusable container with a flavor chamber positioned at the bottom of the reusable container. -
FIG. 24 is an alternative detail cross-section side view of an embodiment of a reusable container with a flavor chamber positioned at the bottom of the reusable container. -
FIG. 25 is an alternative detail cross-section side view of an embodiment of a reusable container having a built-in flavor chamber. -
FIG. 26 is an alternative detail cross-section side view of another embodiment of a reusable container with a built-in flavor chamber. -
FIG. 26 a is an alternative cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a reusable container with a built-in flavor chamber. - While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.
- For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.
- The invention is directed towards
lids 10 and caps 10 having flavor storage and flavor delivery properties. These lids and caps 10 may be used withbeverage containers 12 such as disposable cups, disposable bottles, disposable cans, reusable bottles and reusable cups. Disposable cups include, but are not limited to, plastic, polystyrene, foam, or paper cups for personal use, vended beverages and to-go applications. Disposable bottles include, but are not limited to, plastic and glass bottles for personal use, such as water bottles or sports bottles, vended beverages and to-go applications. Disposable cans include, but are not limited to, aluminum and steel cans for personal use, vended beverages and to-go applications. Reusable cups include, but are not limited to, lidded or open top cups, including those for children's sippy cups and collectible cups, as well as travel mugs and cups sometimes associated with refills at branded and retail beverage locations. - In at least one embodiment, flavoring may be stored in a
flavor chamber 80 or aflavor packet 140 for mixture with a primary beverage. Theflavor chamber 80 orflavor packet 140 may be integral or attached to alid 10 to be used with cups. In general, the invention is also directed to acap 10 with aflavor chamber 80 to be used with bottles. Thecap 10 with aflavor chamber 80 may alternatively be used with cans. Materials used to construct theflavor chamber 80 include, but are not limited to, plastics or aluminum. Thecap 10 with aflavor packet 140 may also be used with bottles. Alternatively, thecap 10 with aflavor packet 140 may be used with cans. Materials used to make theflavor packet 140 include, but are not limited to, aluminum or plastic. - In at least one embodiment,
packets 140 of liquid flavor may be inserted or positioned within a paper, foil, orplastic flavor chamber 80. Alternatively, thepaper flavor chamber 80 may be lined with a fluid barrier membrane. Thelid 10 may also be either disposable or reusable. During use, thelid 10 is designed so thatmultiple lids 10 can be stacked on top of one another, for retrieval for use with a cup, bottle, or can. - In some embodiments, the flavoring stored within the
flavor chamber 80 orflavor packet 140 may be in liquid or powder form, for example, flavored syrups (including, but not limited to, chocolate, strawberry, banana, pineapple, cherry), juices, alcoholic beverages, liquid or powdered creamer, liquid or powdered medicines, liquid or powdered dietary supplements, and any combination thereof. - In at least one embodiment, the cap and
lid 10 may have at least onesip hole 50. It is within the scope of the invention for the cap orlid 10 to have one, two, three, four, five, six or more sip holes 50. Thesip hole 50 is generally an orifice by which the user consumes the flavoring stored within theflavor chamber 80. Thesip hole 50 is an opening to theflavor chamber 80, through which the flavoring flows to an individual's mouth, where the volume of flavoring to be mixed with a primary beverage is actively regulated by a users tongue. - In some embodiments, the flow rate of the flavoring through the sip holes 50 depends upon several factors, for example, the thickness of the flavoring, the viscosity of the flavoring, the number of sip holes 50 and the diameter(s) of the sip holes 50. During use of the cap or lid 10 a user may control the amount of flavoring that exits a cap or
lid 10 by covering at least one of the sip holes 50 with their tongue to block and regulate the flow rate of the flavoring into an individual's mouth. In alternative embodiments, there are at least twosip holes 50, and if the user desires a reduced amount of flavoring the individual's tongue may be used to cover as many sip holes 50 as are needed to achieve the desired flow rate. Simultaneously with the passage of flavoring, the primary beverage or liquid within the cup, bottle, can, etc. will enter the user's mouth for mixing and drinking through abeverage spout 20 and/orbeverage spout passage 22. - In some embodiments, the flow rate of the flavoring may also be regulated by the diameter of the
sip hole 50. A flavoring that is thick or viscous, e.g. chocolate syrup, requires a largerdiameter sip hole 50 in order to flow at the same rate as a flavoring that is thin, e.g. concentrated or unconcentrated liquid flavors such as juice or milk. The cap orlid 10 may include a plurality of sip holes 50, eachsip hole 50 having a progressively larger diameter. Eachsip hole 50 may be covered with asip hole cover 54 formed of individual segments of film, or foil, which may be individually, sequentially, or collectively peeled or removed from the cap orlid 10. Thus, the user may uncover one or more sip holes 50 by peeling off segments of thesip hole cover 54, one orifice at a time, until the desired flow rate of flavoring to an individual's mouth is achieved. - In some embodiments, the
sip hole 50 may be a C-shaped flap within thelid 10, which performs in a manner similar to a valve. The C-shaped flap may partially or completely cover thesip hole 50. The flap preferably has a resilient quality to block, partially block, or restrict, liquid flow. The resiliency of the flap may be overcome by sucking upon asip hole 50 which may be in communication with a one way check valve, to inhibit liquid from cup flowing upstream into theflavor chamber 80. - In some embodiments, the
sip hole 50 may be opened by the user when the user pierces thesip hole cover 54 with a sharp instrument. Materials used as thesip hole cover 54 include, but are not limited to, aluminum foil, plastic or paper. In some embodiments, thesip hole cover 54 may be segmented for individual and/or successive removal or penetration to enable flow of flavor. Thesip hole cover 54 may be an individual segment for eachsip hole 50. In at least one embodiment, thesip hole cover 54 is non-segmented. - In some embodiments, the
sip hole 50 is constructed and arranged to restrict spillage of the flavoring, and requires suction to withdraw the flavoring through thesip hole 50. Alternatively a plurality of sip holes 50 may be included in thelid 10 where eachsip hole 50 has a diameter that restricts spillage of the flavoring. Thesip hole 50 may include a slot or baffle which restricts the spillage or flow of the flavoring into an individuals mouth. Thesip hole 50 may also be a silicon sippy valve that restricts the flow of flavoring except when suction is applied. - In at least one embodiment, the
sip hole 50 has a sip hole cover or seal 54 which seals the flavoring within theflavor chamber 80 of thelid 10. Thesip hole cover 54 is a seal which may be peeled to open thesip hole 50. Alternatively, thesip hole cover 54 may be pierced by a sharp object by the user, to obtain access to the flavoring within theflavor chamber 80. Thesip hole cover 54 may alternatively be a plastic flap that may be hinged away from thesip hole 50, to access the flavoring. Thesip hole cover 54 may also be a plastic plug which may be removed from thesip hole 50 to access the flavoring. - In some embodiments, the cap or
lid 10 includes at least one beverage spout orhole 20. Thebeverage spout 20 may be described as an opening or orifice in the top of the lid orcap 10 to abeverage spout passage 22, through which the primary liquid or beverage contained within the cup, bottle or can is dispensed to the user. It is within the scope of the invention for thebeverage spout 20 to have any geometric shape, including, but not limited to a circle, cylinder, cone, square, a rectangle, an octagon, or an oval. Thebeverage spout passage 22 may include alower opening 21 in the bottom of thelid 10. Thebeverage spout passage 22 is defined by at least onebeverage spout wall 26. The at least onebeverage spout passage 22 may be of any size or volume desired. Because the at least onebeverage spout wall 26 forms a passageway through thelid 10, it may also form a passageway proximate to or through theflavor chamber 80. Thus, thebeverage spout wall 26 may separate the flavoring from the primary liquid or beverage in the cup. - In at least one embodiment, the
