US20100133272A1 - One-piece splash and spill resistant lid - Google Patents
One-piece splash and spill resistant lid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100133272A1 US20100133272A1 US12/639,649 US63964909A US2010133272A1 US 20100133272 A1 US20100133272 A1 US 20100133272A1 US 63964909 A US63964909 A US 63964909A US 2010133272 A1 US2010133272 A1 US 2010133272A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- well
- beverage
- drinking
- dispensing well
- 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
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B65D2205/00—Venting means
- B65D2205/02—Venting holes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2231/00—Means for facilitating the complete expelling of the contents
- B65D2231/02—Precut holes or weakened zones
- B65D2231/025—Precut holes or weakened zones for draining or discharging the liquid contents, e.g. soup, milk
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00046—Drinking-through lids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
- B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00638—Rolled edge
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00796—Totality
Definitions
- said well penetration is in the form of an opening disposed in a plane approximately parallel to an upright axis of the cup.
- Other embodiments further include a drink-through opening in said raised lid portion.
- said drink-through opening is one of circular, rectangular, oval, and semi-circular.
- the splash-guarding baffle 120 is configured for blocking direct access to openings 116 , and so as to require a beverage to flow vertically through a narrow space between the baffle 120 and the well 104 before changing directions and flowing horizontally through the openings into the dispensing well 104 .
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the lid 200 includes a raised portion 202 , a section of which 204 slopes downward toward a raised drinking rim 206 so as to form therebetween a dispensing well.
- the raised portion 202 includes a plurality of vent holes 208 , each surrounded by a separate vent well 210 that is able to collect small amounts of spilled beverage and allow it to drain back into the cup.
- the vent holes 208 are positioned relative to the dispensing well so as to maximize delivery to the nose of a consumer of aroma from the beverage contained within the cup.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a Continuation-In-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/972,309, filed on Jan. 10, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/972,309 claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/879,935, filed Jan. 12, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/122,964, filed Dec. 16, 2008, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
- The invention relates to lids for use with drinking vessels, and more particularly to splash and spill resistant disposable lids for drinking vessels.
- Disposable lids are frequently used in combination with drinking cups, coffee cups, and other types of drinking vessels and containers from which a beverage can be consumed. Some lid designs require removal of the lid from the drinking vessel for consuming the beverage contained therein, however, most commercial drinking cup lids feature a drink-through opening which allows a user to consume the beverage contained in a drinking vessel without removing the lid therefrom. Note that herein the terms “cup” and “vessel” are used generically to refer to all types of vessels and/or containers from which a beverage may be consumed.
- Commonly used coffee cup lids typically feature a drink-through opening proximate to the perimeter of the lid in the form of a small unobstructed aperture or hole within the lid that allows a person to drink coffee or other beverage without removing the lid from the cup. In addition, at least one separate vent hole is often included in a disposable lid so as to allow air to enter the cup and equalize the pressure inside the cup as the beverage is consumed.
- Of course, while providing a drink-through opening in a disposable lid facilitates consumption of the beverage therethrough without separating the lid from the drinking vessel, it also creates a risk that beverage could be inadvertently splashed or spilled out through the opening if the cup is inadvertently tipped or jostled, or is subjected to sudden acceleration or deceleration. These situations are often encountered when the cup or other drinking vessel is being transported, whether by hand or within a cup holder in a moving vehicle, or while walking, climbing stairs or traveling in an elevator or escalator.
- Inadvertent spilling and splashing can create dangerous situations when a user is driving or moving. With today's busy lifestyle, consumption of beverages on-the-go and has become commonplace, and inadvertent spilling and splashing of beverage can be particularly irksome and embarrassing for a user when en route to work or to a professional and/or social engagement. The term “spilling” as generally used herein refers to inadvertent flowing of a beverage out of a cup or drinking vessel; and, the term “splashing” as generally used herein refers to the inadvertent ejection or scattering from a cup of beverage droplets or modest quantities of beverage that become airborne due to sudden and/or rapid movement of the drinking vessel.
- It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that lids for use with cold beverages such as sodas often include holes that fit snuggly around drinking straws, whereby the length of the straw effectively prevents splashing and spilling. However, straws are typically not practical, or at least are not preferred, when consuming a hot beverage such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
- Disposable lids designed for use with hot beverages sometimes include small holes or flaps near their rims that can be opened for drinking. However, turbulence or “sloshing” of a beverage when the cup is nearly full can easily lead to spilling of some liquid out from the hole, and jostling of the cup can cause liquid to splash or spill through such a hole or flap.
- A drainage well is sometimes provided in a disposable lid so that small amounts of liquid that do spill or splash inadvertently from the drinking hole (or through a vent hole) will pool in a designated region of the lid and drain back into the cup. However, such drainage wells are typically shallow, and are only effective if the cup is maintained in a near-vertical orientation. In certain situations, jostling may even cause liquid to splash or spill out of the drainage well before it has drained back into the cup.
- A drinking hole is sometimes placed at the top of a raised spout, so as to reduce the likelihood that liquid will spill or splash from the drinking hole. However, since the drinking hole is in the direct path of a beverage splash, liquid is still able to splash through the drinking hole if the cup is shaken or jostled with sufficient force, for example if the beverage is being consumed while traveling in a vehicle and the vehicle drives over a pot hole or other uneven feature in the road, or is forced to brake or maneuver suddenly.
- Various types of lids with closable drinking holes and/or spouts have been proposed and/or are in use. Some provide a rotatable second piece that can seal the drinking hole, while others provide a tethered cap or plug that can be used to seal the drinking hole. However, these approaches only provide protection from spilling and splashing when the drinking hole is closed or blocked, and do not naturally inhibit spilling and splashing when open. Furthermore, when the drinking hole is closed or blocked it also prevents a user from consuming the beverage. In addition, these lids tend to be multi-piece constructions and may be generally too expensive to be practical for a disposable lid, or at least may be too cumbersome to use, as they require a user to plug and unplug the drinking hole manually each time a portion of beverage is to be consumed.
- Another approach is to provide a separate insert that can be placed either on a cup or underneath a lid, the separate insert having fluid passages that are not aligned with the drinking and vent openings in the lid, thereby preventing straight-line travel by splashed, airborne droplets from the cup interior through a lid opening, and forcing the beverage to flow through a convoluted path before exiting through the lid. However, providing and installing a separate insert in addition to a lid is inconvenient and costly as compared to using a one-piece lid, and therefore tends to be impractical for disposable lids. Also, separate inserts can become dislodged or can shift in position, and can therefore be unreliable. This is true even if the insert is loosely attached to the lid or separately attached to the rim of the cup.
- What is needed, therefore, is a disposable, one-piece lid for use with a drinking cup that enables drinking of a beverage without requiring separation of the lid from the drinking cup, while also inherently inhibiting or at least minimizing inadvertent spilling and splashing of the beverage from the cup without requiring deployment of manual plugs or blocking devices.
- A one-piece disposable lid is claimed that includes structural features which enable drinking from a drinking cup while also inherently inhibiting splashing and spilling of the beverage from the drinking cup without requiring deployment of manual plugs or blocking devices. Spilling and splashing are inhibited by blocking straight-line paths that could be traversed by splashed, airborne droplets so as to escape through openings in the lid and by providing a dispensing well which allows any modest quantities of beverage received or remaining into the dispensing well to be drained back into the cup when the cup is held or returned to a near upright position.
- In some embodiments, a drinking spout is included, the drinking spout comprising a dispensing well with at least one well penetration or opening for allowing fluid communication between the cup interior and the dispensing well. The well penetration allows transferring of beverage from the cup interior to the dispensing well for allowing a person to sip or consume the beverage by placing their lips around the drinking spout. The direction of fluid or beverage entry, through the well penetration, into the dispensing well from the cup interior is substantially orthogonal to the direction of beverage exit from the dispensing well for consumption of the beverage. Splashing droplets are thereby prevented from straight-line travel out of the spout, since beverage must enter the well in a direction substantially orthagonal to the central axis of the cup and then be dispensed in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the cup.
- In other embodiments, the lid is elevated above the top of the cup, and a section of the lid slopes downward and intersects a raised rim wall so as to create a dispensing well therebetween. A well penetration is provided either in the sloping section or the inner wall of the raised rim, and is configured so that no straight-line path is provided from the interior of the cup into the dispensing well. In some of these embodiments, the well penetration is formed by depressing part of a split, convex bubble so as to form an opening through which a beverage can travel horizontally. In certain of these embodiment a part of the convex bubble is configured to be deformable by a user's lip so as to create the drink-through opening and allowing beverage to pass therethrough. In other embodiments, the opening is formed by an upwardly hinged flap, the flap remaining above the opening so as to intercept any splashed droplets that somehow manage to exit through the opening.
- Certain embodiments include baffles and/or other structures that force a beverage to flow through a convoluted path before being consumed. In some of these embodiments the baffles are formed in place, while in other of these embodiments the baffles are formed by hinged movement of flaps after forming of the lid. In various embodiments, the baffles form one or more chambers through which the beverage must flow before it can be consumed.
- Embodiments of the present invention include textures and/or protruding structures on one or more surfaces of the lid, so as to direct fluid flow across one or more surfaces, intercept splashed and/or rapidly flowing beverage, and/or enhance or retard retention of fluid due to surface tension.
