US20130277379A1 - Disposable beverage lid - Google Patents
Disposable beverage lid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130277379A1 US20130277379A1 US13/796,509 US201313796509A US2013277379A1 US 20130277379 A1 US20130277379 A1 US 20130277379A1 US 201313796509 A US201313796509 A US 201313796509A US 2013277379 A1 US2013277379 A1 US 2013277379A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- splash
- channel
- elevated rim
- dome
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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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
-
- 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
- B65D43/0208—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections on both the inside and 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
- B65D2543/00018—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
- B65D2543/00222—Hollow and made of one piece
-
- 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
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside 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
- B65D2543/00481—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
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00555—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on both the inside and the outside
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00759—Flange or lip
-
- 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
Definitions
- At least one feature pertains to a disposable beverage lid.
- Disposable hot beverage containers and suitable lids for these containers are critical supply items for any business serving hot beverages.
- a disposable lid In order to meet the needs of both the company and the customer, a disposable lid must at least meet the following criteria: the lid must be inexpensive to manufacture, import and/or purchase; the lid must adequately couple to the container; and the lid must be user-friendly to the consumer.
- the lid Since disposable lids are generally manufactured for single use, the cost to manufacture is extremely important, especially to those businesses whose principle product is hot beverages (e.g., a coffee shop). At the same time, however, the lid must adequately couple to the container to reduce the chance of the hot beverage spilling and potentially injuring the consumer or causing damage (i.e., stains) to garments worn by the consumer. Additionally, the lid must be user-friendly in manipulation so that the consumer can remove the lid, e.g., add sugar, sugar substitutes, milk, cream, etc., without causing the beverage to spill and user-friendly in use to allow the consumer to drink from the cup (i.e., a drinking port) without removing the lid from the cup.
- a drinking port i.e., a drinking port
- a device for coupling to a disposable cup comprising: a beverage lid having: (i) a beverage container coupling portion; (ii) a flange extending downwardly from the coupling portion; and (iii) an elevated rim extending upwardly from an inner periphery of the coupling portion wherein the elevated rim defines a recess therein, a bottom of the recess substantially defined by a dome wherein an inner periphery of the elevated rim and an outer periphery of the dome define a channel, a plurality of apertures within the channel is herein disclosed.
- the elevated rim may be double-walled.
- the plurality of apertures may provide a metered flow of liquid when the beverage lid is coupled to a disposable cup and tilted relative to a horizontal plane.
- the plurality of apertures is symmetrically spaced about the entire channel.
- the plurality of apertures is aggregated in at least one group within the channel.
- the plurality of apertures is adjacent to the inner periphery of the elevated rim.
- the beverage container coupling portion may be configured to removeably couple to a rim of a beverage cup.
- a material comprising the beverage lid may comprise polystyrene or a derivative thereof.
- each aperture is 0.050 inches in width.
- a disposable lid comprising: a unitary, circular structure adapted to removeably couple to a rim of a disposable cup, the structure including an elevated rim with a plurality of drinking ports adjacent an inner periphery of the elevated rim and a dome within an area defined by the inner periphery of the elevated rim is herein disclosed.
- An outer periphery of the dome and the inner periphery of the elevated rim may define a channel.
- the elevated rim may be double-walled.
- the plurality of drinking ports may provide a metered flow of liquid when the lid is coupled to the disposable cup and tilted relative to a horizontal plane.
- the plurality of drinking ports is symmetrically spaced about the entire channel. In another embodiment, the plurality of drinking ports is aggregated in at least one group within the channel.
- the disposable lid may further comprise a disposable cup coupling portion about the elevated rim on an outer periphery thereof.
- the disposable lid may further comprise a flange extending downwardly from the coupling portion.
- a material comprising the beverage lid may comprise polystyrene or a derivative thereof. In one embodiment, each aperture is 0.050 inches in width.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable beverage lid according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a rear view of the disposable beverage lid of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the disposable beverage lid of FIG. 1 taken along lines 4 - 4 .
- FIG. 4 is a top aerial view of the disposable beverage lid of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the disposable beverage lid of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a bottom aerial view of the disposable beverage lid FIG. 1
- Embodiments of the invention are directed to disposable beverage lids which may be used in conjunction with beverage containers.
- a disposable beverage lid is generally circular and configured to removeably couple to a beverage container.
- the lid may include an elevated rim in-set and about the periphery thereof with a dome within a recess defined by the elevated rim.
- a plurality of apertures may be located within a channel defined by an inner wall of the elevated rim and an outer periphery of the dome.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable beverage lid according to an embodiment of the invention.
- a disposable beverage lid 100 may be generally circular in shape and configured to removeably couple to a beverage container (not shown).
- the lid 100 includes a beverage container coupling portion 102 with a flange 104 extending downwardly therefrom and an elevated rim 106 extending upwardly from an inner periphery of the coupling portion 102 .
- the coupling portion is configured to removeably couple to the bead (or rim) about a periphery of a cup as known by one of ordinary skill in the art.
- the elevated rim 106 defines a recess 108 in which a dome 110 is located therein.
- a plurality of apertures 112 may be situated within a channel 114 defined by an outer periphery of the dome 110 and an inner periphery of the elevated rim 106 .
- Materials which comprise the lid 100 include, but are not limited to, polystyrene and polystyrene combined with co-polymers such as polybutadiene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or divinylbenzene.
- a thickness of the material may be between about 0.005 inches and about 0.020 inches, in one embodiment, about 0.010 inches.
- FIG. 2 is a rear view of a disposable beverage lid 200 , corresponding to the disposable beverage lid 100 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2 shows beverage container coupling portion 202 , flange 204 and elevated rim 206 .
- flange 202 extends downwardly and is angled in an outwardly direction relative to the coupling portion 202 .
- elevated rim 206 extends upwardly and is angled in an inwardly direction relative to the coupling portion 202 .
- elevated rim 206 is in-set relative to coupling portion 202 . That is, elevated rim 206 extends upwardly beginning from the inner periphery of the coupling portion 202 .
- FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of a disposable beverage lid 300 , corresponding to the disposable beverage lid 100 of FIG. 1 taken along lines 4 - 4 .
- FIG. 3 shows beverage container coupling portion 302 , flange 304 , elevated rim 306 , recess 308 , dome 310 and channel 314 .
- elevated rim 306 is doubled-walled with an outer wall angling upwardly and inwardly and an inner wall angling downwardly and inwardly as well.
- dome 310 defines a bottom of the recess 308 and is substantially recessed therein. That is, the highest point of the dome 310 is substantially lower relative to the uppermost portion of the elevated rim 306 .
- the dome 310 defines a center 318 , and at such center 318 , a curvature of the dome 310 defines a center tangent line 320 .
- the channel 314 is parallel to the center tangent line 320 .
- a tangent 322 of the curvature of the dome 310 where it joins with the channel 314 , i.e., at its outer periphery, is in an angular relationship that is offset to the channel 314 .
- the beverage coupling portion defines a first reverse bottom-facing surface 324 that is configured to mate with a lip of the beverage container.
- the elevated rim 306 defines a second reverse bottom-facing surface 326 that is open to the beverage container when mated thereto.
- the first reverse bottom-facing surface 324 and the second reverse bottom-facing surface 326 may also partly define respective grooves 334 , 336 .
- the disposable beverage lid 100 , 300 may also be described in terms of the channel 114 , 314 being defined by a first annular boundary segment 140 , 340 that corresponds to an inner periphery of the elevated rim 106 , 306 , as well as by a second annular boundary segment 142 , 342 that corresponds to the an outer periphery of the dome 110 , 310 .
- the channel 314 is oblique relative to the curvature of the dome 310 and the wall of the elevated rim 306 .
- FIG. 4 is a top aerial view of a disposable beverage lid 400 , corresponding to the disposable beverage lid 100 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 shows beverage container coupling portion 402 , flange 404 , elevated rim 406 , recess 408 , dome 410 , channel 414 and the plurality of apertures 412 .
- the plurality of apertures 412 may be symmetrically spaced within the channel 414 and adjacent the inner periphery of the elevated rim 406 .
- the plurality of apertures may be bunched together, or aggregated in a group, in one or more locations within the channel (not shown). Utilizing the view shown in FIG.
- the plurality of apertures 412 may number from two (2) to forty-five (45), in one embodiment, thirty-two (32). According to embodiments of the invention, the plurality of apertures 412 may be approximately circular, oblong or any other suitable geometric shape; however, in any embodiment, the plurality of apertures 412 should collectively or singly allow a volume of liquid to pass through when coupled to a beverage cup (not shown) and when a consumer is drinking from the cup.
- the plurality of apertures 412 provide a metered flow of liquid when the lid 400 is coupled to a disposable cup and tilted relative to a horizontal plane.
- Each aperture may be between about 0.025 inches and about 0.100 inches in width, in one embodiment, about 0.050 inches in width.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a disposable beverage lid 500 , corresponding to the disposable beverage lid 100 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 shows beverage container coupling portion 502 , flange 504 and elevated rim 506 .
- FIG. 6 is a bottom aerial view of a disposable beverage lid 600 , corresponding to the disposable beverage lid 100 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 shows beverage container coupling portion 602 , flange 604 , elevated rim 606 , recess 608 , dome 610 , channel 614 and the plurality of apertures 612 .
- One conventional beverage lid includes a drinking port on a peripheral rim of the lid.
- a drinking port on a peripheral rim of the lid.
- this type of lid often includes additional openings for heat ventilation (in the case when the liquid is hot). These additional openings can also be sources of spillage.
- a solution is to temporarily cap the drinking port with a so-called “splash stick”, however, this solution is not user-friendly as it does not allow the consumer to drink the beverage without removing the “splash stick” and does not completely prevent spillage. Moreover, this solution does not address spillage from the heat ventilation openings.
- Another conventional beverage lid includes a “living hinge” which can partially cap the drinking port. Again, this type of lid often includes additional openings for heat ventilation (in the case when the liquid is hot).
- This solution is not user-friendly as it does not always function properly and does not completely prevent spillage. For example, a defective hinge may be removed by the consumer thereby defeating the purpose of the hinge (i.e., to prevent spillage). Again, this solution does not address spillage from the heat ventilation openings.
- the beverage lid as described previously according to embodiments of the invention has advantages over conventional lids.
- the lid's specific geometry i.e., the dome within the recess defined by the elevated rim and the plurality of apertures (drinking ports) within the channel, substantially or completely prevents the fluid from spillage while dynamic, i.e., while moving (sloshed around).
- the drinking ports are not on the rim but rather distanced from the edge of the lid, i.e., on the interior of the elevated rim, spillage is substantially or completely eliminated.
- the elevated rim functions as a barrier to prevent or substantially prevent liquid from spilling over.
- the dome within the recess defined by the elevated rim forces the liquid to stay in the channel if there is any residual liquid once the consumer takes a drink.
- the sizing and spacing of the drinking ports simultaneously function as drinking ports and heat ventilation openings.
- the sizing and spacing of the drinking ports provide a metered flow of fluid completely controlled by the consumer.
- the lid according to embodiments of the invention allows for the consumer to drink from any edge. Additionally, heat transfer properties attributable to a lower volume of space between the lid and the hot fluid show an unexpected result that the liquid stays hot longer when compared to conventional lids.
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention are directed to disposable beverage lids which may be used in conjunction with beverage containers. In one embodiment, a disposable beverage lid is generally circular and configured to removeably couple to a beverage container. The lid may include an elevated rim in-set and about the periphery thereof with a dome within a recess defined by the elevated rim. A plurality of apertures may be located within a channel defined by an inner wall of the elevated rim and an outer periphery of the dome.
Description
- The present application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/771,905, filed on Apr. 30, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- Not Applicable
- At least one feature pertains to a disposable beverage lid.
- Disposable hot beverage containers and suitable lids for these containers are critical supply items for any business serving hot beverages. In order to meet the needs of both the company and the customer, a disposable lid must at least meet the following criteria: the lid must be inexpensive to manufacture, import and/or purchase; the lid must adequately couple to the container; and the lid must be user-friendly to the consumer.
- Since disposable lids are generally manufactured for single use, the cost to manufacture is extremely important, especially to those businesses whose principle product is hot beverages (e.g., a coffee shop). At the same time, however, the lid must adequately couple to the container to reduce the chance of the hot beverage spilling and potentially injuring the consumer or causing damage (i.e., stains) to garments worn by the consumer. Additionally, the lid must be user-friendly in manipulation so that the consumer can remove the lid, e.g., add sugar, sugar substitutes, milk, cream, etc., without causing the beverage to spill and user-friendly in use to allow the consumer to drink from the cup (i.e., a drinking port) without removing the lid from the cup.
- A device for coupling to a disposable cup, comprising: a beverage lid having: (i) a beverage container coupling portion; (ii) a flange extending downwardly from the coupling portion; and (iii) an elevated rim extending upwardly from an inner periphery of the coupling portion wherein the elevated rim defines a recess therein, a bottom of the recess substantially defined by a dome wherein an inner periphery of the elevated rim and an outer periphery of the dome define a channel, a plurality of apertures within the channel is herein disclosed.
- The elevated rim may be double-walled. The plurality of apertures may provide a metered flow of liquid when the beverage lid is coupled to a disposable cup and tilted relative to a horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the plurality of apertures is symmetrically spaced about the entire channel. In another embodiment, the plurality of apertures is aggregated in at least one group within the channel. In either embodiment, the plurality of apertures is adjacent to the inner periphery of the elevated rim. The beverage container coupling portion may be configured to removeably couple to a rim of a beverage cup. A material comprising the beverage lid may comprise polystyrene or a derivative thereof. In one embodiment, each aperture is 0.050 inches in width.
- A disposable lid, the lid comprising: a unitary, circular structure adapted to removeably couple to a rim of a disposable cup, the structure including an elevated rim with a plurality of drinking ports adjacent an inner periphery of the elevated rim and a dome within an area defined by the inner periphery of the elevated rim is herein disclosed. An outer periphery of the dome and the inner periphery of the elevated rim may define a channel. The elevated rim may be double-walled. The plurality of drinking ports may provide a metered flow of liquid when the lid is coupled to the disposable cup and tilted relative to a horizontal plane.
- In one embodiment, the plurality of drinking ports is symmetrically spaced about the entire channel. In another embodiment, the plurality of drinking ports is aggregated in at least one group within the channel. The disposable lid may further comprise a disposable cup coupling portion about the elevated rim on an outer periphery thereof. The disposable lid may further comprise a flange extending downwardly from the coupling portion. A material comprising the beverage lid may comprise polystyrene or a derivative thereof. In one embodiment, each aperture is 0.050 inches in width.
- These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable beverage lid according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the disposable beverage lid ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the disposable beverage lid ofFIG. 1 taken along lines 4-4. -
FIG. 4 is a top aerial view of the disposable beverage lid ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the disposable beverage lid ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a bottom aerial view of the disposable beverage lidFIG. 1 - The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.
- Embodiments of the invention are directed to disposable beverage lids which may be used in conjunction with beverage containers. In one embodiment, a disposable beverage lid is generally circular and configured to removeably couple to a beverage container. The lid may include an elevated rim in-set and about the periphery thereof with a dome within a recess defined by the elevated rim. A plurality of apertures may be located within a channel defined by an inner wall of the elevated rim and an outer periphery of the dome.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable beverage lid according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, adisposable beverage lid 100 may be generally circular in shape and configured to removeably couple to a beverage container (not shown). In one embodiment, thelid 100 includes a beveragecontainer coupling portion 102 with a flange 104 extending downwardly therefrom and anelevated rim 106 extending upwardly from an inner periphery of thecoupling portion 102. The coupling portion is configured to removeably couple to the bead (or rim) about a periphery of a cup as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. Theelevated rim 106 defines arecess 108 in which adome 110 is located therein. A plurality ofapertures 112, or “drinking ports”, may be situated within achannel 114 defined by an outer periphery of thedome 110 and an inner periphery of theelevated rim 106. Materials which comprise thelid 100 include, but are not limited to, polystyrene and polystyrene combined with co-polymers such as polybutadiene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or divinylbenzene. A thickness of the material may be between about 0.005 inches and about 0.020 inches, in one embodiment, about 0.010 inches. -
FIG. 2 is a rear view of adisposable beverage lid 200, corresponding to thedisposable beverage lid 100 ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 2 shows beverage container coupling portion 202,flange 204 and elevatedrim 206. As shown, flange 202 extends downwardly and is angled in an outwardly direction relative to the coupling portion 202. On the other hand, elevatedrim 206 extends upwardly and is angled in an inwardly direction relative to the coupling portion 202. In one embodiment, elevatedrim 206 is in-set relative to coupling portion 202. That is, elevatedrim 206 extends upwardly beginning from the inner periphery of the coupling portion 202. -
FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of adisposable beverage lid 300, corresponding to thedisposable beverage lid 100 ofFIG. 1 taken along lines 4-4.FIG. 3 shows beverage container coupling portion 302, flange 304, elevatedrim 306,recess 308,dome 310 andchannel 314. According to this embodiment, elevatedrim 306 is doubled-walled with an outer wall angling upwardly and inwardly and an inner wall angling downwardly and inwardly as well. As shown,dome 310 defines a bottom of therecess 308 and is substantially recessed therein. That is, the highest point of thedome 310 is substantially lower relative to the uppermost portion of theelevated rim 306. In further detail, thedome 310 defines a center 318, and at such center 318, a curvature of thedome 310 defines a centertangent line 320. As shown, thechannel 314 is parallel to the centertangent line 320. Furthermore, also as shown, a tangent 322 of the curvature of thedome 310 where it joins with thechannel 314, i.e., at its outer periphery, is in an angular relationship that is offset to thechannel 314. The beverage coupling portion defines a first reverse bottom-facing surface 324 that is configured to mate with a lip of the beverage container. Theelevated rim 306 defines a second reverse bottom-facingsurface 326 that is open to the beverage container when mated thereto. The first reverse bottom-facing surface 324 and the second reverse bottom-facingsurface 326 may also partly definerespective grooves FIGS. 1 and 3 , thedisposable beverage lid channel annular boundary segment elevated rim annular boundary segment 142, 342 that corresponds to the an outer periphery of thedome channel 314 is oblique relative to the curvature of thedome 310 and the wall of theelevated rim 306. -
FIG. 4 is a top aerial view of a disposable beverage lid 400, corresponding to thedisposable beverage lid 100 ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 4 shows beverage container coupling portion 402,flange 404,elevated rim 406,recess 408,dome 410,channel 414 and the plurality of apertures 412. In one embodiment, the plurality of apertures 412 may be symmetrically spaced within thechannel 414 and adjacent the inner periphery of theelevated rim 406. In other embodiments, the plurality of apertures may be bunched together, or aggregated in a group, in one or more locations within the channel (not shown). Utilizing the view shown inFIG. 4 , for example, there may be a first group of aggregated apertures 412 a, and a different second group of aggregated apertures 412 b. The plurality of apertures 412 may number from two (2) to forty-five (45), in one embodiment, thirty-two (32). According to embodiments of the invention, the plurality of apertures 412 may be approximately circular, oblong or any other suitable geometric shape; however, in any embodiment, the plurality of apertures 412 should collectively or singly allow a volume of liquid to pass through when coupled to a beverage cup (not shown) and when a consumer is drinking from the cup. That is, the plurality of apertures 412 provide a metered flow of liquid when the lid 400 is coupled to a disposable cup and tilted relative to a horizontal plane. Each aperture may be between about 0.025 inches and about 0.100 inches in width, in one embodiment, about 0.050 inches in width. -
FIG. 5 is a side view of adisposable beverage lid 500, corresponding to thedisposable beverage lid 100 ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 5 shows beveragecontainer coupling portion 502, flange 504 andelevated rim 506. -
FIG. 6 is a bottom aerial view of adisposable beverage lid 600, corresponding to thedisposable beverage lid 100 ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 6 shows beveragecontainer coupling portion 602,flange 604,elevated rim 606, recess 608,dome 610,channel 614 and the plurality of apertures 612. - One conventional beverage lid includes a drinking port on a peripheral rim of the lid. When the cup coupled to the beverage lid is subjected to motion, i.e., when a consumer is walking or when the cup is in a cup holder in a car, liquid has a tendency to spill out of the drinking port. Moreover, this type of lid often includes additional openings for heat ventilation (in the case when the liquid is hot). These additional openings can also be sources of spillage. A solution is to temporarily cap the drinking port with a so-called “splash stick”, however, this solution is not user-friendly as it does not allow the consumer to drink the beverage without removing the “splash stick” and does not completely prevent spillage. Moreover, this solution does not address spillage from the heat ventilation openings.
- Another conventional beverage lid includes a “living hinge” which can partially cap the drinking port. Again, this type of lid often includes additional openings for heat ventilation (in the case when the liquid is hot). This solution is not user-friendly as it does not always function properly and does not completely prevent spillage. For example, a defective hinge may be removed by the consumer thereby defeating the purpose of the hinge (i.e., to prevent spillage). Again, this solution does not address spillage from the heat ventilation openings.
- The beverage lid as described previously according to embodiments of the invention has advantages over conventional lids. For example, the lid's specific geometry, i.e., the dome within the recess defined by the elevated rim and the plurality of apertures (drinking ports) within the channel, substantially or completely prevents the fluid from spillage while dynamic, i.e., while moving (sloshed around). More particularly, because the drinking ports are not on the rim but rather distanced from the edge of the lid, i.e., on the interior of the elevated rim, spillage is substantially or completely eliminated. The elevated rim functions as a barrier to prevent or substantially prevent liquid from spilling over. Moreover, the dome within the recess defined by the elevated rim forces the liquid to stay in the channel if there is any residual liquid once the consumer takes a drink.
- Additionally, because there are numerous drinking ports, the need for additional openings to vent the lid is eliminated. That is, the sizing and spacing of the drinking ports simultaneously function as drinking ports and heat ventilation openings. Moreover, the sizing and spacing of the drinking ports provide a metered flow of fluid completely controlled by the consumer. Additionally, the lid according to embodiments of the invention allows for the consumer to drink from any edge. Additionally, heat transfer properties attributable to a lower volume of space between the lid and the hot fluid show an unexpected result that the liquid stays hot longer when compared to conventional lids.
- While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention is not to be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
Claims (21)
1-20. (canceled)
21. A device for coupling to a beverage container, comprising:
a beverage lid of a unitary construction having:
a beverage container coupling portion defining as first reverse bottom-facing surface configured to at least partially mate with a lip of the beverage container;
a flange extending downwardly from the coupling portion;
an elevated rim extending upwardly from an inner periphery of the coupling portion with the elevated rim defining a recess with a bottom substantially defined by a dome and a channel defined by a first annular boundary segment corresponding to the inner periphery of the elevated rim and a second annular boundary segment corresponding to the outer periphery of the dome, and further defining a second reverse bottom-facing surface open to the beverage container upon fixation of the beverage lid thereto; and
a plurality of apertures defined at least partially by the channel.
22. The device of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of apertures is symmetrically spaced about an entirety of the channel.
23. The device of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of apertures is aggregated in at least one group.
24. The device of claim 21 , wherein the first bottom-facing surface at least partially defines a first groove and the second bottom-facing surface at least partially defines a second groove.
25. The device of claim 21 , wherein the channel is oblique relative to a curvature of the dome and the elevated rim.
26. The device of claim 21 , wherein the dome and the elevated rim at least partially define the plurality of apertures.
27. The device of claim 21 , wherein at least one of the plurality of apertures is approximately 0.050 inches in width.
28. A lid, the lid comprising:
a unitary, circular structure adapted to removably couple to a rim of a cup, the structure including an elevated rim, a dome within an area defined by an inner periphery of the elevated rim, and a channel defined by a first annular boundary segment corresponding to an outer periphery of the dome and a second annular boundary segment corresponding to the inner periphery of the elevated rim, and a reverse of the elevated rim defining a surface open to the cup with the circular structure being coupled to the rim of the cup.
29. The lid of claim 28 wherein a plurality of drinking ports is symmetrically spaced about the entirety of the channel.
30. The lid of claim 28 wherein the plurality of drinking ports is aggregated in at least one group within the channel.
31. The lid of claim 28 wherein at least one of the plurality of drinking ports is approximately 0.050 inches in width.
32. The lid of claim 28 , further comprising, a cup coupling portion about the elevated rim on an outer periphery thereof.
33. The lid of claim 32 , further comprising, a flange extending downwardly from the cup coupling portion.
34. The lid of claim 28 , wherein the channel is oblique relative to a curvature of the dome and a planar segment of the inner periphery of the elevated rim.
35. The lid of claim 29 , wherein the surface is part of a groove defined by the reverse of the elevated rim.
36. A lid with an integral, unitary lid structure having an exterior side and an opposed interior side for interfacing with an opening of a beverage container, the lid comprising:
a circular outer splash reception channel defined by the interior side of the lid structure;
a central splash deflection surface defined by the interior side of the lid structure and surrounded by the circular outer splash reception channel; and
one or more spaced splash redirection cover elements interconnecting the outer splash reception channel and the central splash deflection surface between a first boundary segment of an outer periphery of the central splash deflection surface and a second boundary segment of an inner periphery of the circular outer splash reception channel.
37. The lid of claim 36 , wherein adjacent to the plurality of spaced redirection cover elements there is correspondingly defined a plurality of apertures.
38. The lid of claim 37 , wherein the splash redirection cover elements are oblique to the central splash deflection surface.
39. The lid of claim 37 , wherein the plurality of apertures corresponds to a splash escapement segment, with liquid splashed otherwise blocked from escapement by the splash reception channel, the splash deflection surface, and the splash redirection cover elements.
40. The lid of claim 36 , wherein a first part of the central splash deflection surface has a semi-spherical shape.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/796,509 US20130277379A1 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2013-03-12 | Disposable beverage lid |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/771,905 US8424711B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2010-04-30 | Disposable beverage lid |
US13/796,509 US20130277379A1 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2013-03-12 | Disposable beverage lid |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/771,905 Continuation US8424711B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2010-04-30 | Disposable beverage lid |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20130277379A1 true US20130277379A1 (en) | 2013-10-24 |
Family
ID=44857472
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/771,905 Active 2031-03-12 US8424711B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2010-04-30 | Disposable beverage lid |
US13/796,509 Abandoned US20130277379A1 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2013-03-12 | Disposable beverage lid |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/771,905 Active 2031-03-12 US8424711B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2010-04-30 | Disposable beverage lid |
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US (2) | US8424711B2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US8881938B2 (en) | 2012-08-08 | 2014-11-11 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for beverage container |
USD736623S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-08-18 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid with egg shaped basin |
USD737142S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-08-25 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid with triangular shaped basin |
USD739729S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-09-29 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for beverage container |
USD756773S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2016-05-24 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid with tear line |
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CN102668010B (en) * | 2009-09-23 | 2017-06-13 | 欧司朗有限公司 | For the connection member of lighting apparatus |
AU2013235574A1 (en) | 2012-03-23 | 2014-10-30 | Douglas H. Fleming | Lid and vapor directing baffle for beverage container |
DE102012007523A1 (en) * | 2012-04-17 | 2013-10-17 | Feldmann+Schultchen Design Studios Gmbh | Drinking cup lid with drinking passage |
US10433664B2 (en) | 2012-08-08 | 2019-10-08 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for container |
US9751666B2 (en) * | 2012-08-08 | 2017-09-05 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for container |
TW201425155A (en) * | 2012-12-24 | 2014-07-01 | Rong-Rong Tian | Lid having a plurality of water guiding holes |
WO2014210351A1 (en) | 2013-06-26 | 2014-12-31 | Chasin David B | Beverage lid with overflow chamber |
USD751396S1 (en) | 2014-02-11 | 2016-03-15 | Douglas H. Fleming | Spill resistant tab for drink-through lids |
US9751665B2 (en) | 2014-02-11 | 2017-09-05 | Douglas H. Fleming | Drink-through beverage container lids with spill resistant tabs |
US9321563B1 (en) * | 2014-11-19 | 2016-04-26 | Patrick Bowlin | Coffee cup lid holder |
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USD766087S1 (en) * | 2015-03-06 | 2016-09-13 | First Quality Packaging Solutions, Llc | Container closure |
USD766086S1 (en) * | 2015-03-06 | 2016-09-13 | First Quality Packaging Solutions, Llc | Container closure |
DK3411304T3 (en) * | 2015-11-16 | 2021-11-01 | Abbey Abdiye | LID FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINERS |
USD834879S1 (en) * | 2016-03-04 | 2018-12-04 | Vita-Mix Management Corporation | Container lid |
GB2569745B (en) * | 2016-10-06 | 2022-05-25 | Turbulence Tamers Ltd | Lid and method of manufacture thereof |
WO2019010242A1 (en) * | 2017-07-03 | 2019-01-10 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Improved lid for a container |
WO2019018650A1 (en) | 2017-07-21 | 2019-01-24 | Vaporpath, Inc. | Drink-through reclosable spill resistant beverage cup lid with vent structure |
KR200489970Y1 (en) * | 2019-04-01 | 2019-09-03 | 김명룡 | Drink cup for take out |
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USD906111S1 (en) * | 2020-09-10 | 2020-12-29 | Jeremy Griffin | Container base |
USD990968S1 (en) * | 2020-12-03 | 2023-07-04 | Trilliant Food And Nutrition, LLC | Cap for a cup |
USD945883S1 (en) | 2021-04-27 | 2022-03-15 | Jeremy Griffin | Child resistant storage device |
USD1015166S1 (en) | 2021-08-18 | 2024-02-20 | Trilliant Food And Nutrition, LLC | Packaging |
USD1014250S1 (en) | 2021-09-22 | 2024-02-13 | Trilliant Food And Nutrition, LLC | Cap |
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US3730399A (en) * | 1972-02-22 | 1973-05-01 | Nospital Ltd | Non-spill drinking cup top |
US6102244A (en) * | 1999-10-20 | 2000-08-15 | The Thermos Company | Mug with multiple sip holes and lid gasket |
US7100790B2 (en) * | 2004-04-15 | 2006-09-05 | Dark Richard C G | Spill-resistant metered flow cap for a cup |
USD516424S1 (en) | 2004-11-30 | 2006-03-07 | Starbucks Corporation | Disposable beverage cup lid |
-
2010
- 2010-04-30 US US12/771,905 patent/US8424711B2/en active Active
-
2013
- 2013-03-12 US US13/796,509 patent/US20130277379A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8881938B2 (en) | 2012-08-08 | 2014-11-11 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for beverage container |
US10676253B2 (en) | 2012-08-08 | 2020-06-09 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for beverage container |
USD736623S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-08-18 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid with egg shaped basin |
USD737142S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-08-25 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid with triangular shaped basin |
USD739729S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-09-29 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for beverage container |
USD756773S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2016-05-24 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid with tear line |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US8424711B2 (en) | 2013-04-23 |
US20110266294A1 (en) | 2011-11-03 |
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Owner name: GREEN BEAN PACKAGING, LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHARBONNET, JONATHAN;CHARBONNET, NICHOLAS;CHARBONNET, TRICIA;SIGNING DATES FROM 20130308 TO 20130311;REEL/FRAME:029975/0361 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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