beverage spout 20 is sealed with a beveragespout hole cover 24. Materials used to form the beveragespout hole cover 24 include, but are not limited to aluminum, plastic and paper. In some embodiments, the beveragespout hole cover 24 may be a foil seal. Alternatively, a dual cover may snap into place and cover both thesip hole 50 and thebeverage spout hole 20. Thebeverage spout 20 may include abeverage spout lip 28, which may extend inward from thebeverage spout wall 26, thereby forming a smaller orifice than thebeverage spout passage 22, as illustrated inFIG. 5 for example. - In at least one embodiment, the lid or
cap 10 also has at least one vent. Thelid 10 may additionally include abeverage vent 60. In other embodiments, the lid orcap 10 may also include aflavor vent 70. Alternatively,lid 10 may include aflavor vent 70 and abeverage vent 60. Thebeverage vent 60 is an opening for abeverage vent passage 62, a passageway through thelid 10 that provides pressure equalization within the cup due to the inflow of air. - In some embodiments, the
flavor vent 70 is an opening in theflavor chamber ceiling 82 that provides pressure equalization within theflavor chamber 80. Theflavor vent 70 may be covered by a flavor vent cover made of foil or other materials as identified herein, which may be removed to open theflavor vent 70 for pressure equalization. The removal of the flavor vent cover from theflavor vent 70 may increase the flow rate of the flavoring through the sip hole(s) 50 into a user's mouth. Theflavor vent 70 may alternatively be occluded by a flavor vent cover, which must be pierced to open theflavor vent 70 for pressure equalization. In some embodiments, a valve which is hinged may be used as the flavor vent cover for theflavor vent 70. Alternatively, a plug may be used as the flavor vent cover to close theflavor vent 70, and theflavor vent 70 may be opened by removing the plug. -
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of alid 10 adapted to be used with acontainer 12. Thecontainer 12 inFIG. 1 is a cup. Thelid 10 is constructed and arranged to engage the top of the cup. In this embodiment, thelid 10 is constructed and arranged to engage the top of the cup by means of a snap onridge 132, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 . - The
lid 10 may be manufactured from a thermoformed plastic, for example. Alternatively, thelid 10 may be manufactured from polystyrene or PETE. Other materials that may be used to manufacture thelid 10 include, but are not limited to, clear plastics, colored plastics, aluminum, paper and any combination thereof. - In addition to the at least one
sip hole 50 described above, thelid 10 may include a plurality of passageway openings, e.g. abeverage spout 20, astraw hole 30, amix hole 40, abeverage vent 60 and aflavor vent 70. (FIG. 12 )FIG. 2 is a cross section of thelid 10 inFIG. 1 taken at line 2-2 and illustrates the different passageway openings, e.g. thebeverage spout 20, and compartments, e.g. theflavor chamber 80. - In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thelid 10 has five elevations 90-98 defined by ridge lines 100-108. All the elevations 90-98 in this embodiment are substantially horizontal. Thelid 10 has afirst elevation 90 on which thebeverage spout 20 and thestraw hole 30 are preferably located. Thefirst elevation 90 may be the highest level of thelid 10 and circle theentire lid 10. Thefirst elevation 90 may be defined by a portion of theflavor chamber ceiling 82, as shown inFIG. 2 . - In some embodiments, the
second elevation 92 of thelid 10 is lower than thefirst elevation 90 and positioned substantially in the center of thelid 10. Thefirst ridge 100 defines the beginning of the drop in elevation between thefirst elevation 90 and thesecond elevation 92. Thesecond elevation 92, in this embodiment, is defined by a portion of theflavor chamber ceiling 82 and abeverage vent lip 68 which defines thebeverage vent 60, which is located on thesecond elevation 92. - In at least one embodiment, the
lid 10 also has athird elevation 94, which is lower than thefirst elevation 90 but higher than thesecond elevation 92. Thethird elevation 94 may be positioned on half of thelid 10, and the sip holes 50 may be located on thethird elevation 94. Asecond ridge 102 defines the beginning of the drop in elevation between thefirst elevation 90 and thethird elevation 94. At the ends of thesecond ridge 102, the transition from thefirst elevation 90 to thethird elevation 94 is gradual. Thus, the downward slope from thesecond ridge 102 to the third elevation is more acute by the sip holes 50. - In some embodiments, below the
third elevation 94 is afourth elevation 96 which circles theentire lid 10. Athird ridge 104 defines the beginning of a portion of the drop in elevation between thefirst elevation 90 and thefourth elevation 96, and a portion of the drop in elevation between thethird elevation 94 and thefourth elevation 96. Thefourth elevation 96 is lower than thefirst elevation 90, thesecond elevation 92, and thethird elevation 94. - In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in
FIG. 2 , the bottom or underside of thelid 10 is at thefourth elevation 96. The bottom of thelid 10 has several components, theflavor chamber floor 84, the opening of thebeverage spout passage 22 to the cup below, through theopening 21, and thebeverage vent passage 62. Thelid 10 also has afifth elevation 98, the lowest elevation, which circles theentire lid 10. Thefourth elevation 96 of thelid 10 down to thefifth elevation 98 of thelid 10 defines the snap onridge 132 by which thelid 10 is engaged to the rim of the cup. The design of the snap onridge 132 inFIG. 2 is one method by which thelid 10 can be engaged to the cup. The invention also includes other types of snap onridge 132 designs, as well as other methods of attaching thelid 10 to the cup.FIG. 5 illustrates a different snap onridge 132 design. - In some embodiments, the
flavor chamber 80 is incorporated into thelid 10 and is an enclosed area defined by aflavor chamber floor 84, aflavor chamber ceiling 82 and at least oneflavor chamber wall 86. Theflavor chamber wall 86 may form the outermost wall of thelid 10. Theflavor chamber 80 may be made of plastic or other types of material as discussed herein. Theflavor chamber floor 84 may include a printed foil seal engaged to thelid 10. Theflavor chamber 80 may be integral or engaged to either the outside of the top of thelid 10, or below the surface of the underside of thelid 10. Theflavor chamber floor 84 may additionally include a downward sloping funnel or angle so that flavoring may be released from theflavor chamber 80 through themix hole 40 into the cup below, as is described in more detail below. - In at least one embodiment, the volume of the enclosed area of the
flavor chamber 80 may be varied by adjusting or altering the shape of theflavor chamber 80. For example, thelid 10 inFIG. 2 has alarger flavor chamber 80 than thelid 10 inFIG. 7 because thebeverage vent passage 62 inFIG. 7 is larger or has a greater volume. In other embodiments, theflavor chamber 80 may be altered by changing the angles of theflavor chamber ceiling 82,flavor chamber floor 84 or theflavor chamber wall 86, or by adjusting the distance between theflavor chamber ceiling 82 and theflavor chamber floor 84. Altering the number offlavor chambers 80 that are contained within alid 10 will also affect the size or volume of theindividual flavor chambers 80. It is within the scope of the invention for thelid 10 to have one, two, three, four ormore flavor chambers 80 of any desired geometric or other shape. - In at least one embodiment, the
lid 10 has at least twoflavor chambers 80. In some embodiments, the at least twoflavor chambers 80 form a flavor chamber insert (not illustrated). The flavor chamber insert may be engaged to, and located between, thelid 10 top and thelid 10 bottom, to form thecomplete lid 10. Thelid 10 may be formed of three or more components, thelid 10 top, the flavor chamber insert and thelid 10 bottom. It is within the scope of the invention for the flavor chamber insert to have one, two, three, four ormore flavor chambers 80. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 8 , thelid 10 has three flavor chambers, 80A, 80B, and 80C. Eachflavor chamber 80A, 80B, 80C has a sip hole 50 B, C, D. The flavoring within each flavor chamber 80A, 80B, and/or 80C may be different. Alternatively, the flavoring within each flavor chamber 80A, 80B, and/or 80C may be the same. In some embodiments, the first flavor chamber 80A may include banana flavoring, the second flavor chamber 80B may have strawberry flavoring and thethird flavor chamber 80C may include pineapple flavoring. When alid 10 with the three flavor chambers 80A-80C embodiment is used with chocolate milk beverage in the cup, the resulting mixture of the chocolate milk with the flavorings within the user's mouth would taste like a banana split. - In some embodiments, a flavor chamber 80A may include powder flavoring, and flavor chamber 80B may include a liquid flavoring. In this embodiment, the relative size of each