- Various embodiments include one or more vent holes that permit air to enter the cup and equalize the internal pressure as a beverage is consumed. In some of these embodiments, the vent holes are surrounded by vent wells, and in certain of these embodiments the vent holes are structured so as to minimize splashing by blocking straight-line passage of droplets from the cup interior through the vent holes. In some of these embodiments a plurality of vent holes is provided, which are initially sealed by blockages that can be removed by a user, and in some of these embodiments the plurality of vent holes includes vent holes of different sizes. These embodiments enable a user to select how many and/or which vent holes to open, so as to control the maximum rate at which a beverage can flow from the cup. In still other embodiments, at least one vent hole is located near the dispensing well, so that tipping of the cup from vertical beyond a certain angle will cause the beverage in the cup to block the vent hole, thereby minimizing the rate of beverage spillage.
- One general aspect of the present invention is a one-piece lid for use with a drinking vessel. The one-piece lid includes a peripheral rim configured for engaging with said drinking vessel, a raised lid portion extending vertically from said peripheral rim, a dispensing well descending from the raised lid portion, said raised lid portion and said dispensing well being configured for allowing consumption of a beverage contained within an interior of said drinking vessel, and at least one well penetration that provides fluid communication between an interior of said drinking vessel and the dispensing well, the well penetration being configured for inhibiting straight-line paths between the interior of the drinking vessel and the dispensing well and thereby inhibiting at least one of spilling and splashing of said beverage contained within the interior of said drinking vessel.
- Embodiments further include a drinking spout wherein the dispensing well is formed within the drinking spout, thereby causing beverage flowing through the well penetration and into the dispensing well to be drinkable from the drinking spout. In some embodiments the dispensing well is configured for allowing beverage contained within the dispensing well to flow through the well penetration and drain back into the interior of the drinking vessel when the drinking vessel is held in a generally upright orientation. In other embodiments the dispensing well includes a plurality of side walls and a bottom, and wherein the well penetration is formed in at least one of the side walls amongst said plurality of side walls of the dispensing well.
- In various embodiments the dispensing well includes a bottom and at least one sidewall, and the well penetration is formed by a vertical gap between the bottom and at least one of said side walls. In certain embodiments the dispensing well is formed by side walls, a first bottom tier, and a second bottom tier, the well penetration being formed by a vertical gap between said first bottom tier and said second bottom tier.
- In some embodiments the dispensing well is formed by side walls and a bottom, and at least a portion of the bottom is inclined toward the well penetration, thereby allowing beverage contained in the dispensing well to drain back through the well penetration into the interior of the drinking vessel when the drinking vessel is returned to a generally upright orientation. In other embodiments the dispensing well comprises a plurality of well penetrations, each of the well penetrations providing fluid communication between the interior of the drinking vessel and the dispensing well. And certain embodiments further include a splash guard descending from the raised lid portion toward the interior of the drinking vessel and surrounding the dispensing well.
- Various embodiments further include at least one fluid baffle positioned underneath the dispensing well and configured to deflect beverage splashing from the interior of the drinking vessel and requiring the beverage to move through a convoluted path when flowing from the interior of the drinking vessel to the dispensing well. In some of these embodiments said at least one fluid baffle comprises a hinged flap, said hinged flap being rotatable about a living hinge. In other of these embodiments, said at least one fluid baffle comprises a hinge flap and a stop ridge, said hinge flap being rotatable about a living hinge and configured for engaging with said stop ridge.
- In certain embodiments the dispensing well is formed by an intersection between a downward sloping section of the raised lid portion and a raised drinking rim. In some of these embodiments the well penetration is formed by a hinged flap formed in an inner wall of the raised drinking rim. In other of these embodiments said downward sloping section comprises a split, convex bubble, and said well penetration is created by depressing a first portion of said split, convex bubble into a concave configuration thereby creating an opening between said first concave bubble portion and an adjacent second convex bubble portion. In some of these embodiments a reinforcing structure is provided such said second convex bubble portion is resistant to depression compared to said first concave bubble portion. And in other of these embodiments said first portion of said split, convex bubble is depressible by a lip of a user while drinking from said dispensing well.
- Certain embodiments further include a vent hole providing air communication between the interior of the drinking vessel and air exterior to the lid. Some of these embodiments further include a vent well cooperative with the vent hole and configured for collection of escaped beverage and allowing said escaped beverage to flow back into the interior of the drinking vessel. In other of these embodiments the vent hole is configured to inhibit straight-line paths from the interior of the drinking vessel through the vent hole. Various of these embodiments further include a plurality of sealed vent holes, said sealed vent holes being openable for regulating beverage flow from the dispensing well. And in some of these embodiments said plurality of sealed vent holes includes a plurality of vent hole sizes. In various embodiments that further include a vent hole, the vent hole is located proximal to the dispensing well for allowing blockage of the vent hole by beverage when the drinking vessel is tipped to a near horizontal orientation, thereby inhibiting beverage flow from the dispensing well.
- In certain embodiments at least one surface of the lid includes at least one of a texture and a protruding structure configured to influence flow of beverage across said at least one surface. In some embodiments said lid is constructed from at least one of paper, plastic, thermoplastic resin, foam, a laminated material, a compostable resin, and a biodegradable material. In other embodiments said lid is manufactured by one of thermoforming, injection molding, compression molding, vacuum forming, pressure forming, and hydro forming. In various embodiments said lid is injection molded from a suitable grade of polypropylene resin. And in certain embodiments said lid is disposable.
- In various embodiments said well penetration is in the form of an opening disposed in a plane approximately parallel to an upright axis of the cup. Other embodiments further include a drink-through opening in said raised lid portion. And in some of these embodiments said drink-through opening is one of circular, rectangular, oval, and semi-circular.
- In certain embodiments the dispensing well and well penetration are configured to inhibit entry of solid particulates from the drinking vessel into the dispensing well. And in other embodiments said beverage is a drinkable fluid including one of tea, coffee, soup, shake, juice, and milk.
- Another general aspect of the present invention is a splash resistant lid for a drink cup. The splash resistant lid includes a peripheral rim adapted for engaging with said drink cup, a raised portion extending upwardly from said peripheral rim, and a dispensing well disposed in said raised portion, said dispensing well comprising a drink-through opening, a bottom wall and a peripheral sidewall connected to said bottom wall,
- said dispensing well featuring at least one inlet opening disposed proximate to an edge of said bottom wall, said inlet opening being adapted for receiving a beverage from said drink cup and transferring it to said drink-through opening, said dispensing well being adapted for drinking said beverage therethrough, and
- said inlet opening being disposed in a plane substantially orthogonal to said drink-through opening and thereby inhibiting straight line paths between an interior of said drink cup and said drink-through opening.
- In some embodiments said bottom wall comprises at least one inclined section, said inclined section having an underside, said underside being adapted to deflect any splashes and block them from entering said drink-through opening. In other embodiments said bottom wall comprises at least one inclined section, said inclined section having a topside, said topside being adapted to drain back any splashes to said interior of said drink cup through said inlet opening.
- In certain embodiments said lid is injection molded, and in various embodiments said lid is made from polypropylene resin.
- In some embodiments said raised portion includes a drinking spout and forms a one piece construction. Other embodiments further include at least one splash guard descending from said raised portion towards the interior of said drink cup. Certain embodiments further include a fluid baffle positioned underneath said dispensing well. And in some of these embodiments said fluid baffle is rotatable about a living hinge.
- The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.
-
FIG. 1A is a cross sectional perspective view of an embodiment that includes a central vent hole with a surrounding vent well and a drinking spout containing a dispensing well having a sloped bottom with a vertical gap open to the cup interior along one edge of the sloped bottom; -
FIG. 1B is a close-up illustration of the spout and dispensing well portion ofFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 1C is a close-up illustration of the spout and dispensing well portion of an embodiment similar toFIG. 1B , but having a well bottom that is centrally divided into two offset horizontal halves with a vertical gap therebetween that is open to the cup interior; -
FIG. 1D is a close-up illustration of the spout and dispensing well portion of an embodiment similar toFIG. 1C , but having a well bottom that is centrally divided into two offset halves that slope towards each other with a vertical gap therebetween; -
FIG. 1E is a close-up illustration of the spout and dispensing well portion of an embodiment similar toFIG. 1D , but having a well bottom that is centrally divided into two halves that slope away from each other toward vertical gaps at their edges, the sloped bottom halves including surface structures that encourage drainage toward the vertical gaps; -
FIG. 1F is a close-up illustration of the spout and dispensing well portion of an embodiment similar toFIG. 1B , but having a dispensing well bottom that is horizontal and dispensing well walls that include a plurality of vertical penetrations through which beverage can flow into and out of the dispensing well, the dispensing well being surrounded by a splash guard within the drinking spout that prevents laterally moving beverage from directly flowing through the penetrations and into the dispensing well; -
FIG. 1G is a close-up illustration of the spout and dispensing well portion of an embodiment similar toFIG. 1F , but having a well bottom that is formed by a horizontal baffle extending beyond the dispensing well to the inner walls of the spout; -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a disposable lid that includes a raised upper portion having a section that is ramped downward toward a raised drinking rim so as to form a dispensing well therebetween, a split bubble being included in the sloping section, both halves of the split bubble being convexly configured so as to close the split between them, a plurality of vent holes being provided in separate vent hole draining wells, the vent holes being configured with split offset openings so as to inhibit splashing of beverage therethrough; -
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the disposable lid ofFIG. 2A wherein one half of the split bubble has been depressed into a concave configuration, creating thereby a vertical opening between the two halves of the split bubble; -
FIG. 2C is a perspective cross sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 2B ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment similar toFIG. 2A , but including a vertical well penetration formed in the inner wall of the drinking rim by an upwardly hinged flap, the flap being positioned to intercept splashed droplets that somehow travel through the vertical penetration, a pair of vent holes also being included near the penetration; -
FIG. 4A is a cross-section profile through an embodiment similar toFIG. 1A , but including an internal hinged flap and stop ridge, the hinged flap being hingedly rotatable about a living hinge so as to engage with the stop ridge and thereby form a baffle within the drinking spout; -
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional profile through the embodiment ofFIG. 4A , showing the hinged flap engaged with the stop ridge so as to form the baffle within the drinking spout; -
FIG. 4C is a perspective view from above of the embodiment ofFIG. 4A , indicating the location of the living hinge; -
FIG. 4D is a perspective view from below of the embodiment ofFIG. 4A , showing the hinged flap engaged with the stop ridge so as to form the baffle below the dispensing well in the drinking spout; -
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional profile through the drinking spout portion of an embodiment similar toFIG. 4A , but including two offset hinged flaps attached by living hinges to opposing inner sides of the drinking spout and two corresponding stop ridges; -
FIG. 5B is a cross sectional profile of the embodiment ofFIG. 5A , showing both of the hinged flaps engaged with the corresponding stop ridges so as to form a pair of vertically offset horizontal baffles within the drinking spout; -
FIG. 6A is a perspective view from above of an embodiment similar toFIG. 5A , but including three hinged flaps offset vertically and circumferentially about the lid and attached alternately to the inner and outer sides of the drinking spout; -
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 6A from below, showing the three hinged flaps engaged with corresponding stop ridges so as to form overlapping baffles below the dispensing well of the drinking spout; -
FIG. 6C is a simplified diagram showing the relative horizontal and vertical offsets of the hinged flaps ofFIG. 6B ; -
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment similar toFIG. 6A , but wherein the hinged flaps include angled edges and protruding portions; and -
FIG. 7B is a simplified diagram showing the relative positioning and offsets of the hinged flaps ofFIG. 7A , and indicating how the angled edges and protruding portions cause the flaps to form a single, multi-level baffle with flow-directing surface features. - The present invention is generally directed towards one-piece lids that engage with a drinking cup or a similar vessel and allow a user to drink therefrom while naturally inhibiting splashing and spilling of beverage from the drinking vessel. As noted elsewhere, the lid constructions according to various embodiments of the invention offer particular utility for disposable drinking cups which are typically used for holding cold and hot beverages and are generally constructed from paper, plastic or foam materials. The drinking spout and dispensing well constructions in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be utilized for consuming all kinds of hot and cold beverages including, coffee, tea, soup, shakes, frappes, and slush drinks. According to still other embodiments of the invention the lid spout and dispensing well constructions can be used for dispensing fluid materials including dressing, vinegar, coffee cream etc. According to still other embodiments of the invention the dispensing well construction can be adapted for sprinkling salt, pepper, spices and/or other granular or powdered substances. Accordingly, the following description of specific embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is offered as illustrative of the invention, and should not be regarded as restricting the scope of the invention.
- With reference to
FIG. 1A , there is shown a cut-away perspective view of a one-piecedisposable lid 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.Lid 100 is adapted to engage with and fit onto a drinking cup (not shown).Lid 100 has anouter side 30 and anunderside 40. Theouter side 30 oflid 100 is intended to be on the outside whenlid 100 is fitted on the drinking cup in the intended manner of use for consuming a beverage therefrom.Underside 40 oflid 100 is the side that is towards the cup whenlid 100 is placed on the cup in the intended manner. Note that herein the term “cup” is used generically to refer to all types of vessels or containers from which a beverage may be consumed and/or dispensed. -
Lid 100 is formed by a single piece construction and can be manufactured using a variety of methods and materials. According to various embodiments of the invention the lid can be constructed from a plastic material, a paper substrate, a biodegradable material, a compostable material, or a combination of heterogeneous materials including at least one of paper, plastic, and foam materials or from mixtures thereof. According to other embodiments of the present invention the lid can be molded, formed, pressed, fabricated, or shaped utilizing a variety of processing methods and manufacturing techniques. According to a specific embodiment of the invention thelid 100 can be injection molded from a suitable plastic material. According to another embodiment of the invention thelid 100 can be made of polypropylene or similar thermoplastic resins. According to still other embodiments of theinvention lid 100 can be thermoformed or compression molded. -
Lid 100 includesstructural features lid 100; and which also inhibit splashing and spilling of the beverage from the drinking cup through thelid 100 without requiring closing or capping of a lid opening. Spilling and splashing are inhibited by substantially blocking or obstructing straight-line paths that could be traversed from the cup interior through openings in thelid 100 by splashed, airborne droplets or fluid masses; and by providing a dispensing well 104 which allows modest quantities of beverage which may reach the dispensing well inadvertently, due to movement or sudden acceleration or deceleration of the drinking cup, to be drained back into the drinking cup. In some embodiments, the dispensing well 104 is able to contain at least 0.25 ml of beverage when the drinking vessel is tipped from vertical by not more than 45 degrees. -
Lid 100 comprises an outerperipheral portion 50, an interimannular portion 60 raised above outerperipheral portion 50, and acentral body portion 70. - Outer
peripheral portion 50 oflid 100 is adapted for engaging with the drinking cup, andunderside 40 has an undersideperipheral channel 54 which typically has a C-shaped or U-shaped cross-section and which is adapted to grip and receive a drinking cup lip therein, and thereby form a leak-tight seal between the respective perimeters oflid 100 and the drinking cup adapted for use therewith. The drinking cup lip may comprise a rolled-lip or bead-like configuration. Alternately, the cup lip may be in the form of a turned-down lip or other similar configuration as is well known to those skilled in the art. - Outer
peripheral portion 50 oflid 100 also has aperipheral skirt 52 which extends downwardly from the undersideperipheral channel 54 and flares outwardly therefrom.Peripheral skirt 52 facilitates a good lid-fit by centering and guiding the drinking cup lip withinperipheral channel 54 whenlid 100 is pushed downwardly against the cup lip for securely snappinglid 100 onto the cup. - Interim
annular portion 60 comprises anouter sidewall 61, atop wall 62 and aninner sidewall 63. Undersideperipheral channel 54 is connected toouter sidewall 61 and defines aperipheral recess 56 therebetween;peripheral recess 56 is disposed on theouter side 30 oflid 100. Interimannular portion 60 extends upwardly from the inward edge ofperipheral recess 56 alongouter sidewall 61 which connects with atop wall portion 62 and slopes downwardly alonginner sidewall 63 and circumscribescentral body portion 70 oflid 100.Outer sidewall 61,top wall 62 andinner sidewall 63 cooperate to form a raised frontal section or drinkingspout 102 and ramp down on either side of the raised frontal section or drinkingspout 102. Interimannular portion 60 is generally shaped so as to minimize incidental contact of the lid with a consumer's nose and upper lip during consumption of a beverage.Drinking spout 102 is shaped for allowing consumption of the beverage without requiring a consumer to excessively tilt his or her head backwards as the cup approaches the final sips, thereby avoiding line-of-sight impediment. - The
inner sidewall 63 of the interimannual portion 60 is connected to thecentral body portion 70 oflid 100 viamid wall 72.Mid wall 72 may also include avent hole 110.Vent hole 110 is adapted for maintaining pressure equilibrium between the interior of the lidded cup and the surroundings thus allowing the user to comfortably drink from the cup.Vent hole 110 may further serve as a drain hole for any excess beverage that accidentally overflows on the top ofcentral body portion 70. While thevent hole 110 is shown to be centrally located inFIG. 1A , it will be realized that in similar embodiments thevent hole 110 is located elsewhere on thelid 100. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1A , the centrally locatedvent hole 110 is surrounded by a collecting well 106 that can collect small amounts of leaked beverage or overflow and allow the beverage to drain back through thevent hole 110 and into the cup. -
Drinking spout 102 includes a beverage dispensing well 104 located in thetop wall 62. The raised frontal section or drinkingspout 102 and the width of thetop wall 62 in the frontal section oflid 100 are adapted and dimensioned for positioning the raised frontal section or drinkingspout 102 between a person's lips for drinking comfortably therethrough. During use, theouter sidewall 61 is adapted for touching the person's bottom lip while theinner sidewall 63 is adapted for touching the upper lip of the person. - According to other embodiments of the invention, the location of drinking
spout 102 is adapted for regulating the quantity of beverage dispensed therefrom while sipping, and/or the vent hole is located proximate to thedrinking spout 102 for preventing spillage therethrough when, for example, the cup is accidentally knocked over sideways. Thus the flow of beverage that is dosed out of the dispensing well 104 is regulated by the differential in air pressure inside the cup vs. air pressure of the surroundings since, when thevent hole 110 becomes plugged by beverage, no additional beverage can issue out of thespout 102 until the user puts the cup down and allows re-equilibration of air pressure between the inside of the cup and the surroundings. This is particularly helpful when the beverage inside the cup is hot and an inadvertently large sip can burn a consumer's mouth. - The construction of the
drinking spout 102 is shown inFIG. 1B . The beverage dispensing well 104 has downwardly projecting peripheral walls comprising afront wall 82; a pair of downwardly projecting sidewalls 112 (only one sidewall is visible in the cutaway view shown inFIG. 1B ); a downwardly projectingback wall 83; and aninclined bottom wall 114. Backwall 83 is shown with aside opening 116 located adjacent to the lower edge of thebottom wall 114 which is adapted for allowing beverage from the cup to be fed to the dispensing well 104 thereby forming a drink-through opening defined by the dispensing well walls and the upperperipheral edge 86 of thewell 104.Arrow 90 represents the flow of the beverage from side opening 116 to the upperperipheral edge 86 of the well 106 when the cup-lid assembly is tilted by a person for consuming the beverage. Opening 116 lies in a plane that is substantially vertical and parallel to the upright cup axis. - The positioning and orientation of the
opening 116 in cooperation with the depth and configuration of the dispensing well 104 inhibit splashed beverage from becoming airborne and escaping from the drinking spout. If a small amount of beverage from the cup inadvertently and unintentionally passes through theopening 116, for example due to tipping, shaking, or jostling of the cup, the liquid will remain in the dispensing well 104 and drain back through theopening 116 into the cup. - In the embodiments shown herein, all the features and wall members are integral to the
lid 100 and hence allowlid 100 to be molded, formed or manufactured as a one piece structure. It will be realized that various modifications of this concept can be made by manipulating the angle of inclination ofbottom wall 114, or providing a plurality of openings in any of the wall portions defined by pair ofsidewalls 112,front wall 82 andback wall 83. - According to another embodiment of the invention (not shown) the inclination of the
bottom wall 114 is reversed and instead of having an inclination towards theback wall 83, as shown inFIG. 1B bottom wall 114 is tilted towardsfront wall 82 and theside opening 116 for transferring beverage is provided in thefront wall 82. - In yet another embodiment the openings are provided in the pair of
sidewalls 112 and thebottom wall 114 comprises two inclined portions one inclined towards one sidewall and the other inclined towards another sidewall. Thus, the specific inclination ofbottom wall 114 or the location of theside opening 116 is shown inFIG. 1B by way of illustration, and is not intended as a limitation of the invention. - According to a specific embodiment of the invention,
lid 100 is made of a suitable thermoplastic material which can be processed by common polymer processing methods known in the art. The choice of a thermoplastic resin is typically governed by a variety of factors including cost, resin processability, and other functional requirements of the plastic part. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,lid 100 is injection molded from a suitable grade of polypropylene resin. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatlid 100 can be adapted for manufacture by other known methods of processing plastics, including thermoforming, vacuum forming, pressure forming, and compression molding.Lid 100 can also be constructed from a suitable material such as foam, coated paper, or paper/plastic laminates suitable for handling the conditions of use and the temperatures typically employed while serving hot and cold beverages. - Although, some variations in the shown embodiment have been discussed above, numerous other embodiments are possible and within the scope of the invention.
-
FIG. 1C shows an enlarged cutaway view of the spout portion according to another embodiment of the invention wherein the lid parts bear the same reference numerals as inFIG. 1B . Dispensing well 104 has a downwardly projectingfront wall 82; a pair of downwardly projecting sidewalls 112 (only one sidewall is visible in the cutaway view shown inFIG. 1C ); a downwardly projectingback wall 83; a first tierbottom wall 114A and a second tierbottom wall 114B. Avertical opening 116 is disposed between first tierbottom wall 114A and second tierbottom wall 114B.Vertical opening 116 is adapted for allowing beverage from the cup to be fed to the dispensing well 104, thereby forming a drink-through opening defined by the dispensing well walls and the upperperipheral edge 86 of the dispensing well 104.Arrow 90 represents the flow of the beverage fromvertical opening 116 to the upperperipheral edge 86 of the dispensing well 104 when the cup-lid assembly is tilted by a person for consuming the beverage. -
FIG. 1D shows an enlarged cutaway view of thedispensing well portion 102 according to yet another embodiment of the invention wherein the lid parts bear the same reference numerals asFIGS. 1B and 1C . Dispensing well 104 has a downwardly projectingfront wall 82; a pair of downwardly projecting well sidewalls 112 (only one well sidewall is visible in the cutaway view shown inFIG. 4 ); a downwardly projecting wellback wall 83; and a first tier wellbottom wall 114A and a second tier wellbottom wall 114B. Avertical opening 116 is disposed between first tierbottom wall 114A and second tierbottom wall 114B.Vertical opening 116 is adapted for allowing beverage from the cup to be fed to the well 104 thereby forming a drink-through opening defined by the well walls and the upperperipheral edge 86 of the dispensing well 104. The first and secondtier bottom walls vertical opening 116 so as to allow any excess beverage to drain back into the cup.Arrow 90 represents the flow of the beverage fromvertical opening 116 to the upperperipheral edge 86 of the well 104 when the cup-lid assembly is tilted by a person for consuming the beverage. -
FIG. 1E shows an enlarged cutaway view of thedrinking spout portion 102 according to still another embodiment of the invention wherein the lid parts bear the same reference numerals asFIGS. 1B through 1D . Well 104 has a downwardly projecting wellfront wall 82; a pair of downwardly projecting well sidewalls 112 (only one well sidewall is visible in the cutaway view shown inFIG. 1E ); a downwardly projecting wellback wall 83; and a first inclined wellbottom wall 114A and a second inclined wellbottom wall 114B. Afirst side opening 116A is provided in the wellback wall 83. Asecond side opening 116B is provided in the wellfront wall 82.First side opening 116A and second side opening 116B are adapted for allowing beverage from the cup to be fed to the well 104 thereby forming a drink-through opening defined by the well walls and the upperperipheral edge 86 of thewell 104. The first and second inclined wellbottom walls openings Arrows side openings peripheral edge 86 of the well 104 when the cup-lid assembly is tilted by a person for consuming the beverage. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 1E ,surface structures 118 are included on the top surfaces ofbottom walls - Different fluids have different viscosities and different surface tension and/or wetting characteristics. Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention include textures, baffles, and/or other
structural features 118 on various surfaces so as to intercept splashed droplets or rapidly flowing beverage, direct beverage flow, and/or promote or inhibit surface tension and flow properties of beverage on the surfaces. Furthermore, it will be appreciated by skilled artisans that the depth of the dispensing well 104 and the size of theside opening 116 can be optimized with respect to viscosity and fluid properties of a typical beverage so as to control the amount of beverage that is likely to be splashed into the dispensing well when the drink cup is jostled the speed with which the beverage can be drained back into the cup, and the amount of beverage that can be spilled through theopening 116 without overflowing the dispensing well 104. For example, on one hand a deeper well 104 and a relativelysmall opening 116 may be desirable to provide superior spill and splash resistance, however, asmall opening 116 may also interferes with the rate of dispensing and a drainage back into the cup and may adversely affect ease of drinking. -
FIG. 1F illustrates the spout portion of yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the dispensing well 104 has aflat bottom 114 surrounded by walls that are penetrated by a plurality ofvertical openings 116. The number and sizes of the openings are selected in various embodiments so as to provide a desired rate of flow during drinking, while intercepting and breaking up most splashed airborne droplets that might somehow strike the openings. The inhibition of splashing in this embodiment is further enhanced by a splash-guardingbaffle 120 within thedrinking spout 102 that surrounds the outside of the dispensing well 104. The splash-guardingbaffle 120 is configured for blocking direct access toopenings 116, and so as to require a beverage to flow vertically through a narrow space between thebaffle 120 and the well 104 before changing directions and flowing horizontally through the openings into the dispensing well 104. - In various embodiments, the sizes and numbers of the
openings 116, as well as the complexity of the path through which a beverage must flow before entering the dispensing well 104, result in a short delay between tipping of the cup and effluence of the beverage, thereby providing an opportunity to prevent, or at least to limit, spilling of the beverage if the cup is accidentally overturned by quickly returning the cup to an upright orientation. Space between the dispensing well 104 and the inner walls of thedrinking spout 102 also allows any particulates contained in the beverage, such as coffee grounds or tea leaves, to be collected and prevented from flowing out of the cup with the beverage. -
FIG. 1G illustrates an embodiment wherein the bottom of the dispensing well 104 is formed by abaffle 114 that extends beyond the dispensing well 104 to the inner surfaces of the walls of thedrinking spout 102. This createssecondary openings 122 through which the beverage must flow before passing through theprimary openings 116 and into the dispensing well. Note that in this embodiment beverage must flow in three orthogonal directions before emerging from the cup. First, the beverage must flow circumferentially through asecondary opening 122 so as to reach the upper surface of thebaffle 114. Then the fluid must flow radially through aprimary opening 116 into the dispensing well 104. Finally, the fluid must flow vertically (i.e. axially) so as to emerge out of the dispensing well 104. -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment in which thelid 200 includes a raisedportion 202, a section of which 204 slopes downward toward a raiseddrinking rim 206 so as to form therebetween a dispensing well. The raisedportion 202 includes a plurality of vent holes 208, each surrounded by a separate vent well 210 that is able to collect small amounts of spilled beverage and allow it to drain back into the cup. In some embodiments, the vent holes 208 are positioned relative to the dispensing well so as to maximize delivery to the nose of a consumer of aroma from the beverage contained within the cup. - The
sloping section 204 of thelid 200 has formed therein a convex bubble that is split into twohalves FIG. 2A , the edges of the twohalves - As illustrated in
FIG. 2B , when one half 212A of the bubble is pressed into a concave configuration, for example when a user presses on theupper half 212A of the bubble so as to begin consuming the beverage, a substantially vertical opening is formed between the twobubble halves drinking rim 206 and thereby be available for drinking. The configuration of the opening between the bubble halves 212A, 212B requires the beverage to flow in a substantially horizontal direction so as to pass through the opening. This configuration tends to inhibit passage of splashed, airborne droplets through the opening, since the splashed droplets would tend to strike thelid 200 while traveling in a vertical direction. By enabling a user to press on a portion of the split bubble, and thereby open the passage for beverage to flow into the dispensing well, the embodiment ofFIG. 2B thereby tends to shift liability for use of the invention from a supplier to a user. - According to some embodiments of the invention,
bubble half 212A is configured to undergo deformation against slight pressure exerted by a user's upper lip while the user is drinking therefrom, thereby obviating the need for pre-depressing thebubble half 212A. -
FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional illustration of the embodiment ofFIG. 2B . Note that the vent holes 208 also include a split-bubble configuration that tends to prevent splashing of beverage through the vent holes 208. Note also that the embodiment ofFIG. 2C includes astiffening feature 214 applied to the underside of thebubble half 212B that prevents a user from inadvertently depressing thebubble half 212B. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view oflid 300 according to an embodiment of the invention similar toFIG. 2A , but including an upwardly hingedflap 302 that forms an opening in the inner wall of thedrinking rim 206. The opening is configured so as to require a beverage to flow horizontally through the opening. This configuration inhibits passage of splashed, airborne droplets through the opening, since the splashed droplets would tend to strike thelid 300 while traveling vertically. In addition, the upwardly hingedflap 302 is positioned so as to intercept any airborne droplets that somehow manage to fly through the opening. -
FIG. 4A is a cross-section profile throughlid 400 which is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 1A , but additionally includes an upwardly hingedflap 402 attached by a “living hinge” 406 to an inner wall of thespout 102. Theembodiment 400 also includes astop ridge 404 located opposite theliving hinge 406 on the opposing inner wall of thedrinking spout 102. The hingedflap 402 is hingedly rotatable about theliving hinge 406 so as to engage with thestop ridge 404 and form thereby a horizontal baffle within thedrinking spout 102 and below the dispensing well 104. -
FIG. 4B showslid 400 with the hingedflap 402 engaged with thestop ridge 404 so as to form thebaffle 402 below the dispensing well 104 within thedrinking spout 102. Thehorizontal baffle 402 thereby requires the beverage to flow through a convoluted path before entering the dispensing well 104. Specifically, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 4B , any beverage splashed in the vertical direction is deflected by the underside of the hingedflap 402, and the beverage must first reach the region above the top surface of the hingedflap 402, and then splash up and sideways into the dispensing well 104, before emerging vertically from the dispensing well 104. -
FIG. 4C is a perspective view from above oflid 400 ofFIG. 4A , indicating the location of theliving hinge 406 that attaches the hingedflap 402 to the inner wall of thedrinking spout 102.FIG. 4D is a perspective view from below of the embodiment ofFIG. 4A , showing the hingedflap 402 engaged with thestop ridge 404 so as to form the baffle below the dispensing well 104 in thedrinking spout 102. -
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional profile through the drinking spout portion oflid 500, according to an embodiment similar toFIG. 4A , but including two hingedflaps hinges drinking spout 102, the living hinges 506, 508 being vertically offset from each other. Twocorresponding stop ridges drinking spout 102, with onestop ridge 510 located opposite theupper living hinge 502, and theother stop ridge 512 located opposite to thelower living hinge 504. -
FIG. 5B is a cross sectional profile of the embodiment ofFIG. 5A , showing both of the hingedflaps corresponding stop ridges baffles drinking spout 102. Theflaps flaps stop ridges flap drinking spout 102, the twoflaps drinking spout 102, so as to force the beverage to flow up one side of thedrinking spout 102, across thefirst flap 504, up the other side of thedrinking spout 102, and across theother flap 502 before entering the dispensing well 104. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views from above and from below respectively oflid 600 according to an embodiment similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 5A , but including three hingedflaps hinges drinking spout 102 at locations offset both vertically and circumferentially and alternating between opposing walls of thedrinking spout 102. As shown inFIG. 6B , theflaps stop ridges FIG. 6C is a simplified diagram showing the relative horizontal and vertical offsets of the hingedflaps FIG. 6B . -
FIG. 7A is a perspective view oflid 700 according to an embodiment similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 6A , but wherein the hinged flaps include anglededges 714 and/or protrudingportions 716. As shown in the simplified diagram ofFIG. 7B , theangled edges 714 cause theflaps flaps corresponding stop ridges - Although various general functional elements of the present invention, including various dispensing well, spout and baffle geometries, have been described herein in conjunction with the figures, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous shape, appearance and design modifications can be made to the lid, dispensing well, and spout geometries of the present invention in accordance with user and market preferences. Furthermore, the utility of the spill resistant lid is not necessarily limited to a drinking-cup lid, and can be implemented into other container structures such as a closure for a bottle, or a pour spout for a bottle or a carton or a cup. In addition, the spout geometry can be implemented not only for consumable or drinkable beverages but also for dosing and dispensing salad dressings, cream, milk, and non-fluid materials such as sugar or salt. These and other such changes, modifications, adaptations and alterations in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
- The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and for providing a general understanding of the invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.
Claims (42)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/639,649 US20100133272A1 (en) | 2007-01-12 | 2009-12-16 | One-piece splash and spill resistant lid |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US87993507P | 2007-01-12 | 2007-01-12 | |
US11/972,309 US7959029B2 (en) | 2007-01-12 | 2008-01-10 | Splash and spill resistant insulating lid |
US12296408P | 2008-12-16 | 2008-12-16 | |
US12/639,649 US20100133272A1 (en) | 2007-01-12 | 2009-12-16 | One-piece splash and spill resistant lid |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/972,309 Continuation-In-Part US7959029B2 (en) | 2007-01-12 | 2008-01-10 | Splash and spill resistant insulating lid |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100133272A1 true US20100133272A1 (en) | 2010-06-03 |
Family
ID=42269121
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/639,649 Abandoned US20100133272A1 (en) | 2007-01-12 | 2009-12-16 | One-piece splash and spill resistant lid |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100133272A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010071790A1 (en) |
Cited By (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120097690A1 (en) * | 2010-10-22 | 2012-04-26 | Kuo-Cheng Chien | Cup lid |
WO2012069931A3 (en) * | 2010-11-22 | 2012-07-19 | Cup Techniques Ltd. | Container apparatus and method for using the same |
CN102649493A (en) * | 2011-02-24 | 2012-08-29 | 启道田心股份有限公司 | Cup cover convenient for adding creamer or granulated sugar |
CN103597018A (en) * | 2011-04-21 | 2014-02-19 | 派克蒂夫有限责任公司 | Disposable lid having polymer composite of polyolefin and mineral filler |
WO2014165729A1 (en) * | 2013-04-05 | 2014-10-09 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Splash and spill resistant lid |
WO2015109006A1 (en) * | 2014-01-15 | 2015-07-23 | Crudgington Cleveland Benedict | Spill resistant disposable travel cup lid |
USD752436S1 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2016-03-29 | Cleveland B. Crudgington | Disposable cup lid |
US20160198875A1 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2016-07-14 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Two-piece splash and spill resistant lid assembly and method therefor |
US20160198876A1 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2016-07-14 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Lid featuring improved splash and spill resistance and ease of flow |
WO2015170302A3 (en) * | 2014-05-08 | 2016-10-27 | Santos Iii Alfred M | Improvements for containers and covers |
USD782308S1 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2017-03-28 | Tariq Khalaf | Lid for beverage container |
US20170112306A1 (en) * | 2012-02-08 | 2017-04-27 | Brockett Muir, III | Anti-Spill Disposable Drink Through Cup Lid |
US9833960B2 (en) | 2012-07-17 | 2017-12-05 | Cleveland Benedict Crudgington | Spill resistant disposable travel cup lid |
USD815489S1 (en) * | 2016-08-05 | 2018-04-17 | Anhui Hengxin Environmental Protection And New Material Co., Ltd | Cup lid |
WO2018147783A1 (en) * | 2017-02-08 | 2018-08-16 | Unicup Scandinavia Ab | A disposable lid for beverage containers |
USD825994S1 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-08-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | Tasting cup |
US20180257824A1 (en) * | 2015-09-22 | 2018-09-13 | Craig Sloan | Lid for a beverage container |
CN109470060A (en) * | 2018-12-20 | 2019-03-15 | 四川福蓉科技股份公司 | A kind of protective plate for alloy molten solution diversion trench |
US10264902B2 (en) | 2016-08-12 | 2019-04-23 | Ahmed Thaher Althaher | Cup lid with wide drinking edge and interior baffle wall |
US10329057B2 (en) | 2015-11-11 | 2019-06-25 | Oculus Design LLC | Spill resistant cup lid |
WO2021140104A1 (en) * | 2020-01-06 | 2021-07-15 | Hanpak Limited | A lid |
USD945264S1 (en) | 2019-08-15 | 2022-03-08 | Berry Global, Inc. | Drink cup lid |
WO2022262015A1 (en) * | 2021-06-18 | 2022-12-22 | 吉特利环保科技(厦门)有限公司 | Straw pulp coffee cup lid |
USD997636S1 (en) | 2019-02-19 | 2023-09-05 | Starbucks Corporation | Cup lid |
USD1019389S1 (en) | 2022-03-01 | 2024-03-26 | Cfs Brands, Llc | Disposable cup lid |
Citations (85)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US236266A (en) * | 1881-01-04 | Mustache guard or protector | ||
US622564A (en) * | 1899-04-04 | Alvah clarence tebbetts | ||
US1034636A (en) * | 1912-03-13 | 1912-08-06 | Luther Mcnair | Sanitary attachment for drinking-glasses. |
US1441010A (en) * | 1921-04-04 | 1923-01-02 | Alexander Sales | Top for drinking bottles |
US1629358A (en) * | 1925-09-08 | 1927-05-17 | Frank G Mccord | Drinking attachment |
US2259856A (en) * | 1939-04-27 | 1941-10-21 | Richard D Moore | Sanitary guard for beverage bottles |
US3047179A (en) * | 1961-05-03 | 1962-07-31 | Edward A Madej | Bottle caps and the like |
US3101857A (en) * | 1962-01-18 | 1963-08-27 | Jayme Products Inc | Attachments for commodity jars and glasses |
US3546752A (en) * | 1969-03-21 | 1970-12-15 | Thetford Corp | Clasp assembly |
US3589551A (en) * | 1968-05-16 | 1971-06-29 | Rolf Haggbom | Locking device for cover of containers |
US3688942A (en) * | 1970-11-20 | 1972-09-05 | Continental Can Co | Container and closure combination |
US3693847A (en) * | 1971-01-06 | 1972-09-26 | Royal H Gibson | Bottle cap and pouring fitment assembly |
US3707240A (en) * | 1970-08-27 | 1972-12-26 | Polytop Corp | Closure with tear-off skirt |
US3889842A (en) * | 1974-05-20 | 1975-06-17 | Robert A Bennett | Container closure opening means |
US4049187A (en) * | 1974-10-02 | 1977-09-20 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Thermoformed hot drink cup |
US4190173A (en) * | 1978-02-14 | 1980-02-26 | Flambeau Products Corporation | Beverage container |
US4241855A (en) * | 1979-04-16 | 1980-12-30 | Kikkoman Foods, Inc. | Flow controlling pouring spout |
US4322014A (en) * | 1979-07-27 | 1982-03-30 | Morris Philip | Splash-proof container and cover |
US4331255A (en) * | 1980-08-18 | 1982-05-25 | Fournier George J | Cup cover |
US4494672A (en) * | 1983-08-12 | 1985-01-22 | Pearson Robert E | Flip top can cover |
US4503992A (en) * | 1982-04-27 | 1985-03-12 | Sitko Jerry A | Detachable cover for disposable drinking cups, container and the like |
US4589569A (en) * | 1983-10-24 | 1986-05-20 | Solo Cup Company | Lid for drinking cup |
US4615459A (en) * | 1985-01-11 | 1986-10-07 | Solo Cup Company | Lid with drinking opening |
US4619372A (en) * | 1986-04-21 | 1986-10-28 | Mcfarland Joseph R | Cap for hot beverage cup |
US4620665A (en) * | 1983-08-18 | 1986-11-04 | Nathaniel H. Garfield | Container with integral toggle closure |
USD287207S (en) * | 1984-08-03 | 1986-12-16 | Dart Industries Inc. | Casserole dish cover or the like |
US4684024A (en) * | 1985-12-19 | 1987-08-04 | Par-Pak Limited | Cover for baked goods |
US4687117A (en) * | 1986-08-18 | 1987-08-18 | The Stouffer Corporation | Frozen food package and cover lid |
US4721210A (en) * | 1986-11-18 | 1988-01-26 | Lawrence Richard R | Tamper-evident package |
US4753365A (en) * | 1987-07-02 | 1988-06-28 | Solo Cup Company | Lid with removable tab |
US4782975A (en) * | 1988-02-05 | 1988-11-08 | Peter Coy | Valved container closure |
US4805797A (en) * | 1986-12-09 | 1989-02-21 | Chuo Kagaku Kabushiki Kaisha | Casing for packing |
US4874083A (en) * | 1988-03-01 | 1989-10-17 | Packaging Corporation Of America | Serving tray and cover therefor |
US4899902A (en) * | 1989-05-15 | 1990-02-13 | Demars Robert A | No spill lid |
US4949880A (en) * | 1987-06-08 | 1990-08-21 | Bradley Lawrence T | Homogenizer/proportioner dispenser for bottles |
US4986438A (en) * | 1990-04-03 | 1991-01-22 | Placon Corporation | Recloseable nesting tab container |
US5050758A (en) * | 1990-11-16 | 1991-09-24 | Freeman Mark A | Spill-proof closure for a beverage container |
US5054640A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1991-10-08 | Terence Tucker | Protective cap for beverage containers |
US5076333A (en) * | 1987-03-16 | 1991-12-31 | Vemco, Inc. | Pour spout |
US5125525A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1992-06-30 | Terence Tucker | Protective cap for beverage containers |
US5143248A (en) * | 1990-06-13 | 1992-09-01 | Sawatsky David P | Recloseable coffee cup cover |
US5203467A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1993-04-20 | Terence Tucker | Protective cap with seal for beverage container |
US5203490A (en) * | 1992-06-25 | 1993-04-20 | Roe Mark E | Hot cup with heat-insulating hand-grip |
US5205473A (en) * | 1992-03-19 | 1993-04-27 | Design By Us Company | Recyclable corrugated beverage container and holder |
US5222656A (en) * | 1992-09-02 | 1993-06-29 | Carlson Joel A | Insulative sleeve for beverage cup |
US5240132A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1993-08-31 | Terence Tucker | Protective cap with seal for beverage container |
US5253780A (en) * | 1992-06-23 | 1993-10-19 | Adado John G | Thermal drinking cup |
US5253781A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1993-10-19 | James River Corporation Of Virginia | Disposable drink-through cup lid |
US5509582A (en) * | 1992-11-19 | 1996-04-23 | Robbins, Iii; Edward S. | Dispensing cap with internal measuring chamber |
US5540350A (en) * | 1995-02-16 | 1996-07-30 | Mallory Industries Inc. | Splash/slosh guard for drinking vessels |
US5542670A (en) * | 1995-07-17 | 1996-08-06 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Flow control element and covered drinking cup |
US5979689A (en) * | 1995-02-16 | 1999-11-09 | Lansky; Daryl J. | Splash/slosh guard for drinking vessels |
US6176390B1 (en) * | 1999-08-30 | 2001-01-23 | Douglas R. Kemp | Container lid with cooling reservoir |
US6216904B1 (en) * | 1997-02-17 | 2001-04-17 | Michael N. Cagan | Drink can lid with closure cap |
US6296141B1 (en) * | 1998-06-08 | 2001-10-02 | Temo Lukacevic | Splash-proof lid |
US6305571B1 (en) * | 2000-06-07 | 2001-10-23 | Donny Chu | Lid device with splashless baffle |
US6311863B1 (en) * | 1996-10-11 | 2001-11-06 | Douglas H. Fleming | Vapor directing beverage container |
US6325236B1 (en) * | 2000-10-16 | 2001-12-04 | Fu Hong Industries Ltd. | Drinking device |
US20020038803A1 (en) * | 2000-09-26 | 2002-04-04 | Malcolm Alexander R. | Splash-proof lid for a cup |
US20020096530A1 (en) * | 1999-06-21 | 2002-07-25 | Waller David B. | Lid for beverage container |
US6488173B2 (en) * | 2000-07-06 | 2002-12-03 | Michael Milan | Beverage container lid having baffle arrangement for liquid cooling |
US6533139B2 (en) * | 1998-06-08 | 2003-03-18 | Temo Lukacevic | Splash proof lid assembly |
US6578726B1 (en) * | 1999-09-02 | 2003-06-17 | Debra L. Schaefer | Container lid with a plurality of aroma vent holes in a center portion of a container lid cover |
US6679397B2 (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2004-01-20 | Solo Cup Company | Container lid with closure member |
US6732875B2 (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2004-05-11 | Solo Cup Company | Reclosable container lid |
US6755318B2 (en) * | 2000-11-13 | 2004-06-29 | Reliant Medicals Products, Inc. | Limited flow cups |
US6811049B2 (en) * | 1998-06-08 | 2004-11-02 | Temo Lukacevic | Splash-proof lid assembly |
US20050087539A1 (en) * | 1999-06-21 | 2005-04-28 | Waller David B. | Lid for beverage container |
US20050173443A1 (en) * | 2004-02-06 | 2005-08-11 | Crudgington Cleveland B.Jr. | Disposable drinking cup lid |
US20060006184A1 (en) * | 2004-07-12 | 2006-01-12 | Eric Bohman | Unitary sippy container |
US6991128B1 (en) * | 2002-08-05 | 2006-01-31 | Maroon Creek Llc | Splash inhibiting beverage container lid |
US7063224B2 (en) * | 2001-12-20 | 2006-06-20 | Solo Cup Operating Corporation | Lid with drink opening |
US7086549B2 (en) * | 2004-01-16 | 2006-08-08 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Fluid supply assembly |
US7100790B2 (en) * | 2004-04-15 | 2006-09-05 | Dark Richard C G | Spill-resistant metered flow cap for a cup |
US7131551B2 (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2006-11-07 | Solo Cup Company | Container lid with closure member |
US20060249476A1 (en) * | 2005-04-25 | 2006-11-09 | Georg Menshen Gmbh & Co. Kg | Venting valve-type closure for beverage container |
US7178685B2 (en) * | 2003-06-09 | 2007-02-20 | The First Years Inc. | Straw receptacle lid |
US20070131691A1 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2007-06-14 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Lid having a reclosable spout |
US7246715B2 (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2007-07-24 | Solo Cup Operating Corporation | Reclosable container lid |
US20080054027A1 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2008-03-06 | Polytop Corporation | Dispensing closure with obstructed, offset, non-linear flow profile |
US20090065518A1 (en) * | 2007-09-12 | 2009-03-12 | Carnevali Jeffrey D | Dripless lid for beverage container |
US20090294460A1 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-12-03 | Tadhe Hovsepian | Coffee cup lid |
US20100065588A1 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2010-03-18 | Polytop Corporation | Dispensing closure having a flow conduit with key-hole shape |
US20100108701A1 (en) * | 2008-11-06 | 2010-05-06 | Seungsoo Lee | Splash-resistant drinking device |
US7757886B2 (en) * | 2006-02-28 | 2010-07-20 | Edison Nation, Llc | Low cost spill-and-glug-resistant cup and container |
-
2009
- 2009-12-16 WO PCT/US2009/068265 patent/WO2010071790A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-12-16 US US12/639,649 patent/US20100133272A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (91)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US622564A (en) * | 1899-04-04 | Alvah clarence tebbetts | ||
US236266A (en) * | 1881-01-04 | Mustache guard or protector | ||
US1034636A (en) * | 1912-03-13 | 1912-08-06 | Luther Mcnair | Sanitary attachment for drinking-glasses. |
US1441010A (en) * | 1921-04-04 | 1923-01-02 | Alexander Sales | Top for drinking bottles |
US1629358A (en) * | 1925-09-08 | 1927-05-17 | Frank G Mccord | Drinking attachment |
US2259856A (en) * | 1939-04-27 | 1941-10-21 | Richard D Moore | Sanitary guard for beverage bottles |
US3047179A (en) * | 1961-05-03 | 1962-07-31 | Edward A Madej | Bottle caps and the like |
US3101857A (en) * | 1962-01-18 | 1963-08-27 | Jayme Products Inc | Attachments for commodity jars and glasses |
US3589551A (en) * | 1968-05-16 | 1971-06-29 | Rolf Haggbom | Locking device for cover of containers |
US3546752A (en) * | 1969-03-21 | 1970-12-15 | Thetford Corp | Clasp assembly |
US3707240A (en) * | 1970-08-27 | 1972-12-26 | Polytop Corp | Closure with tear-off skirt |
US3688942A (en) * | 1970-11-20 | 1972-09-05 | Continental Can Co | Container and closure combination |
US3693847A (en) * | 1971-01-06 | 1972-09-26 | Royal H Gibson | Bottle cap and pouring fitment assembly |
US3889842A (en) * | 1974-05-20 | 1975-06-17 | Robert A Bennett | Container closure opening means |
US4049187A (en) * | 1974-10-02 | 1977-09-20 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Thermoformed hot drink cup |
US4190173A (en) * | 1978-02-14 | 1980-02-26 | Flambeau Products Corporation | Beverage container |
US4241855A (en) * | 1979-04-16 | 1980-12-30 | Kikkoman Foods, Inc. | Flow controlling pouring spout |
US4322014A (en) * | 1979-07-27 | 1982-03-30 | Morris Philip | Splash-proof container and cover |
US4331255A (en) * | 1980-08-18 | 1982-05-25 | Fournier George J | Cup cover |
US4503992A (en) * | 1982-04-27 | 1985-03-12 | Sitko Jerry A | Detachable cover for disposable drinking cups, container and the like |
US4494672A (en) * | 1983-08-12 | 1985-01-22 | Pearson Robert E | Flip top can cover |
US4620665A (en) * | 1983-08-18 | 1986-11-04 | Nathaniel H. Garfield | Container with integral toggle closure |
US4589569A (en) * | 1983-10-24 | 1986-05-20 | Solo Cup Company | Lid for drinking cup |
USD287207S (en) * | 1984-08-03 | 1986-12-16 | Dart Industries Inc. | Casserole dish cover or the like |
US4615459A (en) * | 1985-01-11 | 1986-10-07 | Solo Cup Company | Lid with drinking opening |
US4684024A (en) * | 1985-12-19 | 1987-08-04 | Par-Pak Limited | Cover for baked goods |
US4619372A (en) * | 1986-04-21 | 1986-10-28 | Mcfarland Joseph R | Cap for hot beverage cup |
US4687117A (en) * | 1986-08-18 | 1987-08-18 | The Stouffer Corporation | Frozen food package and cover lid |
US4721210A (en) * | 1986-11-18 | 1988-01-26 | Lawrence Richard R | Tamper-evident package |
US4805797A (en) * | 1986-12-09 | 1989-02-21 | Chuo Kagaku Kabushiki Kaisha | Casing for packing |
US5076333A (en) * | 1987-03-16 | 1991-12-31 | Vemco, Inc. | Pour spout |
US4949880A (en) * | 1987-06-08 | 1990-08-21 | Bradley Lawrence T | Homogenizer/proportioner dispenser for bottles |
US4753365A (en) * | 1987-07-02 | 1988-06-28 | Solo Cup Company | Lid with removable tab |
US4782975A (en) * | 1988-02-05 | 1988-11-08 | Peter Coy | Valved container closure |
US4874083A (en) * | 1988-03-01 | 1989-10-17 | Packaging Corporation Of America | Serving tray and cover therefor |
US4899902A (en) * | 1989-05-15 | 1990-02-13 | Demars Robert A | No spill lid |
US4986438A (en) * | 1990-04-03 | 1991-01-22 | Placon Corporation | Recloseable nesting tab container |
US5143248A (en) * | 1990-06-13 | 1992-09-01 | Sawatsky David P | Recloseable coffee cup cover |
US5054640A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1991-10-08 | Terence Tucker | Protective cap for beverage containers |
US5125525A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1992-06-30 | Terence Tucker | Protective cap for beverage containers |
US5203467A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1993-04-20 | Terence Tucker | Protective cap with seal for beverage container |
US5240132A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1993-08-31 | Terence Tucker | Protective cap with seal for beverage container |
US5050758A (en) * | 1990-11-16 | 1991-09-24 | Freeman Mark A | Spill-proof closure for a beverage container |
US5205473A (en) * | 1992-03-19 | 1993-04-27 | Design By Us Company | Recyclable corrugated beverage container and holder |
US5253780A (en) * | 1992-06-23 | 1993-10-19 | Adado John G | Thermal drinking cup |
US5203490A (en) * | 1992-06-25 | 1993-04-20 | Roe Mark E | Hot cup with heat-insulating hand-grip |
US5253781A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1993-10-19 | James River Corporation Of Virginia | Disposable drink-through cup lid |
US5222656A (en) * | 1992-09-02 | 1993-06-29 | Carlson Joel A | Insulative sleeve for beverage cup |
US5509582A (en) * | 1992-11-19 | 1996-04-23 | Robbins, Iii; Edward S. | Dispensing cap with internal measuring chamber |
US5540350A (en) * | 1995-02-16 | 1996-07-30 | Mallory Industries Inc. | Splash/slosh guard for drinking vessels |
US5979689A (en) * | 1995-02-16 | 1999-11-09 | Lansky; Daryl J. | Splash/slosh guard for drinking vessels |
US6199711B1 (en) * | 1995-02-16 | 2001-03-13 | Daryl J. Lansky | Splash/slosh guard for drinking vessels |
US5542670A (en) * | 1995-07-17 | 1996-08-06 | Playtex Products, Inc. | Flow control element and covered drinking cup |
US6311863B1 (en) * | 1996-10-11 | 2001-11-06 | Douglas H. Fleming | Vapor directing beverage container |
US6216904B1 (en) * | 1997-02-17 | 2001-04-17 | Michael N. Cagan | Drink can lid with closure cap |
US6296141B1 (en) * | 1998-06-08 | 2001-10-02 | Temo Lukacevic | Splash-proof lid |
US6811049B2 (en) * | 1998-06-08 | 2004-11-02 | Temo Lukacevic | Splash-proof lid assembly |
US6533139B2 (en) * | 1998-06-08 | 2003-03-18 | Temo Lukacevic | Splash proof lid assembly |
US20050087539A1 (en) * | 1999-06-21 | 2005-04-28 | Waller David B. | Lid for beverage container |
US20020096530A1 (en) * | 1999-06-21 | 2002-07-25 | Waller David B. | Lid for beverage container |
US6431390B1 (en) * | 1999-06-21 | 2002-08-13 | David B. Waller | Lid for beverage container |
US6176390B1 (en) * | 1999-08-30 | 2001-01-23 | Douglas R. Kemp | Container lid with cooling reservoir |
US6578726B1 (en) * | 1999-09-02 | 2003-06-17 | Debra L. Schaefer | Container lid with a plurality of aroma vent holes in a center portion of a container lid cover |
US6305571B1 (en) * | 2000-06-07 | 2001-10-23 | Donny Chu | Lid device with splashless baffle |
US6488173B2 (en) * | 2000-07-06 | 2002-12-03 | Michael Milan | Beverage container lid having baffle arrangement for liquid cooling |
US6702145B2 (en) * | 2000-09-26 | 2004-03-09 | Alexander R. Malcolm | Splash-proof lid for a cup |
US20020038803A1 (en) * | 2000-09-26 | 2002-04-04 | Malcolm Alexander R. | Splash-proof lid for a cup |
US6325236B1 (en) * | 2000-10-16 | 2001-12-04 | Fu Hong Industries Ltd. | Drinking device |
US6755318B2 (en) * | 2000-11-13 | 2004-06-29 | Reliant Medicals Products, Inc. | Limited flow cups |
US6679397B2 (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2004-01-20 | Solo Cup Company | Container lid with closure member |
US6732875B2 (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2004-05-11 | Solo Cup Company | Reclosable container lid |
US7131551B2 (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2006-11-07 | Solo Cup Company | Container lid with closure member |
US7246715B2 (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2007-07-24 | Solo Cup Operating Corporation | Reclosable container lid |
US7134566B2 (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2006-11-14 | Solo Cup Company | Container lid with closure member |
US7156251B2 (en) * | 2001-08-06 | 2007-01-02 | Solo Cup Operating Corporation | Reclosable container lid |
US7063224B2 (en) * | 2001-12-20 | 2006-06-20 | Solo Cup Operating Corporation | Lid with drink opening |
US6991128B1 (en) * | 2002-08-05 | 2006-01-31 | Maroon Creek Llc | Splash inhibiting beverage container lid |
US7178685B2 (en) * | 2003-06-09 | 2007-02-20 | The First Years Inc. | Straw receptacle lid |
US7086549B2 (en) * | 2004-01-16 | 2006-08-08 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Fluid supply assembly |
US20050173443A1 (en) * | 2004-02-06 | 2005-08-11 | Crudgington Cleveland B.Jr. | Disposable drinking cup lid |
US7100790B2 (en) * | 2004-04-15 | 2006-09-05 | Dark Richard C G | Spill-resistant metered flow cap for a cup |
US20060006184A1 (en) * | 2004-07-12 | 2006-01-12 | Eric Bohman | Unitary sippy container |
US20060249476A1 (en) * | 2005-04-25 | 2006-11-09 | Georg Menshen Gmbh & Co. Kg | Venting valve-type closure for beverage container |
US20070131691A1 (en) * | 2005-10-14 | 2007-06-14 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Lid having a reclosable spout |
US7757886B2 (en) * | 2006-02-28 | 2010-07-20 | Edison Nation, Llc | Low cost spill-and-glug-resistant cup and container |
US20080054027A1 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2008-03-06 | Polytop Corporation | Dispensing closure with obstructed, offset, non-linear flow profile |
US20100065588A1 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2010-03-18 | Polytop Corporation | Dispensing closure having a flow conduit with key-hole shape |
US7980432B2 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2011-07-19 | Polytop Corporation | Dispensing closure having a flow conduit with key-hole shape |
US20090065518A1 (en) * | 2007-09-12 | 2009-03-12 | Carnevali Jeffrey D | Dripless lid for beverage container |
US20090294460A1 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-12-03 | Tadhe Hovsepian | Coffee cup lid |
US20100108701A1 (en) * | 2008-11-06 | 2010-05-06 | Seungsoo Lee | Splash-resistant drinking device |
Cited By (38)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120097690A1 (en) * | 2010-10-22 | 2012-04-26 | Kuo-Cheng Chien | Cup lid |
WO2012069931A3 (en) * | 2010-11-22 | 2012-07-19 | Cup Techniques Ltd. | Container apparatus and method for using the same |
CN102649493A (en) * | 2011-02-24 | 2012-08-29 | 启道田心股份有限公司 | Cup cover convenient for adding creamer or granulated sugar |
CN103597018A (en) * | 2011-04-21 | 2014-02-19 | 派克蒂夫有限责任公司 | Disposable lid having polymer composite of polyolefin and mineral filler |
US20170112306A1 (en) * | 2012-02-08 | 2017-04-27 | Brockett Muir, III | Anti-Spill Disposable Drink Through Cup Lid |
US10477996B2 (en) * | 2012-02-08 | 2019-11-19 | Brockett Muir, III | Anti-spill disposable drink through cup lid |
US9833960B2 (en) | 2012-07-17 | 2017-12-05 | Cleveland Benedict Crudgington | Spill resistant disposable travel cup lid |
WO2014165729A1 (en) * | 2013-04-05 | 2014-10-09 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Splash and spill resistant lid |
US20140299614A1 (en) * | 2013-04-05 | 2014-10-09 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Splash and spill resistant lid |
US9387961B2 (en) * | 2013-04-05 | 2016-07-12 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Splash and spill resistant lid |
EP2981477A4 (en) * | 2013-04-05 | 2016-12-21 | Waddington North America Inc | Splash and spill resistant lid |
WO2015109006A1 (en) * | 2014-01-15 | 2015-07-23 | Crudgington Cleveland Benedict | Spill resistant disposable travel cup lid |
US11608216B2 (en) | 2014-05-08 | 2023-03-21 | Alfred M. Santos, III | Containers and covers |
WO2015170302A3 (en) * | 2014-05-08 | 2016-10-27 | Santos Iii Alfred M | Improvements for containers and covers |
USD752436S1 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2016-03-29 | Cleveland B. Crudgington | Disposable cup lid |
US20160198875A1 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2016-07-14 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Two-piece splash and spill resistant lid assembly and method therefor |
US10405680B2 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2019-09-10 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Lid featuring improved splash and spill resistance and ease of flow |
WO2016115214A1 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2016-07-21 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Lid featuring improved splash and spill resistance and ease of flow |
US9944435B2 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2018-04-17 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Two-piece splash and spill resistant lid assembly and method therefor |
US20160198876A1 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2016-07-14 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Lid featuring improved splash and spill resistance and ease of flow |
WO2016115291A1 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2016-07-21 | Waddington North America, Inc. | Two-piece splash and spill resistant lid assembly and method therefor |
US10583966B2 (en) * | 2015-09-22 | 2020-03-10 | Craig Sloan | Lid for a beverage container |
US20180257824A1 (en) * | 2015-09-22 | 2018-09-13 | Craig Sloan | Lid for a beverage container |
US10329057B2 (en) | 2015-11-11 | 2019-06-25 | Oculus Design LLC | Spill resistant cup lid |
USD782308S1 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2017-03-28 | Tariq Khalaf | Lid for beverage container |
USD815489S1 (en) * | 2016-08-05 | 2018-04-17 | Anhui Hengxin Environmental Protection And New Material Co., Ltd | Cup lid |
US10264902B2 (en) | 2016-08-12 | 2019-04-23 | Ahmed Thaher Althaher | Cup lid with wide drinking edge and interior baffle wall |
US10863841B2 (en) | 2016-08-12 | 2020-12-15 | Ahmed Thaher Althaher | Spill prevention system for drinking cup |
US10869567B2 (en) | 2016-08-12 | 2020-12-22 | Ahmed Thaher Althaher | Baffled drinking cup lid |
US10906707B2 (en) | 2017-02-08 | 2021-02-02 | Unicup Scandinavia Ab | Disposable lid for beverage containers |
WO2018147783A1 (en) * | 2017-02-08 | 2018-08-16 | Unicup Scandinavia Ab | A disposable lid for beverage containers |
USD825994S1 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-08-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | Tasting cup |
CN109470060A (en) * | 2018-12-20 | 2019-03-15 | 四川福蓉科技股份公司 | A kind of protective plate for alloy molten solution diversion trench |
USD997636S1 (en) | 2019-02-19 | 2023-09-05 | Starbucks Corporation | Cup lid |
USD945264S1 (en) | 2019-08-15 | 2022-03-08 | Berry Global, Inc. | Drink cup lid |
WO2021140104A1 (en) * | 2020-01-06 | 2021-07-15 | Hanpak Limited | A lid |
WO2022262015A1 (en) * | 2021-06-18 | 2022-12-22 | 吉特利环保科技(厦门)有限公司 | Straw pulp coffee cup lid |
USD1019389S1 (en) | 2022-03-01 | 2024-03-26 | Cfs Brands, Llc | Disposable cup lid |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2010071790A1 (en) | 2010-06-24 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20100133272A1 (en) | One-piece splash and spill resistant lid | |
US9944435B2 (en) | Two-piece splash and spill resistant lid assembly and method therefor | |
US10405680B2 (en) | Lid featuring improved splash and spill resistance and ease of flow | |
CA2901642C (en) | Splash and spill resistant lid | |
US7100790B2 (en) | Spill-resistant metered flow cap for a cup | |
US7168589B2 (en) | Spill-resistant container | |
US4767019A (en) | Splash resistant cup lid | |
US6702145B2 (en) | Splash-proof lid for a cup | |
US7591393B2 (en) | Disposable drinking cup lid | |
US20090283535A1 (en) | Sipper lid with straw capability | |
EP2470437B1 (en) | A lid, cup including a lid, and a method for forming a lid | |
US20080041862A1 (en) | Beverage container lid | |
US20090026219A1 (en) | Splash-inhibiting beverage container lid | |
US8794479B2 (en) | Drinking container with cooling reservoir | |
US20120305608A1 (en) | Rapid-flow and smooth-spouted lid | |
US5065880A (en) | Splash resistant cup lid | |
US8727163B2 (en) | Splash resistant lids, container assemblies including such lids and related methods | |
CA2996639A1 (en) | Container lid assemblies for directing liquid flow | |
US20100059535A1 (en) | Liquid dispensing cover for container | |
US20030102312A1 (en) | Disposable lid with cream and sugar port | |
US20100108701A1 (en) | Splash-resistant drinking device | |
US20060249521A1 (en) | Spill-resistant container | |
WO2021000009A1 (en) | Lid for drinking container with drinking passage | |
CA2622689A1 (en) | Beverage container lid | |
JP3231264U (en) | Disposable lid for cups with spout and cap |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC.,MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:EVANS, MICHAEL G;MITHAL, ASHISH K;SIGNING DATES FROM 20100111 TO 20100126;REEL/FRAME:023899/0037 Owner name: SCHEW, INC.,TENNESSEE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WALWORTH, VAN T;WHITAKER, CRAIG S.;SIGNING DATES FROM 20100115 TO 20100202;REEL/FRAME:023901/0139 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC.,MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WICHMANN, MATTHEW J;REEL/FRAME:023906/0410 Effective date: 20100111 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS US AGENT, Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:029087/0170 Effective date: 20121003 Owner name: GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY, AS CANADIAN AGE Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:029087/0188 Effective date: 20121003 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS COLLATERA Free format text: FIRST LIEN PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC.;ECO-PRODUCTS, INC.;PAR-PAK LTD.;REEL/FRAME:030665/0803 Effective date: 20130607 Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS COLLATERA Free format text: SECOND LIEN PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC.;ECO-PRODUCTS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:030665/0824 Effective date: 20130607 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC., KENTUCKY Free format text: PATENT RELEASE OF REEL 29087 AND FRAME 0188;ASSIGNOR:GE CANADA FINANCE HOLDING COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:031510/0594 Effective date: 20130607 Owner name: WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC., KENTUCKY Free format text: PATENT RELEASE OF REEL 29087 FRAME 0170;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:031510/0647 Effective date: 20130607 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ECO-PRODUCTS, INC., COLORADO Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:036241/0515 Effective date: 20150731 Owner name: ECO-PRODUCTS, INC., COLORADO Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:036241/0451 Effective date: 20150731 Owner name: PAR-PAK LTD., CANADA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:036241/0515 Effective date: 20150731 Owner name: WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC., MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:036241/0451 Effective date: 20150731 Owner name: WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC., MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:036241/0515 Effective date: 20150731 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |