AU2018100591A4 - Improvements in Beverage Container Lids - Google Patents

Abstract

A lid for releasable attachment to a take-away beverage container, the lid characterized in that at least one surface of the lid is provided with an image, the image being printed on a substrate prior to forming into the lid. In a particular form, there is disclosed an augmented beverage container lid for a disposable beverage container; said lid provided at a periphery of said lid with an integrally formed projecting tab. (26 118e Fig. S

Description

The present invention relates to lids for beverage containers, and more particularly, to decorative effects applied to lids of disposable take-away drink cups.

BACKGROUND [0002] Disposable drink cup lids are purely functional items with little to attract the interest, particularly of child consumers but also adult consumers of takeaway coffee and takeaway carbonated beverages. Since the primary function of such lids is to secure the beverage contained hi the cups between purchase and consumption, they must be leak-proof and do not easily lend themselves to the incorporation of any promotional give-away items. To date the only option of including a branded message, promotional mechanism or advertising material has been by the application of a sticker which has inherent issues of cost associated with post production application.

[0003] Disposable beverage containers are produced in huge numbers. Typically disposable beverage containers are provided with a lid which clips over the container to avoid spillage prior to consumption of the beverage.

[0004] The generally circular, flat central surface of such lids, potentially provides space for indicia and imagery, either for the purpose of promoting a brand name or providing useful information to a consumer. Typically, imagery to make the purchase of the beverage more attractive is restricted to embossing of the cap surface or by applying a self adhesive label. A disadvantage of the manufacturing process of known plastic lids is that this embossed imagery is restricted to the colour of the plastic material in which the lid is moulded or vacuum formed. Further the process of vacuum forming a lid or injection moulding a lid typically tends to distort any graphics that were able to printed onto the lid material prior to vacuum forming.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages.

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Notes [0006] The term “comprising” (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of “having” or “including”, and not in the exclusive sense of “consisting only of’.

[0007] The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION [0008] In a broad form of the invention there is provided, a lid for releasable attachment to a take-away beverage container, the lid characterized in that at least one surface of the lid is provided with an image, the image being printed on a substrate prior to forming into the lid.

[0009] Preferably the lid is foimed in a theimoforming process.

[00010] Preferably the theimoforming process is a positive theimoforming process.

[00011] Preferably the theimoforming process is a negative theimoforming process.

[00012] Preferably the image is pre-distorted prior to printing.

[00013] Preferably the substrate comprises a polymer material.

[00014] Preferably the polymer material comprises high impact polystyrene, [00015] Preferably the polymer material comprises polypropylene.

[00016] Preferably the polymer material comprises polyethylene terephthalate.

[00017] Preferably a plurality of the images is printed on the substrate; spacing of the images conforming to the spacing and number of lid forming elements.

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f i [00018] Preferably the substrate is placed in registration with the forming elements such i that the images are aligned with the lid forming elements.

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i [00019] Preferably the lid is a disposal lid.

J [00020] In another broad form of the invention there is provided a method of ! manufacturing a lid for releasable attachment to a disposable beverage container, the method

J comprising, printing an image on a substrate, thermoforming the substrate to form the lid.

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I [00021] Preferably the theimoforming is a positive thermoforming process.

[00022] Preferably the thermoforming is a negative thermoforming process.

[00023] Preferably the method further comprises pre-distorting the image prior to on the printing the image on the substrate.

[00024] Preferably the substrate comprises a polymer material.

[00025] Preferably the polymer material comprises high impact polystyrene.

[00026] Preferably the polymer material comprises polypropylene.

[00027] Preferably the polymer material comprises polyethylene terephthalate.

[00028] Preferably a plurality of the images is printed on the substrate; spacing of the images conforming to the spacing and number of lid forming elements.

[00029] Preferably the substrate is placed in registration with the forming elements such that the images are aligned with the lid forming elements.

[00030] Accordingly, in first broad form of the invention, there is provided an augmented beverage container lid for a disposable beverage container; said lid provided at a periphery of said lid with an integrally formed projecting tab.

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2018100591 09 May 2018 j [00031] Preferably, said tab projects outwardly from said periphery; said tab lying substantially in a plane defined by said periphery, (

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’ [00032] Preferably, said tab is a break-away tab; said tab detachable &om said periphery ^f of said lid by provision of a weakened junction line between said lid and said tab at said periphery.