sip hole 50 in communication with the flavor chamber 80A, and 80B may vary in size to facilitate a desired access rate. In this alternative embodiment, the powder flavoring in flavor chamber 80A, the liquid flavoring for the flavor chamber 80B, and the primary liquid from thecontainer 12 are mixed within an individual's mouth. - In an alternative embodiment of the
lid 10, at least two of the flavor chambers 80A and 80B may be in communication with a common passage, where the mixing of the two identical or distinct flavors may occur in the common passage prior to the exit from asip hole 50. In this alternative embodiment, the two or more flavor combinations and the primary liquid from thecontainer 12 may be mixed within an individual's mouth. - In some embodiments, at least two of the flavor chambers 80A and 80B may be in communication with a
common flavor chamber 80C where mixing of the two identical or distinct flavors from the flavor chambers 80A and 80B may occur. In this embodiment, thesip hole 50 may be in communication with the common orflavor mixing chamber 80C for mixing with a primary liquid from thecontainer 12 within an individual's mouth. - In at least one embodiment, the
lid 10 has a sip ridge which is constructed and arranged to provide a comfortable fit to the lips, tongue and nose of the user. The sip ridge is an area of thelid 10 that includes thebeverage spout 20, the sip hole(s) 50 and thestraw hole 30. The exterior of the sip ridge may incorporate artistic markings or trademarks in the form of advertising for a particular business user for resale to consumers. - In some embodiments, the user of the
lid 10 may drink the liquid within the cup through thebeverage spout 20, and may access the flavoring of theflavor chamber 80 through the sip holes 50, as illustrated inFIG. 3 . As depicted inFIG. 2 thebeverage spout 20 is preferably located at the highest elevation of the sip ridge. InFIG. 1 , thefirst elevation 90 is the highest elevation of the sip ridge. Alternatively, thebeverage spout 20 may be disposed within a depression in thelid 10, as shown inFIGS. 4-6 , and include a rim such that the liquid from the cup may be tipped into the user's mouth. Thebeverage spout 20 may be circular in shape. Alternatively, thebeverage spout 20 may have a non-circular shape. - In at least one embodiment, the
lid 10 has astraw hole 30. Thestraw hole 30 may be an opening in theflavor chamber ceiling 82 providing access into theflavor chamber 80, through which the flavoring contained within theflavor chamber 80 may be dispensed to the user. Theflavor chamber floor 84 may have an opening, amix hole 40, positioned directly below thestraw hole 30. Both thestraw hole 30 and themix hole 40 preferably include covers namely, a straw hole cover and a mix hole cover 44. Thelid 10 is not required to include astraw hole 30. - Three different embodiments of a
dual straw 120, are illustrated inFIGS. 9-11 .Dual straw 120 may be used with alid 10 comprising aflavor straw hole 30 and abeverage spout 20. In at least one embodiment, thedual straw 120 has abeverage straw 124 and aflavor straw 122 engaged to each other by aconnector 126. As illustrated inFIG. 12 , thebeverage straw 124 extends through thebeverage spout 20 into the cup in order to dispense the primary liquid within the cup. The flavoring may be withdrawn through theflavor straw 122 following penetration through the straw hole cover of theflavor straw hole 30, following insertion of theflavor straw 122 into theflavor chamber 80. As suction is applied to thedual straw 120, the primary liquid from the cup and flavoring from theflavor chamber 80 are drawn out through thedual straw 120 into the user's mouth. - In at least one embodiment, the
beverage straw 124 may be used to pierce the straw hole cover of thestraw hole 30 on thelid 10. As downward pressure is placed on thebeverage straw 124, thebeverage straw 124 will penetrate through theflavor chamber 80 until rupture of themix hole 40 occurs. When thebeverage straw 124 is then removed, the flavoring from theflavor chamber 80 will flow from theflavor chamber 80 through themix hole 40 into the cup below. This allows the flavoring to be mixed directly into the beverage in the cup prior to consumption by an individual. - In some embodiments, the
dual straw 120 has aconnector 126 which is constructed such that it may be broken to separate thebeverage straw 124 from theflavor straw 122. Thedual straw 120 may include astraight beverage straw 124 and astraight flavor straw 122, as illustrated inFIG. 9 . Alternatively, thedual straw 120 may have at least onebend 128 in the at least onebeverage straw 124 and theflavor straw 122. Thedual straw 120 may include astraight beverage straw 124 and aflavor straw 122 having at least twobends 128, as illustrated inFIG. 10 . Thedual straw 120 may alternatively have abeverage straw 124 with at least twobends 128 and aflavor straw 122 having at least twobends 128, as illustrated inFIG. 11 . - In at least one embodiment, the
beverage straw 124 may have at least one area along the length of the straw 42 which is scored to provide a separation area. Thebeverage straw 124 may be snapped proximate to the separation area to yield astraw 124 having a shorter length. Both thebeverage straw 124 and theflavor straw 122 may have at least one area along the lengths of thestraws straws - In at least one embodiment as depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thelid 10 has foursip holes 50, which are located proximate to thebeverage spout 20. The position of the sip holes 50 proximal to thebeverage spout 20 enables a person's mouth to comfortably surround both thebeverage spout 20 and the sip holes 50. Alternatively, the sip holes 50 and thebeverage spout 20 may be positioned side by side in thelid 10. Alternatively, the sip holes 50 and thebeverage spout 20 are preferably arranged such that when the user is drinking from a disposable cup the sip holes 50 initially have a higher elevation, i.e. are above, thebeverage spout 20 on the sip ridge. - In some embodiments, the
flavor vent 70 is positioned on thelid 10 opposite from the sip hole(s) 50 and may be covered by a flavor vent seal that may be peeled off to open a pressure equalization conduit. The flavor vent seal may be made from foil or other materials as identified herein. The elevation of theflavor vent 70, as illustrated in the cross-section ofFIG. 2 , is raised above theflavor chamber 80. This prevents the flavoring in theflavor chamber 80 from leaking through theflavor vent 70. The sizes of theflavor vent 70 and thebeverage vent 60 may vary. As shown in the cross-section ofFIG. 7 , thebeverage vent 60 may have a larger volume or size than thebeverage vent 60 ofFIG. 1 . Also, theflavor vent 70 ofFIG. 7 may have a different volume or size than theflavor vent 70 ofFIG. 1 . - In some embodiments, the
beverage vent 60 is positioned on thelid 10 opposite from thebeverage spout 20. Thebeverage vent 60 may have an elevation less than theflavor vent 70 and thebeverage spout 20, but equal to the top of theflavor chamber 80, as illustrated in the cross-section ofFIG. 2 . Alternatively, thelid 10 as illustrated inFIG. 7 , may have abeverage vent 60 located at an elevation slightly higher than theflavor chamber 80. The lid top and lid bottom may include a more proficient seal for thebeverage vent 60, in order to enhance the performance of the air pressure equalization passage to the cup without leaking flavoring from theflavor chamber 80. It should be noted that, thelid 10 is not required to have aflavor vent 70. -
FIG. 4 is an illustration of another embodiment of alid 10 for a cup.FIG. 5 is a cross-section of thelid 10 inFIG. 4 taken at line 5-5 andFIG. 6 is a top view of thelid 10 inFIG. 4 taken at line 6-6. This embodiment has asip hole 50, abeverage spout 20, aflavor chamber 80, abeverage vent 60. Thebeverage spout 20 may have a geometric shape similar in appearance to a section of a circle. Onesip hole 50 as depicted inFIG. 4 may have a larger diameter opening as compared to the foursip holes 50 with smaller diameter opening, as shown inFIG. 1 . As shown inFIG. 4 , thesip hole 50 may have asip hole cover 54. Aflavor vent 70 may also be provided, as shown inFIG. 6 . In addition, the snap-onridge 132 of thelid 10 inFIG. 5 may have a different configuration as compared to the snap onridge 132 of thelid 10 inFIG. 1 . The specific geometry of the snap onridge 132 depends upon the rim configuration of the cup as well as the material used to make the cup. - In some embodiments, the
