SYSTEM FOR ADAPTING PRESS-ON CONTAINER LIDS TO MAKE THEM SPLASH PROOF

Abstract

The system and method invention herein disclosed and claimed is a system for adapting press-on container lids so that when placed on upright oriented containers, no liquid inside the container will be able to splash out and spill over.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is associated with liquid containers and their press-on lids

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beverages meant to contain hot liquids are often served with press-on lids that fit snugly over the lip at the top of the beverage container. These press-on lids typically contain a beverage exit aperture near one edge and an air hole diametrically opposite the exit aperture.

The press-on lid is meant to reduce splashing of hot liquid from the container, but the exit aperture provides a way for hot liquid to exit the container and stain clothing or burn users' hands if the container is jostled enough to cause the liquid inside to splash up against the lid bottom.

Lids have been invented that provide a sliding mechanism that can be slid over the aperture or away from the aperture. Similarly lids have been invented that have components that can be rotated into a position over the aperture, or away from the aperture. And while these lids can prevent some splashing, they require one to manipulate a slide or circular cover which adds distraction if someone is driving.

One lid has been invented that has the aperture in a portion of the lid that extends downward past the top. When liquid splashes straight up, it falls back down into the extended portion and drips back through the aperture into the cup. But, if the splash is high enough, it can exceed the distance to the top of the lid and still spill over causing stains or burns.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein disclosed and claimed is a system for adapting a press-on lid so that it is virtually splash proof. And, unlike prior art, it requires no manipulation, and will contain a splash that would breach the recessed aperture prior art.

The system comprises an adapter that can be inserted inside the underside of a press-on lid, is held in place there by its contact with the lid's sides, and will prevent any liquid from splashing up through the exit aperture. Another embodiment is an adaptor meant to be inserted through the exit aperture, from the top of lid. Another embodiment is meant to pushed on to the top of the container and then the press-on lid is added on top of it. All embodiments use the same underlying concept whereby vertical splash components are deflected away from the exit aperture while the container is upright. When the container is tilted to allow drinking or pouring of contents, the adapter is operative to permit the flow of liquid through the adapter and through the exit aperture.

The system can be used to retrofit or adapt existing splash-prone press-on lids and can also be incorporated during manufacture allowing the making of comprehensive splash-proof lids.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a typical press on lid. It is a top view, or bottom view, showing the air hole and the exit aperture.

FIG. 2 depicts the press-on lid from FIG. 1 in a side view. Again the exit aperture and air hole are shown.

FIG. 3 is one embodiment of the system showing a top or bottom view.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a press-on lid such as the one in FIG. 2 with the inclusion of the adaptor showing its alignment and angled orientation.

FIG. 6 shows an angled bottom view of the lid with adapter.

FIG. 7 shows an angled top view of the lid with adapter, showing alignment and angled orientation.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the adapter system.

FIG. 9 illustrates how the adapter in FIG. 8 would be positioned in a press-on lid.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the adapter system which prevents splashing from the exit aperture and the air hole.

FIG. 11 illustrates how the adapter of FIG. 10 is positioned in a press-on lid.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the adapter system.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the adapter of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows how the adapter of FIG. 12 interfaces with the container top.

FIG. 15 shows how the adapter of FIG. 12 interfaces with the press-on lid and the container top.

FIG. 16 shows how the adapter of FIG. 12 interfaces with the press-on lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Beverage cups meant for portable carriage of hot liquids are typically made of some type of heat resistant material and have a conical section shape with the larger diameter at the top and the smaller diameter at the bottom. The bottom is sealed closed with a heat resistant material.

When the cup has hot liquid inside, users often seal the top with a press-on lid having a small air hole to allow drinking or pouring while maintaining constant air pressure and an exit aperture through which the liquid can be sipped or poured. Splashing and spill over typically involves liquid passing through the exit aperture rather than the air hole which is quite small.

When standing still or carried with minimal jostling, the press-on lid will keep the liquid contained. However, shaking or jostling of the container while walking or driving will often cause splashing of the liquid against the top of the lid. Any liquid that passes through the exit aperture may then spill over the side causing staining of clothing or furniture or burning of the user's hand or wrist.

