Sipping lid closure device and method of use

Abstract

A stopper for a beverage container lid having a drinking aperture (sipping hole). The stopper has a plug portion that can be inserted into the drinking aperture to stop any fluid from flowing out. It also has a flange portion that prevents the plug portion from passing through the aperture, and also facilitates handling and placement of the stopper and it has a retainer comprising one or more protuberances extending from the plug portion. In use, the stopper is inserted into the aperture to prevent spillage and heat loss from the container. The retainer passes beyond the lid so as to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the stopper. The stopper is removed to allow consumption of the beverage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention pertains generally to beverage containers, and more particularly to a stopper that may be used to selectively plug the sip hole in the lid of a beverage container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For the convenience of customers who are on the go, coffee and other beverages are sold in plastic or paper containers. To prevent spillage and heat loss, a removable plastic lid is available to cover the container. Some of these lids have a small sip hole through which the beverage may be consumed while the lid is in place on the container. Even though the sip hole is small, accidental spills and heat loss can still occur.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a stopper for selectively plugging the sip hole aperture in a beverage container lid so that accidental spills and heat loss are avoided. When a user is not sipping the beverage, the stopper is inserted into the sip hole. The stopper may later be removed to continue consumption of the beverage.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a stopper for a beverage container having a lid having a sip hole includes (1) a plug portion which is shaped and dimensioned to be received by the sip hole, (2) a flange portion connected to the plug portion for preventing the stopper from passing through the sip hole and to facilitate handling of the stopper and (3) a retainer comprising at least one protuberance extending from the plug portion a selected distance from the flange portion.

When inserted into the sip hole, the retainer passes beyond the thickness of the lid to retain the stopper in place, but allows it to be removed when pulled out.

Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art beverage container having a removable lid;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of area 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top view of a stopper in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the stopper;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged bottom view of the stopper;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged bottom view of an alternative of the stopper;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged bottom view of an alternative of the stopper;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged end elevation view of the stopper;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view along the line 7-7 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view along the line 8-8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the stopper;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the beverage container with the stopper positioned to be inserted into the aperture in the lid;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the beverage container with the stopper inserted into the aperture in the lid;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross sectional view along the line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged top view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged bottom view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged end view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view along line 17-17 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view along line 18-18 of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 19 is an enlarged top view of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a perspective view of a prior art beverage container 500 having a removable lid 502. Lid 502 is typically made of plastic, and is shaped so that it snugly fits around the rim of container 500. In one commonly used configuration lid 502 has a ring-shaped plateau 503 which has an aperture 504 called a “sip hole” through which the beverage contents of container 500 may be sipped. There are different configurations of such lids; for purposes of the present invention, the key element being the presence of a sipping hole. The configuration shown is used for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top plan view of area 2 of FIG. 1 showing the aperture 50A. In the shown embodiment aperture 504 comprises an elongated oval (race track shape), having a length l of about 0.41 inches and a width w of about 0.18 inches. It may be appreciated however that aperture 504 could have different dimensions, and also other shapes such as circular, rectangular, square, triangular, oval, hexagonal, etc.

Now referring to FIGS. 3-6, and 9 there are illustrated enlarged top, enlarged side elevation, enlarged bottom, enlarged end elevation, and enlarged perspective views respectively of a stopper for a beverage container lid 502 in accordance with the present invention, the stopper generally designated as 20. In an embodiment of the invention, stopper 20 is fabricated from a plastic (polymeric) material (for example polystyrene RCYL6). Stopper 20 includes a plug portion 22 which is shaped and dimensioned to be received by aperture 504 in lid 502 (refer to FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein plug portion 22 may be removably inserted into aperture 504 to block the flow of the beverage therethrough. In the shown embodiment, plug portion 22 is shaped and dimensioned to fit into the elongated oval aperture 504 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, when viewed from the bottom as in FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B, plug portion 22 has an elongated oval shape. However, it may be appreciated that plug portion 22 could also be shaped and dimensioned to fit any other aperture configurations such as circular, rectangular, square, triangular, oval, hexagonal, etc. In an embodiment of the invention, plug 22 is slightly larger than aperture 504 so that plug 22 snugly fits into aperture 504. In the shown embodiment, plug portion 22 has a length dimension L and a width dimension W. For a very secure fit each of these dimensions can be slightly larger than the mating dimension of the lid 502. In a preferred configuration the length L is equal to or slightly smaller than the mating dimension of the lid 502. By making the length L slightly smaller than the mating dimension of the lid, when the stopper is squeezed across the width dimension, the plug will slightly expand in the length dimension. A clearance of 1/128″ on each end of the length L will allow the necessary expansion room when the plug width is pinched to remove. The extra space will allow easy removal of the stopper. In a preferred configuration the width dimension W is equal to or slightly larger than the mating dimension of the lid. Measuring a commonly used oval shaped lid opening 504 as shown a good set of dimensions for the plug 22 is a length L of about 0.43 inches, a width W of about 0.20 inches, and a height H of about 0.29 inches. The opposed walls of the plug 22 can be parallel, or they can diverge from the bottom to the top (where they connect to the flange 36), so as to progressively more securely close the aperture. Since many such lids are made of thin plastic they will bend to allow insertion when the plug is larger in any dimension than the mating dimension of the aperture.

It can therefore be appreciated that the shape and fit of the plug 22 should have such relationship to the aperture 50 as to act as a stopper, that is, the prevent spillage and heat loss.

Plug portion 22 has distal surfaces 24 which are rounded. The rounding facilitates insertion of plug portion 22 into aperture 504. In the shown embodiment, plug portion 22 has a side profile that includes a first semi-circular shape (refer to FIG. 4). Plug portion also has an end profile that includes a second semi-circular shape, smaller than the first semicircular shape (refer to FIG. 6).

A retainer extends from plug portion 22, protruding from it on one or both sides, and holds plug portion 22 in aperture 504 against dislodgement. The retainer is a protuberance that is spaced a selected distance below the flange so that the lid thickness is captured between the flange and the retainer. In the shown embodiment, plug portion 22 has a first side 28 and an opposite second side 30. The retainer includes a first protuberance 32 disposed on first side 28, and a second protuberance 34 disposed on second side 30. However, it is noted that only one protuberance 32 could also be utilized. First and second protuberances 32 and 34 hold stopper 20 in place within aperture 504 (refer to FIG. 12 and the discussion pertaining thereto). In the shown embodiment of FIG. 5, first and second protuberances 32 and 34 are half dome shaped knobs. It may be appreciated that even if plug portion 22 is the same size or even slightly smaller than sip hole 504, first and second protuberances 32 and 34 will still hold stopper 20 in sip hole 504. Shapes other than the half dome shaped knobs of FIG. 5 could also be utilized. FIG. 5A shows first and second protuberances 32a and 34a in the shape of flat ridges while in FIG. 5B the first and second protuberances 32b and 34b are in the shape of curved ridges. These shapes are exemplary as various shapes could be selected so long as the shape retains the plug against inadvertent dislodgement while allowing convenience of use in inserting and removing the stopper.

Stopper 20 further includes a flange portion 36 which is connected to plug portion 22 at its upper end. Flange portion 36 prevents plug portion 22 from passing through aperture 504, and also facilitates handling of stopper 20. In the shown embodiment, flange portion 36 includes a disc, wherein plug portion 22 is disposed on the disc and projects from it. It is noted however that flange portion 36 could have other shapes such as square, rectangular, triangular, oval, hexagonal, or other shape (see FIGS. 13-19). In the shown embodiment, flange portion 36 has a thickness T of about 0.04 inches, which is also the thickness of plug portion 22 (refer to FIG. 8). Flange portion 36 also has a diameter D of about 0.63 inches.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view along the line 7-7 of FIG. 3. In the shown embodiment stopper 20 is fabricated from a formed polymer sheet and plug portion 22 is hollow.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view along the line 8-8 of FIG. 3 showing the retainer (protuberances 32 and 34).

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of beverage container 500 with stopper 20 positioned to be inserted into aperture 504 in lid 502.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of beverage container 500 with stopper 20 inserted into aperture 504 in lid 502.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross sectional view along the line 12-12 of FIG. 11. It is noted that when plug portion 22 is inserted into aperture 504, lid 502 is disposed between the retainer (protuberances 32 and 34) and flange portion 36 of stopper 20, so that the stopper 20 is held in the inserted position. It is further noted that flange portion 36 extends outwardly from ring-shaped plateau 503 so that stopper 20 may be conveniently lifted out of sip hole 504 by pulling up.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first and second protuberances 32 and 34 (and similarly those shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) should be spaced below the flange 36 a distance such that the thickness of the lid 500 at the sip hole 504 will be captured between them, but not so great as to allow a lot of movement. It is appreciated that the flexibility of the lid will allow some movement and bending as the stopper is inserted, allowing the retainers to pass through the sip hole as the stopper is inserted. A tactile response will result when the retainers pass through the sip hole. As noted above, for a very secure fit and seal, the plug can be slightly larger than than the sip hole; but it need not be. In any case the retainer(s) must extend beyond the mating dimension of the sip hole so as to effectively act to retain the stopper in place.

FIGS. 13-18 show another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the flange is in the shape of a tab 40 and as shown the plug portion 22 is solid, although it could be hollow as shown in FIGS. 3, 9 and 12. Also any of the alternative configurations of the retainer protuberance(s) as described above can be used, the half dome shape 32, 34 being shown. The tab 40 extends laterally on one side of the stopper 20. FIG. 19 shows another alternative in which the tab 42 extends sidewise of the stopper 20.

When used together, the prior art beverage container 500 and the stopper 20 of the present invention combine to form a system for transport and drinking a beverage.

In terms of use, a method for blocking the flow of a beverage from a beverage container 500 includes:

(a) providing a beverage container 500 having a lid 502, lid 502 having an aperture 504 through which a beverage may be consumed;

(b) providing a beverage disposed within beverage container 500;

(c) providing a removable stopper 20 having a plug portion 22 shaped and dimensioned to be received by aperture 504, a flange portion 36 connected to plug portion 22, and a retainer connected to plug portion 22; and,

(d) inserting plug portion 22 of stopper 20 into aperture 504 of lid 502 so that lid 502 is disposed between the retainer and flange portion 36 to prevent spillage of the beverage and heat loss.

The method further including:

in step (c), flange portion 36 including a disc, wherein plug portion 22 is disposed upon the disc and projects from it.

The method further including:

in step (c), plug portion 22 having a first side 28 and an opposite second side 30, and the retainer including a first protuberance 34 disposed on first side 28.

The method further including:

in step (c), the retainer including a second protuberance 34 disposed on second side 30.

The method further including:

(e) pulling up on flange portion 34 to remove stopper 20 from sip hole 504.

In the method, all the configurations of the lid and the stopper described above may be employed

The preferred embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims.

The foregoing Detailed Description of exemplary and preferred embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and disclosure in accordance with the requirements of the law. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise form(s) described, but only to enable others skilled in the art to understand how the invention may be suited for a particular use or implementation. The possibility of modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. No limitation is intended by the description of exemplary embodiments which may have included tolerances, feature dimensions, specific operating conditions, engineering specifications, or the like, and which may vary between implementations or with changes to the state of the art, and no limitation should be implied therefrom. This disclosure has been made with respect to the current state of the art, but also contemplates advancements and that adaptations in the future may take into consideration of those advancements, namely in accordance with the then current state of the art. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims as written and equivalents as applicable. Reference to a claim element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated. Moreover, no element, component, nor method or process step in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or step is explicitly recited in the Claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for . . . ” and no method or process step herein is to be construed under those provisions unless the step, or steps, are expressly recited using the phrase “step(s) for . . . ”

Claims

1. A stopper for a beverage container having a lid, the lid having a thickness and an aperture through which a beverage may be consumed, said stopper comprising:

a plug portion shaped and dimensioned to be received by the aperture;

a flange portion connected to said plug portion at an upper end of the plug portion; and,

at least one retainer comprising a protuberance extending from the plug portion; and spaced a selected distance below the flange portion said distance being at least equal to the thickness of the lid;

wherein said plug portion may be removably inserted into the aperture by inserting the stopper portion into the aperture until the at least one retainer passes the lid so that the lid is disposed between the retainer and the flange portion, thereby to block the flow of the beverage through the aperture.

2. The stopper according to claim 1, further wherein said flange portion comprises an extended element having at least a portion extending away from the perimeter of the plug portion a distance of at least twice the thickness of the plug portion.

3. The stopper according to claim 2, further wherein said flange portion having a shape selected from the group consisting of:

a disc substantially centrally located with respect to said plug portion;

a tab extending sideways of the plug portion; and

a tab extending endwise of the plug portion;

wherein said plug portion projects outwardly from said flange portion.

4. The stopper according to claim 1, further wherein said stopper is shaped to match the shape of the aperture.

5. The stopper according to claim 4, further including:

said plug portion having a first side and an opposite second side; and,

said retainer including a first protuberance disposed on said first side.

6. The stopper according to claim 5, further including:

said retainer including a second protuberance disposed on said second side.

7. The stopper according to claim 1, further including:

said plug portion having distal surfaces, said distal surfaces being rounded.

8. The stopper according to claim 7, further including:

said plug portion having a side profile, said side profile including a first semi-circular shape; and,

said plug portion having an end profile, said end profile including a second semi-circular shape, smaller than said first semicircular shape.

9. The stopper according to claim 1, further including:

when viewed from the bottom, said plug portion having an elongated oval shape.

10. The stopper according to claim 1 in which the plug portion has at least one dimension that is greater than the mating dimension of the aperture.

11. The stopper of claim of claim 10 in which the plug portion has a thickness dimension from a first side to a second side and the thickness is larger than a mating dimension of the aperture.

12. A method for blocking the flow of a beverage from an aperture in a beverage container, comprising:

(a) providing a beverage container having a lid, said lid having a thickness and an aperture through which a beverage may be consumed;

(b) providing a stopper having a plug portion shaped and dimensioned to be received in said aperture, a flange portion connected to said plug portion at an upper end thereof, and a retainer comprising a protuberance extending from said plug portion and spaced a selected distance from said flange portion at least equal to said thickness; and,

(c) inserting said plug portion of said stopper into said aperture of said lid so that said lid is disposed between said retainer and said flange portion.

13. The method of claim 12, further including:

in step (b), said flange portion having a shape selected from the group consisting of; an extended piece having at least a portion extending away from the perimeter of the plug portion at least twice the thickness of the plug portion a disc; a tab extending sideways of the plug portion; and a tab extending endwise of the plug portion; wherein said plug portion is outwardly from the flange portion it.

14. The method of claim 12, further including:

in step (b), said plug portion having a first side and an opposite second side, and said retainer including a first protuberance disposed on said first side.

15. The method of claim 14, further including:

in step (b), said retainer including a second protuberance disposed on said second side.

16. The method of claim 12, further including:

(e) pulling up on said flange portion to remove said stopper from said sip hole.

17. The method of claim 12 further including providing a beverage disposed within said beverage container.

16. A system for drinking a beverage, comprising:

a beverage container having a lid, the lid having a thickness and an aperture through which the beverage may be consumed;

a stopper comprising; a plug portion shaped and dimensioned to be received by the aperture; a flange portion connected to said plug portion at an upper end of the plug portion; and, at least one retainer comprising a protuberance extending from the plug portion; and spaced a selected distance below the flange portion said distance being at least equal to the thickness of the lid;

wherein said plug portion may be removably inserted into the aperture by inserting the stopper portion into the aperture until the at least one retainer passes the lid so that the lid is disposed between the retainer and the flange portion, thereby to block the flow of the beverage through the aperture.