WO2011014932A1

WO2011014932A1 - Improvements in labelling of lids

Info

Publication number: WO2011014932A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/001007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Phin Tjhai; Chris Lawrence
Original assignee: Lid Power Pty Limited
Priority date: 2009-08-07
Filing date: 2010-08-09
Publication date: 2011-02-10

Abstract

The present invention relates to modifications in the labeling of lids, providing novel lids arranged to present information, and provide other functions.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN LABELLING OF LIDS

The disclosure of International Patent Applications numbers PCT/AU2005/001651 and PCT/AU2009/000414 are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the provision of information on drinks container lids by way of labelling of the lids, and generally relates to improvements in labelling of lids and, particularly, but not exclusively, improvements in labelling of lids for delivering promotional or advertising messages via the lids of drinks containers.

Background of the Invention

Advertising and other messages are delivered in many ways, via many different types of media. It is known to deliver messages by way of including a message on a drinks-container lid, such as a takeaway drinks container lid. The messages have previously been applied to the drinks-container lids by moulding the lids so that the message appears indented or raised on the drinks-container lid. Note that these drinks-cups lids are generally of plastics material, although they may also be of paper material .

It is, however, quite expensive to provide messages in this way. Only one message can be provided per moulding. To change the message, different mouldings have to be used. This increases costs, which will usually be borne by the purchaser of the lids, e.g. coffee shop owner. This form of message delivery is limited.

The Applicant's earlier patent application,

PCT/AU2005/001651 discloses the use of printed labels carrying messages, which can be adhered to the top of the drinks container lid using a labelling machine. This is a great improvement over prior art arrangements, and allows many different messages to be delivered by the printed labels using standard drinks container lids.

The present Applicants consider it would be

beneficial to provide further improvements to message delivery via lids for drinks containers, and further improvements to labels for lids of drinks containers.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a label for a soft drinks type

container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid and comprising an access area for a straw to the soft drinks container lid.

In an embodiment, the access area is provided by a hole in the label .

In an alternative embodiment, the printed label does not extend to cover the straw hole when it is adhered to the soft drinks container lid, and the access area is the portion of the drinks container lid left uncovered by the label.

In an embodiment, the label is a printed label bearing information.

Soft drinks container lids are usually provided with a hole to receive a straw. An advantage of the label of this embodiment of this invention is that an area is allowed for the straw hole.

In an embodiment, the label is adhered to the soft drinks container lid by an adhesive, such as glue. In an embodiment, the adhesive is provided on only a portion of the label. In an embodiment the adhesive is provided only on a central portion of the label .

In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention provides a soft drinks container lid bearing a label in accordance with the first aspect of the

invention.

In accordance with a third aspect, the present invention provides a label for a drinks container lid having an opening, the label comprising a main body portion and an extending portion extending from the main body portion and arranged, in use, to cover the opening.

Drinks container lids commonly have an opening through which the contents of the container may be poured (e.g. so a customer can drink the contents) . The opening may be flush with the surface of the lid or may be formed in a spout extending from the surface .

In an embodiment, the extending portion is a tongue portion, arranged to cover the opening.

In an embodiment, means to affix the tongue portion to the lid are provided, so that it is secured over the opening. A user may remove the tongue portion from the opening. The means to affix may be adhesive or other means which doesn't prevent the tongue portion being moved from over the opening.

In an embodiment, the main body portion of the label is arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid. In an embodiment, the main portion of the label carries information. It may be a printed label.

It is an advantage of at least an embodiment, that if contents are being carried in the drinks container, then the extending portion covering the hole will reduce the likelihood of spillage of the contents. To access the contents, the user may peel away the extending portion to reveal the hole.

The drinks container may be a container arranged to contain coffee e.g. a takeaway coffee container.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a label for a drinks container lid, the label being responsive to changes in temperature to change appearance.

In an embodiment, the label may bear different information, depending upon the temperature. In one embodiment, a different message may appear on the label when the temperature changes.

In an embodiment, the drinks container lid is a lid for a takeaway beverage container, such as a takeaway coffee, for example.

Labels in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be used to deliver messages depending upon temperature changes. For example, a message may indicate that the contents of the drinks container are hot .

In accordance with a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid bearing a label in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, the drinks container lid having a surface responsive to changes in temperature to produce a change in appearance .

In accordance with an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, and the label bearing a collectable device, whereby the lid may be a collectable item.