The root of the splashing problem is that the exit aperture is oriented vertically so that any vertical splash components are unrestrained by the exit aperture.

The splashing problem is significant enough that inventors have created a variety of splash-proof press-on lids. For example, some have a sliding mechanism on top that can be slid over the exit aperture. Some have a circular cover that can be rotated over the exit aperture. In both and similar cases, the closed cover will prevent or mitigate splashing and spill over, but requires the user to cover and uncover the aperture, sometimes repeatedly.

Another prior art lid places the exit aperture below the top of the lid such that mild splashing may drop back into the recessed exit aperture and return to the container. However, splashes of a height that exceeds the recessed depth can still result in spill overs and the problems associated with same.

The invention herein disclosed and claimed is a system that adapts existing press-on lids for splash-proof use while requiring no manipulation. In addition, the adapter can also be integrated during manufacture with conventional press-on lids making a comprehensive splash-proof lid.

As shown in FIG. 1, conventional press-on lids have an exit aperture 101 and a tiny air hole 102. These lids are made of materials such that when pressed over the lip atop a conical section beverage cup, the lid is held in place by its firm contact with the container's lip. FIG. 1 is both a top and bottom view.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the lid illustrated in FIG. 1. The lid is comprised of vertically cascading cylindrical sections where the topmost structure is coaxial with the bottom but has a smaller diameter. A third conical section with the smallest diameter is recessed below the top of the topmost structure. Hence, a concentric circular raised lip structure is formed in which the exit aperture (101) is located. The air hole (102) is typically located in the recessed cylindrical section's top but may also be located in the raised lip structure diametrically opposite the exit aperture.

It can be seen, clearly, that when the lid is put in place atop the container, any splashing that produces vertical displacement of the liquid could allow liquid to exit the exit aperture. That liquid can fall into the recessed cylindrical area but may also fall down the side of the lip structure spilling off the surface of the lid.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the adapter system. As shown, in a top or bottom view, the adapter system is essentially semi-circular with a circular edge (301) and a diameter edge (304). As shown with 302, the points where the semi-circular edge and diameter edges meet are defined as the ends of the system. An area shown in the dotted area 303 is defined as the blocking area. Said blocking area is located near the semi-circular edge and essentially half way between said ends. Note that the adapter system has a plurality of holes essentially evenly distributed over the surface but absent in the blocking area. Note also that small pillar structures 305 are located near the semi-circular edge and away from the blocking area. These pillar structures will establish an angular displacement of the adapter such that the diameter edge presses against the underside of the lid top whereas the semi-circular edge is displaced downward from the lid top with the displacement determined by the pillar lengths.

FIG. 4 shows the adapter system from a side view. The semi-circular edge 301 and diameter edge 304 appear as straight lines. The pillar structure 305 is shown and the second pillar would be blocked from view by the first.

FIG. 5 illustrates how a conventional press-on lid, such as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is fitted with adapter shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Note that the circular edge of the adapter system, 501, presses against side of the press-on lid's upper cylindrical section close to the point where the bottom and topmost cylindrical sections meet (503). Note that the diameter edge of the adapter system aligns with the diameter of the topmost cylindrical section and presses against the top (502). When properly aligned, the adapter system thus angles down from the diameter edge creating a volume of space between said adapter system and the exit aperture location, and the displacement is determined by the length of the pillar structures 305.

FIG. 6, an angled bottom view of the press-on lid with adapter in place shows that the adapter is aligned such that the blocking area 601 lies below the exit aperture 602 and is displaced from it because of its angular orientation and the pillar structures (not shown) It can clearly be seen that there are no holes directly below the exit aperture, thus any splashing liquid that hits the adapter in the block area is deflected from exiting the lid. The blocking area, in fact, is larger than the area of the exit aperture to allow for blocking of non-vertically oriented splash components, too.

FIG. 7 is an angled top view that shows the location and alignment of the adapter system within the lid. Here, again, when properly aligned, the adapter angles down from the diameter edge and the blocking area is located below the exit aperture. Thus, again, the blocking area (shown as the dotted line area 701) is directly below the exit aperture, and the exit aperture's projection on the adapter 702 is well within the borders of the blocking area. This will prevent any splashing of liquid while the container is essentially upright from exiting the lid and spilling over. As shown, the pillar structures establish the displacement of the semi-circular edge from the lid top. It would also be possible to reshape the semi-circular edge such that it would establish its own displacement by virtue of its shape and fit. In that case, the pillar structures become optional.

When the container is tilted to allow sipping the beverage or pouring out the liquid, the liquid will pass through the adapter system's holes, easily, and fill the volume between the exit aperture and adapter system, and pass through the exit aperture.

FIG. 8 is another embodiment of the adapter system. This adapter embodiment, 801, is a conical section where instead of a circular base, the base is an elongated circle whose dimensions match those of said exit aperture. This embodiment is meant to be inserted through the exit aperture, from above, and inverted such that the base is on top. The base also has a flared collar, 802, such that it will not pass through the exit aperture because the collar acts as a stop. In addition, indentations, 804, on the side of said adapter, located close to said flared collar will cause the adapter to seat, securely, once pushed through said exit aperture. When fully inserted it converts the exit aperture from a vertically oriented hole to a set of holes on the sides (803) that are oriented essentially horizontally, or parallel to the lid's top. Vertical splash components and near vertical splash components will not exit these holes, making the lid essentially splash proof, as before. The adapter's shape essentially deflects vertical splash components away from the exit aperture whereas the adapter's horizontally oriented holes will allow the fluid to pass through the adapter and exit aperture when the container is tilted for drinking or pouring.

FIG. 9 illustrates how the adapter of FIG. 8 is seated with respect to the press-on lid. The flared collar 802 sits against the lid top around the edges of the exit aperture and the adapter's sides are located below the exit aperture. Because the holes, 803, are essentially horizontally oriented, vertical splash components, and near vertical splash components may pass through the holes but will be re-directed into horizontal splash components and thus not pass through the exit aperture. However, when the container is tilted for drinking or pouring, the adapter holes allow liquid to pass through the adapter and through the exit aperture.

FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of the adapter system. It is intended to deflect vertical splash components from both the exit aperture and the air hole. The adapter, 1001, is circular. The additional area allows it to deflect vertical splash components away from the air hole. As with the semi-circular adapter embodiment, small pillars, 1003, act as standoffs that keep the semi-circular portions angled away from the exit aperture and away from the air hole. Note that at the diameter there is a crease (1002) which allows the two portions to angle downward while maintaining its contact with the underside of the lid's top.

FIG. 11 illustrates how the adapter of FIG. 10 is positioned with respect to the press-on lid. Note that the three pillars (1003) maintain the displacement of the portions of the adapter, 1001, from the exit aperture and the air hole. The diameter 1002 is a crease that allows the two portions to angle away from the exit aperture and air hole, respectively. Again, the size and shape of the adapter could establish the displacement angles without the pillars. In that case, the pillars would be optional. In other words, if the crease is pressed against the underside of the lid top, the two sections could not lie flat because of the adapter size and shape and its contact with the inside walls of the lid. As a result, they would both be angularly displaced relative to the exit aperture and air hole, respectively.

FIG. 12 is another embodiment of the adapter, 1201, that is first placed over the top of a container and then is covered by the press-on lid. The adapter has a blocking area, 303, where no holes are present and that is meant to be positioned directly below the exit aperture 101. There are also no holes in the adapter directly underneath the air hole 102. The adapter is circular and has an edge structure operative to snugly fit over the lip on top of the container.

FIG. 13, a side view of adapter 1201 shows the edge structure, 1301, and the holes through the top surface of the adapter.

FIG. 14 shows the adapter 1201 and its interface with the container top. Note that the edge structure 1301 fits snugly against the container lip 1202.

FIG. 15 shows the adapter 1201 and its interface with the press-on lid and container lip. Note that the exit aperture 101 and air hole 102 are well above the adapter surface allowing venting by the air hole and flow through adapter and then through the exit aperture.

FIG. 16 shows the adapter oriented with respect to the press-on lid where the blocking area of the adapter is positioned directly below the exit aperture. Note that the surface of the adapter is displaced from the top of the press-on lid such that air and fluid can flow through the air hole and exit aperture when the container is tilted.

Note that unlike prior art, there is no cover that needs to be slid or rotated over the exit aperture. Note also that unlike prior art, there is no need to allow for draining of small splashes back into the container. The adapter system, once in place, will prevent splashing from exiting the container so long as the container is essentially upright. When the container is tilted for drinking or pouring of contained liquid, the adapter allows the liquid to flow into the volume below the exit aperture and to exit the container.

In all embodiments, hole sizes, numbers and positions may vary to accommodate a liquid's porosity and intended flow rate. The circular edge (semi-circular or larger) and diameter edge may be larger or smaller depending upon the dimensions of the container or press-on lid.

The adapter system can be used to create adapters for retrofitting or adapting existing press-on lids for splash-proof performance. Similarly, the adapter system can be integrated into the manufacturing of press-on lids producing a finished product that is comprehensively splash-proof and needs no retrofitting.

The adapter could be made of solid material such as that used in typical press-on lids. The adapter's thickness and semi-flexible characteristics are such that it will fit snugly inside the sides of the press-on lid, and once positioned, will remain fixed in that position. The adapters may be made of other materials that provide the same deflection action and flow-through holes but which may be more biodegradable than plastic lid material.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

A semi-circular disk-like structure;

Said semi-circular disk-like structure made of solid material through which liquids will not flow;

A blocking area on said semi-circular disk-like structure near the semi-circular edge of said structure and essentially halfway between the ends of said structure;

Said semi-circular disk-like structure having small holes evenly spaced on the semi-circular surface through which liquid can freely flow;

Said small holes are absent from said blocking area.

2. A system as in claim 1 further comprising:

Said semi-circular disk-like structure operative to flexibly fit into an existing press-on lid and remain held in place through firm contact with the sides of said press-on lid.

3. A system as in claim 1 further comprising:

Said semi-circular disk-like structure sized so that when said flexibly fit in a said existing press-on lid, and remain said held in place through said firm contact with the said sides of said press-on lid, said semi-circular disk-like structure will not be able to lay flush against said press-on lid top, but instead will be angularly displaced away from said press-on lid top while the diameter edge is flush with said press-on lid top.

4. A system as in claim 1 further comprising:

A pillar like structure, or plurality of said pillar like structures, near the semi-circular edge and perpendicular to said adapter's surface operative to act as a standoff which angularly displaces the said semi-circular edge away from said press-on lid top while said diameter edge is flush with said press-on lid top.

5. A system comprising:

A conical section structure whose base is an elongated circle;

An elongated circular collar at the said base whose dimensions are larger than the said base;

Said small holes along the sides of said conical section such that said small holes are essentially parallel to said base.

6. A system as in claim 5 further comprising:

Indentations in said sides located below said collar and parallel to said base.

7. A system comprising:

A circular disk-like structure;

Said circular disk-like structure made of solid material through which liquids will not flow;

A said blocking area on said circular disk-like structure near the circular edge of said structure and essentially halfway between the ends of a diameter crease;

Said circular disk-like structure having said small holes evenly spaced on said circular surface through which liquid can freely flow;

Said small holes are absent from said blocking area.

8. A system as in claim 7 further comprising:

Said circular disk-like structure operative to flexibly fit into an existing press-on lid and remain held in place through firm contact with the sides of said press-on lid.

9. A system as in claim 7 further comprising:

Said circular disk-like structure sized so that when said flexibly fit in a said existing press-on lid, and remain said held in place through said firm contact with the said sides of said press-on lid, said circular disk-like structure will not be able to lay flush against said press-on lid top, but instead will be angularly displaced away from said press-on lid top when said diameter crease is flush against said press-on lid top.

10. A system as in claim 7 further comprising:

A said pillar like structure, or plurality of said pillar like structures, near said circular edge and perpendicular to said adapter's surface operative to act as a standoff which angularly displaces the said circular edge away from said press-on lid top when said diameter crease is flush against said press-on lid top.

11. A system comprising:

A circular structure with an edge structure operative to provide a snug fit with the top lip of a container;

Said circular structure made of solid material through which liquids will not flow;

A said blocking area on said circular structure near the circular edge of said structure;

Said circular structure having said small holes evenly spaced on said circular surface through which liquid can freely flow;

Said small holes are absent from said blocking area.