lid 10 inFIGS. 4-6 has fewer elevations than thelid 10 inFIGS. 1 and 2 . One of the elevations of the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 4-6 has a downward sloping angle instead of being horizontal as depicted with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2 . In both embodiments as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 , and 4-6, the highest elevation of thelid 10 is thefirst elevation 90. Thesip hole 50 is preferably located atelevation 90.FIG. 6 indicates a possible location of aflavor vent 70 as opposite to thesip hole 50. Theflavor chamber ceiling 82 and thesip hole lip 58 define thefirst elevation 90. The second highest elevation is thesecond elevation 92. Thesecond elevation 92 has tworegions 92A, 92B. Thefirst ridge 100 defines the transition from thefirst elevation 90 to thefirst region 92A of thesecond elevation 92. Thebeverage spout 20 is located at thefirst region 92A and thefirst region 92A surrounds thebeverage spout 20. This embodiment does not have abeverage spout passage 22 or abottom opening 21. Instead thebeverage spout lip 28 of thebeverage spout 20 is positioned at the bottom of thelid 10, not at the top of the lid as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 . Thelid 10 may include an additional small plastic insert that is placed within thefirst region 92 and forms anbeverage spout 20 andbeverage spout passage 22. Thesecond ridge 102 defines the transition from thefirst elevation 90 to the second region 92B of thesecond elevation 92, which circles thelid 10. The second region 92B rests on the lip of the cup therefore, at a minimum the width of the second region 92B is equal to the width of the cup lip. The second region 92B may have any configuration so long as thelid 10 is engaged to the cup. One portion of the second region 92B has a greater width, so that abeverage vent 60 may be located distal from thebeverage spout 20. Thethird ridge 104 defines the transition from thesecond region 92 to thethird elevation 94 which circles theentire lid 10. Thethird elevation 94 is not substantially horizontal as earlier disclosed, but rather has a slight downward angle. - Although the embodiments described above have a
flavor chamber 80, in some embodiments, the flavoring may be retained within aflavor packet 140.FIG. 14 illustrates aflavor packet 140. In at least one embodiment, theflavor packet 140 is constructed from foil. Alternatively, theflavor packet 140 may be constructed from plastic. Theflavor packet 140 may be engaged to either the exterior of the top of thelid 10, or to the underside of the lid orcap 10 by an adhesive. In some embodiments, theflavor packet 140 is manufactured separately from thelid 10 and is engaged to thelid 10 prior to use with a cup or other container.FIG. 14 illustrates theflavor packet 140 engaged to the underside of thelid 10. - In at least one embodiment, flavoring is accessed by piercing through the
flavor packet 140 with a straw. Following piercing of theflavor packet 140, the flavoring mixes with the liquid in the container. Flavoring from theflavor packet 140 may flow through thesip hole 50 and into the consumer's mouth. The flavoring in theflavor packet 140 may be accessed by removing a seal which occludes thesip hole 50. - In some embodiments the cap or
lid 10 may be used with a bottle as depicted inFIGS. 15 and 16 . The materials used to make thecap 10 for a bottle include, but are not limited to, molded plastic, thermoformed plastic, clear plastic, colored plastic, aluminum, paper and any combination thereof. Thecap 10 may be attached to the bottle by means ofthreads 130, much like a threaded seal which originally closed the bottle. Thethreads 130 are protrusions extending from thebeverage spout wall 26. Thecap 10 has a sip ridge which is constructed and arranged to provide a comfortable fit to the lips, tongue and nose of the user. The sip ridge is an area of thecap 10 that includes thebeverage spout 20 and the sip hole(s) 50. In at least one embodiment, the sip ridge may incorporate markings or advertisements for a specific beverage manufacturer. In an alternative embodiment, thecap 10 may be snapped onto a bottle which does not include threading and may be attached to a bottle in a manner similar to the attachment of a bottle-cap. In this embodiment, thethreads 130 may be replaced with a pressure ridge constructed to engage a fastening protrusion as integral and proximate to a bottle opening. - In at least one embodiment as depicted in
FIG. 15 , the sip ridge of thecap 10 has abeverage spout 20 and three sip holes 50. Thebeverage spout 20 may be disposed within a depression in thecap 10, and may have a shape similar to the natural shape of a bottle spout, so that the liquid within the bottle may be tipped into a consumer's mouth without interfering with the consumer's nose. Thebeverage spout 20 is preferably of sufficient size to allow pressure equalization of the beverage in the bottle. Thebeverage spout 20 is defined by abeverage spout lip 28 which extends inward from thebeverage spout wall 26. Thebeverage spout 20 may include a resealable cap or plug which may be engaged onto thecap 10 in the depression to seal or close thebeverage spout 20. - A cross section side view of at least one embodiment of the
cap 10 is shown inFIG. 16 as taken at line 16-16 ofFIG. 15 . Theflavor chamber floor 84 in this embodiment extends along the side of the bottle and theflavor chamber wall 86 is a distance away from theflavor chamber floor 84 and the side of the bottle. In an alternative embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 17 , theflavor chamber floor 84 is horizontal and extends away from the bottle, and does not descend or follow the contour of the exterior of the side of the bottle. The alternative embodiment of thecap 10 in FIG. 17 may also be used as a lid for a cup if modified to have the snap onridge 132 ofFIG. 1 . In both embodiments ofFIGS. 16 and 17 , the flavoring within theflavor chamber 80 flows out via the sip hole(s) 50 when the bottle is held at an angle. Theflavor chamber floor 84 may be formed by affixing a printed foil top to a plastic bottle top package.FIG. 16 also illustrates where aflavor vent 70 may be placed in thecap 10. In at least one embodiment, thecap 10 has aflavor vent 70. In at least one embodiment, thecap 10 does not have aflavor vent 70. - In at least one embodiment as depicted in
FIG. 18 a cap 10 may be used with a can.FIG. 19 shows a cross-section ofFIG. 18 taken at line 19-19. Materials used to make thecap 10 include, but are not limited to, molded plastic, thermoformed plastic, clear plastic, colored plastic, aluminum, paper and any combination thereof. Thecap 10 engages the top or lid of the can by means of a snap onridge 132. Thecap 10 has a sip ridge which is constructed and arranged to provide a comfortable fit to the lips, tongue and nose of the user. In at least one embodiment, thebeverage spout 20 is the can orifice, and the-sip hole(s) 50 are positioned in thecap 10 so that a person's lips can surround both thebeverage spout 20 and the sip hole(s) 50. The sip ridge may incorporate markings or advertising as desired by a retailer. - In some embodiments, as illustrated in
FIG. 18 , thebeverage spout 20 is positioned immediately adjacent to the sip ridge. Thebeverage spout 20 exposes the top of the can through thecap 10 and incorporates the rim of the can, so that the liquid within the can is tipped into the consumer's mouth when the can is held at an angle. Thecap 10 is placed onto the can so that the sip hole(s) 50 are in front of the opening of the can. A straw may be placed through thebeverage spout 20 to access the liquid within the can. As shown inFIG. 19 , theflavor chamber 80 is positioned opposite from the sip hole(s) 50. Theflavor chamber floor 84 in this embodiment extends along the side of the can and theflavor chamber wall 86 is a distance away from theflavor chamber floor 84 and the side of the can. Theflavor chamber 80 may be formed by affixing a printed foil top to a plastic can top package. The position of theoptional flavor vent 70 is illustrated inFIG. 19 . - In some embodiments, the lid(s) 10 may be stacked and shipped at ambient temperature. The provision of at least two flavor chambers 80A and 80B may minimize shipping expense in situations where a flavoring as contained within flavor chamber 80A, if mixed with a flavoring as contained within flavor chamber 80B, would then require refrigeration to prolong shelf life to avoid waste. Alternatively, lid(s) 10 may be stacked and shipped in bulk, in a refrigerated compartment, to prolong shelf life and usefulness of the lid(s) 10.