The collectable devices may be characters e.g.

childrens characters, a series of messages, a series of patterns, or any other collectable device. In an

embodiment, the collectable device forms part of a series of a plurality of collectable devices borne by a plurality of labels on a plurality of drinks container lids.

The labels and lids may be collected by users.

Advantageously, this provides an attraction to purchase the drinks container, and also reduces litter, as the lids may be kept and not thrown away .

In accordance with a ninth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid bearing a label in accordance with the eighth aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a tenth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, the drinks container lid bearing one of a series of collectable devices, whereby the lid forms a collectable item.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect, the present invention provides a label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, the label comprising first and second layers forming a space between them arranged to receive an item.

In an embodiment, the label acts as a form of

envelope arranged to contain one or more items. The items may be a device bearing a message e.g. a piece of paper or card bearing a message, a CD or DVD, a flash card or microchip or any other item.

In an embodiment, an adhesive is provided to adhere at least a portion of the first and second layers together to retain the item within the space until the layers are separated by a user.

At least an embodiment of the invention has the advantage that items can be retained by the label on the drinks container lid, and offered to the user, providing a further attraction to purchase the drinks container.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with the eleventh aspect .

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect, the present invention provides a label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, the label mounting an electronic display for displaying information.

In an embodiment, the label also mounts a power source for driving the electronic display. The power source may be a solar power source.

The information may be any type of information, including words, numbers, patterns, ornaments, colours or any other type of information.

In an embodiment, the electronic display is an LED display.

The drinks container lid may be for any type of drinks container, such as a soft or hot beverage

container, or any other drinks container.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid bearing a label in accordance with the thirteenth aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, comprising a top surface mounting an electronic display for displaying information,

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect, the present invention provides a label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, the label comprising a plurality of pages arranged to bear information.

The pages may be arranged together in booklet form, fixed together at one side of each page, or the pages may be fixed at alternate edges and may be unfolded outwardly in "concertina" form. The pages may be arranged in other ways .

A top page may include a sealing mechanism, such as adhesive, to retain the plurality of pages in a closed position until the sealing mechanism is undone.

The label may be used as a product brochure,

catalogue, booklet or mini magazine, or have other

applications.

The drinks container lid may be for a takeaway beverage, such as a takeaway coffee cup, or may be for a soft drinks container, or other drinks container.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid bearing a label in accordance with the sixteenth aspect of the invention.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect, the present invention provides a label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the lid, and the label bearing a holographic image.

The holographic image can be still or can change with different viewing angles. In accordance with a nineteenth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with the eighteenth aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid bearing a holographic image.

In accordance with a twenty first aspect, the present invention provides a label for a dome form lid, the label comprising a length of material formed to conform with the contour of the side of the dome so as to be affixed to the side of the dome.

The label may be arranged to extend all the way around the dome, or only part way around the dome. In an embodiment, the label extends approximately a quarter of the way around the dome. In another embodiment, the label extends approximately three quarters of the way around the dome .

The label may be formed so that it may be applied to the dome form lid by automated labelling apparatus. It may be applied in a predetermined orientation.

Dome form lids are often used with drinks containers containing soft drinks such as smoothies and juices. The dome form lid and label may be used with other drinks containers, however.

In accordance with a twenty second aspect, the present invention provides a dome form lid for a drinks container, bearing a label in accordance with the twenty first aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a twenty third aspect, the present invention provides a label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, the label comprising a portion which is removable and arranged to be used as a coupon or gaming token.

The coupon may be used as a voucher to redeem special discounts for product purchases, for example. The

removable portion may conceal a code or PIN number underneath. This could be used in gaining. For example, the code may be used in a Lotto game .

In accordance with a twenty fourth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with the twenty third aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a twenty fifth aspect, the present invention provides a label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, the label being arranged to emit a scent or smell.

In an embodiment, the scent or smell may be indicate the beverage contained in the cup. For example, if cinnamon coffee is contained in the cup, the label may emit a cinnamon smell .

In an embodiment, the scent or smell may merely be a pleasant scent or smell and may not have anything to do with the contents of the container.

The drinks container may be a container for any drink, such as a soft or hot beverage.

In accordance with a twenty sixth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with the twenty fifth aspect of the

invention.

In accordance with a twenty seventh aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, the drinks container lid comprising a device arranged to emit a scent or smell.

In accordance with a twenty eighth aspect, the present invention provides a label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, and the label being arranged to function as a lottery ticket.

In an embodiment, the label acts as a physical lottery ticket, which the user is able to take to a lottery station to determine whether they have won a prize. The lottery station may be a cafe, newsagent or any outlet where the user is able to check their lottery ticket .

This invention, in at least an embodiment, has the advantage that users will wish to retain the lids so that they can play the lottery game, and therefore will not litter.

In an embodiment, each label has a unique number or PIN, either concealed or displayed openly, for entry into the lottery game.

The drinks container lid may be for any drinks container, soft or hot beverage.

In accordance with a twenty ninth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid bearing a label in accordance with the twenty eighth aspect of the

invention.

In accordance with a thirtieth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, the drinks container lid being arranged to function as a lottery ticket .

In accordance with a thirty first aspect, the present invention provides a label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, the label comprising a portion which is removable by the application of friction to reveal hidden information.

In an embodiment the label is "scratchable" by way of a finger or coin or other frictional application to reveal the hidden information. The hidden information may comprise any information, including a hologram,

information on whether a prize is being won, text, images or other information.

The drinks container lid may be for any drinks container, such as a takeaway cold or hot beverage

container.

In accordance with a thirty second aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with the thirty first aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a thirty third aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, the drinks container lid comprising a portion that is removable by way of the application of friction to reveal hidden information.

In accordance with a thirty fourth aspect, the present invention provides a label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the lid, the label mounting a radio frequency tag.

The radio frequency tag may be used to track the lid and also the drinks container. It may be used in

inventory control, for example, or other applications.

In an embodiment, the label may include printed information, which may be promotional or other

information, as well as mounting the radio frequency tag.

In an embodiment, the drinks container lid may be for any drinks container, such as a takeaway cold or hot beverage container.

In accordance with a thirty fifth aspect, the present invention provides a drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with the thirty fourth aspect of the

invention.

In accordance with a thirty sixty aspect, the present invention comprises a drinks container lid, mounting a radio frequency tag.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with

reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 to 6 are drawings and diagrams of labels and lids for drinks containers in accordance with

embodiments of the invention, particularly arranged for soft drinks container lids;

Figures 7 through 12 are diagrams showing a label and lid and operation of the label and lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, particularly- arranged for reducing spillage of contents of a drinks container;

Figures 13 and 14 are top views of a label and lid embodiment in accordance with the present invention, showing the label in a first and second visual state;

Figures 15 and 16 are top views of labels and lids in accordance with further embodiments of the present

invention;

Figure 17 is a top view of a lid and label in

accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the label being arranged to contain an item;

Figure 18 shows a top view of a label and a lid in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the label providing an electronic display;

Figures 19 to 22 show diagrams and views of labels and lids in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the label having multiple pages,- Figures 23 to 26 show various views of labels and lids in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the labels bearing a holographic image; and

Figures 27 to 31 show various views of labels and a dome form lid, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed description of embodiments

Embodiments of the present invention relate to labels for drinks container lids, and also to drinks container lids. Embodiments of the invention may be applied to any drinks container lids. The lids include hot beverage container lids, such as takeaway coffee (and other hot beverage) containers. They also include soft drink container lids, such as for juices and smoothies.

The Applicants have appreciated that the surface of a drinks container lid provides an extremely convenient and useful area for promotional material . As discussed in the preamble, a problem with prior art arrangement of lids, is that any promotional material needs to be manufactured with the lid i.e. by moulding the lid.

In an earlier patent application, PCT/AU2005/001651, the present Applicants describe how printed labels may be applied to the surface of a drinks container lid by an automated process (utilizing a labeling machine) . The printed labels may bear promotional information. The printed labels are applied to the lid in registration so that a person drinking from the container will be able to see and comprehend the promotional material . The use of printed labels means that the lids do not have to be remanufactured every time new promotional material is being presented. The new promotional material can be presented merely by way of a new printed label . Applying the labels by machine (instead of hand) means that the lids are cheaper to manufacture.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to improvements to the labels and lids. They may be used to provide promotional material, or any information or message. They may be used to provide decorative display to attract the attention of a consumer.

Drinks container lids for soft drinks often have a hole for a straw and are arranged to fit to the rim of a container containing soft drink. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a printed label for a soft drinks container lid with a straw hole.

