BEVERAGE CONTAINER LID

Abstract

A lid for a beverage container. The lid has a drink opening portion that is moveable from a closed position to an open position. When in the open position the drink opening portion forms a depression in the top of the lid. The depression has a floor extending from a radially inner wall to a radially outer wall, the walls being integral with the top of the lid. When pushed into the open position, openings are formed on either side of the depression between the inner and outer walls and the top of the lid and the floor.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to beverage container lids, and more specifically to splash inhibiting beverage container lids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of disposable lids on beverage cups in order to prevent the spilling of the liquid in the cup is well known in the art. These range from the thin lids having an x-shaped punch out portion for inserting a straw as used with soda pop to the more complicated lids used in association with hot beverages such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

The spilling of hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate provides a two-fold hazard: first, the hot drink can be a burn hazard with the possibility of a hot spilled drink causing serious injury to the drinker either by burning the individual or by startling the individual (say while driving) resulting in an accident; and secondly the coffee, tea or hot chocolate will stain clothing or upholstery it comes into contact with and can be difficult to remove.

Lids for coffee cups therefore need to provide sufficient protection against unwanted spillage while still providing the user with a suitable flow of liquid. Numerous designs have been developed in order to provide this balance.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,61 9,372 teaches a cap for a hot beverage cup. The '372 patent teaches a cap having a depression. The depression is defined by a sloped surface in the top surface of the cup and a depending wall located adjacent an inner wall of the container. A plurality of perforations are located in the depending wall to allow liquid to flow into the depression for drinking. The depending wall is positioned to be in close proximity to the cup wall so as to reduce the possibility of liquid splashing through the perforations. There is also a slit in the depression to allow the aroma of the beverage to be enjoyed. However, this slit is problematic as it provides a vertical opening through which liquid can splash when the cup is jostled.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,128 teaches a beverage lid having a regulator valve and a wave-breaker and periphery inhibitor recesses to minimize accidental splashing of liquid from the cup. The regulator valve is a recess formed in the top of the cup and has side and bottom walls with apertures formed therein to allow liquid to pass. Preferably, the apertures have a generally tapered portion terminating in irregularly shaped edges. While providing good splash-prevention characteristics, this is a complicated design and likely involves a costly, two-step manufacturing process. In addition, the drink opening is located in the top surface of the lid, such that any liquid to spill out of the opening could drip off the lid, staining whatever it comes into contact with.

A further splash-proof lid design is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,145. The '145 design has a splash guard in the form of a semi-permeable membrane positioned between the liquid contents of the cup and an opening in the cup lid. Boss elements in the cup lid form a center channel and, along with the cup itself, outer channels through which liquid can be channeled and directed towards the opening in the lid. The splash guard is set at a downward angle so that liquids drain back into the cup after a user takes a sip. This design is ineffective when the level of liquid within the cup decreases to such a level that it can no longer flow through the channels (it is blocked by the splash guard). According to the design, the semi-permeable nature of the splash guard will allow the liquid to pass through it to the opening in the lid. However, any membrane that is permeable enough to allow suitable flow of liquid to the opening when drinking would be ineffective at preventing splashing. Alternatively, if the membrane is effective for spill prevention, it is likely too impermeable to allow sufficient liquid flow to the lid opening. A user would be inclined to remove the lid to finish the drink, increasing the risk of a spill. Also, with the top opening design, any liquid to accidentally pass through will likely spill off the top of the lid.

In addition to the deficiencies identified above, each of these designs has a permanent drink opening in the lid. As most hot drinks are purchased as take-out beverages, it would be beneficial to have a lid design having a complete closure.

One such design is currently in use in the marketplace. The lid is completely closed, having only a small air vent. It has a drink opening that can be formed by lifting on the outer lip of the lid and tearing the plastic along tear lines. The lifted plastic can then be folded inwards onto the top of the cup lid so as to keep it out of the way of a drinker when drinking from the cup. While providing the benefit of a closed lid cover, the lid is entirely ineffective at preventing splashing and spilling when in the open position.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a cost effective beverage container lid that has improved splash prevention features while also allowing a suitable flow of liquid when a user drinks from the beverage container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a lid for a beverage cup having a rim. The lid has a top wall bordered by a cylindrical wall sized and shaped to be fitted about the rim to hold the lid in place on the cup. A drink opening portion in the top wall is movable from a closed position to an open position. In the open position, the portion forms a depression in the top wall, the depression having a floor extending from a radially inner wall to a radially outer wall and a pair of openings.

In another aspect, the openings are formed between the top wall and the outer edges of the depressed floor.

In another aspect, the drink opening portion is integral with the top wall when in the closed position.

In yet another aspect the floor of the drink opening portion has additional material when in the closed position. The additional material preferably being in the form of a fold of surplus structural material, the fold being extendable upon moving the drink opening portion from the closed to the open positions. The lid may be equipped with a plurality of folds with the folds being in abutment or in spaced separation.

In another aspect, when in the open position, the floor of the drink opening portion slopes downward in a radially outward direction from the radially inner wall to the radially outer wall.

In another aspect, when in the closed position, the drink opening portion is recessed in relation to the top wall. The lid also has a pair of side walls extending from the top wall to the floor and between the radially inner and outer walls.

The foregoing was intended as a broad summary only and of only some of the aspects of the invention. It was not intended to define the limits or requirements of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and to the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a beverage cup lid according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the beverage cup lid of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a beverage cup lid according to the invention with the lid in a closed position, the sectional view being taken along the same cut line (but on a different lid embodiment) as was used for FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the beverage cup lid of FIG. 3 taken along the same cut line, but showing the lid in an open position;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a beverage cup lid according to the invention with the lid in a closed position, the sectional view being taken along the same cut line (but on a different lid embodiment) as was used for FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the beverage cup lid of FIG. 5 taken along the same cut line, but showing the lid in an open position;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a further alternative embodiment of a beverage cup lid according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the beverage cup lid of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8 shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of yet a further embodiment of a beverage cup lid according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the beverage cup lid of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 shown in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

A number of beverage cup lid designs have been disclosed in the drawings and will now be discussed in more detail. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a beverage cup lid. FIGS. 3 and 4 show a preferred embodiment of a beverage cup lid. FIGS. 5-10 show further alternative embodiments of a beverage cup lid according to the invention. Each embodiment will be discussed in turn.

An embodiment of a beverage cup lid 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Lid 10 has a substantially planar top wall 2 and a cylindrical perimeter side wall 6 having structural boss portions 12 to increase the structural rigidity of the lid. Lid 10 is adapted to be detachably connected to the rim 51 of a cup 50 so as to form a barrier to prevent the splashing of liquid within cup 50 when the cup is moved or jostled.

An angled depression 8 is formed in the top wall 2. The depression is preferably dimensioned to correspond to a user's mouth. An interior wall 18 depends from top wall 2 angling downward and extending and integral with outer wall 4 which is in spaced separation from perimeter side wall 6 a sufficient amount for the rim 51 to be fitted therebetween. Openings 16 are formed on either side of the depression 8 between top portion 14 and the depression 8. When the cup is tilted, liquid within the cup passes through the side openings 16 and flows into the depression for drinking. When liquid in the cup is jostled, it is directed in a sideways manner out into the depression by sideways openings 16 rather than in a vertical direction. This limits the possibility of liquid splashing from the cup. Any liquid to flow into the depression 8 will drain back into the cup when it is oriented vertically.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the preferred embodiment of the lid opening is shown. The cross-sectional view shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is taken along the same cut line 2-2 shown in FIG. 1. Some identical portions of the further embodiments of the invention have been identified using identical reference numerals.

The cup lid is shown in its closed configuration in FIG. 3 and in its open configuration in FIG. 4. A depressed floor or depression 28 is formed in top wall 2 extending from inner depending wall 22 to outer wall 4. Depression 28 has additional folds 26 and 30. A pair of side walls 24 (only one of which is shown, the other being the mirror image thereof) depend downward from top wall 2 to depression 28 extending from inner wall 22 to outer wall 4 and are preferably integrally formed therewith. Preferably, the border 38 between side walls 24 and depression 28 is made of thinner material than the rest of the cup lid, such that it is easily torn. It is also contemplated that the border 38 could be formed with perforations or the like so as to allow tearing and separation of the depressed floor 28 and the side walls 24.

By applying a downward force (represented by arrow 36) on the depression, the connection between depression 28 and side walls 24 is severed. The downward force 36 causes folds 26 and 30 to unfold. The folds are preferably positioned and sized such that when the downward force is applied, the radially outer portion of the depression is depressed a greater amount then the radially inner portion. In this way, depression 28 is sloped downwards towards the edge of the cup 50 and forms opening 34 between side wall 24 and depressed floor 28. In its open position, the cup lid functions in the same manner as the fixed opening cup lid 10.

It is also contemplated that the cup lid could be designed such that in its closed position, the depression 28 is level with top wall 4. When a downward force 36 is applied to tear through border 38 and form drink opening 34 the depression is then in a recessed position as compared to the top wall.

Alternatively, a variation of the preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The cup lid is shown in its closed configuration in FIG. 5 and in its open configuration in FIG. 6. A depressed floor or depression 48 is formed in top wall 2 extending from inner depending wall 42 to outer wall 4. Depression 48 has accordion folds 46. A pair of side walls 44 (only one of which is shown) depend downward from top wall 2 to depression 48 extending from inner wall 42 to outer wall 4 and are preferably integrally formed therewith. The junction between depression 48 and side walls 44 is defined by reference numeral 54.

Applying downward force 36 breaks the junction between depression 48 and side wall 44 and causes accordion folds 46 to unfold forming opening 56. In the open position 52 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the depressed floor 48 slopes downward from inner wall 42 to outer wall 4 (and a portion of the accordion fold 46, which is now in abutment with the outer edge of the cup 50).

For both variations of the preferred embodiment (shown in FIGS. 3-6), the folds and accordion folds simply provide the additional material necessary to allow the drink opening portion of the lid (the depressed floor) to be moved from its closed position to its open position having openings positioned at the sides. It is also contemplated that other fold patterns could be used to accomplish this.

A further alternative embodiment of a cup lid 60 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Lid 60 has a planar top wall 62, preferably vented. An annular ring 64 borders the top wall 62 with wall 65 depending therefrom and extending down to annular channel 66 and terminating in rim 68. Annular channel 66 is adapted to be connected to rim 51 of cup 50. A drinking depression is formed in the top wall 62 of the cup and is defined by two arcuate walls 72 and 74 joined at their ends, and a floor 70. Preferably the arcuate walls 72 and 74 are sloped. A horizontally disposed opening 76 is defined in the radially outer arcuate wall 74. The depression is preferably sized to provide a good fit for a user's upper lip and mouth.

Wall 65 elevates the top portion of the lid above the rim 51 of the cup 50. The depression forms a channel between outer arcuate wall 74 and wall 80, with annular ring 64 forming the base of the channel (or top of the channel when viewed with the cup in the vertical position as shown in FIG. 8). A rounded depression 80 is preferably formed in the wall 65 so as to provide a more comfortable fit for a drinker's bottom lip. This adds to the drinkability and comfort of the lid. Tilting a filled cup fitted with lid 60 causes liquid to move into the channel and through opening 76 and into a drinker's mouth. Should liquid within the cup be subjected to undesired movements causing waves, splashing is limited through the combination of the channel and the positioning of the opening 76 in wall 74. Any liquid passing through the opening moves inward into the depression where it drains through drainage opening 79 back into the cup. Spillage from the cup is thereby prevented.

Preferably, a straw opening is also formable in the depression. As shown best in FIG. 8, the plastic material is much thinner in the area identified by reference numeral 77. Pushing on this portion of the lid with a straw will cause the thin portion to give way thereby allowing the straw to be inserted into the cup. It is also contemplated that area 77 could be in the form of perforations. Other openings such as the x-pattern perforation used in softdrink lids could also be used.

Yet another embodiment of a cup lid 90 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Lid 90 has a planar top wall 92 terminating in a reinforcing rim 96. Outer wall 97 depends therefrom, extending down to arcuate channel 98 and terminating in rim 100. Arcuate channel 98 is sized to be detachably connected to rim 51 of cup 50 so as to hold the lid in place. A depressed floor 102 slopes downward from border 104 to sloped inner wall 110 which extends downward from reinforcing rim 96. A pair of walls 106 border on either side of depressed floor 102 and have openings 108 formed therein and defined on one side by a portion of depressed floor 102 and on another side by inner wall 110. The openings 108 face each other and direct any liquid into the depression, thereby preventing any unwanted spillage and splashing.

Preferably the lids will be manufactured using plastic, however it is also contemplated that other materials could also be used.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preferred and alternative embodiments have been described in some detail but that certain modifications may be practiced without departing from the principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A lid for a beverage cup having a rim comprising:

a top wall bordered by a cylindrical wall, said cylindrical wall sized and shaped to be fitted about said rim of said beverage cup so as to hold said lid in place on said cup;

a drink opening portion in said top wall being movable from a closed position to an open position; and

wherein when in said open position said portion forming a depression in said top wall, said depression having a floor extending from a radially inner wall to a radially outer wall and a pair of openings through which liquids may flow.

2. The lid of claim 1 wherein said openings being formed between said top wall and the outer edges of said depressed floor.

3. The lid of claim 2 wherein said drink opening portion being integral with said top wall when in said closed position.

4. The lid of claim 3 wherein said drink opening portion having additional material when in said closed position.

5. The lid of claim 4 wherein said additional material being a fold, said fold being extendable upon moving said drink opening portion from said closed position to said open position.

6. The lid of claim 5 wherein said drink opening portion having a plurality of folds.

7. The lid of claim 6 wherein said folds being in abutment.

8. The lid of claim 7 wherein said folds being in spaced separation.

9. The lid of claim 2 wherein in said open position, said floor of said drink opening portion sloping downward in a radially outward direction from said radially inner wall to said radially outer wall.

10. The lid of claim 3 wherein when in said closed position, said drink opening portion being recessed in relation to said top wall.

11. The lid of claim 10 wherein said lid further comprising a pair of side walls extending from said top wall to said floor and between said radially inner and outer walls.

12. A lid for a beverage cup having a rim comprising:

a top wall bordered by a cylindrical wall, said cylindrical wall sized and shaped to be fitted about said rim of said beverage cup so as to hold said lid in place on said cup;

a drink opening portion in said top wall being movable from a closed position to an open position, said drink opening portion being integral with said top wall when in said closed position; and wherein when in said open position said portion forming a depression in said top wall, said depression having a floor extending from a radially inner wall to a radially outer wall and a pair of openings through which liquids may flow, said openings being formed between said top wall and the outer edges of said depressed floor.