US20080237247A1 - Single-use leak/spill prevention container lid and disposable container - Google Patents
Single-use leak/spill prevention container lid and disposable container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080237247A1 US20080237247A1 US11/693,460 US69346007A US2008237247A1 US 20080237247 A1 US20080237247 A1 US 20080237247A1 US 69346007 A US69346007 A US 69346007A US 2008237247 A1 US2008237247 A1 US 2008237247A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- container
- straw
- spout
- rim
- 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
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
- B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D3/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines
- B65D3/02—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines characterised by shape
- B65D3/06—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines characterised by shape essentially conical or frusto-conical
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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
- B65D3/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines
- B65D3/28—Other details of walls
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
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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
- 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
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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
- 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
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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
- 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
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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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
- B65D2543/00351—Dome-like
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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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
- B65D2543/0037—Flexible or deformable
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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
- 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
- B65D2543/00509—Cup
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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
- 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
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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
- 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
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00638—Rolled edge
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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
- 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
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00685—Totality
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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
- 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
- B65D2543/00731—Groove or hollow bead
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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
- 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
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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
- 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
- B65D2543/00805—Segments
Definitions
- the present invention relates to container lids, and particularly single-use type of container lids which are leak and spill proof and may be used by users of all ages.
- the invention also relates to a single-use or disposable container arrangement for use with the disposable lid.
- disposable or single-use cups are used for beverages of different types, such as soda or water.
- the cups may be formed of paper or plastic for example.
- These cups have disposable lids for use therewith, particularly for taking the food out of the restaurant.
- Quick service restaurants may have take out windows, and many times people ordering at the take out window or otherwise taking the food and beverage order on a to go basis, need lids to allow effective access to the beverage while trying to provide some protection against spillage. People on the go may eat their food and beverage order in the car or other similar environment where it is desired not to spill the beverages associated with the order. Further, many such restaurants have children's meals that may have child-sized drinks or child-oriented cups for use with such special meals.
- the lid is typically provided a straw hole formed by cross slits through the lid, through which a straw is inserted prior to drinking.
- Disposable cups and lids are also used for other products, such as coffee, soups or other hot liquid products.
- an associated disposable lid is provided, but such beverages are not typically drank with a straw, so some other system for accessing the beverage for drinking is included in the lid, such as a small drinking slot or area which is folded back to form a drink opening.
- such coffee lids include an upstanding spout having the opening formed in the top thereof through which the person drinks. Although such coffee lids tend to restrict the flow of coffee by use of a limited size opening, such lids are not leak or spill proof.
- Such disposable beverage lids or lids for other liquid products are not effective at preventing leaks when a cup is not upright, as the beverage leaks from the straw hole slits, slot or other opening used for drinking, around the edges of the lid or the like. Further, such lids are easily disengaged from the cup if dropped or if another force is applied to the cup or lid.
- the problem of spillage occurring if the cup is other than upright, or complete disengagement if dropped for example, is a particular problem for young children, and any spilled cup may result in a sticky mess for the restaurant or customer, and will always result in an unhappy customer.
- Sippy-cups otherwise known as training cups, have been produced for many years. These cups generally have a spout which the child drinks from, having a leak resistant function which allows the child to suck liquid through, but prevents liquid from coming through on its own accord. This feature is to prevent a spill in the likely event of the child knocking the cup on its side, holding it upside down, dropping it on the floor, etc.
- the lid is also generally designed to be securely fastened and not come off in the event of a drop.
- Training or sippy cups are typically used to transition children from drinking from a bottle to drinking from an unrestricted cup. Generally, such cups have lids which are attached to the cup by screw threads or a strong snap fit.
- Lids of this type may also be employed by others when on the go, or the elderly or others with motor skill limitations to prevent leakage and spilling. Although such lids may be effective at preventing leaks, they are not made to be disposable but instead are made in a multi-use form and used with a particular non-disposable cup, such as made of plastic, which is washable for repeated use. Such cups and lids are generally formed using injection molding techniques, with thick walls formed in the lid to make it rigid. The plastic materials used to make such lids is generally not recyclable
- Travel cups for use by other than children typically, which have lids with a drinking spout or slot formed for drinking. Travel cups are again not made to be disposable but are made in a multi-use form. Such cups may be formed with an insulation layer to keep beverages cold or hot. The lids on such travel cups are similarly not disposable and made to be washable for repeated use. Similar to the coffee type cups and lids mentioned above, such travel cups are not made to prevent leakage, but instead merely restrict the flow of beverage to facilitate drinking hot beverages. In some cases a drinking opening is selectively closable to help prevent spillage.
- the cost of the single-use cups is lower than a multi-use sippy cup, as the disposable or single-use cups are generally made of paper and the lids are thermoformed plastic, while the multi-use cups and lids may be of injection molded plastic or other more expensive material or manufacturing process. It would be desirable to provide a disposable single-use type of cup and lid system which is inexpensive to produce, and yet could provide enhanced performance in preventing leakage or spillage.
- a disposable or single-use cup lid has an annular rim for frictionally engaging a rolled rim of a container, such as a paper cup, and a central region having a domed configuration.
- An annular shock-absorbing structure is disposed between the annular rim and the central region.
- the annular shock-absorbing structure comprises an outside channel or other structure having a non-flat configuration and being formed around the central region, with the outside channel providing a predetermined amount of extension and contraction at the location of the channel to absorb forces or stress applied to the lid and/or container and facilitate retention of the lid on the container when forces from dropping, tipping, falling or squeezing are applied thereto.
- the invention is also directed to a disposable anti-spill drinking lid for a disposable paper cup having a closed end, a peripherally extending sidewall terminating in a rolled rim, and an open end.
- the lid comprises an annular engagement rim for frictionally engaging the rolled rim of the container, and an integral drinking spout extending from the top surface of the lid and positioned to allow drinking therethrough by tipping of the container toward a user.
- the lid may be formed of a plastic material having tensile strength and ductility characteristics such that the integral spout can deflect from its extended position and thereafter substantially returns to its original position.
- An anti-spill single-use lid is also provided for a disposable paper cup having a closed end, a peripherally extending sidewall terminating in a rolled rim, and an open end.
- the lid comprises an annular rim for frictionally engaging the rolled rim of the container, and a central region having a domed configuration.
- An integral drinking spout extending from the top surface of the lid is positioned to allow drinking therethrough by tipping of the container toward a user.
- the integral spout may have a leakage prevention system associated therewith.
- An annular shock-absorbing structure may be disposed between the annular rim and the central region, wherein the annular shock-absorbing structure is at least one channel formed around the central region.
- the at least one channel provides a predetermined amount of extension and contraction at the location of the at least one channel to absorb and relieve forces applied to the lid, integral spout and/or container and facilitates retention of the lid on the container when forces from dropping, tipping, falling or squeezing are applied thereto.
- the domed configuration is generally positioned at a level at or below the annular rim, and provides dimensional stability and other functions in association with the lid and spout.
- FIG. 1 is a partial exploded perspective view of a drinking cup and a lid.
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the cup lid as shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3A-3C are views of the deflection capabilities associated with an integral spout of the cup lid in the example of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4A-4E depict various embodiments of stress or force absorbing channel configurations according to examples in association with example of the cup lid of FIG. 2 .
- FIGS. 5A-5C show an enlarged partial cross sectional view and alternate examples in partial top views, of an integral drinking spout associated with the example of the cup lid shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIGS. 6A and 6B show enlarged partial exploded cross sectional views of the cup lid engagement system associated with the example of the cup lid shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIGS. 7A-7B show perspective and top views respectively, of an alternate example of a cup lid.
- FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an alternate example of a cup lid with an integral drinking spout oriented toward a user.
- FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an alternate example of a cup lid with an integral drinking spout adapted for selective insertion of a straw.
- FIGS. 10A-10B show top and cross-sectional views of alternate example of a cup lid not having an integrated drinking spout associated therewith, and FIG. 10C shows a top view of another example.
- FIGS. 11A-11D show perspective and cross-sectional views of alternate examples of a cup lid having an alternative integrated drinking spout and reinforcing structures associated therewith.
- FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a lid for use with a single-use type of cup.
- FIGS. 13A and 13B show cross sectional views of an alternate example of a lid having an integral straw hole formed therein.
- FIG. 14 is a plan view of a form for producing a cup according to the example shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 15A-15B show partial side views of the lip overlap area associated with the form as shown in FIG. 14 , with FIG. 15A showing the prior construction of a paper cup and FIG. 15B showing the example of the invention.
- FIG. 16A is a partial top view of a side of the form according to prior art cups in the overlap area as shown in FIG. 15
- FIGS. 16B and 16C show alternative examples of this overlap area.
- FIG. 1 Shown in FIG. 1 is a lid 20 for a drinking cup or other single-use type of container 10 .
- the lid 20 is particularly useful in conjunction with disposable drinking cups, especially the type of cups that are customarily available at quick service stores or restaurants.
- a cup 10 is typically formed from a coated paper material with a bottom (not shown), a sidewall 12 , and a rolled rim 14 at the top.
- the lid 20 is adapted to engage the cup in a manner that it remains attached to the cup 10 even when the cup is dropped, falls from a table, or encounters some other force that would typically result in the lid 20 disengaging from the cup 10 and the contents of the cup spilling and creating a mess.
- the lid 20 may be thermoformed of a polymeric material, and may have a nominal wall thickness of between about 0.005 and 0.060 inches for example.
- Lid 20 has an upper surface 22 with a perimeter forming a circular engagement rim 24 which has an engagement groove formed on the underside of the lid to receive the upper rim 14 of the cup 10 .
- a drinking spout 26 integrally molded with the rest of the lid, extends upward from surface 22 to a top end 28 .
- the drinking spout 26 is shaped and sized to be comfortably received in the mouth, and may be sized for use by an adult or child for drinking.
- the lid 20 may also have a flared lower outside edge 36 which extends laterally from an edge of the cup 10 when the lid 20 is positioned thereon, to facilitate attachment and/or removal of the lid from the cup 10 if desired.
- the upper end 28 of the spout includes a recessed area 30 , from which the beverage is dispensed during drinking.
- the recessed area 30 includes an interior surface 34 in which a leakage prevention system 32 is formed.
- the surface or platform 34 is disposed interior to the spout 26 in a spaced position relative to the upper end 28 .
- the spout 26 may also be provided with indentations 27 formed on opposing sides of the spout 26 , which allow the lips of the drinker to more comfortably engage the spout 26 and to provide grips to allow the user to remove the lid 20 by pulling on the spout 26 .
- the engagement rim 24 further comprises an interior sealing wall 42 , connecting sealing wall 43 and an exterior sealing wall 44 , disposed downwardly from the rim 24 .
- the outer wall 44 and engagement rim 24 is useful in guiding the lid 20 onto the lip 14 of cup 12 .
- the outside wall 44 further comprises a locking ledge or an undercut 46 which frictionally engages the underside of the rolled rim 14 of the cup 10 , thereby “locking” the lid 20 onto the cup 10 .
- Adjacent the inner wall 42 a large radiused fillet may be provided to distribute stress in this region, and help prevent cracking of the lid 20 at this location.
- the engagement rim 24 forms a substantially air-tight seal with cup 10 , to create, in conjunction with the leakage prevention system 32 , a small vacuum upon suction being applied through the spout 26 .
- the lid 20 also comprises a central domed region 40 , from which the spout 26 extends. Adjacent the outer engagement rim 24 and before the domed region 40 , an outer shock absorbing structure, such as a channel 50 is provided. The channel 50 provides shock absorbing characteristics in conjunction with other functions.
- the outer shock-absorbing channel 50 and domed region 40 allow deflection of the spout 26 or the lid 20 in general, upon an external force being applied thereto, facilitating absorption of any forces or shock applied to the lid 20 and/or spout 26 .
- a force according to the invention are those forces that would be experienced when the container 10 is full of a liquid or the like, and the cup/lid assembly is dropped, tipped over, falls from a height, or is squeezed for example, in ordinary use thereof as a single-use container.
- the lid 20 is adapted to maintain its engagement with container 10 when the container/lid assembly is full, and when dropped from a height of up to eight feet, or for another predetermined height up to five feet for example.
- the lid 20 is designed to absorb forces that may be applied thereto when positioned on the container 10 , regardless of the direction from which the external force is applied.
- the channel 50 may have a predetermined width and be configured as a curved or concave section having a radius.
- the channel 50 in this example is fully curved and tangential to the engagement rim 24 . This configuration minimizes stress at the location between the channel 50 and rim 24 .
- the radius also allows the desired extension or contraction to absorb shock forces as will be described, and helps maintain dimensional stability to accommodate forces applied to the cup 10 and lid 20 positioned thereon, without disengagement of lid 20 .
- the channel 50 provides shock absorbing qualities if the cup/lid is subjected to forces, such as by dropping, tipping, falling, squeezing or the like.
- the predetermined width of the channel 50 is designed to accommodate the deflection that may occur in the spout 26 or sides of the lid 20 if the cup/lid assembly is exposed to these types of external forces.
- the channel 50 may have dimensions measured from location 73 including a width in the range between 0.25 to 0.60 inches, depth between 0.10 to 0.30 inches, and may also include a radius between 0.12 to 0.35 inches.
- the curved geometry of the channel 50 provides more surface area, which provides a larger amount of material to bend and flex, in effect pre-stretching the material, and allowing significant deflection characteristics.
- the channel 50 therefore accommodates a predetermined extension or contraction through its width and sidewalls, to facilitate allowing the edges of the lid 20 and/or the drinking spout 26 to deflect upon a force being exerted on the lid 20 and/or to the container/lid assembly.
- the channel 50 is designed to effectively absorb forces that may be applied to the lid if the cup is dropped or the like.
- the channel 50 functions to provide the requisite stiffness for the lid 20 while also permitting forces to be absorbed without permanently deforming or cracking the lid 20 , and to help prevent disengagement of the lid 20 from the cup 10 .
- the shock-absorbing channel 50 compresses and/or extends to absorb the force and temporarily allow deformation of the lid 20 and/or drinking spout 26 , to prevent the lid 20 from disengaging from its position on the cup 10 .
- the channel 50 allows the spout 26 to deflect in any direction and distribute any external forces that are applied thereto, so as to prevent the forces applied to the spout from being exerted on the engagement rim 24 , and thereby facilitate retention of the lid on the cup.
- the domed geometry of the center region 40 upon general side (non-spout) impact, keeps the center region stiff and dimensionally stable, so the entire lid does not deform too far out of circular which combined with the predetermined extension or contraction of channel 50 helps maintain the engagement of lid 20 to the rim 14 of container 10 , as at least portions of the engagement rim 24 do not have forces or stress applied thereto.
- the dome 40 is formed such that its upper extent is at or below the upper level of the engagement rim 24 , to provide resistance to bending of the lid 20 when subjected to external forces from the side, and to minimize exposure to external forces to the top or central portion of the lid 20 .
- the spout 26 may be subjected to force from a number of directions when dropped. Rather than permanently deforming or cracking, or causing the lid 20 to disengage from the cup 10 , the spout 26 temporarily deflects in the direction of the force and then resiliently returns to its original configuration. As shown in FIG. 3A , if an external force is applied directly to the top of the spout 26 , the spout 26 is able to fully retract to a position at or below the level of the engagement rim 24 .
- the spout 26 Upon the cup/lid assembly being dropped directly on its top, the spout 26 will absorb the force, without undue forces being exerted on engagement rim 24 that may cause disengagement of the rim 24 from the lip 14 of container 10 .
- the outer channel 50 and dome 40 facilitate predetermined buckling of the spout 26 from an extended position with a distal end above the level of the annular rim, to a retracted position with the distal end at or below the level of the annular engagement rim 24 upon a force being applied thereto.
- the outer channel 50 and central dome 40 effectively allow the spout 26 to flex or deflect in a predetermined manner to allow this deflection and absorb such forces.
- the outer channel 50 and center dome 40 allow for a predetermined amount of extension or compression, and direct the buckling around the spout 26 to predetermined regions of the lid 20 .
- the amount of extension or compression may be dependent in part upon the shape and dimensions associated with the channel 50 and dome 40 . Deformation from impact forces is therefore localized in the center, leaving portions of the outer edge of the channel 50 substantially unaffected, thereby preserving engagement with the rim 14 of the cup 10 .
- the channel 50 again allows for localized deflection to occur and absorption of the force without undue forces being applied to other areas of the engagement rim 24 , such that the lid 20 does not disengage from the container 10 .
- the channel 50 may have a different configuration to facilitate providing the predetermined extension and/or compression for directing and enabling deflection of the spout 26 or other portions of the lid 20 and the distribution of applied forces in the desired manner.
- the channel 50 may have different shapes and/or dimensions to accommodate the desired extension and/or compression.
- a bottom wall 70 may be associated with the channel 50 with differing designs providing alternative performance characteristics in achieving these functions, either alone or in conjunction with side walls 72 .
- the bottom wall 70 of a channel 50 may have a concave or radiused configuration as described previously, in association with side walls 72 having a top and bottom curved or radiused section and a length as set forth in FIG. 4A .
- This configuration allows further extension/compression in association with the side walls 72 , and relating to the curved bottom wall 70 .
- the side walls 72 may have a top and bottom curved or radiused sections and a length and the bottom wall 70 may have a straight shape, with the radiused top and bottom sections and length of the side walls 72 providing desired extension/compression characteristics.
- Other configurations may include having multiple folds or bends in the bottom wall 70 , such as a sawtooth design in FIG.
- FIG. 4C with multiple wall sections 74 formed in bottom wall 70
- a sinusoidal design in FIG. 4D with multiple wall sections 74 formed in bottom wall 70
- a squarewave type of design in FIG. 4E with multiple wall sections 74 formed in bottom wall 70 .
- Any other design which permits predetermined extension/compression of the lid 10 via the channel 50 is contemplated.
- the configuration shown in FIG. 4B and other examples may also include an interior bead portion 76 adjacent the interior wall 42 of the sealing rim 24 , which may be provided for adding structural integrity and isolating the wall 42 from forces to some degree.
- the spout 26 may have an oval type of shape, with two opposing sides having substantially larger dimensions than the other opposing sides, with depressions 27 formed in the larger opposing sides of the spout.
- the configuration of spout 26 resists collapse upon application of external forces.
- the leakage prevention system 32 may alternatively be a plurality of slots, holes or the like, any of which function to substantially prevent flow or leakage through the surface 34 when not drinking or sipping through the spout 26 .
- the leakage prevention system 32 may be normally closed slits as shown that open upon some suction or biting/teething force being applied during drinking, or normally open holes or slots which are small enough to avoid leakage under normal non-suction conditions by capillary action. Although substantially preventing flow when not drinking, the leakage prevention system 32 also provides an acceptable flow rate during drinking conditions.
- the slits, slots, holes or the like 80 form a total flow area for desired flow rates during drinking. As seen in FIG. 5B , the outer edge 27 of the spout 26 adjacent the channel 50 may be straight to minimize stress or cracking at this location upon being subjected to an external force.
- the platform 34 in spout 26 is disposed below the end 28 of the spout 26 , and adds structural rigidity to the spout 26 by acting as a brace to forces that may compress the spout 26 .
- the children may be learning to drink from a cup by themselves.
- Such children are prone to teething, biting or chewing on things, including training cup spouts. While teething, this may especially be the case.
- the suction applied may tend to cause the spout 26 to collapse.
- the platform 34 increases the compression resistance of the spout 26 and inhibits the spout 26 from collapsing while being sucked on or bitten on by a child.
- the surface 34 is also formed at a location spaced from the distal end 28 to a degree such that the lips or tongue of the user will not interact with the leakage prevention system 32 , such that no sharp edges or the like can be encountered by the user.
- the at least one opening 80 in the platform 34 may have sharp edges as a result of the configuration thereof and/or the manufacturing process or via puncture with a straw or similar device.
- FIG. 5C An alternative example is shown in FIG. 5C , where the plurality of openings 80 are positioned on the sides of the recessed area 30 , to remove them from possible contact with the lips or tongue and create less of a direct path through which water might leak.
- the configuration of spout 26 may facilitate the desired buckling of the spout due to the application of an external force thereto.
- the spout 26 is designed to distribute forces applied to the spout 26 to the channel 50 and/or dome region 40 , and if the force is sufficient, to cause buckling of the spout as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the characteristics of the spout 26 in conjunction with the other characteristics of the lid 20 facilitate the distribution of stress applied to the spout 26 in a predictable pattern.
- the stress applied to the spout 26 is directed to the channel 50 and domed region 40 in a manner that causes buckling of the dome region and/or extension/contraction of the channel 50 to absorb and reduce the stress applied to the engagement rim 24 .
- the shape of the base of spout 26 has significantly rounded corners to distribute stress.
- An example of the invention also contemplates the use of a sippy type of spout 26 with a regular single-use lid having characteristics such as are currently being used, and without the additional features as described, such as the domed region, a shock absorbing channel or channels, or an engagement rim structure as described previously.
- the integral spout 26 in prior embodiments may provide a sippy-type of beverage container for use by children or others, in association with a single use container and lid, such as used in quick service stores or restaurants.
- the engagement rim 24 of lid 20 is also adapted to facilitate being retained in association with the rim 14 of container 10 . As shown in FIG.
- the inner sealing wall 42 has an extended length engaging a substantial portion of the interior surface 90 of the container 10 .
- the length of the wall 42 extends to a position below the lower surface 92 of the rolled rim 14 .
- This extended length of the interior sealing wall 42 provides effective sealing of liquid contents in the container 10 , and also provides additional frictional engagement between sealing wall 42 of the engagement rim 24 with wall 90 of container 10 .
- the interior sealing surface 42 may be comprised of one or more sealing beads or bosses (not shown) extending circumferentially and toward the side of container 10 and pressing on the side of the container 10 when the lid is attached thereto to provide sealing at this location, much like an O-ring, to aid in sealing.
- the space 94 created between the walls 42 and 44 of the rim 24 is designed to closely match the configuration of rolled rim 14 on container 10 , and the sealing surface 43 provides additional protection against leakage.
- the rolled rim 14 may be configured to have an elongated oval type shape, and the space 94 is also formed as an elongated section.
- the use of an elongated rolled rim 14 and similar configuration in engagement rim 24 provides additional surface area to frictionally engage the rolled rim 14 , to facilitate preventing unwanted disengagement of the lid 20 from container 10 .
- the oval type shape of the space 94 also provides additional surface area which can move relative to the rolled rim to some degree before being disengaged therefrom.
- the elongated channel 94 also allows some movement of the rolled rim 14 before it is disengaged, thereby permitting the lid 20 to move up and/or down an amount when subjected to a force from dropping or other unexpected disturbance, without disengaging.
- the rolled rim may also be of a more circular configuration, with the area 94 and wall 44 designed to closely match this shape.
- the engagement rim 24 is also provided with a deeply inset undercut 46 .
- the undercut 46 reduces the space between walls 42 and 44 to a narrow opening, thereby forming an upper locking ledge 96 , which securely engages the underside 92 of the rolled rim 14 of container 10 , and facilitates maintaining the engagement rim 24 with the rolled rim 14 .
- the locking ledge 96 extends to a position which is over twenty five percent of the thickness of the rolled edge of the container and engages the lower surface of the rolled edge of the container. As a further example, the locking ledge may extend between 25-80 percent of the thickness of the rolled edge of the container.
- FIG. 6B shows an alternate example with an inwardly extending bead 98 on the top connecting sealing surface 43 between the interior sealing surface 42 and exterior sealing surface 44 , which extends into engagement with the top surface of the rolled rim 14 , to aid in sealing.
- the bead 98 presses on the top at one point radially, much like an O-ring, to aid in sealing. Additionally, the bead 98 may allow some extension or compression at this location to facilitate absorbing shock imposed on the rim. If desired, the interior sealing surface 42 and/or exterior sealing surface 44 may also be provided with an inwardly extending bead or beads to aid in sealing.
- the configuration of spout 26 may include stress distribution structures or arms 82 designed to distribute forces applied to the spout 26 .
- the arm sections 82 may be designed to distribute forces applied to the spout 26 in a predetermined manner, and in this example, generally extend from the center of the spout 26 in an angled direction toward the periphery of the lid 20 .
- the stress or forces applied to the spout 26 are distributed from the edges or corners of the spout 26 to the outer channel 50 via the arms 82 , and to the adjacent domed region 40 .
- An interior channel 60 may also be provided.
- These structures may also provide for distribution of stress applied to the spout 26 in a predictable pattern, to effectively absorb the stress and cause the lid 20 to relieve applied stress by buckling, and without cracking or being disengaged from the container 10 .
- the position and extent of the channels 50 and/or 60 may be altered, such as providing a partial channel 60 adjacent the interior of the spout 26 rather than an oval shaped channel 60 as shown in this example.
- the channels could also be formed to extend around the sides of the spout 26 , and could merge if desired. It is contemplated to provide alternative designs of outer channel 50 in conjunction with an inner channel 60 to provide the desired deflection characteristics of the spout 26 and other portions of the lid 20 .
- the spout 26 may have an outer section 84 which is curved or radiused to provide stiffness and structural integrity at this location, and distribute force or stress toward the edges of the spout 26 and arms 82 as well as adjacent structures including the channel 50 , domed region 40 and inner channel 60 for example.
- the configuration of the lid 20 avoids the problems with the thermoformed lids typically used in the quick service stores or restaurants for example. These known lids are found to immediately disengage or crack upon being exposed to a force such as by tipping on a table or dropping on the floor from a table height, standing height (such as up to five to eight feet) or higher. The lid according to the examples herein does not disengage from the cup when dropped from a normal standing height by means of the various structures and attributes described.
- the lid 20 provides the ability to absorb shock and disperse stress to allow significant forces to be incurred without disengagement of the lid 20 , and more particularly to effectively absorb forces which may be incurred upon dropping a full cup/lid assembly which is full of a beverage from a height of six feet without disengagement of the lid 20 from the cup 10 .
- the function of retaining the lid 20 on the cup 10 may also be facilitated by adjusting the thickness and type of material from which the lid 20 constructed.
- the lid 20 may be formed of a polypropylene material, having strength and ductility characteristics which allow for deformation of the lid 20 and areas thereof such as the integrated drinking spout 26 , while resisting cracking and having a stiffness to absorb applied forces as described.
- This type of material has tensile strength and ductility such that it also immediately returns to its original shape after deformation, to thereby facilitate maintaining engagement with the cup 10 and improve the customer experience (the customer does not need to manually return it to its original shape).
- This type of material also has a softer feel when in contact with the users mouth which is ergonomically more pleasing during use.
- the thickness of the material may vary between 0.005 inches to 0.060 inches depending on the application. Other materials which provide the differing characteristics include PETG materials, PET materials, polystyrene materials and polyethylene materials for example.
- the material may have ductility characteristics to allow the desired amount of deflection without splitting or cracking.
- the lid is a single-use lid, which is cost-effectively manufactured, such as by thermo-forming, and may be made of a polymeric recyclable material.
- ribs 100 may further be a plurality of spaced apart reinforcing ribs 100 formed in the engagement rim 24 . These spaced apart ribs 100 may be added to the outer vertical wall 44 which may be used to provide additional rigidity as well as providing gripping functionality of the lid 20 via the engagement rim 24 .
- FIG. 8 An alternate example of a lid 20 is shown in FIG. 8 , wherein the integrated drinking spout 26 is designed to be directed slightly outwardly toward the user for drinking therefrom. Forming the integrated spout 26 to have an axis which is angled toward the user may facilitate drinkability from the cup/lid assembly or provide desired aesthetics for various applications.
- FIG. 9 A further example of a lid is shown in FIG. 9 which has an integrated drinking spout 26 which is adapted to be transformed for selective use with and to accommodate a drinking straw 102 .
- Prior art cup lids available at quick service stores or restaurants or the like typically contain two perpendicular slits through which a user inserts a straw. Such a design does not completely surround the inserted straw, leaving gaps through which liquid may flow if the cup is tipped or knocked over.
- the spout 26 again may include a leakage prevention system associated therewith.
- the straw is selectively insertable into the recessed area of the spout 26 , and with an amount of force applied to the straw 102 , the platform 34 (shown in previous examples) may be made to be frangible to allow it to be selectively broken or detached to allow the straw to be inserted into the cup.
- the platform may be provided with its periphery or portion thereof formed with partial or complete perforations which allow the platform 34 to be selectively deflected out of the way of the straw 102 for insertion thereof.
- the recessed area 30 is designed to accept a standard size drinking straw 102 while frictionally engaging the straw about the straw's circumference.
- FIG. 9 depicts a straw of the variety typically available at quick service stores or restaurants, it should be understood that the opening 30 can be sized to accept any size straw. It is further envisioned that a user may selectively break or detach the platform 34 to allow greater flow of a drink directly through the spout 26 and opening 30 without using a straw.
- FIGS. 10A and 10B An alternate example of a lid 20 is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , wherein the integrated drinking spout 26 shown in prior examples may not be used, and the lid 20 may be used for products which are not intended to be drunk from the cup/lid assembly, such as soups, ice cream, yogurt, or various other products.
- Providing a lid which resists disengagement from the container 10 as described previously facilitates transporting or storing such products prior to eating.
- slits 99 may be added to the center of lid in much the same way as current single-use lids, in order to leverage the superior retention and durability of the lid in the event it is subjected to external forces during use, such as from falling, tipping or squeezing.
- the integral straw hole as described with reference to FIGS. 13 A and B hereafter may be used.
- an alternate integral spout 110 is used.
- the lid 20 of this example may comprise a depression 112 in the middle of the central dome area as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B , which is designed to accommodate a user's nose while tipping the container 10 /lid 20 assembly toward their face.
- the depression 112 slopes downward away from the spout 110 .
- such an alternate integral spout design 110 may also be used in association with other aspects of prior embodiments, such as the domed central region 40 , at least one shock absorbing channel 50 and/or engagement rim 24 .
- Other features associated with the prior examples may also be incorporated in such an embodiment
- FIG. 12 An example of the invention as shown in FIG. 12 also contemplates the use of a sippy type of spout 26 with a regular or standard type of single-use lid 120 .
- the lid 120 has characteristics such as are currently used in a variety of environments, such as quick service restaurants, convenience stores or many other similar uses, where beverages are purchased for consumption in single-use containers with associated lids.
- the single-use containers are typically formed of paper, and the lids 120 are formed of plastic, such as by thermoforming techniques.
- the lid 120 may be formed of styrene or other suitable materials, and instead of or in addition to a straw hole generally provided in such lids, the lid 120 includes a sippy type of spout 26 , having leakage prevention.
- This lid 120 may provide the benefits of a sippy style drinking opening to facilitate use by children or others.
- the lid 120 may be configured without or with one or more of the features as described with reference to other embodiments herein, including one or more of the provision of a domed central region, a shock absorbing channel or channels, or an engagement rim structure as described previously. This would provide the advantage of having a sippy type of spout instead of or in conjunction with the typical straw opening.
- the integral spout 26 in prior embodiments may provide a sippy-type of beverage container for use by children or others, in association with a single use container and lid combination.
- FIGS. 13A and 13B show cross sectional views of an alternate example of a lid 20 having an integral straw hole system 130 formed therein.
- the integral straw hole 130 accepts any type of straws of the variety typically available at quick service restaurants, and has an opening 132 which can be sized to accept any size straw. It is further envisioned that a user may selectively break or detach a sealing platform 134 which closes the opening 132 before use. As seen in FIG.
- the platform 134 is broken upon insertion of the straw 140 , and the side wall forms a sleeve 136 which engages the straw 140 to effectively seal the outside surface thereof. In this manner, if the cup/lid is tipped, no leakage will occur around the exterior of straw 140 .
- the sealing platform 134 may be frangible to facilitate breaking upon insertion of a straw 140 , and any suitable structure, such as shown at 138 , may be used which tends to break in a predetermined manner to allow a straw 140 to be inserted.
- the frangible platform 134 may remain attached after the straw 140 is inserted.
- the straw receiving system opening 132 generally comprises a circular aperture having a diameter and a side wall with a length, wherein the diameter substantially matches the size of a straw to be inserted.
- the side wall sealingly engages the straw inserted therein to substantially prevent leakage around the inserted straw.
- the side wall forms a sleeve which sealingly engages the exterior of the inserted straw.
- the sleeve may have a portion which extends downwardly from the lid into the container and/or a portion which extends upward from the lid surface.
- the sleeve may be flexible to permit the user directional control of the straw when the straw is inserted into the container, without disruption of the sealing engagement with the straw 140 .
- the shape of the sleeve can be manufactured to sealingly engage with the varying shapes of commercially-available straws 140 .
- the sleeve 136 may further include one or more beads to sealingly engage the straw and prevent leakage of contents of container between the straw and lid at the straw insertion hole.
- the straw system may be located anywhere on the lid surface.
- the lid and integral straw receiving system may be formed of a plastic material as previously discussed and may have a gauge as described in other examples.
- the straw insertion system may be used either alone or in conjunction with other features of the lid as previously described, and though being shown in conjunction with the domed region 40 , channel 50 and engagement rim 24 , could simply be used in a standard type of disposable lid, such as in place of or in conjunction with an integral spout, such as shown in the example of FIG. 12 .
- a container 10 configuration for use with any of the examples of a lid 20 according to the invention may be provided.
- the side portion of a container 10 may be formed of a paper form 150 , having a predetermined shape to be rolled into a container configuration.
- An overlap area 152 is provided on one edge.
- a bottom portion 154 may be used for attaching a bottom to the form 150 .
- the top section 156 of the form 150 is selectively rolled during formation of a container to form the rolled rim 14 as previously discussed.
- the overlap area 152 is formed upon rolling of the form 150 upon itself to form the container 10 side wall.
- the overlap area 152 of prior art containers is generally formed to have uniform thickness as seen in FIG. 16A .
- this causes a disconformity or bump 153 at the overlap area in the rolled rim 14 , which can adversely effect the leak proof seal between the rolled rim and engagement rim 24 of the lid 20 as previously discussed.
- the form 150 of the invention may be manufactured to have a tapered portion 158 in at least the top of the overlap region 152 , as shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C , with 16 C substantially eliminating the disconformity and 16 B being acceptable and possibly more manufacturable.
- the tapered portion 158 in the overlap area 152 provides a smooth transition between the layers of the form 150 in the overlap region 152 .
- the tapered portion 158 may be formed in any suitable manner, such as by swaging of material from the form 150 in this area, compression of the material in this area or any other suitable method. In this manner, the overlap region 152 does not create a disconformity or bump as seen in FIG. 15B .
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Abstract
There is described a disposable or single-use container lid which has an annular rim for frictionally engaging a rolled rim of a container, such as a paper cup, a central region and an annular shock-absorbing structure disposed between the annular rim and the central region. The annular shock-absorbing structure comprises an outside channel having a non-flat configuration and being formed around the central region, with the outside channel providing a predetermined amount of extension and contraction at the location of the channel to absorb forces or stress applied to the lid and/or container and facilitate retention of the lid on the container when forces from dropping, tipping, falling or squeezing are applied thereto. In a further example, there is also described a disposable anti-spill drinking lid for a disposable paper container. The lid comprises an annular engagement rim for frictionally engaging the rolled rim of the container, and an integral drinking spout extending from the top surface of the lid and positioned to allow drinking therethrough by tipping of the container toward a user. The lid may be formed of a plastic material having tensile strength and ductility characteristics such that the integral spout can deflect from its extended position and thereafter substantially returns to its original position. Further structures, such as an annular rim which facilitates frictionally engaging the rolled rim of the container may be provided.
Description
- The present invention relates to container lids, and particularly single-use type of container lids which are leak and spill proof and may be used by users of all ages. The invention also relates to a single-use or disposable container arrangement for use with the disposable lid.
- In the field of food service, particularly quick service restaurants, convenience stores or the like, disposable or single-use cups are used for beverages of different types, such as soda or water. The cups may be formed of paper or plastic for example. These cups have disposable lids for use therewith, particularly for taking the food out of the restaurant. Quick service restaurants may have take out windows, and many times people ordering at the take out window or otherwise taking the food and beverage order on a to go basis, need lids to allow effective access to the beverage while trying to provide some protection against spillage. People on the go may eat their food and beverage order in the car or other similar environment where it is desired not to spill the beverages associated with the order. Further, many such restaurants have children's meals that may have child-sized drinks or child-oriented cups for use with such special meals.
- With these types of disposable cups and associated lids, the lid is typically provided a straw hole formed by cross slits through the lid, through which a straw is inserted prior to drinking. Disposable cups and lids are also used for other products, such as coffee, soups or other hot liquid products. With coffee cups, an associated disposable lid is provided, but such beverages are not typically drank with a straw, so some other system for accessing the beverage for drinking is included in the lid, such as a small drinking slot or area which is folded back to form a drink opening. Sometimes, such coffee lids include an upstanding spout having the opening formed in the top thereof through which the person drinks. Although such coffee lids tend to restrict the flow of coffee by use of a limited size opening, such lids are not leak or spill proof.
- Such disposable beverage lids or lids for other liquid products, whether for use with a straw or of the coffee type style, are not effective at preventing leaks when a cup is not upright, as the beverage leaks from the straw hole slits, slot or other opening used for drinking, around the edges of the lid or the like. Further, such lids are easily disengaged from the cup if dropped or if another force is applied to the cup or lid. The problem of spillage occurring if the cup is other than upright, or complete disengagement if dropped for example, is a particular problem for young children, and any spilled cup may result in a sticky mess for the restaurant or customer, and will always result in an unhappy customer.
- Sippy-cups, otherwise known as training cups, have been produced for many years. These cups generally have a spout which the child drinks from, having a leak resistant function which allows the child to suck liquid through, but prevents liquid from coming through on its own accord. This feature is to prevent a spill in the likely event of the child knocking the cup on its side, holding it upside down, dropping it on the floor, etc. The lid is also generally designed to be securely fastened and not come off in the event of a drop. Training or sippy cups are typically used to transition children from drinking from a bottle to drinking from an unrestricted cup. Generally, such cups have lids which are attached to the cup by screw threads or a strong snap fit. Lids of this type may also be employed by others when on the go, or the elderly or others with motor skill limitations to prevent leakage and spilling. Although such lids may be effective at preventing leaks, they are not made to be disposable but instead are made in a multi-use form and used with a particular non-disposable cup, such as made of plastic, which is washable for repeated use. Such cups and lids are generally formed using injection molding techniques, with thick walls formed in the lid to make it rigid. The plastic materials used to make such lids is generally not recyclable
- For other situations, there have been developed travel cups for use by other than children typically, which have lids with a drinking spout or slot formed for drinking. Travel cups are again not made to be disposable but are made in a multi-use form. Such cups may be formed with an insulation layer to keep beverages cold or hot. The lids on such travel cups are similarly not disposable and made to be washable for repeated use. Similar to the coffee type cups and lids mentioned above, such travel cups are not made to prevent leakage, but instead merely restrict the flow of beverage to facilitate drinking hot beverages. In some cases a drinking opening is selectively closable to help prevent spillage.
- The cost of the single-use cups is lower than a multi-use sippy cup, as the disposable or single-use cups are generally made of paper and the lids are thermoformed plastic, while the multi-use cups and lids may be of injection molded plastic or other more expensive material or manufacturing process. It would be desirable to provide a disposable single-use type of cup and lid system which is inexpensive to produce, and yet could provide enhanced performance in preventing leakage or spillage.
- Accordingly, there is need in the art for a single-use cup lid which prevents leakage when the cup is not upright and which does not disengage upon being subjected to forces that may be incurred during normal use, such as dropping, tipping, falling or squeezing of the cup/lid with a liquid or the like therein. It would be desirable to make the lid difficult to disengage from a cup to prevent spillage, even while used by young children.
- In one aspect, a disposable or single-use cup lid is described. The anti-spill lid has an annular rim for frictionally engaging a rolled rim of a container, such as a paper cup, and a central region having a domed configuration. An annular shock-absorbing structure is disposed between the annular rim and the central region. The annular shock-absorbing structure comprises an outside channel or other structure having a non-flat configuration and being formed around the central region, with the outside channel providing a predetermined amount of extension and contraction at the location of the channel to absorb forces or stress applied to the lid and/or container and facilitate retention of the lid on the container when forces from dropping, tipping, falling or squeezing are applied thereto.
- In an example, the invention is also directed to a disposable anti-spill drinking lid for a disposable paper cup having a closed end, a peripherally extending sidewall terminating in a rolled rim, and an open end. The lid comprises an annular engagement rim for frictionally engaging the rolled rim of the container, and an integral drinking spout extending from the top surface of the lid and positioned to allow drinking therethrough by tipping of the container toward a user. The lid may be formed of a plastic material having tensile strength and ductility characteristics such that the integral spout can deflect from its extended position and thereafter substantially returns to its original position.
- An anti-spill single-use lid is also provided for a disposable paper cup having a closed end, a peripherally extending sidewall terminating in a rolled rim, and an open end. The lid comprises an annular rim for frictionally engaging the rolled rim of the container, and a central region having a domed configuration. An integral drinking spout extending from the top surface of the lid is positioned to allow drinking therethrough by tipping of the container toward a user. The integral spout may have a leakage prevention system associated therewith. An annular shock-absorbing structure may be disposed between the annular rim and the central region, wherein the annular shock-absorbing structure is at least one channel formed around the central region. The at least one channel provides a predetermined amount of extension and contraction at the location of the at least one channel to absorb and relieve forces applied to the lid, integral spout and/or container and facilitates retention of the lid on the container when forces from dropping, tipping, falling or squeezing are applied thereto. The domed configuration is generally positioned at a level at or below the annular rim, and provides dimensional stability and other functions in association with the lid and spout.
- The foregoing and other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.
-
FIG. 1 is a partial exploded perspective view of a drinking cup and a lid. -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the cup lid as shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3A-3C are views of the deflection capabilities associated with an integral spout of the cup lid in the example ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4A-4E depict various embodiments of stress or force absorbing channel configurations according to examples in association with example of the cup lid ofFIG. 2 . -
FIGS. 5A-5C show an enlarged partial cross sectional view and alternate examples in partial top views, of an integral drinking spout associated with the example of the cup lid shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIGS. 6A and 6B show enlarged partial exploded cross sectional views of the cup lid engagement system associated with the example of the cup lid shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIGS. 7A-7B show perspective and top views respectively, of an alternate example of a cup lid. -
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an alternate example of a cup lid with an integral drinking spout oriented toward a user. -
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an alternate example of a cup lid with an integral drinking spout adapted for selective insertion of a straw. -
FIGS. 10A-10B show top and cross-sectional views of alternate example of a cup lid not having an integrated drinking spout associated therewith, andFIG. 10C shows a top view of another example. -
FIGS. 11A-11D show perspective and cross-sectional views of alternate examples of a cup lid having an alternative integrated drinking spout and reinforcing structures associated therewith. -
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a lid for use with a single-use type of cup. -
FIGS. 13A and 13B show cross sectional views of an alternate example of a lid having an integral straw hole formed therein. -
FIG. 14 is a plan view of a form for producing a cup according to the example shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 15A-15B show partial side views of the lip overlap area associated with the form as shown inFIG. 14 , withFIG. 15A showing the prior construction of a paper cup andFIG. 15B showing the example of the invention. -
FIG. 16A is a partial top view of a side of the form according to prior art cups in the overlap area as shown inFIG. 15 , andFIGS. 16B and 16C show alternative examples of this overlap area. - Shown in
FIG. 1 is alid 20 for a drinking cup or other single-use type ofcontainer 10. Thelid 20 is particularly useful in conjunction with disposable drinking cups, especially the type of cups that are customarily available at quick service stores or restaurants. As shown inFIG. 1 , such acup 10 is typically formed from a coated paper material with a bottom (not shown), asidewall 12, and arolled rim 14 at the top. Thelid 20 is adapted to engage the cup in a manner that it remains attached to thecup 10 even when the cup is dropped, falls from a table, or encounters some other force that would typically result in thelid 20 disengaging from thecup 10 and the contents of the cup spilling and creating a mess. Thelid 20 may be thermoformed of a polymeric material, and may have a nominal wall thickness of between about 0.005 and 0.060 inches for example.Lid 20 has an upper surface 22 with a perimeter forming acircular engagement rim 24 which has an engagement groove formed on the underside of the lid to receive theupper rim 14 of thecup 10. Adrinking spout 26, integrally molded with the rest of the lid, extends upward from surface 22 to atop end 28. Thedrinking spout 26 is shaped and sized to be comfortably received in the mouth, and may be sized for use by an adult or child for drinking. Thelid 20 may also have a flared loweroutside edge 36 which extends laterally from an edge of thecup 10 when thelid 20 is positioned thereon, to facilitate attachment and/or removal of the lid from thecup 10 if desired. - As seen in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theupper end 28 of the spout includes a recessedarea 30, from which the beverage is dispensed during drinking. The recessedarea 30 includes aninterior surface 34 in which aleakage prevention system 32 is formed. The surface orplatform 34 is disposed interior to thespout 26 in a spaced position relative to theupper end 28. Thespout 26 may also be provided withindentations 27 formed on opposing sides of thespout 26, which allow the lips of the drinker to more comfortably engage thespout 26 and to provide grips to allow the user to remove thelid 20 by pulling on thespout 26. - The engagement rim 24 further comprises an
interior sealing wall 42, connecting sealingwall 43 and anexterior sealing wall 44, disposed downwardly from therim 24. Theouter wall 44 and engagement rim 24 is useful in guiding thelid 20 onto thelip 14 ofcup 12. Theoutside wall 44 further comprises a locking ledge or an undercut 46 which frictionally engages the underside of the rolledrim 14 of thecup 10, thereby “locking” thelid 20 onto thecup 10. Adjacent theinner wall 42, a large radiused fillet may be provided to distribute stress in this region, and help prevent cracking of thelid 20 at this location. The engagement rim 24 forms a substantially air-tight seal withcup 10, to create, in conjunction with theleakage prevention system 32, a small vacuum upon suction being applied through thespout 26. Thelid 20 also comprises a centraldomed region 40, from which thespout 26 extends. Adjacent theouter engagement rim 24 and before thedomed region 40, an outer shock absorbing structure, such as achannel 50 is provided. Thechannel 50 provides shock absorbing characteristics in conjunction with other functions. - The outer shock-absorbing
channel 50 anddomed region 40 allow deflection of thespout 26 or thelid 20 in general, upon an external force being applied thereto, facilitating absorption of any forces or shock applied to thelid 20 and/orspout 26. A force according to the invention are those forces that would be experienced when thecontainer 10 is full of a liquid or the like, and the cup/lid assembly is dropped, tipped over, falls from a height, or is squeezed for example, in ordinary use thereof as a single-use container. For example, thelid 20 is adapted to maintain its engagement withcontainer 10 when the container/lid assembly is full, and when dropped from a height of up to eight feet, or for another predetermined height up to five feet for example. Dropping the full container/lid assembly from a height such as these is probably the most severe forces that would be possibly applied during normal use. Further, thelid 20 is designed to absorb forces that may be applied thereto when positioned on thecontainer 10, regardless of the direction from which the external force is applied. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thechannel 50 may have a predetermined width and be configured as a curved or concave section having a radius. Thechannel 50 in this example is fully curved and tangential to theengagement rim 24. This configuration minimizes stress at the location between thechannel 50 andrim 24. The radius also allows the desired extension or contraction to absorb shock forces as will be described, and helps maintain dimensional stability to accommodate forces applied to thecup 10 andlid 20 positioned thereon, without disengagement oflid 20. Thechannel 50 provides shock absorbing qualities if the cup/lid is subjected to forces, such as by dropping, tipping, falling, squeezing or the like. For example, the predetermined width of thechannel 50 is designed to accommodate the deflection that may occur in thespout 26 or sides of thelid 20 if the cup/lid assembly is exposed to these types of external forces. As an example, and with reference toFIGS. 4A-4D which show configurations of thechannel 50, thechannel 50 may have dimensions measured fromlocation 73 including a width in the range between 0.25 to 0.60 inches, depth between 0.10 to 0.30 inches, and may also include a radius between 0.12 to 0.35 inches. The curved geometry of thechannel 50 provides more surface area, which provides a larger amount of material to bend and flex, in effect pre-stretching the material, and allowing significant deflection characteristics. Thechannel 50 therefore accommodates a predetermined extension or contraction through its width and sidewalls, to facilitate allowing the edges of thelid 20 and/or thedrinking spout 26 to deflect upon a force being exerted on thelid 20 and/or to the container/lid assembly. Thechannel 50 is designed to effectively absorb forces that may be applied to the lid if the cup is dropped or the like. Thechannel 50 functions to provide the requisite stiffness for thelid 20 while also permitting forces to be absorbed without permanently deforming or cracking thelid 20, and to help prevent disengagement of thelid 20 from thecup 10. When acup 10 engaged with thelid 20 is subjected to a force that would cause a lid of the prior art to crack or buckle and disengage from the container/cup, the shock-absorbingchannel 50 compresses and/or extends to absorb the force and temporarily allow deformation of thelid 20 and/or drinkingspout 26, to prevent thelid 20 from disengaging from its position on thecup 10. Thechannel 50 allows thespout 26 to deflect in any direction and distribute any external forces that are applied thereto, so as to prevent the forces applied to the spout from being exerted on theengagement rim 24, and thereby facilitate retention of the lid on the cup. Further, the domed geometry of thecenter region 40, upon general side (non-spout) impact, keeps the center region stiff and dimensionally stable, so the entire lid does not deform too far out of circular which combined with the predetermined extension or contraction ofchannel 50 helps maintain the engagement oflid 20 to therim 14 ofcontainer 10, as at least portions of theengagement rim 24 do not have forces or stress applied thereto. As seen inFIG. 2 , thedome 40 is formed such that its upper extent is at or below the upper level of theengagement rim 24, to provide resistance to bending of thelid 20 when subjected to external forces from the side, and to minimize exposure to external forces to the top or central portion of thelid 20. - As shown in
FIGS. 3A , 3B and 3C, thespout 26 may be subjected to force from a number of directions when dropped. Rather than permanently deforming or cracking, or causing thelid 20 to disengage from thecup 10, thespout 26 temporarily deflects in the direction of the force and then resiliently returns to its original configuration. As shown inFIG. 3A , if an external force is applied directly to the top of thespout 26, thespout 26 is able to fully retract to a position at or below the level of theengagement rim 24. Upon the cup/lid assembly being dropped directly on its top, thespout 26 will absorb the force, without undue forces being exerted onengagement rim 24 that may cause disengagement of therim 24 from thelip 14 ofcontainer 10. Theouter channel 50 anddome 40 facilitate predetermined buckling of thespout 26 from an extended position with a distal end above the level of the annular rim, to a retracted position with the distal end at or below the level of the annular engagement rim 24 upon a force being applied thereto. Theouter channel 50 andcentral dome 40 effectively allow thespout 26 to flex or deflect in a predetermined manner to allow this deflection and absorb such forces. Similarly, as shown inFIGS. 3B and 3C , if an external force is applied from an angular direction, such as from the outside or inside of thespout 26 respectively, thespout 26 deflects again to a fully retracted position, at or below the level of theengagement rim 24. Upon the cup/lid assembly being dropped directly on its top, or if a force is applied from a side direction to thespout 26, thespout 26 will temporarily deflect and absorb the force, without undue forces being exerted onengagement rim 24 that may cause disengagement of therim 24 from thelip 14 ofcontainer 10. As seen inFIG. 3 , theouter channel 50 andcenter dome 40 allow for a predetermined amount of extension or compression, and direct the buckling around thespout 26 to predetermined regions of thelid 20. The amount of extension or compression may be dependent in part upon the shape and dimensions associated with thechannel 50 anddome 40. Deformation from impact forces is therefore localized in the center, leaving portions of the outer edge of thechannel 50 substantially unaffected, thereby preserving engagement with therim 14 of thecup 10. Similarly to the deflection of thespout 26, if forces are applied to other portions of thelid 20, such as the edge of the cup/lid assembly, thechannel 50 again allows for localized deflection to occur and absorption of the force without undue forces being applied to other areas of theengagement rim 24, such that thelid 20 does not disengage from thecontainer 10. - The
channel 50 may have a different configuration to facilitate providing the predetermined extension and/or compression for directing and enabling deflection of thespout 26 or other portions of thelid 20 and the distribution of applied forces in the desired manner. As seen inFIGS. 4A-E , thechannel 50 may have different shapes and/or dimensions to accommodate the desired extension and/or compression. For example, instead of a radius as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , there may be associated with the channel 50 abottom wall 70 with differing designs providing alternative performance characteristics in achieving these functions, either alone or in conjunction withside walls 72. For example, thebottom wall 70 of achannel 50 may have a concave or radiused configuration as described previously, in association withside walls 72 having a top and bottom curved or radiused section and a length as set forth inFIG. 4A . This configuration allows further extension/compression in association with theside walls 72, and relating to thecurved bottom wall 70. As seen inFIG. 4B , theside walls 72 may have a top and bottom curved or radiused sections and a length and thebottom wall 70 may have a straight shape, with the radiused top and bottom sections and length of theside walls 72 providing desired extension/compression characteristics. Other configurations may include having multiple folds or bends in thebottom wall 70, such as a sawtooth design inFIG. 4C , withmultiple wall sections 74 formed inbottom wall 70, a sinusoidal design inFIG. 4D , withmultiple wall sections 74 formed inbottom wall 70, or a squarewave type of design inFIG. 4E , withmultiple wall sections 74 formed inbottom wall 70. Any other design which permits predetermined extension/compression of thelid 10 via thechannel 50 is contemplated. As an alternative, the configuration shown inFIG. 4B and other examples may also include aninterior bead portion 76 adjacent theinterior wall 42 of the sealingrim 24, which may be provided for adding structural integrity and isolating thewall 42 from forces to some degree. - Turning now to
FIGS. 5A and 5B , theintegral spout 26 withplatform 34 disposed therein below thedistal end 28 of thespout 26 is described in further detail. Thespout 26 may have an oval type of shape, with two opposing sides having substantially larger dimensions than the other opposing sides, withdepressions 27 formed in the larger opposing sides of the spout. The configuration ofspout 26 resists collapse upon application of external forces. When a user desires to drink from the container, thespout 26 is placed in the user's mouth and external suction is applied to thespout 26 which causes the liquid contained within thecontainer 10 to flow through theleakage prevention system 32 having at least oneopening 80 inplatform 34 and into the user's mouth.FIG. 5B depicts the at least oneopening 80 as a plurality of slits which act as flow restrictors and are particularly useful in sippy or training cup type applications. The plurality ofslits 80 permit liquid to flow from thecontainer 10 to the mouth of the user when external suction from the mouth is applied or when squeezed such as by a biting or teething type action, but prevent leakage of liquid when thelid 20 andcontainer 10 are in an other than upright position. Theleakage prevention system 32 may alternatively be a plurality of slots, holes or the like, any of which function to substantially prevent flow or leakage through thesurface 34 when not drinking or sipping through thespout 26. Theleakage prevention system 32 may be normally closed slits as shown that open upon some suction or biting/teething force being applied during drinking, or normally open holes or slots which are small enough to avoid leakage under normal non-suction conditions by capillary action. Although substantially preventing flow when not drinking, theleakage prevention system 32 also provides an acceptable flow rate during drinking conditions. The slits, slots, holes or the like 80 form a total flow area for desired flow rates during drinking. As seen inFIG. 5B , theouter edge 27 of thespout 26 adjacent thechannel 50 may be straight to minimize stress or cracking at this location upon being subjected to an external force. - In the examples of
FIG. 5 , it is also seen that theplatform 34 inspout 26 is disposed below theend 28 of thespout 26, and adds structural rigidity to thespout 26 by acting as a brace to forces that may compress thespout 26. For use with small children for example, the children may be learning to drink from a cup by themselves. Such children are prone to teething, biting or chewing on things, including training cup spouts. While teething, this may especially be the case. Further, upon drinking fromspout 26, the suction applied may tend to cause thespout 26 to collapse. Theplatform 34 increases the compression resistance of thespout 26 and inhibits thespout 26 from collapsing while being sucked on or bitten on by a child. Thesurface 34 is also formed at a location spaced from thedistal end 28 to a degree such that the lips or tongue of the user will not interact with theleakage prevention system 32, such that no sharp edges or the like can be encountered by the user. The at least oneopening 80 in theplatform 34 may have sharp edges as a result of the configuration thereof and/or the manufacturing process or via puncture with a straw or similar device. As thespout 26 is placed in a user's mouth when drinking, recessing any sharp edges below theend 28 of thespout 26 avoids the possibility of a user inadvertently injuring the lips, tongue, or mouth while drinking. An alternative example is shown inFIG. 5C , where the plurality ofopenings 80 are positioned on the sides of the recessedarea 30, to remove them from possible contact with the lips or tongue and create less of a direct path through which water might leak. - As seen in
FIGS. 5A-5C , the configuration ofspout 26 may facilitate the desired buckling of the spout due to the application of an external force thereto. Thespout 26 is designed to distribute forces applied to thespout 26 to thechannel 50 and/ordome region 40, and if the force is sufficient, to cause buckling of the spout as shown inFIG. 3 . The characteristics of thespout 26 in conjunction with the other characteristics of thelid 20, facilitate the distribution of stress applied to thespout 26 in a predictable pattern. The stress applied to thespout 26 is directed to thechannel 50 anddomed region 40 in a manner that causes buckling of the dome region and/or extension/contraction of thechannel 50 to absorb and reduce the stress applied to theengagement rim 24. Also, the shape of the base ofspout 26 has significantly rounded corners to distribute stress. - An example of the invention also contemplates the use of a sippy type of
spout 26 with a regular single-use lid having characteristics such as are currently being used, and without the additional features as described, such as the domed region, a shock absorbing channel or channels, or an engagement rim structure as described previously. This would provide the advantage of having a sippy type of spout instead of or in conjunction with the typical straw opening. For example, theintegral spout 26 in prior embodiments may provide a sippy-type of beverage container for use by children or others, in association with a single use container and lid, such as used in quick service stores or restaurants. The engagement rim 24 oflid 20 is also adapted to facilitate being retained in association with therim 14 ofcontainer 10. As shown inFIG. 6A , theinner sealing wall 42 has an extended length engaging a substantial portion of theinterior surface 90 of thecontainer 10. The length of thewall 42 extends to a position below thelower surface 92 of the rolledrim 14. This extended length of theinterior sealing wall 42 provides effective sealing of liquid contents in thecontainer 10, and also provides additional frictional engagement between sealingwall 42 of theengagement rim 24 withwall 90 ofcontainer 10. If desired, theinterior sealing surface 42 may be comprised of one or more sealing beads or bosses (not shown) extending circumferentially and toward the side ofcontainer 10 and pressing on the side of thecontainer 10 when the lid is attached thereto to provide sealing at this location, much like an O-ring, to aid in sealing. Additionally, thespace 94 created between thewalls rim 24 is designed to closely match the configuration of rolledrim 14 oncontainer 10, and the sealingsurface 43 provides additional protection against leakage. In the example shown, the rolledrim 14 may be configured to have an elongated oval type shape, and thespace 94 is also formed as an elongated section. The use of an elongated rolledrim 14 and similar configuration in engagement rim 24 provides additional surface area to frictionally engage the rolledrim 14, to facilitate preventing unwanted disengagement of thelid 20 fromcontainer 10. The oval type shape of thespace 94 also provides additional surface area which can move relative to the rolled rim to some degree before being disengaged therefrom. Theelongated channel 94 also allows some movement of the rolledrim 14 before it is disengaged, thereby permitting thelid 20 to move up and/or down an amount when subjected to a force from dropping or other unexpected disturbance, without disengaging. Similarly, the rolled rim may also be of a more circular configuration, with thearea 94 andwall 44 designed to closely match this shape. To further enhance the function of preventing unwanted disengagement of thelid 20 fromcontainer 10, theengagement rim 24 is also provided with a deeply inset undercut 46. The undercut 46 reduces the space betweenwalls upper locking ledge 96, which securely engages theunderside 92 of the rolledrim 14 ofcontainer 10, and facilitates maintaining theengagement rim 24 with the rolledrim 14. The lockingledge 96 extends to a position which is over twenty five percent of the thickness of the rolled edge of the container and engages the lower surface of the rolled edge of the container. As a further example, the locking ledge may extend between 25-80 percent of the thickness of the rolled edge of the container. - The structures of the
engagement rim 24 and associated structures, such as thechannel 50 and/ordomed region 40 resist disengagement of thelid 20 unless a force which is greater than the forces applied when the cup/lid is dropped, tipped over or squeezed for example, to effectively “lock” thelid 20 oncontainer 10. Further, theengagement rim 24 of thelid 20 provides a leak proof seal with the rolledrim 14 ofcontainer 10.FIG. 6B shows an alternate example with an inwardly extendingbead 98 on the top connecting sealingsurface 43 between theinterior sealing surface 42 andexterior sealing surface 44, which extends into engagement with the top surface of the rolledrim 14, to aid in sealing. Thebead 98 presses on the top at one point radially, much like an O-ring, to aid in sealing. Additionally, thebead 98 may allow some extension or compression at this location to facilitate absorbing shock imposed on the rim. If desired, theinterior sealing surface 42 and/orexterior sealing surface 44 may also be provided with an inwardly extending bead or beads to aid in sealing. - In an alternate example of a
lid 20 as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B , the configuration ofspout 26 may include stress distribution structures orarms 82 designed to distribute forces applied to thespout 26. Thearm sections 82 may be designed to distribute forces applied to thespout 26 in a predetermined manner, and in this example, generally extend from the center of thespout 26 in an angled direction toward the periphery of thelid 20. The stress or forces applied to thespout 26 are distributed from the edges or corners of thespout 26 to theouter channel 50 via thearms 82, and to the adjacentdomed region 40. Aninterior channel 60 may also be provided. These structures may also provide for distribution of stress applied to thespout 26 in a predictable pattern, to effectively absorb the stress and cause thelid 20 to relieve applied stress by buckling, and without cracking or being disengaged from thecontainer 10. Further, the position and extent of thechannels 50 and/or 60 may be altered, such as providing apartial channel 60 adjacent the interior of thespout 26 rather than an oval shapedchannel 60 as shown in this example. The channels could also be formed to extend around the sides of thespout 26, and could merge if desired. It is contemplated to provide alternative designs ofouter channel 50 in conjunction with aninner channel 60 to provide the desired deflection characteristics of thespout 26 and other portions of thelid 20. Additionally, thespout 26 may have anouter section 84 which is curved or radiused to provide stiffness and structural integrity at this location, and distribute force or stress toward the edges of thespout 26 andarms 82 as well as adjacent structures including thechannel 50,domed region 40 andinner channel 60 for example. - The configuration of the
lid 20 avoids the problems with the thermoformed lids typically used in the quick service stores or restaurants for example. These known lids are found to immediately disengage or crack upon being exposed to a force such as by tipping on a table or dropping on the floor from a table height, standing height (such as up to five to eight feet) or higher. The lid according to the examples herein does not disengage from the cup when dropped from a normal standing height by means of the various structures and attributes described. Thelid 20 provides the ability to absorb shock and disperse stress to allow significant forces to be incurred without disengagement of thelid 20, and more particularly to effectively absorb forces which may be incurred upon dropping a full cup/lid assembly which is full of a beverage from a height of six feet without disengagement of thelid 20 from thecup 10. The function of retaining thelid 20 on thecup 10 may also be facilitated by adjusting the thickness and type of material from which thelid 20 constructed. In this example, thelid 20 may be formed of a polypropylene material, having strength and ductility characteristics which allow for deformation of thelid 20 and areas thereof such as theintegrated drinking spout 26, while resisting cracking and having a stiffness to absorb applied forces as described. This type of material has tensile strength and ductility such that it also immediately returns to its original shape after deformation, to thereby facilitate maintaining engagement with thecup 10 and improve the customer experience (the customer does not need to manually return it to its original shape). This type of material also has a softer feel when in contact with the users mouth which is ergonomically more pleasing during use. The thickness of the material may vary between 0.005 inches to 0.060 inches depending on the application. Other materials which provide the differing characteristics include PETG materials, PET materials, polystyrene materials and polyethylene materials for example. The material may have ductility characteristics to allow the desired amount of deflection without splitting or cracking. In an embodiment, the lid is a single-use lid, which is cost-effectively manufactured, such as by thermo-forming, and may be made of a polymeric recyclable material. - As also shown in the example of
FIG. 7 , there may further be a plurality of spaced apart reinforcingribs 100 formed in theengagement rim 24. These spaced apartribs 100 may be added to the outervertical wall 44 which may be used to provide additional rigidity as well as providing gripping functionality of thelid 20 via theengagement rim 24. - An alternate example of a
lid 20 is shown inFIG. 8 , wherein theintegrated drinking spout 26 is designed to be directed slightly outwardly toward the user for drinking therefrom. Forming theintegrated spout 26 to have an axis which is angled toward the user may facilitate drinkability from the cup/lid assembly or provide desired aesthetics for various applications. - A further example of a lid is shown in
FIG. 9 which has an integrateddrinking spout 26 which is adapted to be transformed for selective use with and to accommodate adrinking straw 102. Prior art cup lids available at quick service stores or restaurants or the like typically contain two perpendicular slits through which a user inserts a straw. Such a design does not completely surround the inserted straw, leaving gaps through which liquid may flow if the cup is tipped or knocked over. In this embodiment, thespout 26 again may include a leakage prevention system associated therewith. If a user desires to use a straw instead ofspout 26 to drink the contents, the straw is selectively insertable into the recessed area of thespout 26, and with an amount of force applied to thestraw 102, the platform 34 (shown in previous examples) may be made to be frangible to allow it to be selectively broken or detached to allow the straw to be inserted into the cup. The platform may be provided with its periphery or portion thereof formed with partial or complete perforations which allow theplatform 34 to be selectively deflected out of the way of thestraw 102 for insertion thereof. The recessedarea 30 is designed to accept a standardsize drinking straw 102 while frictionally engaging the straw about the straw's circumference. Unlike the prior art straw openings, no gap exists around thestraw 102 to provide a path for liquid to low through in the event that a cup equipped with the disclosed lid is tipped or knocked over, except through the straw itself. Although the embodiment inFIG. 9 depicts a straw of the variety typically available at quick service stores or restaurants, it should be understood that theopening 30 can be sized to accept any size straw. It is further envisioned that a user may selectively break or detach theplatform 34 to allow greater flow of a drink directly through thespout 26 andopening 30 without using a straw. - An alternate example of a
lid 20 is shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B , wherein theintegrated drinking spout 26 shown in prior examples may not be used, and thelid 20 may be used for products which are not intended to be drunk from the cup/lid assembly, such as soups, ice cream, yogurt, or various other products. Providing a lid which resists disengagement from thecontainer 10 as described previously facilitates transporting or storing such products prior to eating. Also, as shown inFIG. 1 ° C., slits 99 may be added to the center of lid in much the same way as current single-use lids, in order to leverage the superior retention and durability of the lid in the event it is subjected to external forces during use, such as from falling, tipping or squeezing. Alternatively, the integral straw hole as described with reference toFIGS. 13 A and B hereafter may be used. - In further contemplated embodiments as shown in
FIGS. 11A-11D , an alternateintegral spout 110 is used. Further, instead of providing a fully domedcentral region 40 as set forth in prior examples, thelid 20 of this example may comprise adepression 112 in the middle of the central dome area as shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B , which is designed to accommodate a user's nose while tipping thecontainer 10/lid 20 assembly toward their face. Thedepression 112 slopes downward away from thespout 110. There may also be provided an aperture (not shown) in thedepression 112 to permit any fluid overflow to pass from thedepression 112 to the interior of thecontainer 10 when thecontainer 10 is oriented in an upright position. As seen inFIGS. 11C and 11D , such an alternateintegral spout design 110 may also be used in association with other aspects of prior embodiments, such as the domedcentral region 40, at least oneshock absorbing channel 50 and/orengagement rim 24. Other features associated with the prior examples may also be incorporated in such an embodiment - An example of the invention as shown in
FIG. 12 also contemplates the use of a sippy type ofspout 26 with a regular or standard type of single-use lid 120. Thelid 120 has characteristics such as are currently used in a variety of environments, such as quick service restaurants, convenience stores or many other similar uses, where beverages are purchased for consumption in single-use containers with associated lids. The single-use containers are typically formed of paper, and thelids 120 are formed of plastic, such as by thermoforming techniques. Thelid 120 may be formed of styrene or other suitable materials, and instead of or in addition to a straw hole generally provided in such lids, thelid 120 includes a sippy type ofspout 26, having leakage prevention. Thislid 120 may provide the benefits of a sippy style drinking opening to facilitate use by children or others. Thelid 120 may be configured without or with one or more of the features as described with reference to other embodiments herein, including one or more of the provision of a domed central region, a shock absorbing channel or channels, or an engagement rim structure as described previously. This would provide the advantage of having a sippy type of spout instead of or in conjunction with the typical straw opening. For example, theintegral spout 26 in prior embodiments may provide a sippy-type of beverage container for use by children or others, in association with a single use container and lid combination. -
FIGS. 13A and 13B show cross sectional views of an alternate example of alid 20 having an integralstraw hole system 130 formed therein. As previously referred to in relation toFIG. 9 , many beverages from quick service stores or restaurants and the like may be desirably consumed through a straw. In this example, theintegral straw hole 130 accepts any type of straws of the variety typically available at quick service restaurants, and has anopening 132 which can be sized to accept any size straw. It is further envisioned that a user may selectively break or detach asealing platform 134 which closes theopening 132 before use. As seen inFIG. 13B , theplatform 134 is broken upon insertion of thestraw 140, and the side wall forms asleeve 136 which engages thestraw 140 to effectively seal the outside surface thereof. In this manner, if the cup/lid is tipped, no leakage will occur around the exterior ofstraw 140. Thesealing platform 134 may be frangible to facilitate breaking upon insertion of astraw 140, and any suitable structure, such as shown at 138, may be used which tends to break in a predetermined manner to allow astraw 140 to be inserted. Thefrangible platform 134 may remain attached after thestraw 140 is inserted. The straw receiving system opening 132 generally comprises a circular aperture having a diameter and a side wall with a length, wherein the diameter substantially matches the size of a straw to be inserted. The side wall sealingly engages the straw inserted therein to substantially prevent leakage around the inserted straw. The side wall forms a sleeve which sealingly engages the exterior of the inserted straw. The sleeve may have a portion which extends downwardly from the lid into the container and/or a portion which extends upward from the lid surface. The sleeve may be flexible to permit the user directional control of the straw when the straw is inserted into the container, without disruption of the sealing engagement with thestraw 140. The shape of the sleeve can be manufactured to sealingly engage with the varying shapes of commercially-available straws 140. Thesleeve 136 may further include one or more beads to sealingly engage the straw and prevent leakage of contents of container between the straw and lid at the straw insertion hole. The straw system may be located anywhere on the lid surface. The lid and integral straw receiving system may be formed of a plastic material as previously discussed and may have a gauge as described in other examples. Additionally, the straw insertion system may be used either alone or in conjunction with other features of the lid as previously described, and though being shown in conjunction with thedomed region 40,channel 50 andengagement rim 24, could simply be used in a standard type of disposable lid, such as in place of or in conjunction with an integral spout, such as shown in the example ofFIG. 12 . - As shown in
FIGS. 14-16 , acontainer 10 configuration for use with any of the examples of alid 20 according to the invention may be provided. As shown inFIG. 14 , the side portion of acontainer 10 may be formed of apaper form 150, having a predetermined shape to be rolled into a container configuration. Anoverlap area 152 is provided on one edge. Abottom portion 154 may be used for attaching a bottom to theform 150. Thetop section 156 of theform 150 is selectively rolled during formation of a container to form the rolledrim 14 as previously discussed. Theoverlap area 152 is formed upon rolling of theform 150 upon itself to form thecontainer 10 side wall. In such acontainer configuration 10, theoverlap area 152 of prior art containers is generally formed to have uniform thickness as seen inFIG. 16A . In theoverlap region 152 of prior art containers as seen inFIG. 15A , this causes a disconformity or bump 153 at the overlap area in the rolledrim 14, which can adversely effect the leak proof seal between the rolled rim and engagement rim 24 of thelid 20 as previously discussed. To alleviate this disconformity or bump 153 in this area, theform 150 of the invention may be manufactured to have a taperedportion 158 in at least the top of theoverlap region 152, as shown inFIGS. 16B and 16C , with 16C substantially eliminating the disconformity and 16B being acceptable and possibly more manufacturable. Providing the taperedportion 158 in theoverlap area 152 provides a smooth transition between the layers of theform 150 in theoverlap region 152. The taperedportion 158 may be formed in any suitable manner, such as by swaging of material from theform 150 in this area, compression of the material in this area or any other suitable method. In this manner, theoverlap region 152 does not create a disconformity or bump as seen inFIG. 15B . - Other modifications and amendments may be made to the design of the disclosed container lid without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.
Claims (50)
1. An anti-spill lid for a container having a closed end, a peripherally extending sidewall terminating in a rolled rim, and an open end, the lid comprising:
an annular rim for frictionally engaging the rolled rim of the container;
a central region; and
an annular shock-absorbing structure disposed between the annular rim and the central region;
wherein the annular shock-absorbing structure is at least one channel formed around the central region, the at least one channel providing a predetermined amount of extension and compression at the location of the at least one channel to absorb forces applied to the lid and/or container and facilitate retention of the lid on the container when forces from dropping, tipping, failing or squeezing are applied thereto.
2. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the channel is formed to have at least one radiused section to allow deflection at the location of the channel upon being subjected to a force to absorb the force and reduce transmission of the force to the annular rim.
3. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the at least one channel is formed to have a non-flat configuration.
4. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the at least one channel is formed to have a depth in the range of between 0.10 to 0.30 inches.
5. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the at least one channel has a width with a dimension in the range of between 0.25 to 0.60 inches.
6. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the at least one channel has a radiused bottom wall in the range between 0.125 to 0.35 inches.
7. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the lid is formed of a material having tensile strength and ductility characteristics to allow the extension and compression of the channel and thereafter returning to the original position.
8. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the at least one channel includes at least one intermediate wall section formed therein.
9. The lid of claim 8 , wherein the at least one intermediate wall section includes a plurality of folds or bends formed in the bottom wall section.
10. The lid of claim 1 , further comprising a domed configuration formed in the central region, wherein the domed configuration in the central region has an upper edge which is positioned at or below the outer level of the of the engagement rim.
11. The lid of claim 1 , further comprising a domed configuration is formed in the central region, wherein the domed configuration in the central region has an arc which provides stiffness and dimensional stability upon a force being applied thereto.
12. The lid of claim 1 , further comprising a drinking spout extending from the central region.
13. The lid of claim 12 , further comprising a dome structure in the central region wherein the drinking spout extends from the central region, and wherein the at least one channel and dome structure facilitates buckling of the spout from an extended position with a distal end above the level of the annular rim, to a retracted position with the distal end at or below the level of the annular rim upon a force being applied thereto.
14. The lid of claim 12 , wherein the spout has an axis, and dependent on the direction of an applied force, the spout buckles downwardly in the direction of the axis upon a force being applied directly to the distal end along the axis, and/or to the side upon a force being applied in an angular direction to the axis.
15. The lid of claim 12 , wherein the lid is constructed of a plastic material having predetermined tensile strength and ductility characteristics, wherein the spout upon being deflected from the extended position returns to the extended position.
16. The lid of claim 12 , wherein spout has a leakage prevention system associated therewith.
17. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the annular rim includes an interior sealing wall, an exterior sealing wall, a connecting sealing portion between the interior and exterior sealing walls, a locking edge formed in the exterior wall and a flared skirt portion, and wherein the interior sealing wall has a length which extends to a point at or below the level of the rolled rim of the container when the lid is positioned therewith, and the locking ledge extends inwardly toward the container to a position which is over twenty five percent of the thickness of the rolled edge of the container and engages the lower surface of the rolled edge of the container.
18. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the lid includes a straw system for acceptance of a drinking straw, wherein the straw system includes an aperture having side walls which sealingly engage a straw inserted therein to substantially prevent leakage around the inserted straw.
19. An anti-spill lid for a container having a closed end, a peripherally extending sidewall terminating in a rolled rim, and an open end, the lid comprising:
an annular rim for frictionally engaging the rolled rim of the container;
a central region; and
wherein the annular rim includes an interior sealing wall, an exterior sealing wall, a connecting sealing portion between the interior and exterior sealing walls, a locking ledge formed in the exterior wall and a flared skirt portion, and wherein the interior sealing wall has a length which extends to a point at or below the level of the rolled rim of the container when the lid is positioned therewith, and the locking ledge extends inwardly toward the container to a position which is over twenty five percent of the thickness of the rolled edge of the container and engages the lower surface of the rolled edge of the container.
20. The lid of claim 19 , wherein the rolled edge of the container is elongated, and the space between the interior and exterior sealing surfaces is elongated to substantially match the shape of the rolled rim of the container.
21. The lid of claim 19 , wherein the locking ledge formed in the exterior wall is formed as a continuous annular surface.
22. The lid of claim 19 , wherein the flared skirt portion has a length to allow grasping between fingers of a user.
23. The lid of claim 19 , wherein the connecting portion has an extending portion adapted to engage the top of the rolled rim of the container when the lid is positioned thereon.
24. A disposable anti-spill drinking lid for a disposable paper container having a closed end, a peripherally extending sidewall terminating in a rolled rim, and an open end, the lid comprising:
an annular engagement rim for frictionally engaging the rolled rim of the container;
an integral drinking spout extending from the top surface of the lid and positioned to allow drinking therethrough by tipping of the container toward a user;
wherein the lid is formed of a plastic material having tensile strength and ductility characteristics such that the integral spout can deflect from its extended position and thereafter substantially returns to its original position.
25. The lid of claim 24 , wherein the spout has a leakage prevention system associated therewith.
26. The lid of claim 25 , wherein the leakage prevention system is formed as leakage prevention openings formed in a platform recessed in the spout.
27. The lid of claim 26 , wherein the leakage prevention openings are normally closed slits which are selectively opened to allow a liquid to pass therethrough.
28. The lid of claim 24 , wherein the spout has an oval type of shape, with two opposing sides having substantially larger dimensions than the other opposing sides, with depressions formed in the larger opposing sides of the spout.
29. The lid of claim 24 , wherein the lid is formed of a plastic material having a gauge in the range of 0.005 to 0.060 inches.
30. The lid of claim 24 , wherein the lid is formed of a plastic material having properties to allow thermoforming thereof.
31. The lid of claim 24 , further comprising a central domed region.
32. The lid of claim 24 , further comprising a central depression region.
33. The lid of claim 24 , wherein the lid has a central region from which the integral spout extends, and an annular shock absorbing structure disposed around the central region.
34. The lid of claim 24 , wherein the integral spout is dimensioned to accept a drinking straw.
35. The lid of claim 24 , wherein the lid is a single-use lid.
36. The lid of claim 24 , wherein the lid is formed of a recyclable material.
37. The lid of claim 35 , wherein the lid is made from a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene terephtalate glycol, polyethylene terephtalate, polystyrene, polyethylene, styrene or combinations thereof.
38. The lid of claim 24 , wherein the integral spout is formed to have compression resistance to inhibit collapsing of the spout from a biting or chewing action of a user, and wherein the spout upon being deformed from its original shape returns to the original shape.
39. An anti-spill single-use lid for a disposable paper container having a closed end, a peripherally extending sidewall terminating in a rolled rim, and an open end, the lid comprising:
an annular rim for frictionally engaging the rolled rim of the container;
a central region having a domed configuration;
an integral drinking spout extending from the top surface of the lid and positioned to allow drinking therethrough by tipping of the container toward a user, with the integral spout having a leakage prevention system associated therewith; and
an annular shock-absorbing structure disposed between the annular rim and the central region;
wherein the annular shock-absorbing structure is at least one channel formed around the central region, the at least one channel having first and second side walls and a connecting bottom wall, with the first and second side walls and bottom wall providing a predetermined amount of extension and contraction at the location of the at least one channel to absorb forces applied to the lid, integral spout and/or container and facilitate retention of the lid on the container when forces from dropping, tipping, falling or squeezing are applied thereto.
40. A container lid having a straw receiving system for acceptance of a drinking straw, wherein the straw receiving system comprises an aperture having a shape and size and a side wall with a length, wherein the shape and size substantially matches the shape and size of a straw to be inserted, and the side wall sealingly engages an exterior wall of a straw inserted therein to substantially prevent leakage around the inserted straw.
41. The straw system of claim 40 wherein the side wall forms a sleeve which sealingly engages the exterior of the inserted straw.
42. The straw system of claim 41 wherein the sleeve has a portion which extends downwardly from the lid into the container.
43. The straw system of claim 41 wherein the sleeve extends upward from the lid.
44. The straw system of claim 40 wherein the sleeve is flexible to permit the user directional control of the straw when the straw is inserted into the container.
45. The straw system of claim 40 wherein the sleeve has a frangible platform to seal the container contents prior to insertion of the straw through the sleeve wherein the frangible platform will remain attached after the straw is inserted in the sleeve.
46. The straw system of claim 40 wherein the radial dimensions of the sleeve can be manufactured to sealingly engage with the radial dimensions of commercially-available straws.
47. The straw system of claim 40 wherein the shape of the sleeve can be manufactured to sealingly engage with the varying shapes of commercially-available straws.
48. The straw system of claim 40 wherein the sleeve includes at least one bead to sealingly engage the straw and prevent leakage of contents of container between the straw and lid at the straw insertion hole.
49. The straw system of claim 40 wherein the straw sleeve is located anywhere on the lid surface.
50. A disposable cup for single-use types of applications, comprising
a side wall form made of a paper material which is selectively shaped to form the side wall of a cup, and a bottom wall form selectively combined with the side wall form to produce a cup having an open top for receiving and retaining a liquid, the side wall form making a frustoconical side wall with an internal lining of a liquid-impervious material, and a top portion thereof being formed into a rolled rim at a mouth of the cup at a top thereof, and a portion of the side wall form being overlapped at the edges to form an overlap region in the frustoconical shaped side wall of the cup, with at least a portion of the overlap region adjacent the top thereof having a tapered portion such that upon formation of the rolled rim, any disconformity in the overlap region of the rolled rim is minimized.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/693,460 US20080237247A1 (en) | 2007-03-29 | 2007-03-29 | Single-use leak/spill prevention container lid and disposable container |
US12/719,360 US20100163568A1 (en) | 2007-03-29 | 2010-03-08 | Single-use leak/spill prevention container lid and disposable container |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/693,460 US20080237247A1 (en) | 2007-03-29 | 2007-03-29 | Single-use leak/spill prevention container lid and disposable container |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/719,360 Division US20100163568A1 (en) | 2007-03-29 | 2010-03-08 | Single-use leak/spill prevention container lid and disposable container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20080237247A1 true US20080237247A1 (en) | 2008-10-02 |
Family
ID=39792477
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/693,460 Abandoned US20080237247A1 (en) | 2007-03-29 | 2007-03-29 | Single-use leak/spill prevention container lid and disposable container |
US12/719,360 Abandoned US20100163568A1 (en) | 2007-03-29 | 2010-03-08 | Single-use leak/spill prevention container lid and disposable container |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/719,360 Abandoned US20100163568A1 (en) | 2007-03-29 | 2010-03-08 | Single-use leak/spill prevention container lid and disposable container |
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US (2) | US20080237247A1 (en) |
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