DRINKING CUP WITH LID AND DETACHABLE HEADBAND

Abstract

Disclosed is a lid for a drinking cup with a detachable headband. The lid is removably securable to a drinking cup to prevent or minimize spills. A wearable headband attaches to the lid, frictionally secured between at least two protrusions extending upwardly from the top surface of the lid. The headband is attached to the lid by snapping it into place between the two protrusions and can be detached from the lid for wearing by a user. A recess may be formed in the lid between the protrusions so that an upper surface of the headband may extend generally flush with the upper surface of the lid.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to drinking cups. More specifically, the invention relates to a drinking cup having a lid configured to secure a detachable, wearable headband.

Background & Description of the Related Art

Numerous types of drinking cups are known in the art, with various sizes, shapes, lids, and other configurations available. Many drinking cups are designed to appeal to children and include features specifically targeted to that audience. For example, sippy cups having a securable lid with an extending drinking spout are intended for use by young children, with the securable lid preventing spills and the limited openings in the drinking spout regulating the flow of liquid from the cup while drinking. Other cups are shaped in whimsical designs and adorned with likenesses of cartoon or movie characters, with various configurations of straws and lids in combination with those cups similarly intended to appeal to children.

In conjunction with the cartoon, movie, and other characters depicted on some children's cups, children also like to dress up as those characters, wearing associated costumes, masks, headbands, and the like. Those separate items are often misplaced as the items themselves provide no means or mechanism to keep those related items together and organized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a lid for a drinking cup in combination with a detachable, wearable headband. The cup provides a container for drinks, with the detachable lid snapping onto and covering the cup to prevent or minimize spills. A horseshoe shaped, wearable headband attaches to the lid, frictionally secured to the lid between securement means which may comprise inwardly projecting lips or raised protrusions. A recess may be formed in the top surface of the lid and the protrusions may extend upwardly from the top surface adjacent the recessed area. The headband is attached to the lid by snapping it into place between the protrusions or securement means, and can be detached from the lid for wearing by pulling it free from its frictional engagement with the protrusions.

The cup, lid, and headband can be adorned with various graphics and ornamentation so that, for example, a face of a character can be graphically depicted on the cup while the ears of the character can be physically formed as ornamentation attached to the headband. Thus, the assembled cup, lid, and headband provide a novel and unique appearance and configuration with all of the separate parts secured together, the headband can also be easily removed and worn.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lid is hemispherical in shape with the headband having an elongated body with an inner surface of a center portion of the headband conforming to the outer surface of the lid. The lid secures to the upper edge of the cup via a lip that engages a protruding rim around the upper end of the outer surface of the cup. In one embodiment a series of four raised protrusions extend upwardly from the outer surface of the lid, comprising two rows of two protrusions arranged symmetrically along opposite halves of the lid, proximate the apex of the hemisphere. A recessed area may be formed in the lid between the raised protrusions. The distance between the two sets of protrusions, and the width of the recessed area, is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the width of the portion of the headband to be secured therebetween, with a portion of each protrusion overhanging the recessed area to form a slight lip at the juncture between the corresponding protrusion and the recessed area. When the headband is inserted between the protrusions and into the recessed area, the outer edges of the headband fit into the recessed area, proximate the outer edges of the recessed area, with the top surface of the headband snapping under the slightly overhanging lip of each protrusion to secure the headband into place in the recessed area. The frictional force between the headband and the overhanging lip of the four protrusions secures the headband in place until it is pulled, or unsnapped from, its secured position.

In another exemplary embodiment, the lid includes a straw hole to allow a user to drink from the cup using a straw without removing the lid. The straw hole is positioned at the apex of the hemispherical lid such that it is positioned underneath the headband when the headband is snapped on and secured to the lid. In that configuration, the headband covers and protects the contents of the cup by covering the straw hole.

In other exemplary embodiments, the headband comprises ear pieces and other ornamental and decorative features attached to the elongated body of the headband.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cup with a lid and detachable headband in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cup and lid of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of that figure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the cup with lid and detachable headband of FIG. 1 and including a drinking straw in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a person using the cup with lid and headband and straw of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cup with lid and detachable headband in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Thus, any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

Certain terminology used in the following description is for convenience in reference only and is not limiting. For example, the words “vertically”, “horizontally”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “upper”, “lower” all refer to the installed position of the item to which the reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being designated and parts thereof. The terminology used herein may include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of a similar import. It is further understood that terminology such as the aforementioned directional phrases may be used to describe exemplary embodiments of the cup, lid, and headband as shown in the figures herein. This is for convenience only as it is understood that the exemplary embodiments of the cup, lid and headband described may of varying size and shape, and that the those components may be positioned at angles other than specifically described and depicted herein.

Looking first to FIG. 1, a lid with detachable headband assembly in combination with a drinking cup in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is referenced generally by the numeral 10. The assembly 10 comprises a drinking cup 12 for containing a drinkable liquid, a hemispherical lid 14 covering the upper end of the cup, and a horseshoe shaped headband 16 detachably secured to the hemispherical lid 14. In the embodiment shown, the headband is removably securable within a recessed area 17 formed in an upper portion of the lid 14 and between four upwardly extending protrusions 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d which comprise securement means for securing the headband to the lid. A pair of decorative earpieces 20a, 20b are attached on opposite sides of the headband 16, near the outer ends.

Looking to FIGS. 1 through 3, cup 12 is a truncated conical shape, with an outer wall 22 extending between a smaller diameter circular closed bottom 24 to a larger diameter circular open top 26. The wall and closed bottom define an interior cavity 28 for holding a drinkable liquid.

Lid 14 is hemispherical in shape or dome shaped defining a hollow interior such that the curved lid resembles a shell, with an open circular shaped bottom portion configured to fit around and over the correspondingly shaped upper portion or rim 30 of the cup 12.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rim or lip 30 extends around the perimeter of the upper portion of the cup. The lip 30 has a circular cross-sectional shape, and protrudes outwardly from the outer surface of the cup. A corresponding semicircular notch or receiver 32 extends around the inner perimeter of the lower portion of the hemispherical lid 14. As seen in FIG. 2, with the lid 14 pressed onto the top of the cup 12 the semicircular notch 32 in the lid snaps over the lip 30 protruding from the upper perimeter of the cup, frictionally securing the lid 14 to the cup 12. The lid can similarly be removed by pulling it to overcome the frictional engagement between the notch 32 and the lip 30, thus unsnapping the lid 14 from the cup 12.

Looking again to FIGS. 1 through 3, the lid 14 comprises four generally semi-circular protrusions extending upwardly and outwardly from the outer surface of the lid 14, arranged generally symmetrically around the apex of the lid. As shown in the figures, each protrusion 18 is semi-circular in cross-section, with generally flattened sides. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the inner-facing generally flattened sides of protrusions 18a and 18b are coplanar, and the inner-facing generally flattened sides of protrusions 18c and 18d are similarly coplanar. As seen in FIG. 4, and as will be discussed in more detail below, the lower edge of each of the flattened sides of the protrusions 18 minimally overhangs the recessed area 17, so that a slight overhanging lip 19 is formed at the juncture between the lower edge of each protrusion 18 and the upper edge of the adjacent recessed area 17.

With the protrusions arranged in two rows as shown (i.e., 18a and 18b are in a first row, 18c and 18d are in a second row) the flattened sides of protrusions 18a and 18b align, and face the similarly aligned flattened sides of protrusions 18c and 18d.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the protrusions lie alongside a rectangular recessed area 17 formed in the top of the lid 14, with protrusions 18a and 18b along one side of the recessed area, and protrusions 18c and 18d long the other side. The recessed area 17 follows the curvature of the upper surface of the lid, and tapers from a slight depth at the point along a first side of the lid 14 where the recessed area begins, to greater depth at the apex of the lid, and then to a slight depth at the opposite end of the recessed area on the opposite side of the lid 14 where the recessed area ends. Thus, the recessed area 17 conforms closely to the shape of the lid and to the shape of the elongated body portion of the headband which is received within.

The flattened side of each protrusion 18 preferably overhangs the adjacent recessed area so that a slight lip 19 is formed over the recessed area. The spacing between the upper portion of the flattened sides of protrusions 18a and 18b and the upper portion of the flattened sides of protrusions 18c and 18d is preferably slightly greater than the width of the body portion of the headband 16 so that the headband 16 can be inserted between the protrusions 18. As described above, the spacing between the lower portion of the flattened sides of the protrusions 18 on opposite sides of the recessed area 17 is slightly less than the width of the body portion of the headband 16, such that the lower edge of each protrusion forms a slight lip that extends over the recessed area. Thus, a headband 16 inserted between the protrusions 18 and into the recessed area 17 can be pushed past the slight lip of each protrusion and snapped into place into the recessed area 17 so that the headband 16 is frictionally secured into the recessed area by the lip portion of each protrusion.

A square hole 34 for inserting a straw through the lid 14 and into the cup 12 is positioned at the apex of the hemisphere, generally centered between the four protrusions 18. The hole 34 allows a straw 36 to be inserted into the cup 12 to allow drinking from the cup when the headband 16 is not secured to the lid, as seen in FIG. 3. As seen in FIG. 1, with the straw removed, the hole 34 is covered by the secured headband 16.

Preferably, the cup 12 and lid 14 are made from a strong, lightweight rigid or semi-rigid material, such as a plastic. Most preferably, they are formed or molded from polypropylene to have a wall thickness of approximately 1.5 millimeters. While the cup and lid may be scaled to any desired size, a cup having a height and an upper diameter of approximately 100 millimeters, and a lid having a height of approximately 50 millimeters and a lower diameter of approximately 100 millimeters have been found to be suitable for securing a headband sized for a child, having a curvature similar to that of the lid. Preferably the straw is formed from polypropylene, having a length of approximately 250 millimeters and a diameter of 14 millimeters. Most preferably, the straw is formed with an accordion-like corrugated center portion allowing it to be flexed and bent as it is used. In addition, the hole 34 may be square in cross-section and a portion of the straw 36 has a mating square cross-section to form a relatively tight fit between the square cross-section portion of the straw 36 and the hole 34.

Looking to FIG. 3, the headband 16 comprises a relatively thin, elongated, horseshoe shaped band 38 extending between first and second ends. The shape of an upper section of the horseshoe shaped band 38 conforms generally to the hemispherical outer surface of the lid 14, and likewise conforms generally to the shape of the upper portion of a child's head. First and second earpieces 20a, 20b are mounted on the outer surface of legs of the horseshoe shaped band 38 near each respective end. The upper or center section of the band 38 preferably has a width w that conforms to the width of the recessed area 17 in the lid 14 and the spacing between the protrusions 18 from the upper surface of the lid 14 as previously described. Thus sized, the edges 40a, 40b of the band fit into the recessed area 17 and are secured in line-to-line or interference fit with the lip 19 at the lower edge of the juncture of each protrusion 18 with the recessed area 17 so that the band portion 38 is frictionally secured into the recessed area 17 by the lower edges or lip 19 of each protrusion 18 when the headband 16 is snapped into place on the lid.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the depth of the recessed area 17 approximates the thickness of the center section of the band 38 so that an upper surface of the band 38 secured within the recessed area 17 extends approximately flush with the outer or upper surface of the lid 14 or is raised slightly thereabove.

The band 38 of the headband 16 is preferably molded or formed from a strong, resilient material such polypropylene. The band 38 is formed such that in its normal, resting configuration, the first and second ends are spaced apart. Preferably, the curvature of the center section of the band generally conforms to the curvature and lower diameter of the lid 14. Thus, as discussed above, with a lid having a height of approximately 50 millimeters and a lower diameter of approximately 100 millimeters, the spacing between first and second ends of the center section of the band 38 would preferably be approximately 100 millimeters and the curvature and height of the band would conform to the outer surface of the lid 14 so that the headband 16 easily snaps on to the lid for securement. Other variations are contemplated by the present invention, and the size of the cup, lid, and headband can be scaled or changed without deviating from the scope of the present invention.

The relative thinness of the band portion 38 along with the elongated and curved shape permits the band to be flexed such that the first and second ends can be deflected further away from each other, i.e. away from their normal spaced-apart resting position. Deflecting the ends of the band further apart allows the band to be placed over, and conform to, the head of a wearer, and allows the band to be placed over the lid 14 for securement thereto. The resiliency of the material of the band portion 38 causes the ends, when released from a deflected position, to return towards their normal spaced apart resting positions. For example, the ends of the band portion 38 can be deflected further apart so that the band can be placed on a wearer's head. When the ends are released, they spring back towards their original position, thus securing the band against the wearer's head.

Earpieces 20 can be shaped as any desired ornamentation, and thus may be shaped as human ears, animal ears, or any other shape or feature. The earpieces are preferably formed from a strong, rigid material such as polypropylene or high-density polyethylene. Preferably the earpieces 20 are attached to the band 38 via an adhesive or glue such as cyanoacrylate or via welding or other attachment method known in the art. It should be understood that in addition to the earpieces that alternative or additional ornamentation or features may be attached to the band 38 of the headband 16.

With the structure of the cup with lid and detachable headband set forth, turning to FIG. 5, the use of the device will now be described with reference back to the previous figures. As seen in FIG. 5 a user 42 is drinking from the cup 12, with the lid 14 in place and attached to the top of the cup as previously described. The straw 36 is inserted through the square hole in the top of the lid 14, allowing the user to drink from the cup. The user 42 is wearing the headband 16, with the ends of the band portion 38 deflected outwardly from their normal resting positions, against the sides of the wearer's head. The earpieces 20 are positioned at the ends of the headband and are in proximity to the ears of the user. Referring back to FIG. 1, it should be understood that when finished, the user can remove the straw 36 and secure the headband 16 to the top of the lid 14 by snapping the headband 16 between the protrusions 18 on the lid and into the recessed area 17 as previously described.

Looking to FIG. 6, a cup and lid with detachable headband assembly in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is referenced generally by the numeral 100. The assembly 100 comprises a drinking cup 112 for containing a drinkable liquid, a hemispherical lid 114 covering the upper end of the cup, and a headband 116 detachably secured between four protrusions 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d extending outwardly from the upper surface of the lid 114. A pair of decorative earpieces 120a, 120b are attached on opposite sides of the headband, partway down each side of the headband 116. A decorative horn 121 is attached to the upper surface of the band portion 136 of the headband 116. Thus, it can be seen that the cup and lid of the present invention can be used with headbands having various configurations and ornamentation, and that those variations are within the scope of the present invention. In addition, a recess is not formed in lid 114 between protrusions 118 such that the headband 116 sits on top of the upper surface of the lid 114.

It should be understood that while certain forms and embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, the present invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown, and that the various features described may be combined in ways other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the present invention. The terms “substantially”, “generally”, “approximately”, or any other qualifying term as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation which could permissibly vary without resulting in a change to the basic function to which it is related. For example, the alignment of the headband securing protrusions on the lid of the cup are described as being generally semicircular in shape, but may permissibly vary from that configuration if the variance does not materially alter the capability of the invention.

Claims

1. A lid for covering a drinking cup in combination with a horseshoe shaped headband with securement means on the lid for removably securing the headband thereto.

2. The lid and headband as in claim 1 wherein the lid is hemispherical.

3. The lid and headband as in claim 2 further comprising a recess formed in an upper surface of the lid and into which at least a portion of the horseshoe shaped headband extends when secured to the lid by the securement means.

4. The lid and headband as in claim 2 wherein a straw hole sized to receive a straw is formed in a portion of the lid over which the headband may be removably secured by the securement means.

5. The lid and headband as in claim 1 in combination with the drinking cup.

6. The lid and headband as in claim 1 wherein the securement means comprises at least first and second protrusions formed on an upper surface of the lid in spaced apart relation with a lip on each of the first and second protrusions facing toward each other such that the headband is removably securable therebetween.

7. A lid for covering a drinking cup in combination with a headband, the headband comprising a horseshoe shaped band formed of a resilient material, the lid comprising a hemispherical body with an upper surface and an open bottom and sized for securement to a drinking cup in covering relation over an open top thereof and wherein at least two retaining members are formed on an upper surface of the lid in spaced apart relation and between which the headband is removably securable.

8. The lid in combination with the headband as in claim 7 wherein a recess is formed in the upper surface of the hemispherical body of the lid such that at least a portion of the headband is receivable within the recess and the at least two retaining members comprise first and second retaining members formed on opposite sides of the recess.

9. The lid in combination with the headband as in claim 7 wherein the at least two retaining members comprise first and second retaining members each comprising an inwardly projecting lip and inner surfaces of the lips are spaced apart a distance which is slightly narrower than the width of a portion of the headband positionable therebetween for removably securing the headband to the lid.

10. The lid in combination with the headband as in claim 7 wherein a hole sized to receive a straw is formed in a portion of the lid over which the headband may be removably secured by the at least two retaining members.

11. The lid and headband as in claim 7 in combination with the drinking cup.

12. A lid for covering a drinking cup in combination with a wearable headband, the lid comprising an upper surface and an open bottom and sized for securement to the drinking cup in covering relation over an open top thereof; the upper surface of the lid includes a recessed area having a width corresponding to a width of the wearable headband with first and second inwardly directed lips formed on the lid and extending along at least a portion of an upper edge of the recessed area on opposite sides thereof such that a portion of the headband frictionally engages the inwardly directed lips when the headband is pressed between the first and second inwardly directed lips and within the recessed area.

13. The lid and headband of claim 12, wherein a portion of each of the first and second inwardly directed lips overhangs a portion of the recessed area.

14. The lid and headband of claim 12, wherein the lid comprises an aperture extending therethrough for receiving a drinking straw, the aperture positioned between the first and second inwardly directed lips such that the aperture is covered by a headband secured between the first and second inwardly directed lips.

15. The lid and headband of claim 12, wherein the upper surface and an inner surface of the lid are curved to define a hemispherical shape.

16. The lid and headband of claim 15, wherein a receiver is formed on and extends around the inner surface of the lid proximate a lower end thereof, the receiver configured to engage with a rim of a drinking cup to secure the lid thereto.

17. The lid and headband of claim 16 in combination with the drinking cup.

18. The lid and headband as in claim 12 wherein the headband further comprises at least one ornamental feature attached thereto.