Referring to Figure 1, a soft drink lid 1 is shown having a printed label 2 affixed to it, e.g. by adhesive. The printed label 2 has a central hole 3 which coincides with the straw hole 4 in the soft drinks container lid.

The printed label 2 has printed matter 5 printed on it. This printed matter may be any text or numerals, images or other printed matter. It may include

promotional matter, for example, marketing an associated product or service. In the Figure 1 embodiment, because the straw hole 4 is central, the orientation of the label when affixed to the top surface of the lid 1 is not important. A consumer can read the matter even when drinking through the straw, by moving the container lid to the appropriate

orientation.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the drinks container lid 7 has a straw hole 8 which is towards the edge of the lid 7. The printed label 9 is arranged to have a hole 10 coinciding with the straw hole 9 towards the edge of the printed label. The printed matter 11 and label 9 are oriented so that when a consumer is consuming fluid via the straw, they can read the information on the printed label 9.

In other embodiments, the printed label may have the hole for the straw in different orientations with respect to the information. For example, the hole for the straw could be at the top in relation to the message, or on either side .

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment, in which the printed label 12 does not cover the top surface of the lid 13 and leaves bare an access area 14 for the straw hole 15. The printed label 12 only part covers the top surface of the lid 13.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the information 16 on the label is oriented so that it may be read when a user is drinking through the straw.

The printed labels of the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3 are affixed to the lids by a fixing mechanism, in these embodiments being adhesive. Figure 4 shows the underside of the printed label 2 of Figure 1, before it is affixed to the lid 1. In this embodiment, the adhesive is provided only on a portion of the label . The adhesive is indicated by reference numeral 20. In this embodiment it is applied only on a portion about the opening 3 for the straw hole 4. No glue is provided elsewhere on the label 2. This has the advantage that only a small amount of adhesive is required to fix the label to the lid. Glue does not have to be provided all over the label. Also, having glue only in a relatively small portion of the label makes handling of the labels easier and reduces the chance of mess .

The adhesive may be provided on other portions in other embodiments. For example in the embodiment of

Figure 2, adhesive may be provided around the opening 8 and also at another point on the label so that the label is safely secured to the lid 7. The other point may be "North" i.e. opposite the opening 8 for the straw hole.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, again, adhesive may be provided only on a central portion of the label 12.

Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a label for a soft drinks container. The label, indicated by reference numeral 21 has a central opening 22 for the straw hole 23. It can be seen from the relative size of the straw hole 23 to the label 21, that the label is relatively small and would not cover the entire surface of the lid.

Figure 6 shows an actual example of the label 2 of the embodiment of Figure 1, showing the type of

information 5 that may be printed on the label 2.

An embodiment of a lid with an extending portion 4 covering an opening of a drinks container lid will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 12.

The diagrams of Figures 7 to 12 show a drinks

container lid 30 and a label 31 arranged to be affixed to the top of the lid 30.

The drinks container lid 30 may be for any type of drinks container, but may be most useful with drink containers that contain warm or hot beverages, such as coffee, tea and other hot beverages. It could also be used for other drinks, such as soft drinks.

As is commonly the case with many drinks container lids, the drinks container lid 30 has an opening 35 through which the contents of the drinks container may be consumed, for example. A problem with such openings, however, is that it is possible to spill the contents of the container, and this can be a safety issue, in

particular where the contents are hot.

In this embodiment, the label 31 comprises a main body portion 32 which is arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid 30. The main body portion may display information which may be in the form of

promotional messages, or any other information. The information may be printed on the main body portion 32 of the label 31. The invention is not limited, however, to having information printed on the main body portion 32. In some embodiments, no information may be provided on the main body portion 32 or any other part of the label 31. The label 31 may merely operate to provide the safety feature discussed below.

As well as the main body portion 32, the label 31 also comprises an extending portion 33. The extending portion projects outwardly from the main body portion 32 and in use, is arranged to extend over the opening 35 in the lid 30.

In use the extending portion, being in this

embodiment in the form of a tongue 33, is arranged to seal the opening 35. This advantageously facilitates

preventing contents of the container from spilling through the hole 35.

In this embodiment, a fixing mechanism is used to fix the tongue 33 about the hole 35.

Referring to Figure 9, an embodiment of the lid 30 is shown where the opening 35 is formed in a spout 36. The spout 36 is slightly raised from the top surface of the lid 30. Such spouts are commonly provided in drinks container lids.

Referring to Figure 12, a fixing mechanism in this embodiment in the form of adhesive, is applied to the tongue 33 in use. In Figure 12, the area where the adhesive is applied is shown in ghost line and it will be seen it is either side of the spout. A portion 39 of the tongue 33 is free to be grasped by a user so that the tongue 33 can be peeled away from the spout 36 so that a user can access the contents of the container via the hole 35.

In this embodiment, a perforated area 40 divides the tongue portion 33 from the main body portion 32 of the label 31. A user can therefore easily remove the tongue portion 33 entirely to further facilitate access to the opening 35. Note that in other embodiments, the

perforated portion 40 may not be present.

The label 31 may be applied to the lid 30 by a labelling apparatus, such as described in the Applicant's earlier patent application referenced above.

Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the present

invention applied to a lid 3OA where the opening 35 is formed in the top part of the lid 3OA, and there is no spout. Such lids are also commonly available.

A further embodiment of a label and lid in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figures 13 and 14 are a picture of a label 45 of an embodiment of the present invention which is affixed to the top of a drinks

container lid 46. In this embodiment, the label 45 is temperature sensitive, such that it may change appearance, when the temperature of the lid 46 and the label 45 changes .

Figure 13 shows the label 45 when it is cool. For example, the container 47, may contain cool contents or no contents at all.

Figure 14 shows the label 45 when it is warm or hot. For example, the container 47 may contain hot contents such as hot coffee or tea.

In this embodiment, in Figure 13, the label 45 does not display a message. In Figure 14, however, the

temperature change has caused the label 45 to display the message "HOT" . This warns any user that the contents of the container 47 are likely to be hot and that therefore they should be careful .

Temperature sensitive materials from which such labels may be made are known.

The invention is not limited to the display of warning messages such as "HOT" , but any message may be displayed using the property of change in appearance because of temperature variation. For example, a

promotional message may be displayed.

Further, in this embodiment, in Figure 13 no message is displayed. In other embodiments, a message may be displayed when the temperature is cool and another, different or additional message may be displayed when the temperature changes .

In the above embodiment, the label 45 only covers a small portion of the top surface of the drinks container lid 46. The invention is not limited to this. Other embodiments may cover more or less of the top surface of the container 46.

In the above embodiment, it is a label which responds to the temperature variation to display messages. In alternative embodiments, the lid 46 itself may be a material which can respond to varying temperature to display changed messages.

In embodiments, the temperature variation can be induced by hot or cold liquid or physical touch or

exposure to sunlight or by other means. The whole label could change colour or appearance or only a portion or part of the label. There are many applications of this label including but not limited to:

• Delivering a warning message (e.g. "HOT" as

discussed above.

• It can be used to attract attention of the consumer when the lid is used for promotion or advertising due to the colour changes.

• A label or lid with a "hot spot" may be provided that when touched, changes colour. This may provide novelty value to the lid, especially for children.

• It can be used to indicate the level of ultraviolet radiation when exposed to sunlight. A further embodiment of the invention will now be described, wherein labels and lids are provided as collectable items.

Referring to Figures 15 and 16, examples of

labels 50, 51 are shown which bear a collectable device, In Figure 15 for example, the collectable device 52 is a character, such as a Disney character.

The label 50 is affixed to the top surface of drinks container lid 55.

The device 52 may be one of a series of collectable devices. The series of collectable devices may be mounted on labels mounted to a plurality of lids 55. A series of collectable devices in this embodiment may be a series of Disney characters.

The collectable devices provide a further attraction for the user to purchase the drinks container and drinks container lid. Further, the collectable device 52 is an incentive for the user to collect the lid 55 and not dispose of it. It therefore reduces the potential for littering.

Note that collectable devices 52 may be associated with promotional material for marketing purposes, to facilitate an advertising message.

Figure 16 shows a different collectable device 56 which, again, may be one of a series of a plurality of collectable devices.

The collectable devices are not limited to characters from movies or such, but may be any type of collectable device, such as a message, series of patterns, series of items (e.g. series of types of aeroplanes) or any other collectable device.

Other application examples include, but are not limited to: • Serious collections, such as stamps issued by the Post Office.

• Entertainment collections (e.g. collection of a

series of Pop Stars, Movie Stars, TV Stars) .

• Sports collections, a series of cricketers,

footballer, etc.

In the above embodiments, the collectable devices are provided on labels, in this example printed labels, which are affixed to the surface of the lids. In an alternative embodiment, the lids themselves may bear the collectable device .

A further embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 illustrates a label 60 affixed to the top surface of a drinks container lid 61. The label 60 has a plurality of layers 62 and 63, which in this embodiment form a space 64 between them. A tab 65 from the top layer 63 can be grasped by a user to peel back the top layer 63 to reveal the space 64. The space 64, may, in use, contain an item.

The item may be any item. It may for example, be a piece of tape or card bearing a message. It may a CD, or a DVD (of appropriate size) , a flash card or microchip or any other item. Promotional information may be provided by these items or any other information may be provided.

This provides an additional incentive for the user to purchase the drinks container lid 61 (which would

generally be associated with the drink that the user is purchasing) .

The label 60 forms an "envelope" which can contain any item of the appropriate size.

Figure 18 shows a picture of a label for a drinks container lid in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a label 70 is affixed to the top surface of a drinks container lid 71. The label 70 bears an electronic display 72, in this embodiment being an LED display 72 comprising a plurality of LEDs 73. When activated, the LEDs may present information, such as a pattern, a message, or any other information. The message or information, patterns, displays, may be animated, or provide a special lighting effect. This may provide an attraction for a user to purchase the drinks container lid 71.

In this embodiment, a power source for the electronic display 72 is solar. This may be provided by a solar cell (not shown) provided on another portion of the label 70.

The invention is not limited to an LED display, and other types of displays, such as LCD, for example, may be utilised.

In the above embodiment, the display is mounted on a label 70 which is affixed to the drinks container lid 71. In an alternative embodiment, the drinks container lid itself may mount the electronic display.

A further embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 19 to 22.

Referring to Figure 19, a label 80 is diagramatically illustrated. The label 80 is affixed to the top of a drinks container lid 81 shown attached to a drinks

container 82. The drinks container may contain any drink, such as hot or cold beverage, or any other drink.

In this embodiment, the label 80 comprises a

plurality of pages 83 arranged to bear information. The information may be any information, and a plurality of pages 83 may be used as a product brochure, catalogue, booklet, mini magazine, or any other application. An advantage of having a plurality of pages, is that more information can be provided than with a label which just has a single surface available for bearing information.

There may be any number of pages, limited only by a viable thickness of the label 40.

In operation, the label 80 is initially sealed, so that the pages are unopened. A sealing mechanism 85 comprises a tab 85 which has adhesive 86 on its underside (or some other sealing mechanism) which, when tab 85 is folded down onto the other pages 83 "closes" the pages. A user peeling back the tab 85 "opens" the pages 83.

Figures 20 to 22 show an actual example. In Figure 20, the label 80 is closed, in Figure 21 the pages 83 are partially shown (the label 80 is partially opened) . In Figure 22, the label is entirely open.

In the above embodiment, the pages are formed

together in "concertina" form. They may be formed so that the pages are affixed together at one side only, similar to a book. They may be arranged in any other convenient way.

Referring to Figures 23 to 26, embodiments of a label in accordance with the present invention are shown, where the labels bear holographic images.

Referring to Figures 23 and 24, a label 90 is affixed to the top surface of a drinks container lid 91. The label 90 provides information on its surface, in this example being in the form of a hologram. Figure 23 shows the holographic image viewed from one angle and Figure 24 shows a view from another angle. In this embodiment, different images are shown depending upon which angle the hologram is viewed from.

Figures 27 and 28 show a further embodiment, where the label 92 is affixed to the top surface of a drinks container lid 93. An image of a bear is shown, in

different positions depending upon viewing angle.

Any holographic image may be displayed by embodiments of the present invention. The invention is not limited to the images shown in Figures 23 to 26. The holographic image may vary depending upon viewing angle, but in some embodiments it may not vary and may stay still.

A further embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 27 to 31.

There are types of drinks container lids known as "dome" form lids. These types of lids are generally used with drinks containers where the drink may rise above the level of the rim of the drinks container. They are often used for smoothies, soft ice cream, yoghurts and juices. They may be used, however, with any drink.

Figure 31 shows an example of a common dome form drinks container lid 100.

Referring to Figure 27, a label 101 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is diagramatically shown affixed to the curved surface of the dome form lid 100. The label 101 comprises a length of material

(e.g. paper) formed to conform with the contour of the side of the dome lid 100. It may be affixed by any affixing mechanism such as adhesive, for example.

In an embodiment, the label 101 is applied to the dome form lid using an automated labelling machine.

The label 101 is in the form of a ribbon.

Figures 28 and 29 show diagrams of labels 101A and 101B. Label 101A is arranged to extend only around a relatively small portion of the extent of the dome form lid 100 (about a quarter of the circumference) .

Label 101B, which is also shown diagramatically in Figure 30 is a "three quarter" label, arranged to extend around about three quarters of the circumference of the dome form lid 100.

The labels are not limited to be a three quarter length or quarter length, but may be any length.

Where quarter length (or similar) labels are used, two or more may be affixed to the surface of a single dome form lid 100.

The labels may bear any type of information,

including promotional messages or any other information.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a label is provided for affixing to the top of the drinks container lid, the label comprising a portion which is removable and arranged to be used as a coupon or gaming token.

The coupon may be used as a voucher to redeem

discount product purchases. It may be removed from the lid and retained for use in the subsequent product purchase, for example.

The removable portion may conceal a code or PIN number underneath. This may be used in gaming.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the label for a drinks container lid, is formed or partly formed from material which is able to give off a smell, or may be provided with a chemical which is arranged to give off a smell. In an embodiment, the smell may be associated with a drink to be provided in the container e.g. cinnamon coffee, a type of tea, or any other drink.

In another embodiment, the smell may have nothing to do with the contents of the container, but may just be a pleasant smell or a smell associated with a promotional idea, or any other smell.

In an embodiment, no label may be required, and the drinks container lid itself may be provided with means to emit a scent or smell.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a label is provided that is arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid and is arranged to function as a lottery ticket. The lid with the label acts like a normal lottery ticket. Instead of buying a traditional lottery at the Lottery office, the user buys, for example, a cup of takeaway coffee and gets a free lottery ticket (the lottery ticket need not be free, extra may be paid) . The lottery ticket may be associated with a promotion or may not be.

Each lid may have a unique number or PIN or concealed or openly displayed. The physical possession of the lid with the lottery label is proof of ownership. The lottery draw will be conducted by the lottery promoter to

determine which unique number or numbers have won a prize. This encourages consumers to keep the lid and not to litter.

In an alternative embodiment, the lid itself (without any label) may act as a lottery ticket, if it is provided with an appropriate code or number.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a label is provided arranged to be affixed to the top of a drinks container lid and which comprises a portion which is removable by the application of friction to reveal hidden information.

The label may effectively operate as a "Scratchie" , the application of friction by a finger or coin or by other means, removing a surface to reveal hidden

information. The hidden information may comprise any information, including a hologram, information on whether a prize is being won, text, images or other information. In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a label is provided for a drinks container lid, the label mounting a radio frequency tag.

Such a tag may be used for tracking and the label may include promotional information or other information.

Lids and labels in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention described in the preceding pages may be used with any drinks container lids for any drinks containers containing any drinks .

Aspects of the various embodiments may be utilised together e.g. a lid forming an envelope containing an item may also have a tongue which provides a safety from spillage of contents via a lid hole. Any aspect described above may be used in combination or separately.

Labels described above may cover any amount of the surface of the lid required, including the entire surface or a part of the surface.

The labels may be of any shape and not limited to the shapes shown and described above .

Where a fixing mechanism is used to fix the labels to the surface, in the above embodiments, the example

referred to has been adhesive. The invention is not limited to adhesive being the fixing mechanism, it could be any fixing mechanism.

The labels can be fixed to any shape of drinks container lid and the invention is not limited to the shapes shown above. Square, oval or any other shape lids may be utilised with embodiments of the present invention.

The labels of the above embodiments and the lids may be made of any convenient material. In an embodiment, the labels and/or lids may be biodegradable materials.

Embodiments of the present invention may present any message. The message could be promotional, or may merely be decoration (e.g. a pattern) . Any information or message may be presented.

Generally, the types of drinks containers that the above embodiments of the invention will be used with will be take-away drinks containers for containing hot and/or cold beverages, such as, for example, the ubiquitous take- away coffee container. The invention is not limited to this, however, and may be used with other drinks

containers .

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the

invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A label for a soft drinks type container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid and comprising an access area for a straw to the soft drinks container lid.

2. A label in accordance with claim 1, the access area comprising a hole in the label .

3. A label in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, comprising an area having adhesive thereon, the area having adhesive thereon being a relatively small portion of the label .

4. A soft drinks container lid bearing a label in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A label for a drinks container lid having an opening, the label comprising a main body portion and an extending portion extending from the main body portion and arranged, in use, to cover the opening.

6. A drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with claim 5.

7. A label for a drinks container lid, the label being responsive to changes in temperature to change appearance.

8. A label in accordance with claim 7, the label being arranged to present different information depending upon temperature .

9. A label in accordance with claim 8, the label being arranged to provide a different message in response to a temperature change .

10. A drinks container lid bearing a label in accordance with any one of claims 7-9.

11. A drinks container lid, the drinks container lid having a surface responsive to changes in temperature to produce a change in appearance .

12. A label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to a top of the drinks container lid, and the label bearing one of a series of collectable devices, whereby the lid may be a collectable item.

13. A set of a plurality of labels for a respective plurality of drinks container lids, each label being arranged to be affixed to the top of a respective drinks container lid, and each label bearing one of a series of collectable devices, the others of the series being borne by the others of the plurality of labels, whereby the set of labels forms a collectable set.

14. A drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with claim 12.

15. A drinks container lid, the drinks container lid bearing one of a series of collectable devices, whereby the lid forms a collectable item.

16. A set of a plurality of drinks container lids, each of the plurality of the drinks container lids bearing one of a series of collectable devices, whereby the set of drinks container lids bears all of the series of

collectable devices.

17. A label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, the label comprising first and second layers forming a space between them arranged to receive an item.

18. A label in accordance with claim 17, wherein the item is one or more of a card bearing a message, a CD, a DVD, a flashcard, a microchip.

19. A drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with claim 17 or claim 18.

20. A label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to a top of the drinks container lid, the label mounting an electronic display for

displaying information.

21. A label in accordance with claim 21, the label further mounting a power source for driving the electronic display.

22. A label in accordance with claim 21, where the power source is a solar power source.

23. A label in accordance with any one of claims 20-22, wherein the electronic display is an LED display.

24. A drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with any one of claims 20-23.

25. A drinks container lid, comprising a top surface mounting an electronic display for displaying information.

26. A label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, the label comprising a plurality of pages arranged to bear information.

27. A label in accordance with claim 26, wherein the pages are fixed together at alternate edges and may be unfolded outwardly in "concertina" form.

28. A label in accordance with claim 27, wherein the pages are fixed together at the same edge in booklet form.

5 29. A drinks container lid bearing a label in accordance with any one of claims 26-28.

30. A label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the lid, and theo label bearing a holographic image.

31. A drinks container lid bearing a label in accordance with claim 30. 5

32. A drinks container lid bearing a holographic image.

33. A label for a dome form lid, the label comprising a length of material formed to conform with a contour of the side of the dome so as to be affixed to the side of the o dome .

34. A label in accordance with claim 33, arranged to extend only a part way around the dome. 5 35. A label in accordance with claim 33, arranged to

extend around the majority of the circumference of the dome .

36. A dome form lid for a drinks container, bearing a0 label in accordance with any one of claims 33-35.

37. A label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, the label comprising a portion which is removable and5 arranged to be used as a coupon or gaming token.

38. A drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with claim 37 .

39. A label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, the label being arranged to emit a scent or smell.

40. A label in accordance with claim 39, wherein the scent or smell is associated with the contents of the container.

41. A drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with claim 39 or claim 40.

42. A drinks container lid, the drinks container lid comprising a device arranged to emit a scent or smell .

43. A label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, and the label being arranged to function as a lottery ticket.

44. A drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with claim 43.

45. A drinks container lid, the drinks container lid being arranged to function as a lottery ticket.

46. A label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the drinks container lid, the label comprising a portion which is removable by the application of friction to reveal hidden information.

47. A drinks container lid bearing a label in accordance with claim 46.

48. A drinks container lid, the drinks container lid comprising a portion that is removable by way of the application of friction to reveal hidden information.

49. A label for a drinks container lid, the label being arranged to be affixed to the top of the lid, the label mounting a radio frequency tag.

50. A drinks container lid, bearing a label in accordance with claim 49.

51. A drinks container lid mounting a radio frequency- tag .