PROTECTIVE BARRIER FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINER LIDS

Abstract

A protective barrier for a beverage lid surface is disclosed including a top side, a bottom side, wherein the protective barrier is flexible, an outer perimeter, wherein the outer perimeter aligns with the associated beverage lid surface, and an anti-microbial coating, wherein the protective barrier is connected to the beverage lid surface with an adhesive or by using static cling.

Description

This application claims priority to a provisional patent application, Ser. No. 63/173,678, filed Apr. 12, 2021, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. The present teachings generally pertain to the field of removable layers and protective barriers. More specifically, to removable layers and protective barriers for beverage container lids.

I. BACKGROUND

Technical Field

Recent events have left individuals more conscious about their overall health and safety. Despite this higher level of concern, many individuals still enjoy visiting restaurants, cafes, and drive-throughs for their favorite food or beverage.

However, when an employee prepares a customer's beverage, their hands touch the beverage lid to secure it to the cup. If the employee's hands were carrying infectious germs, such germs would be left on the lid for the customer. Consequently, the customer could become sick when drinking from the beverage lid, as the infectious germs touch the customer's lips and mouth.

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the world's attention toward the spread of contamination facilitated by high touch surfaces. In response, surfaces and coatings capable of minimizing the presence of active viral pathogens are being explored for application in a variety of settings such as healthcare centers, long-term care facilities, public transport, schools, and various businesses to reduce human exposure and mitigate the spread of infectious pathogens. One area of particular significance in the transmission of infectious diseases is the ability of microbes to survive on surfaces, both in healthcare settings and on common surfaces. Considerable research has been conducted to investigate solutions that prevent bacterial transmission and biofilm formation by killing and/or reducing attachment of microbes. These have been realized through surface-bound active antimicrobials and biocidal coatings or passive pathogen-repellent surfaces developed using nanomaterials, chemical modifications, and micro- and nanostructuring.

While other apparatuses, like protective gloves, form a barrier between an employee's skin and the beverage lid, there is still great concern for the spread of germs. The glove's surface can carry germs from other objects that have touched the glove. Likewise, customers have little knowledge on the type of objects the gloves touch prior to the delivery of their beverage.

What is needed is a protective layer that covers a beverage lid and prevents the transmission of germs when the lid is being secured to a cup. Further, the protective layer should be easily removable when the customer receives their beverage.

II. SUMMARY

Provided in this disclosure is a protective layer that includes a top side and a bottom side with an outer perimeter that aligns with a desired beverage lid size.

In accordance with one aspect of the present teachings, the outer perimeter includes a tab to assist in the removal of the protective layer.

In accordance with another aspect of the present teachings, the top side includes a clear, anti-microbial coating.

In accordance with another aspect of the present teachings, the bottom side includes an exposed, safe, and non-toxic adhesive material that allows for the protective layer to be placed and secured atop a beverage lid's surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the present teachings, the protective layer can be removed by separating the bottom side from the beverage lid's surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the present teachings, the adhesive material is sufficiently strong to secure the protective layer to the beverage lid's surface but is easily removable from the beverage lid surface such that substantially all of the adhesive material is removed from the beverage lid surface.

Other benefits and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present teachings are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a top-down view of the protective layer;

FIG. 2 shows an angled view of the protective layer's top side and bottom side;

FIG. 3 shows a flat view of the protective layer's top side and bottom side in varying sizes in accordance with the present teachings;

FIG. 4 shows a top-down view of the protective layer being placed on the beverage lid in accordance with the present teachings;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the protective layer, beverage, beverage lid, and beverage lid surface in accordance with the present teachings;

FIG. 6 shows a profile view of the protective layer to demonstrate the layers in accordance with the present teachings.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the present teachings of the article only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, a protective layer 6 is provided for beverage lid 24 protection. The protective layer 6 comprises a top side 10, a bottom side 12, an outer perimeter 8, and a tab 18. FIG. 1 shows a top-down view of the protective layer 6 in one optional shape to secure atop a beverage lid surface 26. In one aspect of the present teaching, the protective layer 6 can be structurally adapted to fit atop the beverage lid surface 26 having multiple contour shapes. In another aspect of the present teaching, the protective layer 6 can cover the entirety of the beverage lid 24, including the beverage lid surface 26. In this aspect, the protective layer 6 can be adapted and formed to fit multiple contour shapes of the beverage lid 24. In another aspect of the present teachings, the protective layer 6 can be used on any lid covering any food or beverage.

