US20070075079A1

US20070075079A1 - Flavored container lid

Info

Publication number: US20070075079A1
Application number: US11/453,393
Authority: US
Inventors: Harlan Stokes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-10-05
Filing date: 2006-06-15
Publication date: 2007-04-05

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

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/723,699 filed Oct. 5, 2005, the entire content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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 US 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.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a lid for a cup. 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, 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 comprises 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.
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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific 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 in FIG. 1 taken at line 2-2.
FIG. 3 is the lid and cup of FIG. 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 in FIG. 4 taken at line 6-6 of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the lid in FIG. 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 in FIG. 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 of FIG. 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 of FIG. 18 taken at line 19-19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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 with beverage 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 a flavor packet 140 for mixture with a primary beverage. The flavor chamber 80 or flavor packet 140 may be integral or attached to a lid 10 to be used with cups. In general, the invention is also directed to a cap 10 with a flavor chamber 80 to be used with bottles. The cap 10 with a flavor chamber 80 may alternatively be used with cans. Materials used to construct the flavor chamber 80 include, but are not limited to, plastics or aluminum. The cap 10 with a flavor packet 140 may also be used with bottles. Alternatively, the cap 10 with a flavor packet 140 may be used with cans. Materials used to make the flavor 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, or plastic flavor chamber 80. Alternatively, the paper flavor chamber 80 may be lined with a fluid barrier membrane. The lid 10 may also be either disposable or reusable. During use, the lid 10 is designed so that multiple 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 or flavor 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 one sip hole 50. It is within the scope of the invention for the cap or lid 10 to have one, two, three, four, five, six or more sip holes 50. The sip hole 50 is generally an orifice by which the user consumes the flavoring stored within the flavor chamber 80. The sip hole 50 is an opening to the flavor 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 two sip 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 a beverage spout 20 and/or beverage 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 larger diameter sip hole 50 in order to flow at the same rate as a as a flavoring that is thin, e.g. concentrated or unconcentrated liquid flavors such as juice or milk. The cap or lid 10 may include a plurality of sip holes 50, each sip hole 50 having a progressively larger diameter. Each sip hole 50 may be covered with a sip hole cover 54 formed of individual segments of film, or foil, which may be individually, sequentially, or collectively peeled or removed from the cap or lid 10. Thus, the user may uncover one or more sip holes 50 by peeling off segments of the sip 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 the lid 10, which performs in a manner similar to a valve. The C-shaped flap may partially or completely cover the sip 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 a sip hole 50 which may be in communication with a one way check valve, to inhibit liquid from cup flowing upstream into the flavor chamber 80.
In some embodiments, the sip hole 50 may be opened by the user when the user pierces the sip hole cover 54 with a sharp instrument. Materials used as the sip hole cover 54 include, but are not limited to, aluminum foil, plastic or paper. In some embodiments, the sip hole cover 54 may be segmented for individual and/or successive removal or penetration to enable flow of flavor. The sip hole cover 54 may be an individual segment for each sip hole 50. In at least one embodiment, the sip 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 the sip hole 50. Alternatively a plurality of sip holes 50 may be included in the lid 10 where each sip hole 50 has a diameter that restricts spillage of the flavoring. The sip hole 50 may include a slot or baffle which restricts the spillage or flow of the flavoring into an individuals mouth. The sip 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 the flavor chamber 80 of the lid 10. The sip hole cover 54 is a seal which may be peeled to open the sip hole 50. Alternatively, the sip hole cover 54 may be pierced by a sharp object by the user, to obtain access to the flavoring within the flavor chamber 80. The sip hole cover 54 may alternatively be a plastic flap that may be hinged away from the sip hole 50, to access the flavoring. The sip hole cover 54 may also be a plastic plug which may be removed from the sip hole 50 to access the flavoring.
In some embodiments, the cap or lid 10 includes at least one beverage spout or hole 20. The beverage spout 20 may be described as an opening or orifice in the top of the lid or cap 10 to a beverage 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 the beverage spout 20 to have any geometric shape, including, but not limited to a circle, cylinder, cone, square, a rectangle, an octagon, or an oval. The beverage spout passage 22 may include a lower opening 21 in the bottom of the lid 10. The beverage spout passage 22 is defined by at least one beverage spout wall 26. The at least one beverage spout passage 22 may be of any size or volume desired. Because the at least one beverage spout wall 26 forms a passageway through the lid 10, it may also form a passageway proximate to or through the flavor chamber 80. Thus, the beverage 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 beverage spout hole cover 24. Materials used to form the beverage spout hole cover 24 include, but are not limited to aluminum, plastic and paper. In some embodiments, the beverage spout hole cover 24 may be a foil seal. Alternatively, a dual cover may snap into place and cover both the sip hole 50 and the beverage spout hole 20. The beverage spout 20 may include a beverage spout lip 28, which may extend inward from the beverage spout wall 26, thereby forming a smaller orifice than the beverage spout passage 22, as illustrated in FIG. 5 for example.
In at least one embodiment, the lid or cap 10 also has at least one vent. The lid 10 may additionally include a beverage vent 60. In other embodiments, the lid or cap 10 may also include a flavor vent 70. Alternatively, lid 10 may include a flavor vent 70 and a beverage vent 60. The beverage vent 60 is an opening for a beverage vent passage 62, a passageway through the lid 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 the flavor chamber ceiling 82 that provides pressure equalization within the flavor chamber 80. The flavor 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 the flavor vent 70 for pressure equalization. The removal of the flavor vent cover from the flavor vent 70 may increase the flow rate of the flavoring through the sip hole(s) 50 into a user's mouth. The flavor vent 70 may alternatively be occluded by a flavor vent cover, which must be pierced to open the flavor vent 70 for pressure equalization. In some embodiments, a valve which is hinged may be used as the flavor vent cover for the flavor vent 70. Alternatively, a plug may be used as the flavor vent cover to close the flavor vent 70, and the flavor vent 70 may be opened by removing the plug.
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a lid 10 adapted to be used with a container 12. The container 12 in FIG. 1 is a cup. The lid 10 is constructed and arranged to engage the top of the cup. In this embodiment, the lid 10 is constructed and arranged to engage the top of the cup by means of a snap on ridge 132, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
The lid 10 may be manufactured from a thermoformed plastic, for example. Alternatively, the lid 10 may be manufactured from polystyrene or PETE. Other materials that may be used to manufacture the lid 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, the lid 10 may include a plurality of passageway openings, e.g. a beverage spout 20, a straw hole 30, a mix hole 40, a beverage vent 60 and a flavor vent 70. (FIG. 12) FIG. 2 is a cross section of the lid 10 in FIG. 1 taken at line 2-2 and illustrates the different passageway openings, e.g. the beverage spout 20, and compartments, e.g. the flavor chamber 80.
In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 10 has five elevations 90-98 defined by ridge lines 100-108. All the elevations 90-98 in this embodiment are substantially horizontal. The lid 10 has a first elevation 90 on which the beverage spout 20 and the straw hole 30 are preferably located. The first elevation 90 may be the highest level of the lid 10 and circle the entire lid 10. The first elevation 90 may be defined by a portion of the flavor chamber ceiling 82, as shown in FIG. 2.
In some embodiments, the second elevation 92 of the lid 10 is lower than the first elevation 90 and positioned substantially in the center of the lid 10. The first ridge 100 defines the beginning of the drop in elevation between the first elevation 90 and the second elevation 92. The second elevation 92, in this embodiment, is defined by a portion of the flavor chamber ceiling 82 and a beverage vent lip 68 which defines the beverage vent 60, which is located on the second elevation 92.
In at least one embodiment, the lid 10 also has a third elevation 94, which is lower than the first elevation 90 but higher than the second elevation 92. The third elevation 94 may be positioned on half of the lid 10, and the sip holes 50 may be located on the third elevation 94. A second ridge 102 defines the beginning of the drop in elevation between the first elevation 90 and the third elevation 94. At the ends of the second ridge 102, the transition from the first elevation 90 to the third elevation 94 is gradual. Thus, the downward slope from the second ridge 102 to the third elevation is more acute by the sip holes 50.
In some embodiments, below the third elevation 94 is a fourth elevation 96 which circles the entire lid 10. A third ridge 104 defines the beginning of a portion of the drop in elevation between the first elevation 90 and the fourth elevation 96, and a portion of the drop in elevation between the third elevation 94 and the fourth elevation 96. The fourth elevation 96 is lower than the first elevation 90, the second elevation 92, and the third elevation 94.
In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the bottom or underside of the lid 10 is at the fourth elevation 96. The bottom of the lid 10 has several components, the flavor chamber floor 84, the opening of the beverage spout passage 22 to the cup below, through the opening 21, and the beverage vent passage 62. The lid 10 also has a fifth elevation 98, the lowest elevation, which circles the entire lid 10. The fourth elevation 96 of the lid 10 down to the fifth elevation 98 of the lid 10 defines the snap on ridge 132 by which the lid 10 is engaged to the rim of the cup. The design of the snap on ridge 132 in FIG. 2 is one method by which the lid 10 can be engaged to the cup. The invention also includes other types of snap on ridge 132 designs, as well as other methods of attaching the lid 10 to the cup. FIG. 5 illustrates a different snap on ridge 132 design.
In some embodiments, the flavor chamber 80 is incorporated into the lid 10 and is an enclosed area defined by a flavor chamber floor 84, a flavor chamber ceiling 82 and at least one flavor chamber wall 86. The flavor chamber wall 86 may form the outermost wall of the lid 10. The flavor chamber 80 may be made of plastic or other types of material as discussed herein. The flavor chamber floor 84 may include a printed foil seal engaged to the lid 10. The flavor chamber 80 may be integral or engaged to either the outside of the top of the lid 10, or below the surface of the underside of the lid 10. The flavor chamber floor 84 may additionally include a downward sloping funnel or angle so that flavoring may be released from the flavor chamber 80 through the mix 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 the flavor chamber 80. For example, the lid 10 in FIG. 2 has a larger flavor chamber 80 than the lid 10 in FIG. 7 because the beverage vent passage 62 in FIG. 7 is larger or has a greater volume. In other embodiments, the flavor chamber 80 may be altered by changing the angles of the flavor chamber ceiling 82, flavor chamber floor 84 or the flavor chamber wall 86, or by adjusting the distance between the flavor chamber ceiling 82 and the flavor chamber floor 84. Altering the number of flavor chambers 80 that are contained within a lid 10 will also affect the size or volume of the individual flavor chambers 80. It is within the scope of the invention for the lid 10 to have one, two, three, four or more flavor chambers 80 of any desired geometric or other shape.
In at least one embodiment, the lid 10 has at least two flavor chambers 80. In some embodiments, the at least two flavor chambers 80 form a flavor chamber insert (not illustrated). The flavor chamber insert may be engaged to, and located between, the lid 10 top and the lid 10 bottom, to form the complete lid 10. The lid 10 may be formed of three or more components, the lid 10 top, the flavor chamber insert and the lid 10 bottom. It is within the scope of the invention for the flavor chamber insert to have one, two, three, four or more flavor chambers 80.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the lid 10 has three flavor chambers, 80A, 80B, and 80C. Each flavor 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. 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 the third flavor chamber 80C may include pineapple flavoring. When a lid 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 the container 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 a sip hole 50. In this alternative embodiment, the two or more flavor combinations and the primary liquid from the container 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, the sip hole 50 may be in communication with the common or flavor mixing chamber 80C for mixing with a primary liquid from the container 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 the lid 10 that includes the beverage spout 20, the sip hole(s) 50 and the straw 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 the beverage spout 20, and may access the flavoring of the flavor chamber 80 through the sip holes 50, as illustrated in FIG. 3. As depicted in FIG. 2 the beverage spout 20 is preferably located at the highest elevation of the sip ridge. In FIG. 1, the first elevation 90 is the highest elevation of the sip ridge. Alternatively, the beverage spout 20 may be disposed within a depression in the lid 10, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, and include a rim such that the liquid from the cup may be tipped into the user's mouth. The beverage spout 20 may be circular in shape. Alternatively, the beverage spout 20 may have a non-circular shape.
In at least one embodiment, the lid 10 has a straw hole 30. The straw hole 30 may be an opening in the flavor chamber ceiling 82 providing access into the flavor chamber 80, through which the flavoring contained within the flavor chamber 80 may be dispensed to the user. The flavor chamber floor 84 may have an opening, a mix hole 40, positioned directly below the straw hole 30. Both the straw hole 30 and the mix hole 40 preferably include covers namely, a straw hole cover and a mix hole cover 44. The lid 10 is not required to include a straw hole 30.
Three different embodiments of a dual straw 120, are illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. Dual straw 120 may be used with a lid 10 comprising a flavor straw hole 30 and a beverage spout 20. In at least one embodiment, the dual straw 120 has a beverage straw 124 and a flavor straw 122 engaged to each other by a connector 126. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the beverage straw 124 extends through the beverage spout 20 into the cup in order to dispense the primary liquid within the cup. The flavoring may be withdrawn through the flavor straw 122 following penetration through the straw hole cover of the flavor straw hole 30, following insertion of the flavor straw 122 into the flavor chamber 80. As suction is applied to the dual straw 120, the primary liquid from the cup and flavoring from the flavor chamber 80 are drawn out through the dual 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 the straw hole 30 on the lid 10. As downward pressure is placed on the beverage straw 124, the beverage straw 124 will penetrate through the flavor chamber 80 until rupture of the mix hole 40 occurs. When the beverage straw 124 is then removed, the flavoring from the flavor chamber 80 will flow from the flavor chamber 80 chamber 80 through the mix 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 a connector 126 which is constructed such that it may be broken to separate the beverage straw 124 from the flavor straw 122. The dual straw 120 may include a straight beverage straw 124 and a straight flavor straw 122, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the dual straw 120 may have at least one bend 128 in the at least one beverage straw 124 and the flavor straw 122. The dual straw 120 may include a straight beverage straw 124 and a flavor straw 122 having at least two bends 128, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The dual straw 120 may alternatively have a beverage straw 124 with at least two bends 128 and a flavor straw 122 having at least two bends 128, as illustrated in FIG. 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. The beverage straw 124 may be snapped proximate to the separation area to yield a straw 124 having a shorter length. Both the beverage straw 124 and the flavor straw 122 may have at least one area along the lengths of the straws 122,124 which includes a scored separation area so that the lengths of the straws 122,124 may be adjusted.
In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 10 has four sip holes 50, which are located proximate to the beverage spout 20. The position of the sip holes 50 proximal to the beverage spout 20 enables a person's mouth to comfortably surround both the beverage spout 20 and the sip holes 50. Alternatively, the sip holes 50 and the beverage spout 20 may be positioned side by side in the lid 10. Alternatively, the sip holes 50 and the beverage 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, the beverage spout 20 on the sip ridge.
In some embodiments, the flavor vent 70 is positioned on the lid 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 the flavor vent 70, as illustrated in the cross-section of FIG. 2, is raised above the flavor chamber 80. This prevents the flavoring in the flavor chamber 80 from leaking through the flavor vent 70. The sizes of the flavor vent 70 and the beverage vent 60 may vary. As shown in the cross-section of FIG. 7, the beverage vent 60 may have a larger volume or size than the beverage vent 60 of FIG. 1. Also, the flavor vent 70 of FIG. 7 may have a different volume or size than the flavor vent 70 of FIG. 1.
In some embodiments, the beverage vent 60 is positioned on the lid 10 opposite from the beverage spout 20. The beverage vent 60 may have an elevation less than the flavor vent 70 and the beverage spout 20, but equal to the top of the flavor chamber 80, as illustrated in the cross-section of FIG. 2. Alternatively, the lid 10 as illustrated in FIG. 7, may have a beverage vent 60 located at an elevation slightly higher than the flavor chamber 80. The lid top and lid bottom may include a more proficient seal for the beverage vent 60, in order to enhance the performance of the air pressure equalization passage to the cup without leaking flavoring from the flavor chamber 80. It should be noted that, the lid 10 is not required to have a flavor vent 70.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of another embodiment of a lid 10 for a cup. FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the lid 10 in FIG. 4 taken at line 5-5 and FIG. 6 is a top view of the lid 10 in FIG. 4 taken at line 6-6. This embodiment has a sip hole 50, a beverage spout 20, a flavor chamber 80, a beverage vent 60. The beverage spout 20 may have a geometric shape similar in appearance to a section of a circle. One sip hole 50 as depicted in FIG. 4 may have a larger diameter opening as compared to the four sip holes 50 with smaller diameter opening, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the sip hole 50 may have a sip hole cover 54. A flavor vent 70 may also be provided, as shown in FIG. 6. In addition, the snap-on ridge 132 of the lid 10 in FIG. 5 may have a different configuration as compared to the snap on ridge 132 of the lid 10 in FIG. 1. The specific geometry of the snap on ridge 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 in FIGS. 4-6 has fewer elevations than the lid 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. One of the elevations of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-6 has a downward sloping angle instead of being horizontal as depicted with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. In both embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and 4-6, the highest elevation of the lid 10 is the first elevation 90. The sip hole 50 is preferably located at elevation 90. FIG. 6 indicates a possible location of a flavor vent 70 as opposite to the sip hole 50. The flavor chamber ceiling 82 and the sip hole lip 58 define the first elevation 90. The second highest elevation is the second elevation 92. The second elevation 92 has two regions elevation 92 has two regions 92A, 92B. The first ridge 100 defines the transition from the first elevation 90 to the first region 92A of the second elevation 92. The beverage spout 20 is located at the first region 92A and the first region 92A surrounds the beverage spout 20. This embodiment does not have a beverage spout passage 22 or a bottom opening 21. Instead the beverage spout lip 28 of the beverage spout 20 is positioned at the bottom of the lid 10, not at the top of the lid as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The lid 10 may include an additional small plastic insert that is placed within the first region 92 and forms an beverage spout 20 and beverage spout passage 22. The second ridge 102 defines the transition from the first elevation 90 to the second region 92B of the second elevation 92, which circles the lid 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 the lid 10 is engaged to the cup. One portion of the second region 92B has a greater width, so that a beverage vent 60 may be located distal from the beverage spout 20. The third ridge 104 defines the transition from the second region 92 to the third elevation 94 which circles the entire lid 10. The third 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 a flavor packet 140. FIG. 14 illustrates a flavor packet 140. In at least one embodiment, the flavor packet 140 is constructed from foil. Alternatively, the flavor packet 140 may be constructed from plastic. The flavor packet 140 may be engaged to either the exterior of the top of the lid 10, or to the underside of the lid or cap 10 by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the flavor packet 140 is manufactured separately from the lid 10 and is engaged to the lid 10 prior to use with a cup or other container. FIG. 14 illustrates the flavor packet 140 engaged to the underside of the lid 10.
In at least one embodiment, flavoring is accessed by piercing through the flavor packet 140 with a straw. Following piercing of the flavor packet 140, the flavoring mixes with the liquid in the container. Flavoring from the flavor packet 140 may flow through the sip hole 50 and into the consumer's mouth. The flavoring in the flavor packet 140 may be accessed by removing a seal which occludes the sip hole 50.
In some embodiments the cap or lid 10 may be used with a bottle as depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16. The materials used to make the cap 10 for a bottle include, but are not limited to, molded plastic, thermoformed plastic, clear plastic, colored plastic, aluminum, paper and any combination thereof. The cap 10 may be attached to the bottle by means of threads 130, much like a threaded seal which originally closed the bottle. The threads 130 are protrusions extending from the beverage spout wall 26. The cap 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 the cap 10 that includes the beverage 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, the cap 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, the threads 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 the cap 10 has a beverage spout 20 and three sip holes 50. The beverage spout 20 may be disposed within a depression in the cap 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. The beverage spout 20 is preferably of sufficient size to allow pressure equalization of the beverage in the bottle. The beverage spout 20 is defined by a beverage spout lip 28 which extends inward from the beverage spout wall 26. The beverage spout 20 may include a resealable cap or plug which may be engaged onto the cap 10 in the depression to seal or close the beverage spout 20.
A cross section side view of at least one embodiment of the cap 10 is shown in FIG. 16 as taken at line 16-16 of FIG. 15. The flavor chamber floor 84 in this embodiment extends along the side of the bottle and the flavor chamber wall 86 is a distance away from the flavor chamber floor 84 and the side of the bottle. In an alternative embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 17, the flavor 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 the cap 10 in FIG. 17 17 may also be used as a lid for a cup if modified to have the snap on ridge 132 of FIG. 1. In both embodiments of FIGS. 16 and 17, the flavoring within the flavor chamber 80 flows out via the sip hole(s) 50 when the bottle is held at an angle. The flavor chamber floor 84 may be formed by affixing a printed foil top to a plastic bottle top package. FIG. 16 also illustrates where a flavor vent 70 may be placed in the cap 10. In at least one embodiment, the cap 10 has a flavor vent 70. In at least one embodiment, the cap 10 does not have a flavor 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 of FIG. 18 taken at line 19-19. Materials used to make the cap 10 include, but are not limited to, molded plastic, thermoformed plastic, clear plastic, colored plastic, aluminum, paper and any combination thereof. The cap 10 engages the top or lid of the can by means of a snap on ridge 132. The cap 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, the beverage spout 20 is the can orifice, and the sip hole(s) 50 are positioned in the cap 10 so that a person's lips can surround both the beverage 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, the beverage spout 20 is positioned immediately adjacent to the sip ridge. The beverage spout 20 exposes the top of the can through the cap 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. The cap 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 the beverage spout 20 to access the liquid within the can. As shown in FIG. 19, the flavor chamber. 80 is positioned opposite from the sip hole(s) 50. The flavor chamber floor 84 in this embodiment extends along the side of the can and the flavor chamber wall 86 is a distance away from the flavor chamber floor 84 and the side of the can. The flavor chamber 80 may be formed by affixing a printed foil top to a plastic can top package. The position of the optional flavor vent 70 is illustrated in FIG. 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 within container 12 to facilitate mixing within an individual's mouth.
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 1 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

1. A flavor device comprising:

a lid having at least one flavor chamber, a spout, 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, the spout defining a passage through said lid to a container.

2. The flavor device of claim 1, the at least one flavor chamber 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 device of claim 1, the lid further comprising a straw hole.

4. The flavor device of claim 3, the straw hole in communication with the flavor chamber.

5. The flavor device of claim 1, the lid further comprising a flavor vent in communication with the at least one flavor chamber

6. The flavor device of claim 5, wherein said flavor vent is positioned distal to said at least one sip hole.

7. The flavor device of claim 5, further comprising at least one seal removably engaged to said flavor vent.

8. The flavor device of claim 1, the lid further comprising a container vent in communication with said container.

9. The flavor device of claim 8, wherein the container vent is positioned distal to said spout.

10. The flavor device of claim 1, further comprising at least one seal removably engaged to said at least one sip hole.

11. The flavor device of claim 1, the lid comprising a first flavor chamber and a second flavor chamber, a first sip hole and a second sip hole, the first sip hole being in communication with the first flavor chamber and the second sip hole being in communication with the second flavor chamber.

12. The flavor device of claim 11, the lid further comprising a third flavor chamber and a third sip hole, the third sip hole being in communication with the third flavor chamber.

13. The flavor device of claim 1, further comprising a mix hole, said mix hole defining a passage from the flavor chamber to the container.

14. The flavor device of claim 13, said mix hole comprising a mix hole seal between said flavor chamber and said container.

15. The flavor device according to claim 1, the flavor device further comprising a straw, the straw comprising:

a shaft having a first length;

a second shaft having a second length; and

a connector engaged to the first shaft and to the second shaft, wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

16. The flavor device of claim 15, at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft having at least one bend.

17. The flavor device of claim 15, at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft having at least one scored separation area along one of the first length and the second length, said scored separation area constructed and arranged to adjust the length of one of the first shaft and the second shaft by breaking one of the first length and the second length at the at least one scored separation area.

18. The flavor device of claim 15, the lid further comprising a straw hole, the first shaft disposed in said passage, the straw hole defining a second passage, the second shaft disposed in the second passage, the at least one flavor chamber comprising flavoring, the second passage being constructed for communication with said flavoring.

19. The flavor device of claim 1, wherein said container is a bottle.

20. The flavor device of claim 1, wherein said container is a cup.

21. The flavor device of claim 1, wherein said container is a can.

22. A flavor device for a container comprising: a lid and a flavor packet, the lid having a spout and at least one sip hole, the spout defining a passage through the lid to the container, the flavor packet engaged to the lid, the at least one sip hole in communication with the flavor packet.

23. The flavor device according to claim 1, said container comprising a primary liquid, said primary liquid constructed and arranged for passage through said spout.

24. The flavor device according to claim 11, said lid further comprising at least one liquid disposed in at least one of said first flavor chamber, and said second flavor chamber.

25. The flavor device according to claim 24, said at least one liquid comprising at least one flavor.

26. The flavor device according to claim 25, further comprising at least one powder disposed in at least one of said first flavor chamber and said second flavor chamber.

27. The flavor device according to claim 11 wherein said first flavor chamber and said second flavor chamber are in communication with each other.

28. The flavor device of claim 1 wherein said lid is refrigerated.

29. The flavor device of claim 1 wherein said lid is microwaveable.