EP4650289A1

EP4650289A1 - Cup for holding a beverage and blank for forming a sidewall with integrated flaps of a cup

Info

Publication number: EP4650289A1
Application number: EP24175391.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wojciech DREWNIAK
Original assignee: Huhtamaki Oyj
Current assignee: Huhtamaki Oyj
Priority date: 2024-05-13
Filing date: 2024-05-13
Publication date: 2025-11-19
Also published as: US20250346391A1; AU2025202718A1

Abstract

A cup (1) for holding a beverage, comprising a base (2), a sidewall (3) having a lower end portion (4) connected to the base so that the base and the sidewall together define a space configured for receiving the beverage; and at least four flaps (11,12,13,14) that are connected to an upper end portion of the sidewall via respective folding lines, the flaps being foldable between an open position, and a closed position; the at least four flaps comprise a first and a second flap (11,12) having a first width, and a third and a fourth flap (13,14) having a second width, wherein the first width is larger than the second width, wherein in the closed position, the at least four flaps define at least two, preferably at least three, faces of the lid, and wherein the third flap comprises a drinking opening.

Description

The invention concerns a cup for holding a beverage, wherein the cup comprises a base, a sidewall having a lower end portion connected to the base so that the base and the sidewall together define a space configured for receiving the beverage, and at least four flaps that are connected to an upper end portion of the sidewall via respective folding lines, the flaps being foldable relative to the sidewall between an open position, in which the flaps are essentially oriented in parallel to the sidewall, and a closed position, in which the flaps are folded inwards so as to form a lid of the cup, wherein the at least four flaps comprise a first and a second flap having a first width, the width being an extension in the peripheral direction of the cup, and a third and a fourth flap having a second width, wherein the first width is larger than the second width.
The invention can be applied in the field of the food service industry, in particular in the field of single-use disposable cups.
Such cups are already known, e.g., from documents EP 3 293 126 B1 , EP 4 045 418 A1 or EP 4 132 856 A1 . Usually, those cups comprise a plurality of interconnected flaps projecting from the upper end of the sidewall. These flaps are then folded inwards in a predetermined manner to form a lid. The flaps are designed such that the lid, after being formed, usually comprises an opening which is suitable for drinking and/or for inserting a straw. Yet, due to the design of the flaps, the opening is usually inconveniently positioned for a user, thus increasing the risk of spilling during drinking.
Against this background, the problem underlying the invention is to provide a cup for holding a beverage and to provide a blank for forming such a cup which reduces the risk of spilling of a liquid contained in the cup.
According to an aspect of the invention, a cup for holding a beverage is provided, comprising:

a base;
a sidewall having a lower end portion connected to the base so that the base and the sidewall together define a space configured for receiving the beverage; and
at least four flaps that are connected to an upper end portion of the sidewall via respective folding lines, the flaps being foldable relative to the sidewall between an open position, in which the flaps are essentially oriented in parallel to the sidewall, and a closed position, in which the flaps are folded inwards so to form a lid of the cup;

In the inventive cup, the at least two faces of the lid advantageously provide for a multifaceted lid, which allows for a better adaption of the opening to the mouth of a user, thereby reducing the risk of spilling.
Preferably, the base is substantially flat. More preferably, the base is rounded, in particular circular, or angular, in particular rectangular, square or polygonal. The sidewall preferably comprises a substantially round shape. In particular, the cup may comprise a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical form. Preferably, the cup comprises an annular ledge at the base and protruding therefrom. More preferably, the annular ledge is unitary with the sidewall, wherein the sidewall protrudes beyond the base. It is hence advantageously possible to ensure that the cup rests on a surface with the annular ledge and not directly with the base, thus ensuring a safe stand on the surface and avoiding contact of the potentially hot base of the cup with the resting surface.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the at least four flaps is not directly connected to any other of the at least four flaps. In particular, "not directly connected" means that the flaps are only connected via the sidewall, i.e. indirectly, but that none of the flaps shares a folding line with any of the other flaps. This advantageously facilitates the folding of the lid and reduces the risk of damaging of the cup during transport.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second flap in the closed position define a first face having a concave surface. More preferably, the first face comprises a, in particular, central point which is lower than any other point of the first face. Even more preferably, the first face comprises for corners, which define the highest points of the first face.
Position indications like "lower" or "highest" refer to the usual orientation of the cup, in which the base rests horizontally on a surface. The first face having a concave surface advantageously reduces the risk that the first and second flap unintentionally revert to the open position, thus risking the spill of the liquid contained within the cup.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the third flap in the closed position defines a second face having a concave surface and/or the fourth flap in the closed position defines a third face having a concave surface. By having further second and/or third faces, it is advantageously possible to improve the ergonomics of the cup. Furthermore, the fact that the second and/or third face has a concave surface means that the risk of unintentional opening and thus spilling of the contained liquid is further reduced.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the folding lines are curved, in particular such that - in the open position - a shortest distance from the respective folding line to the bottom is arranged at a middle position along the width of the flap. This means in particular that the folding lines are concave with respect to the base. This advantageously facilitates the folding of the flaps such that the first, second and/or third face has a concave surface.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the third flap and/or the fourth flap each comprise a further folding line, wherein the respective further folding line is curved, in particular such that - in the open position - a longest distance from the respective further folding line to the bottom is arranged at a middle position along the width of the flap. This means in particular that the further folding line is convex with respect to the base. More preferably, the further folding line is arranged above the respective (concave) folding line. Even more preferably, the second and/or third face is arranged between the folding line and the further folding line of the third and/or fourth flap. It is thus advantageously possible to provide an inclined surface relative to a central axis, which improves the ergonomics of the cup as the inclined surface is better suited to abut the mouth of a user. This holds particularly true for the third flap, which comprises the drinking opening. Preferably, the drinking opening is arranged in the third flap between the folding line and the further folding line. Thus, the liquid contained in the cup is comfortably accessible through the inclined second face situated.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the further folding line of the third flap intersects the folding line of the third flap at both edges delimiting the flap in the peripheral direction. Those edges are preferably the intersection between the outer contour of the third flap and the sidewall. This advantageously allows for an easy folding of the third flap and a tightly-closed lid.
Preferably, the folding line and the further folding line of the third and/or fourth flap are in particular mirror-symmetrical with respect to a straight line connected both edges of the third and/or fourth flap.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking opening is configured as a straw hole and/or a sip hole. The person skilled in the art understands that a straw hole and a sip hole differ in particular in their shape and in their size. E.g., a straw hole comprises a substantially round or even circular shaped opening, in which a straw is insertable, wherein the cross section of the straw hole substantially corresponds to the cross section of the straw. In contrast, a sip hole may e.g. comprise an elongated opening suitable for being contacted by a mouth of a user. Preferably, the drinking opening is a straw hole and a sip hole in that is both suitable for inserting a straw and for being contacted by a user's mouth.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking opening is delimited by the folding line of the third flap. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as this means that a user's mouth will actually rest on an edge between the sidewall and the second face of the third flap, making drinking much more comfortable and reducing the risk of spilling to the ergonomic fit between the user's mouth and the drinking opening.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking opening is covered by a drinking opening flap connected to the upper end portion of the sidewall via the folding line of the third flap. It is thus advantageously possible to have the drinking opening been closed before use, thus further reducing the risk of unwanted spilling. The drinking opening flap is preferably delimited by a cut line extending from a first position on the folding line of the third flap to a second position on the folding line of the third flap. The drinking opening flap is connected to the upper end portion of the sidewall in between said first an second position on the folding line of the third flap.
According to still a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the drinking opening flap is removable. It is thus advantageously possible to remove an unwanted obstruction. Before consumption, it is advantageous to have drinking opening flap closing the drinking opening thus reducing the risk of spilling the liquid contained in the cup before use and in particular during transport. As soon as the user wished to drink from the cup, he may remove the drinking opening flap, thus granting access to the liquid within the cup through the entire cross section of the drinking opening, without a part of the drinking opening being obstructed by the drinking opening flap.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first flap comprises a tab that can be locked with the second flap in the closed position. More preferably, the second flap comprises an opening or a cut-out of its peripheral contour which corresponds to the tap of the first flap. It is thus advantageously possible to securely interlock the first and the second flap, thus further reducing the risk of an unwanted opening of the lid during transport. During closing, the tab is preferably insertable into the opening or cut-out of the second flap, thus providing for a form- and force-fitting closure. Even more preferably, the tab may comprise undercuts. Such undercuts may then e.g. interlock with the second flap after the tap is inserted during closing into a corresponding opening of the second flap.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom and the sidewall and the at least four flaps are made from paper.
More generally, it is preferred that the materials of the cup, in particular the materials from which the sidewall, the at least four flaps and/or the base are produced, is a bio-based and/or bio-degradable material. More preferably, the cup comprises at least a base layer and at least one coating layer, which is in particular located on the inside of the cup, facing the liquid contained therein. Even more preferably, any additional materials, such as e.g. adhesives, are bio-based and/or bio-degradable as well. It is thus advantageously possible to enhance the recyclability of the cup.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a blank for forming a sidewall with integrated flaps of a cup is provided, the blank comprising:

a sidewall; and
at least four flaps that are connected to an upper end portion of the sidewall via respective folding lines, the flaps being individually foldable relative to the sidewall;

The same advantages as detailed for the cup according to the present invention also account for the blank of the present invention. The blank may e.g. be punched or stamped out of a sheet of material. Preferably, the blank is a unitary blank. As the blank according to the present invention is configured as a blank for forming a sidewall of a cup, this blank needs to be connected with a base in order to form the cup according to the present invention. Preferably, the sidewall is fixed to the base at a position higher than the lower end of the sidewall, more preferably using an adhesive, in particular a bio-based and/or bio-degradable adhesive.
It is preferred that the blank comprises at least one, in particular peripheral, section configured for connection, e.g. a section configured for application of an adhesive.
Alternatively or additionally, the advantageous embodiments and features disclosed in combination with the inventive cup may, alone or in combination, be applied to the inventive blank.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the at least four flaps is not directly connected to any other of the at least four flaps. It is thus advantageously possible to facilitate the folding of the lid and hence reduce the risk of damaging of the cup during transport.
Further details and advantages of the invention will be elucidated in the following with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures.

Fig. 1: depicts a blank according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2: depicts a cup according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an open position in a perspective view from above;
Fig. 3: depicts a cup according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an open position in a perspective view from below;
Fig. 4: depicts a cup according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a closed position in a perspective view from above; and
Fig. 5: depicts a cup according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a closed position in a perspective view from below.

The embodiment in Fig. 1 shows a blank 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The blank is a blank 100 for forming a sidewall 2 of a cup 1, wherein the cup 1 is in particular suitable for holding a drinkable foodstuff, in particular a drinkable liquid. Such a drinkable liquid may e.g. be hot or cold, carbonated or non-carbonated, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, high-viscous or low-viscous. Examples for such liquids are - in a non-exhaustive manner - coffee, water, soft drinks, hot or cold cocoa, beer, etc.
The blank 100 may be formed as a unitary piece, preferably from a paper-based sheet of material. More preferably, all materials of the blank 100 are bio-based and/or bio-degradable. This may in particular include any adhesives used. The sheet of material preferably comprises at least one base layer and more preferably at least one further layer, such as a liquid-barrier layer, which is even more preferably arranged at a side of the base layer intended to form an inner side of the cup 1.
The present blank 100 is a blank 100 for forming a sidewall of a cup. It therefore exhibits a generally curved shape, such that it may be rolled and connected at the bottom to a - preferably separately provided - base. The blank 100 comprises a sidewall 6. At the lower end portion 4 of the sidewall 6, the blank 100 optionally comprises a bottom flap 6 or at least a section intended for connection to a base 2 (cf. Fig. 3 ).
Here, the blank 100 furthermore comprises a side flap 7 along its right side for closing off the sidewall 3 when forming the cup 1. Again, this side flap 7 may also be a section intended for receiving a, preferably bio-based and/or bio-degradable, adhesive used for connecting the left and right edges of the sidewall 3.
On the sidewall 3, two lines are indicated, a first filling line F1 and a second filling line F2. Those lines are merely optional and may be used to indicate a preferred/recommended filling level of liquid in the cup 1.
On its upper end, the blank 100 comprises at least four flaps 11, 12, 13, 14. The blank 100 may optionally comprise more than those four flaps 11, 12, 13, 14. The first flap 11 and the second flap 12 comprise a width W1. This means that according to the embodiment shown here, the first flap 11 and the second flap 12 preferably comprise the same width W1. The third flap 13 and the fourth flap 14 conversely comprise a width W2, wherein the third flap 13 and the fourth flap 14 in this embodiment comprise the same width W2.
All of these flaps 11, 12, 13, 14 are connected to an upper end portion 5 of the sidewall via respective folding lines 21, 22, 23, 24. Preferably, the first, second, third and fourth flap 11, 12, 13, 14 are not connected directly to any of the other flaps 11, 12, 13, 14 above said respective folding lines 21, 22, 23, 24.
When forming the cup 1, the first flap 11, second flap 12, third flap 13 and fourth flap 14 are configured for being folded along their respective folding lines 21, 22, 23, 24 in order to form a lid 10 of the cup 1. The folding lines 21, 22, 23, 24 extend from one edge of a flap 11, 12, 13, 14 to the other edge of the flap 11, 12, 13, 14.
Here, the first flap 11 comprises a central tab on its upper end which is intended to cooperate in the closed position with a corresponding cut-out of the second flap 12 such as to securely lock the lid 10.
Because according to the presently discussed embodiment, the cup 1 comprises a generally round, in particular circular, cross section, the folding lines 21, 22, 23, 24 are rounded as well, in particular in the form of a circular arc (section).
The third flap 13 and the fourth flap 14 furthermore comprise further respective folding lines 33, 34, located above the folding lines 23, 24. In particular, those further folding lines 33, 34 are respectively mirror-symmetrical to the folding lines 23, 24 with respect to a straight line connecting the respective edges of the third and fourth flap 13, 14. The third flap 13 and the fourth flap 14 are then intended to be folded inwards along both the respective folding lines 23, 24 and the respective further folding lines 33, 34.
According to the present invention, the third flap 13 comprises a drinking opening 15, which is preferably arranged at a central position of the third flap 13 at the edge to the sidewall 3, i.e. it is delimited by the folding line 23 and a cut line 25. The drinking opening 15 may be a straw hole, i.e. an opening configured for receiving a straw, or a sip hole, i.e. an opening configured to be contacted by the mouth of a user for sipping the liquid containing in the cup 1. Preferably, the drinking opening 15 is closed off before use by means of a drinking opening flap not shown here. This drinking opening flap may be opened or even removed before drinking.
The first, second, third and fourth flap 11, 12, 13, 14 are dimensioned and shaped such that when they are folded from an open position to a closed position, they do not abut on the sidewall 3 and such that they form a lid 10 which completely closes the top opening of the cup 1.
In Fig. 2, Fig. 3 , Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 , a cup 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in different perspectives views and in open and closed positions of the flaps 11, 12, 13, 14. The embodiment shown in these figures is substantially the same. Therefore, the corresponding explanations apply to all of those figures. Furthermore, the cup 1 shown in these figures is preferably formed from the blank 100 as discussed with reference to Fig. 1 .
In Fig. 2 , a cup 1 according to an exemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in an open position and in a perspective view from above. The sidewall 3 of the blank 100 has been rolled up and the side flap 7 has been connected to the abutting edge region, e.g. by means of an adhesive, thus closing the sidewall. Furthermore, the sidewall 3 has been closed at its lower end portion 4 by means of a - here circular - base 2, which will be more closely discussed with reference to Fig. 3 .
The cup 1 shown in Fig. 2 is ready to be filled with a foodstuff, in particular a drinkable liquid. The flaps 11, 12, 13, 14 are still projecting upwards from the upper end portion 5 of the sidewall 3, i.e. they do not yet form a lid. The cup 1 thus comprises a large top opening. Here, the sidewall 3 is shaped such that the cup 1 comprises a generally frustoconical form, although other shapes are possible as well.
In Fig. 3 , the cup 1 of Fig. 2 is shown in a perspective view from below. As can be seen here, the base 2 is a substantially circular base which is connected to the sidewall 3 a predetermined distance away from the lower end of the sidewall 3, e.g. by means of a bio-based and/or bio-degradable adhesive. Thus, an annular ring of the sidewall 3 is created on which the cup 1 rests when being positioned on a flat surface. This is particularly advantageous, as this ensures a safe stand, e.g. if the base 2 bulges outwardly, i.e. it assumes a convex shape due to the weight and/or temperature of the liquid contained in the cup 1. Furthermore, if the cup 1 holds a hot liquid, the heat transfer from the liquid to the surface on which it rests is advantageously reduced.
In Fig. 4 , the cup 1 according to an exemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in a closed position and in a perspective view from above. After filling the cup with a liquid, preferably up to a height between the first filling line F1 and the second filling line F2, the opening needs to be closed in order to allow the cup 1 to be safely transported without a risk of spilling the liquid.
In order to close the opening and form a lid 10, the first flap 11 and the second flap 12 as well as the third flap 13 and the fourth flap 14 need to be folded inwards along the respective folding lines 21, 22, 23, 24. Additionally, the third flap 13 and the fourth flap 14 are also folded inwards along their respective further folding lines 33, 34. Preferably, firstly the third flap 13 and the fourth flap 14 are folded inwards along the respective folding lines 23, 24 and subsequently folded along the respective further folding lines 33, 34. Thus, a second face B and a third face C are created, which are inclined inwardly with respect to the sidewall 3 at an angle lower than 90° and more than 0°.
Preferably, the second flap 12 is then folded inwardly along its folding line 22, followed by the folding of the first flap 11 along its folding line 21, wherein the first flap 11 and the second flap 12 together define a first face A of the lid 10. Finally, the optional tab of the first flap 11 is inserted into a corresponding optional opening or cut-out of the second flap 12 to secure the lid 10 in place, thus reducing or eliminating the risk of an unintentional opening of the lid 10.
Now, if the user at any time wishes to consume, i.e. drink, the liquid contained in the cup 1, the user may open the drinking opening 15 located at the third flap 13, which is initially closed by a drinking opening flap, as indicated in Fig. 4 . The drinking opening flap may be folded outwardly (or inwardly) along its portion of the folding line 23. Alternatively or additionally, the drinking opening flap may be completely removed, such as torn off.
As can be seen in Fig. 4 , the second face B is inclined with respect to the sidewall 3 and the first face A. The drinking opening 15 arranged on the second face B is therefore ergonomically better positioned to be contacted by a user's mouth. This advantageously reduces the risk of spilling the liquid contained in the cup 1.
Preferably, the first face A is concave, i.e. it bulges inwardly. This helps in ensuring a closed lid during transport and advantageously enables stacking of multiple closed cups 1.
In Fig. 5 , the cup 1 of Fig. 4 is shown in a perspective view from below. Again, the circular base 2, arranged at a predetermined height above the lower end of the sidewall 3 can be seen. Furthermore, the distinctive form of the upper end portion 5 of the cup 1 can be seen. Although the cup 1 comprises a substantially circular cross section, due to the four flaps 11, 12, 13, 14, it comprises at its top end four corners, which are preferably the highest points of the cup 1. Both the first face A and the second face B, in particular also the third face C, are concave surfaces, i.e. bulging inwardly. More preferably, the first face A, the second face B and/or the third face C are continuous surfaces.

Reference Signs:

1: cup
2: base
3: sidewall
4: lower end portion
5: upper end portion
6: bottom flap
7: side flap
10: lid
11: first flap
12: second flap
13: third flap
14: fourth flap
15: drinking opening
21: folding line
22: folding line
23: folding line
24: folding line
25: cut line
33: folding line
34: folding line
100: blank
F1: filling line
F2: filling line
W1: width
W2: width

Claims

Cup (1) for holding a beverage, comprising:
a base (2);

a sidewall (3) having a lower end portion (4) connected to the base (2) so that the base (2) and the sidewall (3) together define a space configured for receiving the beverage; and

at least four flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) that are connected to an upper end portion (5) of the sidewall (3) via respective folding lines (21, 22, 23, 24), the flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) being foldable relative to the sidewall (3) between an open position, in which the flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) are essentially oriented in parallel to the sidewall (3), and a closed position, in which the flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) are folded inwards so to form a lid (10) of the cup (1);

wherein the at least four flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) comprise a first and a second flap (11, 12) having a first width (W1), the width being an extension in the peripheral direction of the cup (1), and a third and a fourth flap (13, 14) having a second width (W2), wherein the first width (W1) is larger than the second width (W2),

characterized in that,

in the closed position, the at least four flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) define at least two, preferably at least three, faces (A, B, C) of the lid (10), and in that

the third flap (13) comprises a drinking opening (15).
Cup (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the at least four flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) is not directly connected to any other of the at least four flaps (11, 12, 13, 14).
Cup (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second flap (11, 12) in the closed position define a first face (A) having a concave surface.
Cup (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third flap in the closed position defines a second face (B) having a concave surface and/or in that the fourth flap in the closed position defines a third face (C) having a concave surface.
Cup (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folding lines (21, 22, 23, 24) are curved, in particular such that - in the open position - a shortest distance from the respective folding line (21, 22, 23, 24) to the bottom is arranged at a middle position along the width of the flap.
Cup (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the third flap and/or the fourth flap (14) each comprise a further folding line (33, 34), wherein the respective further folding line is curved, in particular such that - in the open position - a longest distance from the respective further folding line (33, 34) to the bottom (2) is arranged at a middle position along the width of the flap (13, 14).
Cup (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the further folding line (33) of the third flap (13) intersects the folding line (23) of the third flap (13) at both edges delimiting the flap (13) in the peripheral direction.
Cup (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drinking opening (15) is configured as a straw hole and/or a sip hole.
Cup (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drinking opening (15) is delimited by the folding line (23) of the third flap (13).
Cup (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the drinking opening (15) is covered by a drinking opening flap connected to the upper end portion (5) of the sidewall (3) via the folding line (23) of the third flap (13).
Cup (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the drinking opening flap is removable.
Cup (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first flap (11) comprises a tab that can be locked with the second flap in the closed position.
Cup (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom (2) and the sidewall (2) and the at least four flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) are made from paper.
Blank (100) for forming a sidewall (2) with integrated flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) of a cup (1), the blank (100) comprising:
a sidewall (2); and

at least four flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) that are connected to an upper end portion (5) of the sidewall (3) via respective folding lines (21, 22, 23, 24), the flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) being individually foldable relative to the sidewall (3);

wherein the at least four flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) comprise a first and a second flap (11, 12) having a first width (W1), the width being an extension in the peripheral direction of the cup (1), and a third and a fourth flap (13, 14) having a second width (W2), wherein the first width (W1) is larger than the second width (W2),

characterized in that

the third flap (13) comprises a drinking opening (15).
Blank according to claim 14, characterized in that each of the at least four flaps (11, 12, 13, 14) is not directly connected to any other of the at least four flaps (11, 12, 13, 14).