Further referring to FIGS. 1-2, the protective layer 6 is sufficiently pliable to prevent breaking or cracking when applied to the beverage lid surface 26. FIG. 2 demonstrates the pliability by allowing the outer perimeter 8 to bend to reveal the bottom side 12. In one aspect of the present teaching, the protective layer 6 can be produced from any material. In another aspect of the present teaching, the protective layer 6 can be any thickness that allows for removal of the protective layer 6 from the beverage lid surface 26.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, an anti-microbial material 16 coats the entire or partial top side 10 to eliminate the presence of disease-causing microbes. By anti-microbial it is meant a material or substance that is destructive to or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi (like mold and mildew), and even dust-mites. In one aspect of the present teaching, the anti-microbial material 16 can be any anti-microbial material that aids in the elimination of disease-causing microbes. In another aspect of the present teaching, the anti-microbial material 16 is transparent, allowing for enhanced aesthetical appeal. In another aspect of the present teaching, the anti-microbial material 16 coats the entire or partial bottom side 12. In this aspect, the anti-microbial material 16 immediately evaporates when the protective layer 6 is removed from the beverage lid surface 26. In another aspect of the present teaching, no anti-microbial material 16 is included on the top side 10 or the bottom side 12.

With respect to the anti-microbial material 16, it is to be understood that any anti-microbial material can be used. As a non-exhaustive list, the following materials can be used: copper and its alloys (brass, bronze, cupronickel, copper-nickel-zinc), silver, organosilanes, quaternary ammonium, chitosan, polycationic heteropolysaccharides, heparin, ε-polylysine, polyacrylamides, polyacrylates, polysiloxanes, polyionenes, polyoxazolines, hyperbranched and dendritic polymers, polyguanidines, polybiguanides, peptides, fluorine containing polymers (such as 2-[(4-fluorophenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl-2methylacrylate), chlorine containing polymers, N-halamine compounds, silver nanoparticles, nanosilver-based nanocomposites, silver-liposome, photocatalytic titanium dioxide, fullerol, aqueous fullerene nanoparticles, essential oils (generally composed of a mixture of terpenes, terpinoids, aldehydes, and alcohols, and carbon nanotubes.

Now referring to FIGS. 1-2, 4, and 6, an adhesive material 14 is applied to the entire or partial bottom side 12 to adhere the protective layer 6 to the beverage lid surface 26. The adhesive material 14 includes enough strength to form a seal between the protective layer 6 and the beverage lid surface 26. The adhesive material 14 is easily removable from the beverage lid surface 26. In one aspect of the present teaching, upon the removal of the protective layer 6, all, or substantially all, of the adhesive material 14 is removed from the beverage lid surface 26. In another aspect of the present teaching, the seal between the protective layer 6 and the beverage lid surface 26 can be achieved through non-adhesive static cling.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, tab 18 is used to assist in removing the protective layer 6 from the beverage lid surface 26. Tab 18 allows for removal of the protective layer 6 without compromising the protective layer 6. In one aspect of the present teaching, tab 18 is fastened to the outer perimeter 8. In another aspect of the present teaching, tab 18 is fastened anywhere on the top side 10 to aid in the removal of the protective layer 6 from the beverage lid surface 26. In another aspect of the present teaching, the protective layer 6 and the outer perimeter 8 extend circumferentially beyond the size of the beverage lid surface 26. In this aspect, the protective layer 6 can be removed from the beverage lid surface 26 by gripping anywhere along the outer perimeter 8 and peeling the protective layer 6 from the beverage lid surface 26.

Now referring to FIG. 3, the protective layer 6 can vary in size to correspond to various dimensions of beverage lids 24. In one aspect of the present teaching, the thickness of the protective layer 6 can be between about 0.0076 mm and about 0.2032 mm (including, but not limited to 0.0089 mm, 0.0102 mm, 0.0114 mm, 0.0127 mm, 0.0140 mm, 0.0152 mm, 0.0165 mm, 0.0178 mm, 0.0191 mm, 0.0203 mm, 0.0216 mm, 0.0229 mm, 0.0241 mm, 0.0254 mm, 0.0279 mm, 0.0305 mm, 0.0330 mm, 0.0356 mm, 0.0381 mm. 0.0406 mm, 0.0432 mm, 0.0457 mm, 0.0483 mm, 0.0508 mm, 0.0533 mm, 0.0558 mm, 0.0583 mm, 0.0608 mm, 0.0633 mm, 0.0658 mm, 0.0683 mm, 0.0708 mm, 0.0733 mm, 0.0758 mm, 0.0783 mm, 0.0808 mm, 0.0833 mm, 0.0858 mm, 0.0883 mm, 0.0908 mm, 0.0933 mm, 0.0958 mm, 0.0983 mm, 0.1008 mm, 0.1033 mm, 0.1058 mm, 0.1083 mm, 0.1108 mm, 0.1133 mm, 0.1158 mm, 0.1183 mm, 0.1208 mm, 0.1233 mm, 0.1258 mm, 0.1283 mm, 0.1308 mm, 0.1333 mm, 0.1358 mm, 0.1383 mm, 0.1408 mm, 0.1433 mm, 0.1458 mm, 0.1483 mm, 0.1508 mm, 0.1533 mm, 0.1558 mm, 0.1583 mm, 0.1608 mm, 0.1633 mm, 0.1658 mm, 0.1683 mm, 0.1708 mm, 0.1733 mm, 0.1758 mm, 0.1783 mm, 0.1808 mm, 0.1833 mm, 0.1858 mm, 0.1883 mm, 0.1908 mm, 0.1933 mm, 0.1958 mm, 0.1983 mm, 0.2008 mm, and 0.2032 mm.

Referring to FIG. 5, the protective layer 6 and the outer perimeter 8 correspond and align circumferentially with the beverage lid surface 26. In one aspect of the present teaching, the beverage lid surface 26 is smaller in diameter than the beverage lid 24. In this aspect, the bottom side 12 of protective layer 6 covers the beverage lid surface 26 to protect the surface from disease causing microbes.

In one aspect of the present teaching, the protective layer 6 is opaque. In this aspect, the beverage lid surface 26 is not visible when the protective layer 6 is fastened to the surface. In another aspect of the present teaching, the protective layer 6 is transparent. In this aspect, the beverage lid surface 26 is visible when the protective layer 6 is fastened to the surface. In another aspect of the present teaching, the protective layer 6 is translucent. In this aspect, the beverage lid surface 26 is semi-visible when the protective layer 6 is fastened to the surface. In another aspect of the present teaching, the protective layer 6 is colored. In this aspect, the protective layer 6 is colored according to user request.

In one aspect of the present teaching, the top side 10 of the protective layer 6 includes an insignia or design, allowing for enhanced aesthetic appeal.

Clause 1—A protective barrier for an associated beverage lid surface, the protective barrier including a top side, a bottom side, wherein the protective barrier is flexible, an outer perimeter, wherein the outer perimeter aligns with the associated beverage lid surface, and an anti-microbial coating.

Clause 2—The protective barrier of clause 1, wherein the protective barrier further includes an adhesive layer on the bottom side.

Clause 3—The protective barrier of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the protective barrier further includes a tab connected to the outer perimeter.

Clause 4—The protective barrier of clauses 1-3, wherein the anti-microbial coating is on the top side.

Clause 5—The protective barrier of clauses 1-3, wherein the anti-microbial coating is on the bottom side, wherein the anti-microbial coating will evaporate upon removal of the protective barrier from the associated beverage container lid.

Clause 6—The protective barrier of clauses 1-5, wherein the protective barrier is between about 0.0076 mm and about 0.2032 mm.

Clause 7—The protective barrier of clauses 1, 3-6, wherein the protective barrier is adapted to attach to the associated beverage container lid via static cling.

Clause 8—The protective barrier of clauses 1-7, wherein the protective barrier covers the entire surface of the beverage container lid.

Clause 9—The protective barrier of clauses 1-8, wherein the outer perimeter is larger than a perimeter of the beverage container lid.

Clause 10—The protective barrier of clauses 1-9, wherein the protective barrier is opaque, transparent, or translucent.

Clause 11—The protective barrier of clauses 1-6, 9, and 10, wherein the adhesive layer is adapted to be fully removable when the protective barrier is removed from the associated beverage container lid.

Clause 12—The protective barrier of clauses 1-11, wherein the protective barrier further includes a tab connected to the top side.

Clause 13—A protective barrier for an associated beverage lid surface, the protective barrier including a top side, a bottom side, wherein the protective barrier is flexible, an adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer is either on the bottom side, wherein the adhesive layer is adapted to be fully removable when the protective barrier is removed from the associated beverage container lid, an outer perimeter, wherein the outer perimeter aligns with the associated beverage lid surface, a tab, wherein the tab is connected to either the top side or the outer perimeter, and an anti-microbial coating, wherein the anti-microbial coating is either on the top side or the bottom side, wherein the protective barrier is between about 0.0076 mm and about 0.2032 mm, wherein the protective barrier is opaque, transparent, or translucent.

Clause 14—The protective barrier of clause 13, wherein the protective barrier covers the entire surface of the beverage container lid.

Clause 15—The protective barrier of clauses 13 or 14, wherein the outer perimeter is larger than a perimeter of the beverage container lid.

Clause 16—The protective barrier of clauses 1-15, wherein the anti-microbial coating is chosen from at least one of the following: copper and its alloys (brass, bronze, cupronickel, copper-nickel-zinc), silver, organosilanes, quaternary ammonium, chitosan, polycationic heteropolysaccharides, heparin, ε-polylysine, polyacrylamides, polyacrylates, polysiloxanes, polyionenes, polyoxazolines, hyperbranched and dendritic polymers, polyguanidines, polybiguanides, peptides, fluorine containing polymers (such as 2-[(4-fluorophenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl-2methylacrylate), chlorine containing polymers, N-halamine compounds, silver nanoparticles, nanosilver-based nanocomposites, silver-liposome, photocatalytic titanium dioxide, fullerol, aqueous fullerene nanoparticles, essential oils (generally composed of a mixture of terpenes, terpinoids, aldehydes, and alcohols, and carbon nanotubes.

Non-limiting aspects have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of the present subject matter. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Having thus described the present teachings, it is now claimed:

Claims

1. A protective barrier for an associated beverage lid surface, the protective barrier comprising:

a top side;

a bottom side, wherein the protective barrier is flexible;

an outer perimeter, wherein the outer perimeter aligns with the associated beverage lid surface; and

an anti-microbial coating.

2. The protective barrier of claim 1, wherein the protective barrier further comprises:

an adhesive layer on the bottom side.

3. The protective barrier of claim 2, wherein the protective barrier further comprises:

a tab connected to the outer perimeter.

4. The protective barrier of claim 1, wherein the anti-microbial coating is on the top side.

5. The protective barrier of claim 1, wherein the anti-microbial coating is on the bottom side, wherein the anti-microbial coating will evaporate upon removal of the protective barrier from the associated beverage container lid.

6. The protective barrier of claim 1, wherein the protective barrier is between about 0.0076 mm and about 0.2032 mm.

7. The protective barrier of claim 1, wherein the protective barrier is adapted to attach to the associated beverage container lid via static cling.

8. The protective barrier of claim 1, wherein the protective barrier covers the entire surface of the beverage container lid.

9. The protective barrier of claim 1, wherein the outer perimeter is larger than a perimeter of the beverage container lid.

10. The protective barrier of claim 1, wherein the protective barrier is opaque, transparent, or translucent.

11. The protective barrier of claim 2, wherein the adhesive layer is adapted to be fully removable when the protective barrier is removed from the associated beverage container lid.

12. The protective barrier of claim 1, wherein the protective barrier further comprises:

a tab connected to the top side.

13. The protective barrier of claim 9, wherein the protective barrier further comprises:

an adhesive layer on the bottom side.

14. The protective barrier of claim 9, wherein the anti-microbial coating is on the top side.

15. The protective barrier of claim 9, wherein the anti-microbial coating is on the bottom side, wherein the anti-microbial coating will evaporate upon removal of the protective barrier from the associated beverage container lid.

16. The protective barrier of claim 9, wherein the protective barrier is between about 0.0076 mm and about 0.2032 mm.

17. The protective barrier of claim 9, wherein the protective barrier is adapted to attach to the associated beverage container lid via static cling.

18. A protective barrier for an associated beverage lid surface, the protective barrier comprising:

a top side;

a bottom side, wherein the protective barrier is flexible;

an adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer is either on the bottom side, wherein the adhesive layer is adapted to be fully removable when the protective barrier is removed from the associated beverage container lid;

an outer perimeter, wherein the outer perimeter aligns with the associated beverage lid surface;

a tab, wherein the tab is connected to either the top side or the outer perimeter; and

an anti-microbial coating, wherein the anti-microbial coating is either on the top side or the bottom side, wherein the protective barrier is between about 0.0076 mm and about 0.2032 mm, wherein the protective barrier is opaque, transparent, or translucent.

19. The protective barrier of claim 18, wherein the protective barrier covers the entire surface of the beverage container lid.

20. The protective barrier of claim 18, wherein the outer perimeter is larger than a perimeter of the beverage container lid.