- In at least one embodiment, individual lid(s) 10 may be formed of a material which may be exposed to microwave energy, to facilitate heating of liquid transported in
flavor chambers 80. Heated liquid as contained within flavor chamber(s) 80 may then be combined with primary liquid withincontainer 12 to facilitate mixing within an individual's mouth. - The
alternative lid 10 embodiment, illustrated inFIGS. 20-21 a may include areusable flavor chamber 80. In thisembodiment lid 10 may be used with areusable container 12 such as a cup or bottle.FIG. 21 depicts a cross-section detail side view of thelid 10 ofFIG. 20 taken at line 21-21. Thelid 10 may be engaged to thecontainer 12 bythreads 130, and may have features similar to those described in the lid of the earlier embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1-19 . Thelid 10 may be removably engaged to thecontainer 12 by any means, including but not necessarily limited to, a snap on ridge as illustrated inFIG. 2 . - The alternative embodiment depicted in
FIGS. 20-21 a include asip hole 50, asip hole passage 52, asip hole lip 58, abeverage spout 20 shown with a beveragespout hole cover 24, abeverage spout passage 22, and aflavor chamber 80. Thelid 10 may also have aflavor vent 70, and abeverage vent 60 as earlier described. The positioning considerations for thesip hole 50,sip hole passage 52,sip hole lip 58,beverage spout 20,spout hole cover 24,beverage spout passage 22,flavor chamber 80,flavor vent 70, andbeverage vent 60 are substantially identical for thelid 10 as described in the earlier embodiments disclosed herein. - Some embodiments of the
reusable container 12 include aflavor vent 70 and/or siphole 50 where each of theflavor vent 70 and/or siphole 50 may have either a silicone valve or plug 144 which may be removable/replaceable. A valve or plug 144 in theflavor vent 70 preferably prevents flavoring from exiting theflavor vent 70 when flavoring is added to theflavor chamber 80. Avalve 144 as used in aflavor vent 70 orsip hole 50 may be formed of silicone having a central depression and/or aperture which is closed and blocks liquid or air passage therethrough. Thevalve 144 is preferably constructed to receive the insertion of astraw valve 144 preferably stretch and deform to mold to the exterior surface of thestraw straw valve 144 for liquid or air passage therethrough. It is contemplated that any pliable material may be used to form thevalve 144, including but not necessarily limited to, rubber, and plastic as well as the silicone disclosed herein. - Similar to the
lids 10 as earlier described, thelid 10 illustrated inFIGS. 20-21 a has afirst elevation 90 and asecond elevation 92, with thesecond elevation 92 being lower than thefirst elevation 90. Thesip hole 50 is preferably positioned on thefirst elevation 90 and thebeverage spout 20 is positioned on thesecond elevation 92. Thefirst elevation 90 may encircle theentire lid 10. Afirst ridge 100 defines the beginning of the drop in elevation between thefirst elevation 90 and thesecond elevation 92. Thesecond elevation 92 may be either substantially horizontal or have a slight incline from thebeverage spout 20 towards thefirst elevation 90 opposite from thebeverage spout 20, as illustrated inFIG. 21 . Thesecond ridge 102 may include theentire lid 10 and defines the beginning of the side of thelid 10. - In at least one embodiment of either the disposable or
reusable container 12, theflavor chamber floor 84 may be a removable cover or plug which allows the consumer to remove theflavor chamber floor 84 in order to add more flavoring to theflavor chamber 80. (FIG. 21 ) Although in this embodiment, the removable cover or plug forms the entireflavor chamber floor 84, it is within the scope of the invention for the removable cover or plug to have any size or shape, provided the same may be removed, and flavoring added to theflavor chamber 80. The removable feature of theflavor chamber floor 84 allows theflavor chamber 80 to be reusable, unlike the singleuse flavor chamber 80 embodiments. An O-ring 148 may be disposed about theflavor chamber floor 84 to facilitate the sealing engagement between theflavor chamber floor 84 and theflavor chamber walls 86 andflavor chamber 80. - In an alternative embodiment as depicted in
FIG. 21 a, theflavor chamber 80 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. Liquid flavor is preferably disposed within the interior of theflavor chamber 80 for upward insertion into thelid 10. The liquid flavor is preferably sealed within theflavor chamber 80 by aremovable cover 132 which may be formed of foil. In this embodiment, theflavor chamber 80 may be disposable. In this embodiment, even though theflavor chamber 80 may be disposable, thelid 10 and/or cup may be reusable. An O-ring 148 may be disposed about theflavor chamber floor 84 to facilitate the sealing engagement between theflavor chamber floor 84 and theflavor chamber walls 86 andflavor chamber 80. - In at least one embodiment, the
flavor chamber 80 is preferably adapted for placement upon theflavor chamber floor 84, for upward insertion into the interior of thereusable lid 10. The open top of theflavor chamber 80 enables flavor to communicate with thesip hole passage 52 andsip hole 50 for mixing within a consumers mouth. The coupling of theflavor chamber floor 84 to thelid 10 preferably seals theflavor chamber 80 and flavor within the interior of thelid 10 for consumption by a consumer. In this embodiment theflavor chamber 80,lid 10 andcontainer 12 may be either reusable or disposable. An O-ring 148 may be used between theflavor chamber floor 84,flavor chamber walls 86, andflavor chamber 80 as earlier described. - The reusable or
disposable flavor chamber 80 may be embodied in any configuration as described herewith in reference toFIGS. 1-19 . The reusable ordisposable flavor chamber 80 may be located above, below, in surrounding relationship to, disposed within, adjacent to, integral with, or releasably engaged tocontainer 12 which may be a cup, bottle, or other vessel for retaining consumable liquids. - In at least one alternative embodiment, the
lid 10 ofFIG. 21 is reusable. In this embodiment, thesip hole passage 52 may be obstructed through the use of a valve, plug, and/orseal 144, whereupon thelid 10 may manipulated approximately 180°, so that theflavor chamber 80 is disposed upwardly. In this embodiment, thelid 10 may also include aflavor vent 70 which may also be obstructed through the use of a plug, stop, valve, and/orseal 144. The manipulation of thelid 10 to dispose theflavor chamber 80 upwardly enables thechamber floor 84 to be separated from theflavor chamber wall 86 for filling of theflavor chamber 80 with flavor. Following the introduction of a desired volume or amount of flavor, theflavor chamber floor 84 may be returned into a covering/sealing relationship relative to theflavor chamber 80. Theentire lid 10 may then be manipulated approximately 180°, for insertion into the open top of a vessel having abeverage chamber 16 filled with a primary beverage. Thethreads 130 of theside wall 86 of thelid 10 preferably seal thelid 10 relative to the vessel orcontainer 12 to prevent leakage therebetween. An O-ring 148 may be used to facilitate the seal between theflavor chamber floor 84 and theflavor chamber 80 as earlier described. The plug, stop, valve, or seal 144 may then be opened through the use of a straw, or removed from thesip hole 50, and/or theflavor vent 70, for use of thelid 10 havingflavor chamber 80 during consumption of a primary beverage. - In at least one alternative disposable embodiment, the
chamber floor 84 is not required to be releasably separable from theflavor chamber 80. In at least one embodiment, thechamber floor 84 includes afill hole passage 146 which may be releasably obstructed by the use of a plug, stop, and/orvalve 144. In this embodiment, a plug, stop, and/orvalve 144 may be inserted into obstructive positioning relative to thesip hole 50 and/orflavor vent 70, whereupon thelid 10 may be manipulated approximately 180°, so that thefill hole passage 146 is disposed upwardly. The seal, stop, plug, and/orvalve 144 within thesip hole passage 146 may then be penetrated or removed, where filling of theflavor chamber 80 with flavor may occur through thefill hole passage 146. Once a desired volume or amount of flavor has been added into theflavor chamber 80 through thefill hole passage 146, thefill hole passage 146 may be closed by the withdraw of a straw which closed thevalve 144 or by the insertion of the plug, stop, and/or seal. Theentire lid 10 may then be manipulated approximately 180° for insertion into the open top of a vessel orcontainer 12 having abeverage chamber 16 filled with a primary beverage. An individual may then open anyvalve 144, or withdraw any stop, seal, or plug within thesip hole 50 and/orflavor chamber 70 for use of thelid 10 havingflavor chamber 80. It should be noted that the flavorfill hole passage 146 may be located in any wall,flavor chamber wall 86,bottom 150,cover 132, top or sides offlavor chamber 80, and is not restricted to positioning within a bottom 150 or base. -
FIGS. 22-24 illustrate alternative embodiments of a reusable ordisposable container 12 having aflavor chamber 80 insert, where theflavor chamber 80 is located at the bottom of thereusable container 12. Although thecontainer 12 inFIGS. 22-24 is tapered, thecontainer 12 may have any shape. In these embodiments, the reusable and/ordisposable container 12 preferably has abeverage chamber 16 into which a primary liquid is confined. Thebeverage chamber 16 may be open at the top, as illustrated. Alternatively, alid 10 having abeverage spout 20 may be engaged to the reusable and/ordisposable container 12, thereby forming a ceiling for thebeverage chamber 16. Additionally, thereusable container 12 may include a built-instraw hole passage 32 which may form a portion of the side of thereusable container 12. In alternative embodiments, thestraw hole passage 32 may be integral with the wall of thecontainer 12 or may be permanently or releasably attached thereto at any location relative to thecontainer 12. - Two different configurations of the
straw hole passage 32 are illustrated inFIGS. 22-24 , however, anystraw hole passage 32 configuration is contemplated as being within the scope of the invention. Thestraw hole passage 32 has an upper straw hole 30 a and alower straw hole 30 b. - If a consumer desires flavoring from the
flavor chamber 80 to be mixed with the primary liquid from thebeverage container 16, the consumer places their mouth over the upper straw hole 30 a and drinks from thereusable container 12. The upward tipping of thecontainer 12 enables flavoring to flow from theflavor chamber 80, through thelower straw hole 30 b, through thestraw hole passage 32 and out of the upper straw hole 30 a into the consumer's mouth, where it mixes with the liquid from thebeverage chamber 16. - In some embodiments of the reusable and/or
disposable container 12 with aflavor chamber 80, theflavor chamber 80 is incorporated into the bottom of thecontainer 12 in a different manner. For the embodiments, illustrated inFIGS. 22-23 , theflavor chamber 80 may be inserted into a space below thebeverage chamber 16, so that a portion of thecontainer 12 separates the bottom of thebeverage chamber 16 from theceiling 82 of theflavor chamber 80. In contrast, the embodiment inFIG. 24 does not have a portion of thecontainer 12 separating thebeverage chamber 16 and theflavor chamber 80, since theflavor chamber 80 is inserted into the interior of thebeverage chamber 16 proximate to the bottom. - It is within the scope of the invention for the
flavor chamber 80 in these embodiments, to be either disposable or reusable. In some embodiments, thecontainer 12 has areusable flavor chamber 80, where thestraw hole passage 32 has avalve 144. Thevalve 144 retains the flavoring within theflavor chamber 80, until a straw is inserted into thestraw hole passage 32, which traverses thevalve 144 to access the flavoring. - In
FIG. 22 , theflavor chamber 80 may be snapped onto the bottom of thereusable container 12 so that thebottom portion 30 b of the built-instraw hole passage 32 penetrates thevalve 144 for passing into theflavor chamber 80. In an alternative disposable embodiment, theflavor chamber ceiling 82 may include at least one section offoil 142, so that thebottom portion 30 b of the built-instraw hole passage 32 pierces the foil for insertion intoflavor chamber 80. In anotherdisposable flavor chamber 80 embodiment, theflavor chamber ceiling 82 has an opening sized to receive thestraw hole passage 32. When theflavor chamber 80 is attached to the bottom of thereusable container 12, the opening in theflavor chamber ceiling 82, and thestraw hole passage 32, may be aligned so that thestraw hole passage 32 is inserted into the opening through theflavor chamber ceiling 82. As seen inFIG. 22 b, alignment between thelower straw hole 30 b and theaperture 136 may be accomplished through the use of a key 154 as slidably received in akey groove 156. The key 154 andkey groove 156 may be placed between anadjacent flavor chamber 80 andbeverage chamber wall 18. In an alternative embodiment, the area proximate to, and immediately above, theaperture 136 may include a funnel structure, which may be used as a guide to slidably position thelower straw hole 30 b within theaperture 136. - In an alternative disposable embodiment as may be seen if
FIG. 22 a,flavor chamber 80 may be substantially cylindrical in shape havingintegral floor 84 or base. In this embodiment,flavor chamber 80 preferably includes acylindrical chamber wall 86 and a top 134 enclosesflavor chamber 80. Top 134 may include anaperture 136 which may be sealed withfoil 142 for piercing bylower straw hole 30 b during engagement of theflavor chamber 80 to thecontainer 12. In an alternative reusable embodiment, theaperture 136 may be adapted to receive avalve 144 which may be traversed during insertion oflower straw hole 30 b into the interior of theflavor chamber 80. As earlier described a sealing relationship exists between thevalve 144 andlower straw hole 30 b following insertion of thelower straw hole 30 b into theflavor chamber 80. In some embodiments, the valve or plug 144 may be used to provide access to the interior of theflavor chamber 80, to fill and/or refill theflavor chamber 80 with flavor. Theflavor chamber 80 may therefore be disposable and/or reusable at the preference of an individual. - In an alternative embodiment as depicted in
FIG. 22 b areusable base 138 is shown havingfloor 84.Base 138 preferably has anopen interior 140 which may be substantially cylindrical or any other shape as desired. The base 138 preferably includes akey guide 154. Thebase 138 is preferably adapted to receive aflavor chamber 80 having achamber wall 86,key groove 156, andaperture 136. In some embodiments, theflavor chamber 80 is adapted for deposit withinopen interior 140 for mating withcontainer 12 and insertion oflower straw hole 30 b intoaperture 136. As earlier described,aperture 136 may be sealed withfoil 142 in a disposable embodiment. In some embodiments, theflavor chamber 80, as depicted inFIG. 22 b, may include avalve 144 inaperture 136 facilitating ease of use of areusable container 12. - In at least one embodiment as illustrated in
FIG. 23 , theflavor chamber 80 is positioned in the bottom of thereusable container 12, and may be held in place by a screw-onbottom 150. The screw-onbottom 150 hasthreads 130 which mate with grooves on the inside of the wall of thereusable container 12. In some disposable embodiments, adisposable flavor chamber 80 may include aflavor chamber ceiling 82 having one or more sections offoil 142 to enable thebottom portion 30 b of the built-instraw hole passage 32 to pierce the foil sections. Thelower straw hole 30 b may be angled to facilitate piercing of thefoil 142, however, it is within the scope of the invention for thelower straw hole 30 b to be parallel to the bottom of thereusable container 12. In at least one alternativedisposable flavor chamber 80 embodiment, theflavor chamber ceiling 82 includes an arcuate opening sized to receive thestraw hole passage 32. During the attachment of theflavor chamber 80 to the bottom of thecontainer 12, the arcuate opening in theflavor chamber ceiling 82, and thestraw hole passage 32 may be aligned, as earlier described, so that thelower straw hole 30 b may be inserted into the arcuate opening through theflavor chamber ceiling 82. In the reusable embodiment, it is contemplated thatflavor chamber 80 having screw onbottom 150 would include an open top to permit rotation of thelower straw hole 30 b therebetween. - The features as disclosed relative to the alternative embodiments for
FIGS. 22 b are equally applicable with respect to screw-on bottom 150 embodiment ofFIG. 23 . In addition, theflavor chamber 80 ofFIG. 22 a may be modified to separate thechamber floor 84 from theflavor chamber 80 for replacement of thechamber floor 84 by the screw-onbottom 150. This configuration provides alignment of theaperture 136 with thelower straw hole 30 b. In some embodiments, the shape of theflavor chamber 80 is not required to be cylindrical and may be square or cubical, triangular or prism shaped, oval, and/or any other shape as desired. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein relative toFIGS. 20-26 a, the bottom 150 may be screw-on, snap-on, or affixed to thecontainer 12 in any desired manner. - In at least one embodiment, as depicted in
FIG. 23 , during use of areusable flavor chamber 80, aflavor vent 70, with associated vent in the bottom 150, or side of the flavor chamber pocket, may be provided. A valve, stop, or plug 144 may be disposed inflavor vent 70 for transition into an open configuration, in order to facilitate the passage of flavor within theflavor chamber 80 through thestraw hole passage 32. In same embodiments, theaperture 136 may additionally function as a fill hole for theflavor chamber 80. - In at least one disposable or reusable embodiment, as depicted in
FIG. 23 , it is contemplated that aflavor chamber 80 will be inserted into a flavor chamber pocket disposed below abeverage chamber 16. The screw-onbottom 150 may then be attached to avessel 12 whereupon primary liquid may be placed within thebeverage chamber 16. -
FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative embodiment by which aflavor chamber 80 may be inserted into the interior and bottom of acontainer 12. In some alternative embodiments of theflavor chamber 80, the consumer may insert theflavor chamber 80 into the interior of thecontainer 12 for positioning proximate to the bottom, by holding a flavor chamber handle 81, and causing thelower straw hole 30 b of thestraw hole passage 32 to pierce afoil barrier 142 orvalve 144, which is a portion of thewall 86 of theflavor chamber 80. Alower straw hole 30 b that is angled may facilitate the piercing of thefoil 142, but it is within the scope of the invention for thelower straw hole 30 b to be parallel to the bottom of thereusable container 12. In at least one alternative embodiment, the flavor chamber handle 81 is an extension of theflavor chamber wall 86 opposite to the portion of theflavor chamber wall 86 comprising thefoil 142 portion. In at least one alternativedisposable flavor chamber 80 embodiment, the flavor chamber handle 81 is engaged to the outer surface of theflavor chamber ceiling 82. Since thecontainer 12 may have any shape or configuration, theflavor chamber 80 similarly may have any shape or configuration, so long as it may be easily inserted into the interior of thecontainer 12 proximate to the bottom 84. - As may be seen in
FIG. 24 , theflavor chamber 80 havinghandle 81 is placed intocontainer 12 before a primary liquid is added to thebeverage chamber 16. Thehandle 81 is used to lower theflavor chamber 80 to the bottom of thecontainer 12 for positioning of thefoil seal 142 proximate to thelower straw hole 30 b. Thehandle 81 may then be rotated downwardly for sliding of the lower back comer or edge of theflavor chamber 80 against the interior wall of thecontainer 12 to facilitate the insertion of thelower straw hole 30 b through the foil or seal 142, and the positioning of theflavor chamber 80 proximate to thechamber floor 84 of thecontainer 12. Primary liquid may then be added to thebeverage chamber 16. A lid or cover 10 may alternatively be engaged to thecontainer 12 following the inclusion of the primary liquid. - Although not shown, the
container 12 with a built-instraw hole passage 32 may utilize aflavor chamber 80 having aflavor vent 70 as earlier described. Theflavor vent 70 may have a peal off seal or a removable or replaceable plug. - In a
reusable flavor chamber 80 embodiment, theflavor chamber 80 may also have a fill hole passage 146 (FIG. 21 ) through which the consumer adds flavoring to theflavor chamber 80. Thefill hole passage 146 may be located in theflavor chamber floor 84, theflavor chamber walls 86, or theflavor chamber ceiling 82 in this embodiment or in any embodiment disclosed related toFIGS. 20-26 a. Thefill hole passage 146 preferably includes a plug or cover which may be temporarily removed in order to add flavoring to theflavor chamber 80, and re-inserted to close thefill hole 146. In at least one reusable embodiment, the upper straw hole 30 a includes avalve 144 and the flavor chamber includes avalve 144 in replacement of thefoil seal 142. - In an alternative embodiment, instead of inserting a
flavor chamber 80 into the bottom of thecontainer 12, thereusable container 12 may have aflavor chamber 80 below abeverage chamber 16, along with a built-instraw hole passage 32, which extends along the side of thereusable container 12. (FIGS. 25-26 a) Although thecontainer 12 inFIGS. 25-26 a is tapered, thecontainer 12 may have any shape. Alternatively, the built-inflavor chamber 80 may encircle thebeverage chamber 16. (FIG. 26 ) Thebeverage chamber 16 may include an open top, as illustrated, or alid 10 with abeverage spout 20 may be engaged to thereusable container 12, thereby forming a ceiling for thebeverage chamber 16. Thebeverage chamber 16 preferably includes at least onebeverage chamber wall 18 that forms one of the flavor chamber walls. The bottom of theflavor chamber 80 may include a screw-on bottom 150 which may also form the bottom of thereusable container 12. The screw-on bottom 150 preferably includesthreads 130 that mate with grooves on thereusable container 12. Alternative affixation methods for coupling of the bottom 150 to thecontainer 12 may be used at the discretion of an individual. - In an alternative reusable embodiment as depicted in
FIGS. 25 and 26 , the screw-inbottom 150 may be removed from the emptyreusable container 12 to expose theflavor chamber 80. Thereusable container 12 may then be rotated approximately 180°, so that thebeverage chamber 16 is disposed downwardly and theflavor chamber 80 is disposed upwardly. Theflavor chamber 80 may then be filled with a desired volume or amount of flavor whereupon the screw-inbottom 150 may be engaged to thethreads 130 to close and/or seal theflavor chamber 80. In this embodiment, the upper straw hole 30 a may include a plug, valve, and/orseal 144, to prevent leakage or loss of flavor during addition of the flavor within theflavor chamber 80. Upon closure of the screw-inbottom 150 relative to thecontainer 12, thecontainer 12 may be rotated approximately 180°, to position thebeverage chamber 16 upwardly for receipt of the primary liquid beverage. The plug within the upper straw hole 30 a may then be withdrawn, or thevalve 144 in the upper straw hole 30 a may be traversed, to provide access to the flavor through thestraw hole passage 32. - In an alternative embodiment where the container as depicted in
FIGS. 25-26 a is disposable, afoil 142 or other type of seal may be disposed in sealing and covering relationship over the upper straw hole 30 a. In the alternative disposable embodiment ofFIGS. 25-26 a, the use of a threaded or screw-inbottom 150 is not required. In this disposable alternative embodiment, the bottom or base may be integral to the exteriorbeverage chamber walls 18, and may include afill hole 146 which may be sealed or plugged following the addition of flavor within theflavor chamber 80. In the disposable embodiment ofFIGS. 26-26 a, thecontainer 12 before use is preferably rotated to an upside down configuration to provide access to the fill hole/fill hole passage 146. A plug within thefill hole 146 may be removed or avalve 144 within thefill hole 146 may be traversed/opened by a hollow element such as a straw passage. Afoil seal 142 preferably blocks both the upper straw hole 30 a and theflavor vent 70. Once a desired volume or amount of flavor is added toflavor chamber 80 the plug may be reinserted into thefill hole 146 or the straw withdrawn from thevalve 144. Thecontainer 12 may then be returned to an upright position where a primary beverage may be added to thebeverage chamber 16. The foil seals 142 covering the upper straw hole 30 a andflavor vent 70 may then be removed for consumption of the flavor and primary liquid by an individual. - In at least one embodiment, the
flavor chamber 80, as depicted inFIGS. 25-26 a, is not required to be completely filled with flavor and may be partially filled prior to use with a primary beverage as disposed within thebeverage chamber 16. - In all of the embodiments as described herein in reference to
FIGS. 1-26 a, thesip hole 50 may include one or more of a variety of valves, which may be opened to provide access through, or closed to obstruct passage of flavor and/or primary beverage through thesip hole 50. - In one or more embodiments as described herein related to
FIGS. 1-26 a, theflavor chamber 80 may include flavor vents 70 to facilitate the withdrawal of flavor from theflavor chamber 80. - The flavor vents 70 may have a removable or replaceable plug or
silicone valve 144. Theflavor chamber 80 may also include afill hole 146 through which the consumer adds flavoring to theflavor chamber 80. Thefill hole 146 may be disposed through theflavor chamber floor 84. Thefill hole 146 may receive a plug orvalve 144 which is removed or traversed in order to add flavoring to theflavor chamber 80. A plug or cover may be reinserted to close thefill hole 146 as desired. - In general the reusable embodiments as described relative to
FIGS. 20-26 a, preferably includevalves 144. In addition, the disposable embodiments as described herein relative toFIGS. 20-26 a preferably includefoil 142 sealing members. - The reusable and/or
disposable containers 12 as related toFIGS. 20-26 a disclosed herein, may each include any combination of reusable ordisposable lids 10,containers 12, and/orflavor chambers 80. An individual is not required to exclusively utilize reusable elements within areusable container embodiment 12. For example, in a reusable embodiment, an individual may elect to utilize areusable container 12, and areusable bottom 150 in conjunction with adisposable flavor chamber 80. Alternatively, an individual may elect to utilize adisposable container 12,disposable lid 10,reusable bottom 150 andreusable flavor chamber 80. Any combination of reusable and disposable elements for the reusable/disposable container 12, havinglid 10 andflavor chamber 80, may be used by an individual herein. - The
flavor chamber 80 as disclosed herein related toFIGS. 20-26 a may alternatively include more than one, or multiple flavor chambers as earlier described relative toFIGS. 1-19 . The multiple independent flavor compartments forming thecomposite flavor chamber 80 may be provided in a disposable and/or reusable form. In the multiple independent flavor compartment embodiments, any desired number offill hole passages 146 may be provided along with any desired number of lower straw holes 30 b for coupling withvalves 144 or foil 142 as disposed withinapertures 136. - The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individual figures and described above may be combined or modified for combination as desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”.
- Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim I should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below.
- This completes the description of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.
Claims (18)
1. A flavor retention device comprising:
a container having at least one flavor chamber, at least on beverage chamber, and at least one sip hole in communication with said at least one flavor chamber, said at least one flavor chamber comprising at least one liquid.
2. The flavor retention device of claim 1 , the at least one liquid comprising at least one flavor, said at least one flavor constructed and arranged for passage through said at least one sip hole.
3. The flavor retention device of claim 1 , the container further comprising a straw hole.
4. The flavor retention device of claim 3 , wherein the straw hole is in communication within the flavor chamber.
5. The flavor retention device of claim 1 , the flavor chamber further comprising a flavor vent.
6. The flavor retention device of claim 5 , further comprising at least one seal removably engaged to said vent.
7. The flavor retention device of claim 4 , the straw hole comprising a valve.
8. The flavor retention device of claim 1 , further comprising at least one valve engaged to said at least one sip hole.
9. The flavor retention device of claim 1 , wherein the container is a bottle.
10. The flavor retention device of claim 9 , wherein said bottle is reusable.
11. The flavor retention device of claim 1 , wherein said container is a cup.
12. The flavor retention device of claim 11 , wherein said cup is reusable.
13. The flavor retention device of claim 1 , said at least one flavor chamber comprising at least one valve engaged to said at least one flavor chamber.
14. The flavor retention device of claim 13 , wherein the at least one valve is disposed proximate to a side of said at least one flavor chamber.
15. A container comprising:
a beverage chamber, said beverage chamber constructed and arranged to hold a primary beverage;
a flavor chamber, at least a portion of said flavor chamber being disposed below said beverage chamber; and
a straw hole passage, said straw hole passage being in communication with said flavor chamber.
16. The container of claim 15 , further comprising a bottom, said bottom being removably engaged to said container.
17. The container of claim 15 , wherein said flavor chamber is constructed and arranged to be removably engaged to said container.
18. The container of claim 17 , the straw hole passage comprising a valve.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/542,855 US20070075081A1 (en) | 2005-10-05 | 2006-10-04 | Reusable container with flavor chamber in lid |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US72368905P | 2005-10-05 | 2005-10-05 | |
US11/453,393 US20070075079A1 (en) | 2005-10-05 | 2006-06-15 | Flavored container lid |
US11/542,855 US20070075081A1 (en) | 2005-10-05 | 2006-10-04 | Reusable container with flavor chamber in lid |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/453,393 Continuation-In-Part US20070075079A1 (en) | 2005-10-05 | 2006-06-15 | Flavored container lid |
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US20070075081A1 true US20070075081A1 (en) | 2007-04-05 |
Family
ID=46326244
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US11/542,855 Abandoned US20070075081A1 (en) | 2005-10-05 | 2006-10-04 | Reusable container with flavor chamber in lid |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |