WO2007078265A2

WO2007078265A2 - Cup lid able to open and close with one hand and index finger

Info

Publication number: WO2007078265A2
Application number: PCT/TR2006/000076
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mehmet Arslan; Umit Akpinar
Original assignee: Mehmet Arslan; Umit Akpinar
Priority date: 2006-01-04
Filing date: 2006-12-29
Publication date: 2007-07-12

Abstract

The invention is a cup lid that may be opened and closed comprising a cup (3) made of paper or plastic and at least one lid (1) covering said cup (3) from the top used for beverage consumption especially at busy locations such as fast food restaurants, travel vehicles, schools, military facilities and shopping centers, wherein said lid (1) has at least one lower lid (2) positioned on the side of said lid (1) facing the cup (3) to open a flow space for the flow of the beverage contained in the cup (3) by means of rotation by the drive provided via said lid (1), moving bar (2.3) and fixing pin (2.2), for the purpose of enabling to open and close the lid (1) covered on said cup (3) without being removed from the cup (3).

Description

CUP LID ABLE TO OPEN AND CLOSE WITH ONE HAND AND INDEX FINGER

Technical Field

The invention relates to the plastic or paper cups used for the consumption of the hot and cold beverages especially in the busy locations such as fast food restaurants, travel vehicles, schools, gas stations, sports facilities housing the sportive competitions, military facilities and shopping centers.

The invention relates particularly to the lids in the plastic or paper cups with features providing ease of use and improved protection.

Background of the Invention

Various plastic or paper cup embodiments were developed to provide fast and practical use. Said cups usually have a conical geometry with width increasing towards the top. Lids are used in said cups to prevent the foreign matter from falling into the cup and to ensure that the effect of cooling/warming is low and also to avoid the shaking and thus the spilling around of the beverage as the cup is being carried. Said lids have folds that grip the cup on its edge. The lid also has a weak surface which allows a hole to be made in the middle sections of the lid, in order to enable the optional use of a pipette.

Said lids must be used for a long time after the pipette hole has been made or the cup must be kept stationary after the lid has been detached. In case the lid is detached from the cup, it becomes necessary to re-attach it for extended use. In order for the detached and attached lid to preserve its hygienic property without becoming dirty, it must be held in hand constantly or maintained in a clean place. The necessity to continuously keep in place the lid or the pipette when the beverage cup is being used along with said lid or pipette in order to prevent the spills or fall of any material from the outside leads to difficulties and a problematic use. It is also possible to encounter the undesirable conditions where the beverage is spilled due to any shaking or fall over, throughout the time the cup is partially full. Because the cup is in more air contact with the external ambience during use, it is possible for various materials to fall into the beverage. The beverage inside a cup whose lid has been removed and has been used for a long time may show more rapid warming or cooling with time. A shake during the travel in the public transportation vehicles or a strong contact in crowded ambience of party or shop may cause the beverage in the cup to spill around. Since the pipette usually enters the cup in the middle, a part of the beverage may remain on the bottom of the cup.

Object of the Invention

Based on the state of the background art, the object of the invention is to eliminate the existing disadvantages owing to the improvements provided in the plastic or paper cups used for the consumption of the beverages in the public places of consumption such as fast food restaurants, travel vehicles, schools, gas stations, sports facilities housing the sportive competitions, military facilities and shopping centers.

Another object of the invention is to prevent the beverage in the cup from spilling around in case of shake during the travel or hit in crowded ambiences or the like. In this way, a safer use is provided. As a result, the damage is prevented that the beverage could cause in the ambience when it is spilled.

Another object of the invention is to enable to hold the cup with one hand and at the same time to open and close it with single finger. Thus, the comfort is provided in the movement of the user. "O™

Another object of the invention is to prevent the foreign materials from falling into the cup due to the cup's being left uncovered during long-time use. In this way, the hygienic use is provided.

Another object of the invention is to eliminate the problems with handling such as carrying the cup and the lid separately and keeping the lid clean. In this way, more comfortable use is provided.

In order to achieve the said objectives, improvements are provided in the cup lids comprising a paper or plastic cup and at least one lid covering said cup from the top, used for the beverage consumption in the busy locations such as fast food restaurants, travel vehicles, schools, military facilities and shopping centers.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one lower lid is provided, which is located on the side of the lid facing the cup and opens a flow space to enable the beverage inside the cup to flow by rotating by means of the drive provided over said lid, for the purpose of allowing the lid to be opened and covered as needed for beverage consumption without removing the lid placed on the cup from said cup.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one moving bar is provided on said lower lid, which enables the lower lid to rotate by means of the drive provided from the lid, for the purpose of allowing the lid to be opened and covered as needed for beverage consumption without removing the lid placed on the cup from said cup. In this way, the movement of the lid is provided with single finger of any one hand in case the beverage will be consumed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one fixing pin is provided on said lower lid, which maintains said lower lid and the lid at a constant distance from each other and enables the lower lid to rotate between the lid and the cup, for the purpose of allowing the lid to be opened and covered as needed for beverage consumption without removing the lid placed on the cup from said cup. - —

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said lower lid has such non- existing clearance to provide sealing between the lid and the cup.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one beverage gap is formed on said lid with geometry suitable for consumption by the contact of the lip, in order to enable the beverage transferred from said lower lid to flow over the lid to be consumed. In this way, the beverage remaining on the bottom edges of the cup will also be consumed when the cup is used with a pipette in the middle.

According to a preferred embodiment ^"of the invention, at least one lower beverage gap is formed on said lower lid with size suitable to enable the flow compliant with the consumption by the contact of the lip, in order to allow said lower lid to transfer the beverage into said beverage gap when needed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a fixing slot is formed on said lid with a shape compliant with the fixing pin, in order to enable said lower lid to be connected with the lid affixed to the cup and to rotate.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one movement slot is formed on said lid with reciprocal projections enabling the graded movement of the moving bar, with a canal shape to contain the moving bar, in order to allow pushing said moving bar over the lid and to enable graded opening/covering.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two guide bars are formed with different size and position on said lower lid, in order to ensure that the movement axis of said lower lid is stationary.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two guide slots are formed with determined size on said lid in a canal shape to contain the guide bars, in order to ensure that the movement axis of said lid is stationary. -O-

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one folded end is provided, which entirely grips the engaging lips of the cup on the edges of said lid tightly engaged with the cup, in order to enable said lid to tightly grip the cup and thus to prevent the leak of the beverage from between the joining surfaces of the lid and the cup in case of any shake.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rubber that connects said moving bar with the guide bar is located in the gap that remains between the lower lid and the lid.

Explanation of the Figures

Figure-1 is the perspective view of the lid as dismantled from the cup, according to a representative embodiment of the invention, which lid is rotated to open. Figure-2 is the side perspective view of the lid as assembled with the cup, according to a representative embodiment of the invention, which lid is rotated to open.

Figure-3 is the perspective view of the lid rotated to open, according to a representative embodiment of the invention.

Figure-4 is the top view of the lower element of the lid rotated to open, according to a representative embodiment of the invention.

Figure-5 is the perspective view of the lower element of the lid rotated to open, according to a representative embodiment of the invention.

Reference Numbers

1 Lid 2 Lower lid

1.1 Beverage gap 2.1 Lower beverage gap

1.2 Fixing slot 2.2 Fixing pin

1.3 Movement slot 2.3 Moving bar

1.4 Guide slots 2.4 Guide bars 1.5 Folded end 3 Cup

Detailed Description of the Invention

The embodiment of the invention provided in the figures is a cup lid that is able to open and close. As seen in Figure-1 , 2, 4 and 5, owing to a lower lid (2), which is located on the side of the lid (1) facing the cup (3) and opens a flow space to enable the beverage inside the cup (3) to flow by rotating by means of the drive provided over said lid (1), the lid (1) is allowed to be opened and covered as needed for beverage consumption without removing the lid (1) placed on the cup (3) from said cup (3). Lower lid (2) has such non-existing clearance to provide sealing between the lid (1) and the cup (3).

Owing to a moving bar (2.3) provided on said lower lid (2), which enables the lower lid (2) to rotate by means of the drive provided from the lid (1 ), the lid (1) is allowed to be opened and covered as needed for beverage consumption without removing the lid (1) placed on the cup (3) from said cup (3). Thanks to the moving bar (2.3), rotating the lower body (2) is as practical and easy as performing it with only one finger. Since the lid opening-closing elements comprise two bodies (1 , 2) owing to the moving bar (2.3), the practicality is provided in use.

Owing to a fixing pin (2.2) provided on the lower lid (2), which maintains said lower lid (2) and the lid (1 ) at a constant distance from each other and enables the lower lid (2) to rotate between the lid (1 ) and the cup (3), the lid (1 ) is allowed to be opened and covered as needed for beverage consumption without removing the lid (1 ) placed on the cup (3) from said cup (3).

As seen in Figure-1 , 2 and 3, by means of a beverage gap (1.1) formed on the lid (1) with an ergonomic geometry suitable for consumption by the contact of the lip, the beverage transferred from the lower lid (2) is enabled to flow over the lid (1) to be consumed. As seen in Figure-1 , 2, 4 and 5, by means of a lower beverage gap (2.1 ) formed on the lower lid (2) with size suitable to enable the flow compliant with the consumption by the contact of the lip, the lower lid (2) is allowed to transfer the beverage into said beverage gap (1.1) when needed.

As seen in Figure-1 , 2 and 3, owing to the fixing slot (1.2) formed on the lid (1 ) with a shape compliant with the fixing pin (2.2), the lower lid (2) is enabled to be connected with the lid (1) affixed to the cup (3) and to rotate. Fixing pin and (2.2) fixing slot (1.2) are engaged to one another and at the same time, they are designed to allow the rotational movement, preferably snap-fastened.

Owing to a movement slot (1.3) formed on said lid (1) with reciprocal projections enabling the graded movement of the moving bar (2.3), with a canal shape to contain the moving bar (2.3), the moving bar (2.3) is allowed to be pushed over the lid (1 ) and graded opening/covering action is enabled. Fixing pin (2.2) and the guide pins (2.4) are located with respect to the moving bar (2.3) such that they will not get stuck with the periphery during use and they have such suitable size that they will not protrude from the lid (1).

Owing to preferably two guide bars (2.4) formed with different size and position on the lower lid (2), it is ensured that the movement axis of the lower lid (2) is stationary. Owing to preferably two guide slots (1.4) formed with determined size on the lid (1 ) in a canal shape to contain the guide bars (2.4), it is ensured that the movement axis of the lid (1) is stationary.

Owing to a folded end (1.5) provided, which entirely grips the engaging lips of the cup (3) on the edges of the lid (1 ) tightly engaged with the cup (3), the lid (1 ) is enabled to tightly grip the cup (3) and thus to prevent the leak of the beverage from between the joining surfaces of the lid (1 ) and the cup (3) in case of any shake.

The invention may not be limited to the representative embodiment presented in this section. Alternative embodiments that may be realized by the persons skilled in the art based on the fundamental components under the protective scope as defined in the claims will mean the violation of the invention.

Claims

1. The invention relates to cup lids that may be opened and closed comprising a cup (3) made of paper or plastic and at least one lid (1) covering said cup (3) from the top used for hot and cold beverage consumption especially at busy locations such as fast food restaurants, travel vehicles, schools, gas stations, the sports facilities housing the sportive competitions, military facilities and shopping centers characterized in that it comprises

- at least one lower lid (2), which is located on the side of the lid (1) facing the cup (3) and opens a flow space to enable the beverage inside the cup (3) to flow by rotating by means of the drive provided over said lid (1 ), for the purpose of allowing the lid (1 ) to be opened and covered as needed for beverage consumption without removing the lid (1) placed on the cup (3) from said cup (3), - at least one moving bar (2.3) provided on said lower lid (2), which enables the lower lid (2) to rotate by means of the drive provided from the lid (1), for the purpose of allowing the lid (1) to be opened and covered as needed for beverage consumption without removing the lid (1 ) placed on the cup (3) from said cup (3), - at least one fixing pin (2.2) provided on said lower lid (2), which maintains said lower lid (2) and the lid (1) at a constant distance from each other and enables the lower lid (2) to rotate between the lid (1 ) and the cup (3), for the purpose of allowing the lid (1 ) to be opened and covered as needed for beverage consumption without removing the lid (1 ) placed on the cup (3) from said cup (3).

2. The cup lid that may be opened and closed according to claim 1 characterized in that said lower lid (2) has such non-existing clearance to provide sealing between the lid (1 ) and the cup (3).

3. The cup lid that may be opened and closed according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least one beverage gap (1.1 ) formed on said lid (1 ) with geometry suitable for consumption by the contact of the lip.

4. The cup lid that may be opened and closed according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least one lower beverage gap (2.1) formed on said lower lid (2) with size suitable to enable the flow compliant with the consumption by the contact of the lip.

5. The cup lid that may be opened and closed according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a fixing slot (1.2) formed on said lid (1 ) with a shape compliant with the fixing pin (2.2).

6. The cup lid that may be opened and closed according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least one movement slot (1.3) formed on said lid (1 ) with reciprocal projections enabling the graded movement of the moving bar (2.3), with a canal shape to contain the moving bar (2.3).

7. The cup lid that may be opened and closed according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least two guide bars

(2.4) formed with different size and position on said lower lid (2).

8. The cup lid that may be opened and closed according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least two guide slots (1.4) formed with determined size on said lid (1) in a canal shape to contain the guide bars (2.4).

9. The cup lid that may be opened and closed according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least one folded end (1.5), which entirely grips the engaging lips of the cup (3) on the edges of said lid (1) tightly engaged with the cup (3).