) .⁵ [00033] Preferably, said junction line is formed with a cross section of thinner material j relative said lid and said tab, >

> [00034] Preferably, said junction line comprises a line of perforations extending along said periphery.

[00035] Preferably, said tab extends along a portion of said periphery; said tab subtending an angle at the centre of said lid between 15 and 30 degrees.

[00036] Preferably, wherein said tab is provided with indicia.

[00037] Preferably, said indicia comprises information regarding bonus offers available to a purchaser or drinker of a beverage provided in said beverage container with said lid.

[00038] Preferably, said indicia comprises advertising material related to beverage contents provided in said beverage container with said lid.

[00039] Preferably, said indicia comprises advertising material related to products.

[00040] Preferably, said tab comprises a coupon for redemption of a service or product.

[00041] Preferably, said tab comprises a coupon for accessing a discount on a service or product.

[00042] Preferably, wherein said lid and said tab are provided with indicia.

[00043] In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of including an integral tab at a periphery of a lid for a beverage container; said method including the steps of:

-52018100591 09 May 2018 ) [00044] thermoforming said lid from a sheet of polymer over a mould surface, applying a ¹ . . . , i cutting die to said lid to cut a periphery of said lid and integral tab.

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J [00045] Preferably, wherein application of said cutting die includes forming a junction ' line of thinner cross section between said lid and said integral tab.

I [00046] Preferably, said integral tab is provided with indicia; application of said indicia • comprising any one of screen printing, inkjet printing, offset printing.

j [00047] Preferably, thermoforming of said lid and said tab includes foiming a raised

J pattern in either one or both of said lid and said tab.

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I [00048] In a further embodiment of the invention the method provides for printing of the image in reverse on an underside of a clear polymer sheet; the clear polymer sheet laminated to a polymer base sheet so that ink foiming the printed image is located between surfaces of the clear polymer and the base sheet such that contact between a beverage consumer and the printing ink is prevented.

[00049] Preferably, registration of images printed on a thermoforming polymer sheet for alignment with lid foiming elements of a thermofoiming tool and lid cutting tool is maintained by interaction between a sensor and at least one sensing strip; the at least one sensing ship printed along at least one edge of the polymer sheet along with the images.

[00050] Preferably, printing of the images is by digital printing; the digital printing allowing variations of images appealing on lids within a print and thermofoiming run.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00051] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[00052] Figure 1 is a plan view of a typical disposable beverage container lid provided with an image according to a preferred embodiment of the current invention;

[00053] Figure 2 is a side sectioned view of the beverage container lid of Figure 1;

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i [00054] Figure 3 illustrates several beverage container lids provided with various images according to an embodiment of the current invention;

[00055] Figure 4 is an illustration of a template used in accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention,

I [00056] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an augmented 08 ) > beverage container lid according to a further modified embodiment of the invention applied O > to a disposable beverage container.

O > [00057] Figure 6 is a side cross sectioned view of the beverage container lid of Figure 5

CM I [00058] Figures 7 to 9 are illustrative of further embodiments of methods for providing imagery on beverage container lids according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Preferred Embodiment [00059] The invention provides for the application of an image to a generally circular, flat central surface of a beverage container lid.

[00060] With reference to Figure 1, a pre-distorted image 14 is applied 21 to a surface of a substrate 11, The substrate is then subjected to a heating and theimoforming process 22 resulting, in this instance, in a shaped product 10 having on a top surface thereof a final image 24. As elsewhere described in the specification the pre-distorted image 14 is distorted in such a way as to allow for the distortions that occur in the thermoforming process thereby to result in a true final image 54.

[00061] Now referring to Figures 1 and 2, the lids 10 are typically provided with a raised rim 12 around the central surface 14, with a drinking orifice 16 provided in the rim. A peripheral skill 18 is adapted to releasably attach the lid to a disposable beverage cup 20.

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CM [00062] Preferably, the image to be applied is printed on a substrate. In a further form, the image to be applied to the lid is pre-distorted. Preferably, pre-distortion of the image allows for printing the image so that once thermofonned, the images appear true.

[00063] Preferably, the substrate comprises polymer material.

[00064] Preferably, the polymer material may vary and different thickness can be used. Examples of suitable polymer materials include, but are not limited to, high impact polystyrene, oriented polystyrene, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and olefins.

[00065] Preferably, the inks used to print the indicia to be applied have properties to allow them to resist cracking and image distortion.

[00066] In one form, the image to be applied to the beverage container lid may comprise a single or multi-colour image.

[00067] In a further form, the image may be printed in lenticular form so as to present the illusion of a three-dimensional image. Examples of suitable lenticular technologies that may be used include, but are not limited to two phase lenticular”, Ultra 3D Lenticular, multiphase lenticular, morph lenticular and zoom lenticular. The image printed on the substrate may further include holographic images.

[00068] In another form, image to be applied to the beverage container lid may comprise information such as a promotional alphanumeric code or a smart phone” readable bar or QR code for example.

[00069] In yet a further form, image to be applied to the beverage container lid may comprise a polymeric film having a removable scratch off layer.

[00070] Preferably, the substrate is purchased is sheet foim.

[00071] Preferably, the substrate is purchased is roll form.

-82018100591 09 May 2018 i [00072] In a second step of the process, the beverage container lid is then produced in a I > thermoforming process.

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L » [00073] hi one form, a positive thermoforming process is used.

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I [00074] In another form, a negative thermoforming process is used.

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I i [00075] Preferably, the substrate with the printed image is heated to a softened plasticised j thermoformable state. Preferably, the substrate is placed over lid forming element. A vacuum i and/or physical pressure is then applied to generate the shape of the beverage container lid.

I [00076] Preferably, the image is printed generally on a circular flat central portion of the lid.

[00077] With reference to Figure 3, there is illustrated various beverage container lids 20, 30, 40, 50 formed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the current invention. The image printed on the lid may be centred and formed 30, 40. In an alternate form, the image may substantially cover the lid 20, 50.

[00078] Preferably during the printing process, a special mark added to the substrate, In one form, the special mark is used by the thermofoiming process to match the lid forming elements of the thermoforming. This ensures that the printed surface is lined up exactly so that when the printed roll is thermofoimed, it is accurately placed.

[00079] Referring to Figure 4, there is illustrated a template 60, Preferably, the template comprises individual beverage container lid sub-templates 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66. Preferably, template 60 enables an artist to allow for distortion in the image and appropriately lay up the image prior to thermoforming.

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< [00080] A variation on the above described embodiments can include the application of a i

> tab to the lid with the lid having indicia applied to it as well or as an alternative to application ( i of the indicia to the main body of the lid.

[00081] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, an augmented beverage container lid 10 for a

J disposable beverage container 12 is comprised of a lid portion 14 provided at a periphery 16 i of the lid portion with an integrally formed projecting tab 18. Preferably, though not I necessarily, the tab 18 projects outwardly from the periphery 16 with the tab lying i substantially in a plane defined by the periphery 16, as best seen in Figure 6.

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I [00082] Tire tab 18 is a break-away tab, detachable from the periphery 16 of the lid portion 14 by provision of a weakened junction line 20 between the lid portion and the tab 18 at the periphery 16.

[00083] As best seen in Figure 6, junction line 20 is formed with a cross section of thinner material relative the lid portion 14 and the tab 18. In an alternative preferred arrangement, the junction line 20 may comprise a line of perforations extending along the periphery 16 between the tab 18 and lid portion 14.

[00084] Preferably, the tab extends along the periphery 16 of the lid portion 14 so as to subtend and angle at the centre of the lid portion between 15 and 30 degrees.

[00085] The break-away tab 18 is provided with indicia 22 on at least its upper surface. The indicia may comprise advertising material related to the beverage contents provided in the beverage container 12, or may be in the form of a decorative pattern, but more preferably will relate to some offer of benefit to the consumer of the beverage provided in the beverage container 12. Alternatively, the indicia may comprise advertising material relating to products.

[00086] The tab 18, by virtue of its being detachable from the lid portion 14, the tab may be retained by the consumer for tendering to a sponsoring entity for example, for redemption of the benefit indicated by the indicia on the tab.

[00087] As well known in the industry, beverage container lids for disposable beverage containers are themxoformed of a thin polymer material. To form the lid portion 14 into the typical shape as shown in the cross section view of Figure 6, an initially flat sheet of a suitable polymer material is laid over a male mould conforming to the internal surfaces of the lid portion. The application of heat (the thermoforming process) then causes the polymer ο >

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- 10material to soften and form onto the mould. After cooling, a cutting die is applied to cut the periphery of the lid, separating the formed lid from the polymer sheet.

[00088] For the augmented beverage container lid of the invention, the process is identical except that in this instance the cutting die includes provision for the outwardly projecting tab 18 and an arcuate element to form the weakened junction line 20 between the tab and the lid portion, [00089] The provision of indicia 22 on the tab 18 may be any technique common in the art of printing indicia on polymer substrate, and may include any one of screen printing, ink jet printing or offset printing.

[00090] In at least one preferred form of the augmented beverage container lid of the invention, portions of both the lid portion 14 and the tab 18 may be provided with indicia. [00091] In still another preferred form, the tab 18 need not be flat or be bounded by the geometric edges as shown in Figure 5, but may take the outline and shape of a celebrity or other well know figure for example. In this case the male thermofoiming mould will include a raised patterned portion defining the underside surface of the tab,

Third Preferred Embodiment [00092] In this further preferred embodiment, the process of forming the lids proceeds as follows.

[00093] With reference to figures 7 to 9, in a thermoformed, image decorated takeaway lid production method, firstly sheets of either Hipps, PP or PS polymer are prepared in standard sheet sizes ranging from A4 to A0, in thicknesses ranging fiom 0.3 to 1mm. In one preferred process using inks that are food safety compliant, the art work that is to appear on the takeaway lids is printed directly onto the selected polymer sheets. If non-food compatible inks are used, the printed substrate is subsequently laminated with a clear polymer sheet to encapsulate the printing ink between the substrate and the clear polymer sheet.

[00094] In another preferred option, the art work is reverse printed on the underside of clear Hipps, PP or PS polymer sheets. This clear sheet is then laminated to a base polymer sheet. This further alternative process ensures likewise that the printing ink is secured between the base polymer sheet and the clear sheet thus eliminating any issues of food safety which may arise from the use of some printing inks.

[00095] The artwork as it appears on a still flat sheet after printing in either process, is distorted to take into account and counteract the distortion that occurs during the subsequent thermoforming of the lids. Included in the printing stage are images of registration marks to

- 11 2018100591 09 May 2018 i ensure proper alignment of the printed sheet with the thermoforming tool and die cubing of I » the lids, as further explained below.

i [00096] The combination of printing a distorted image and ensuring registration with the

I ¹ thermoforming die, ensures that the takeaway lids are formed with an undistorted, accurately I i placed image on the lids.

[00097] The actual printing may be by any known process, including web, offset, silk j screen, dye sublimation or digital direct to substrate. Of these the preferred process is digital ! printing to a substrate of either Hipps, PP or PS, either directly or in reverse as set out above,

I [00098] An important advantage of digital printing is that the images appearing on lids

I i can be varied as desired within a printing and thermoforming run.

I [00099] A further important element of the present embodiment of the invention is the use of a printed sensor strip along one or both edges of the printed sheet. As a sheet progresses through the printing, thermoforming and die cubing stages, sensors monitor the sensor strip/s providing correcting information to feeding mechanism to maintain accurate registration of the image with the thermoforming tool and the die cubing tool which releases the formed lids from the polymer sheet.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [000100] Aside from the tab 18 providing a vehicle for indicia, it can materially assist in the removal of the lid portion 14 from the container 12. Many users of take-away beverages prefer to drink from the lip of the beverage cup rather than through the orifice 24 in the rim 26 of the lid, This is sometimes awkward to do from a container full of hot liquid and the tab 18 provides a useful grasping portion to manage removal of the lid.

[000101] The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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Claims (5)

1. An augmented beverage container lid for a disposable beverage container; said lid provided at a periphery of said lid with an integrally formed projecting tab; at least one surface of the container lid and the integrally formed projecting tab provided with an image.

2. The lid of claim 1 wherein said tab projects outwardly from said periphery; said tab lying substantially in a plane defined by said periphery.

3. The lid of claim 1 or 2 wherein said tab is a break-away tab; said tab detachable from said periphery of said lid by provision of a weakened junction line between said lid and said tab at said periphery.

4. The lid of claim 3 wherein said junction line is formed with a cross section of thinner material relative said lid and said tab.

5. The lid of claim 3 wherein said junction line comprises a line of perforations extending along said periphery.

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