SE545553C2 - Closure element adapted for use with a cup, and method for its use - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a closure element adapted for use with a cup having a top opening with a first area A1 in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to an axis A. The cup is preferably made of cellulose-based paper material or fiberbased paper material. The closure element and cup is adapted to form a container when combined, wherein the container extends along the axis A and is configured to hold a beverage or granular substance. The closure element comprises a sealing plate with a second area A2 equal to the first area A1 and an annular sealing wall extending around the sealing plate.

Description

íš-íšïfiïïå-šèè-šrÉ-RßLüßlíRE ELEMENT AÜAPTEÜ FOR USE ïítfåTå-f A CUF. ÄND METHÜD FOR lTS USE Technical Field The present disclosure relates generally to the technical field of containers and, more particularly, to paper--closure eiernertts for use with cups for beverages or granular substances.

Background Containers used for beverages and granular substances come in all shapes and sizes. Many containers are made of plastic materials and are intended for single use only, this may be problematic from an environmental perspective.

Many takeaway cups available in prior art have lids attaching to a rim extending around the top of the cup. Generally, these cups are made from thin paper or plastic and are quite unstable and spillage of the beverage is common. When attaching the lid, it may sometimes be hard to know if the lid has been placed correctly, which can lead to spilling of the beverage. ln case a hot beverage is served in a takeaway cup it may sometimes be to hot to hold. Many cafes and restaurants have therefore started to serve in double cups, where an extra cup encloses the cup holding the beverage to provide further insulation. However, the second cup is not connected to the first cup and the first cup can easily slide around inside the second cup causing spilling and making the construction harder to handle.

There is a need in the field to provide new kinds of lids or closure elernents ítgíjwcontainerg for both beverages and granular substances that at least partially remove some of the problems mentioned above.

Summary The inventor has reached the insight that there is a need for a closure element for a container for beverages or granular substances gugifjhat the container can be effectively sealed, in order to solve some of the problems above. The inventor has reached the insight that a |id attaching to the container from the inside of the container may be more effective that the |ids available today. Further, the inventor has reached the insight that there is a need for a |id that can be used with takeaway cups already available and on the market for solving common problems thereof. Further, the inventor has reached the insight that a |id suitable for a container comprising more than one cup is needed in the field since two cups and the air between the two cups provide a good protection against heat.

Air is a good insulator and materials containing air are often used as thermal insulators in for example houses and buildings. Providing some aspects of a beverage container which uses air to insulate the beverage is both advantageous in that the beverage is kept at the preferred temperature longer and in that a user of the beverage container does not get burned if the content is hot.

More and more sustainable solutions for reducing plastic pollution are becoming available to the market. Molding paper pulp, fiber-materials, is a standard way of making containers, trays, and other types of packaging. Generally, the steps are as follows: A mold is made to be a mirror image of the finished paper product; Holes are drilled through the mold and a screen attached to its surface; The mold is immersed into paper pulp; A vacuum is drawn through the holes when the mold is immersed in the paper pulp so that a layer of paper pulp sticks to the mold, the screen prevents pulp from clogging the holes.

The mold is removed, and the paper pulp stuck to the side of the mold is removed and dried, a paper product has been created. Depending on the type of paper product different techniques may be used for removing the product from the mold. ln what is known as “wet” manufacturing a transfer mold mates with the fiber product and moves the formed “wet part” to a hot press which compresses and dries the fiber material to increase density and to provide a smooth external surface finish.

Other ways of molding paper pulp are available. For example, by pressing the material between a female and male mold water can be drained from the material and a paper product with a wanted shape may be created.

Paper materials, such as fiber-based products are recyclable, biodegradable, compostable and do not end up in the oceans in the same capacity as plastics. Therefore, they are preferable to be used as an alternative to many plastic products available today.

Paper materials are advantageous over plastic products in many aspects. However, beverage containers made from paper materials may need some sort of inner lining or coating depending on the beverage to be served and the time the beverage is to be kept inside the container. This may for example be some sort of coating along the inner surface of the container that is water impermeable. The coating may be made from many different materials such as cellulose-based materials or plastics.

Take-away cups or mugs are often made from paper material. However, when serving hot beverages, the cups are often too warm to hold comfortably by the user. Some cafés are handing out hot beverages in a double cup, i.e. one cup placed within another cup to give some sort of insulation to the user. However, the lid is placed only on the cup containing the beverage. This may create an unstable construction where the cups are moving in relation to one another. Further, a single take-away cup is not very stable or rigid which increases the risk of spilling the beverage.

The present disclosure seeks to provide at least some embodiments of a closure element for a container, and a container conlprlslno slach closure elelnent. which overcome at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

More specifically, the present disclosure aims at providing a cieeere eiernent ter a container for beverages or granular substances that is stable and provides a pleasant experience for the user. ln a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a--eer-iiaiaer eer-itigared--te--heia--a-eetfetage-er--a-gifaneia-if--eaestanee»aita--eatend-iag--at-eng an»ax-ie--At--ïšite--eantaineif-eeifnetieee»a»tirat-et:p-eeifneneine--an--aeeniitg--teith--a ei-ei-tter-ii1--ïšite--eieaare--eieineat-earn-a:fi-aee--a--eeaiiite»pi-ate--with--a--eeeend--area- A2--ee-uai-te»tite--iiifet--airea--A-t-=--the--eieeaite-eternent-tartheif-eeaieifieee--a--eeeead annaiaif-waii--extend-iag--aPatina-the-eeaiiitg--eiatee--the-eeeend--anitat-aif--waii--ie aaatiaarea--te--ae--areasee--iitta--tiie--iiret-eaa-ae--that--tite--eeeaaa-aitnaiar--wati ettaaaee-tite--ti:fet--aitnaiaifi-Wai-i--ana--the-eeataineif--ie--eeaiea- eiesiire eteinent adapted ter use tfvith a cup itavine a tee epenind with a tiret area At in a ereee-eeetienat eiane eerpendicutar te an axie A. The cup ie preferahiv rnade et eeiiuteeehaaed paper rnateriai er tipenhaeed paper rnateriai. The cieeure eierneitt and etip ie adapted te ferrn a eentainer when eernpined, iiifhereiit the container extende aiene the axis A and ia cenfieured te heid a eeveraee er erantsiar eiihetaitee. The cteeure eiernent eernerieea a eeaiine piate tfifith a eeeend area A2 eetiai te the first area Ai and an anniiiar eeatind waíi extendiitd around the eeaiine piate, sfifherein the annuiar eeaiinc; wait ie tiited »with an andie aipha in reiatien te the axie A and intended te be in eentaet ttiith en inside etiitaee et an anntiiar \fifaii ef the cup te aeat the eentainer. The eiesiire eternent 'iiirttter eenipriaea a apeut cenfieured te deiiver the bevarade er eranuiar etihetance to a user and arraneed en the eeaiind píate. The eiesiire eternent ie eentidiired te he preeeed inte the cup se that the anniiiar aeaiiite ttfaii eiteaeea the inside surface et an anntiiai' wait ef the cup te tenn a tidht aeai between the eieetire eternent and the cite. The andie aipha ie between 2 - 8 deerees, and the closure element ie made ef ceâiuleeebesed paper rneteriei er fiberàaeeed partier materiel. The closure elernerrt further eemerieee e rerrrevfabâe end etteeheble Eid ešernerrt errarreed te cover the speut. end the lid element and street ere adaeted te eeei the corrteirrer vvherf the lid element is errerteed te cover the sweet, such that seiiišrte is ereverrted. ln a second aspect of the present disclosure, net part ef the inventien, there is provided a method for filling a container comprising filling a first cup with a beverage or granular substance and pressing a closure element into an opening of the first cup so that an annular wall of the closure element engages an annular wall of the first cup.

Thus, there is provided a eiesure element for' e container erfre--e--reettree--fer with a first function of holding a beverage or granular substance and sealing erethe container with a closure element that engages the inside of a firfietecup. The eäeeure element for e container is advantageous in that it provides a novel and inventive way of sealing a container. Prior art containers closed with a lid attaching to a rim extending around the container may be hard to close. When attaching the lid, it may be difficult to understand when the lid is properly attached which may lead to spillage. The present invention is advantageous in that a user can very easily see when the container is closed and when the closure element has been placed properly.

According to an embodiment, the container further comprises a second cup configured to at least partially enclose the first cup. The present embodiment is advantageous in that it provides a lot more structural integrity for the container making it more stable. Further, when the closure element is pressed into the first cup, the first cup will be pressed outvvards towards the second cup. This will ensure that the first cup and second cup are engaged and held together, which will both add structural integrity and insulation for a user, for example, in case the beverage served is hot. lt is envisioned that the elements er cups cemerieine such closure elernente may be readily made eeeeavailable at many different venues and the closure element is provided for allowing a new and practical way of sealing the cups.

According to the invention, the angle alpha is between 2 - 8 degrees, and more preferably between 4 - 6 degrees. Thi§m er-nbeešimer-it-is advantageous in that in that if the angle alpha is too big, the closure element will not seal the container as effectively. lf the angle is between,- 2 - 8 degrees, the closure element can be pressed into the opening of the first cup and a tight seal will be achieved. More preferably, alpha is between 4 - 6 degrees which will help achieve an even tighter seal.

According to anether--erabaeširaertttlte šnvention, the closure element further comprises a lid element arranged to cover the spout. Thšmge-present erf-“abedšinent--is advantageous in that a lid element can be used to reseal the spout. ln some embodiments the spout may have a permeable surface pierceable by for example a straw. However, in other embodiments having a lid that may reseal the container may be advantageous. lt is also envisioned that both a lid and a permeable surface may be used in certain embodiments, the lid may then be constructed in a way that allows it to be used to pierce the permeable surface.

According to another embodiment, the spout comprises a first set of threads extending around the spout, and the lid element comprises a second set of threads and the lid element is configured to be screwed onto the spout. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the lid element can be screwed onto the spout making it resealable and a user may more easily bring the container with them without spilling.

According to another embodiment, the spout comprises a first protruding rim extending around the spout and the lid element comprises a first receiving recess configured to receive the protruding rim, and the lid element is configured to be pressed onto the spout. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the container is resealable.

According to another embodiment, the spout comprises a permeable surface configured to be pierced. The present embodiment is advantageous in that it allows a user to easily reach the content of the container.

According to another embodiment, the lid element comprises a spike configured to be used to pierce the permeable surface in order to allow a user to reach the beverage or granular substance. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the user can easily open the container and reach the content.

According to another er-nbeeširriertt-gamsgggçwt, the closure element comprises a second protruding rim extending around the second annular wall, and the first cup comprises a second receiving recess extending around the first annular wall and configured to receive the second protruding rim when the closure element is pressed into the first cup. The present a§pggzgis advantageous in that the seal between the closure element and the first cup will be further strengthened by the protruding rim and receiving recess.

According to anether--embedšifnentthe invention, the closure element for a container is made of a paper material. Thgs is advantageous in that the paper material is biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than plastic. lt is further advantageous in that paper material can easily be made quite stiff or rigid which is preferable to flexible plastic cups. lt is further advantageous in that one, or in certain embodiments two cups made of a paper material pressed together provides an even stronger construction. With paper material it is meant any kind of paper material, cellulose-based material or fiber-based material that is recyclable and/or biodegradable. The paper material may be formed by different kinds of mixtures of fiber materials, recycled materials or other type of materials used in paper making.

According to another embodiment, the paper material is formed by fiber- based slurry comprising a fiber base comprising at least 50% by weight of old corrugated container (OCC), a moisture barrier, and an oil barrier. The moisture barrier and the oil barrier are in a range of about 1% - 4% by weight respectively. The present embodiment is advantageous in that OCC is a recycled material which further decreases the environmental footprint of the product.

According to another embodiment, the paper material is formed by a fiber- based slurry comprising a fiber base comprising at least 10% softwood (SW), a moisture barrier, and an oil barrier. The moisture barrier and the oil barrier are in a range of about 1% - 4% by weight respectively. The present embodiment is advantageous in that SW, for example bamboo or bagasse, is an environmentally preferable material to plastic. Further, a fiber-based slurry with the mentioned components creates a good mixture for a beverage container or bottle. The present embodiment is further advantageous in that some SW-materials are the residues from other industries and is therefore material which does not drain the resources of the planet more than necessary but instead may help give the product a decreased environmental footprint.

According to another embodiment, the fiber-based slurry further comprises a strength additive in a range of 1 .5% - 4% by weight. The present embodiment is advantageous in that adding a strength additive makes the product, the bottle, more rigid in that the dry strength is improved. Further, other advantageous such as increases drainage and retention are features of adding a strength additive.

According to another embodiment, at least an inside surface of the first cup comprises an impermeable coating layer. The present embodiment may be advantageous in that it allows the container to hold a beverage for longer without affecting the container and or the beverage. The coating layer may be made from many different materials. lt is further envisioned that a bottom surface of the closure element may also be lined with an impermeable coating layen lt is noted that other embodiments using all possible combinations of features recited in the above described embodiments may be envisaged. Thus, the present disclosure also relates to all possible combinations of features mentioned herein. Any embodiment described herein may be combinable with other embodiments also described herein, and the present disclosure relates to all combinations of features.

Brief description of the drawinqs Exemplifying embodiments will now be described in more detail, with reference to the following appended drawing: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a closure element edeeted ter uee with e §ug in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 2 schematically illustrates a closure element adapted fet use vxfith e gggßm in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 3 schematically illustrates a container in accordance with an elefaeeeštßzflëeeflteepect ef the discleetsre; Figure 4 schematically illustrates a cleeure element adapted for use tfvith e gggpm in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 5a,b,c,d schematically illustrate embodiments of closure elements in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed description As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of the elements and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of the embodiments.

Exemplifying embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person. lt is understood that the shape of the embodiments shown in the figures may be altered depending on the usage for the container. Different shapes are convenient in different situations, and the container may for example resemble the standard take-away cups or plastic bottles available today or they may not. The drawings are not intended to narrow the scope of protection for the shape of the container.

With reference to Figure 1 there is disclosed an illustration of a closure element 130 adapted for Lise tfvith a cup accerdine te the šntfenttort and a container 100 according to an etaeedittteat--ef-t-he-tnveatieaaspect of the present dásclosure.

The container 100 is configured to hold a beverage or a granular substance. The container 100 extends along an axis A and comprises a first cup 110. The first cup 110 may be an already available take-away cup or it may be a specially made cup.

The first cup 110 comprises an opening 115 with a first area A1. The opening may be circular so that the first area A1 corresponds to the area of a circle. The first cup 110 is configured to hold the beverage or granular substance and may be filled via the opening 115. The first cup 110 further comprises a first annularwall 120 tilted an angle alpha oi in relation to the axis A. å closure element 130 for use tat/ätt: a cup "E10 Es sttevtfn. The closure element 130 comprises a sealing plate 140 with a second area A2 equal to the first area A1. The sealing plate 140 may be a circular plate, it is intended to seal of the opening 115 in order to seal the container. The closure element 130 further comprises a second annular wall 150 extending around the sealing plate 140. The second annular wall 150 is tilted with the angle alpha oi in relation to the axis A. The closure elementis configured to be pressed into the first cup 110 so that the second annular wall 150 engages the first annular wall 120 causing the container 100 to be sealed.

The closure eiennent 130 of the container 100 further comprises a spout 160 configured to deliver the beverage or granular substance to a user and being arrange on the sealing plate Figure 1 shows the closure element 130 not pressed into the first cup 110 and may represent how the container 100 is distributed. After filling the container 100 for the first time the closure element 130 may be pressed into the first cup 110 sealing it effectively.

The angle alpha oi m-aflyebeig between 2 - 8 degrees. lt may also be between 4 - 6 degrees. The angle alpha oi may be picked depending on the material of the container 100 and depending on the friction that is created between the first annular wall 120 and the second annular wall 150. A too large angle alpha oi is not preferable since the closure element 130 may fall out of the first cup 110 during use. An angle alpha oi around 6 degrees is preferable. However, it may, as stated, be different angles for different embodiments and materials that are preferable.

The container 100 may be made of a paper material. ln some embodiments only certain parts of the container may be made of a paper material.

With paper material is meant any material that is made of fiber-based, cellulose-based materials or similar materials that are biodegradable and recyclable.

The parts of the container 100 may for example be made of a fiber-based material. For example, a fiber-based slurry can be pressed or shaped to form some sort of paper material, cardboard material, or other biodegradablematerial.

The paper material may be formed by a fiber-based slurry. Fiber-based products are biodegradable, compostable and do not end up in the oceans in the same capacity as plastics. Therefore, they are preferable to be used as an alternative to many plastic products available today. ln sorne aspects the parts of the container 100 may be formed by different types of fiber-based slurries. Here follow a few examples, however they are not seen as limiting and other materials and mixtures and proportions are also considered.

The paper material may be formed by a fiber-based slurry that may comprise at least 50% by weight of old corrugated container (OCC). Further, it may comprise a moisture barrier, and an oil barrier. The moisture barrier and the oil barrier may be in a range of about 1% - 4% of weight respectively.

The paper material may be formed by a fiber-based slurry that may, in another embodiment, comprise at least 10% softwood (SW). Further, it may comprise a moisture barrier, and an oil barrier. The moisture barrier and the oil barrier may be in a range of about 1% - 4% of weight respectively.

The fiber-base slurry may also have a base fiber from any of the following groups: bagasse, bamboo, newsprint (NP). Other types of fiber materials are also available for forming the paper material.

The fiber-based slurry may also comprise a strength additive in a range of 1.5%- 4% by weight. This may be added to enhance structural rigidity.

Molding paper pulp, fiber-materials, is a standard way of making containers, trays, and other types of packaging. Generally, the steps are as follows: A mold is made to be a mirror image of the finished paper product; Holes are drilled through the mold and a screen attached to its surface; The mold isimmersed into paper pulp; A vacuum is drawn through the holes when the mold is immersed in the paper pulp so that a layer of paper pulp sticks to the mold, the screen prevents pulp from clogging the holes.

The mold is removed, and the paper pulp stuck to the side of the mold is removed and dried, a paper product has been created. Depending on the type of paper product different techniques may be used for removing the product from the mold. ln what is known as “wet” manufacturing a transfer mold mates with the fiber product and moves the formed “wet part” to a hot press which compresses and dries the fiber material to increase density and to provide a smooth external surface finish.

The parts of the container 100 may be formed according to the above stated procedure by the fiber-based slurry and a vacuum former. lt may be formed for example by a method containing the steps of providing a fiber-based slurry mixture. lmmersing a mold including a wire mesh comprising a mirror image of parts of the beverage container to be formed. Then drawing a vacuum across the wire mesh to cause the fiber-based slurry to accumulate at a surface of the wire mesh. Then removing the mold from the fiber-base slurry mixture, removing molded parts from the surface of the wire mesh. Lastly pressing the molded parts in a hot press. However, other steps of standard vacuum forming may be incorporated into the method for achieving a functional container 100 and corresponding container parts.

The different parts of the container may be formed in other ways as well. For example, a female and male mold of the first cup 110 may be constructed. A fiber-based slurry, or other suitable material, may be poured into the female mold. The male mold may then be used to press the material to the sides of the female mold creating the correct shape. The molds may be constructed so that the water within the material is drained away through a mesh in the female and male mold while pressing.Other ways of forming the container 100 and the different parts of the container 100 are also possible and the skilled man understands that different options are available. Depending on the part and depending on different features of the embodiments different ways of forming the paper material may be preferable. lt may further be advantageous for the container 100 to comprise a water impermeable coating. The coating may be made of a plastic material and may be a thin sheet covering an inside of the container 100. The coating may be impermeable and allow for the beverage to be stored without penetrating the coating and reaching the walls of the container 100. The coating may be made from a plastic material or any other suitable material which is water impermeable, for example some cellulose-based materials.

Depending on the beverage stored within the container 100 and the time the beverage is stored the container 100 may comprise such a coating. Some beverages affect or damage paper-materials more than others, and therefore a coating may be needed for certain beverages. Further, depending on the storage time of the beverage within the container 100 a coating may be preferable. The longer a beverage is kept within the container 100 the higher the risk that the container 100 is affected be the beverage. Therefore, a coating may be preferable for containers 100 configured to store a beverage a longer period. The coating may have different thicknesses depending on the material it is made from and depending on the beverage to be stored.

Further, it is also possible that parts of the beverage container are made of other materials. For example, the closure element 130 may be made of plastic, silicon, or a metal. The closure element 130 may then be used multiple times and with-s different containers 100 in case of the original container 100 being damaged. lt may be advantageous in making some parts of the container 100 from material that is more durable and suitable for long time use and some parts of the container 100 of more environmentally friendly material such as fiber-based materials.

With reference to Figure 2 there is disclosed an illustration of a container 100 according to an asræect of the present disclosure.

The container 100 corresponds to the container 100 of Figure 1, further details may be found in relation to Figure 1, with the difference that the closure element 130 has been pushed into the first cup 110. The angle alpha (d) ensures that there is enough friction between the first annular wall 120 and the second annular wall 150 so that the closure element 130 keeps the container 100 closed and sealed.

With reference to Figure 3 there is disclosed an illustration of a container 100 according to an aspect of the present däscâosure . ln Figure 3 the container 100 comprises additional and optional features as compared to Figure 1 and The closure element 130 comprises a protruding rim 132 extending around the second annular wall 150. And the first cup 110 comprises a receiving recess 112 extending around the first annularwall 120 and being configured to receive the protruding rim 132 when the closure element 130 is pressed into the first cup Upon pressing the closure element 130 into the first cup 110 a user will notice when the closure element 130 is correctly placed and the protruding rim 132 and the receiving recess 112 will further help in sealing the containerallowing a better and more reliable user experience. lt is further envisioned that the closure element 130 may have a contrasting color compared to the first cup 110 so that a user may be able to clearly see when the closure element 130 has been placed correctly inside the first cup With reference to Figure 4 there is disclosed an illustration of a containeraccording to an embodiment of the invention.

The container 100 of Figure 4 comprises a second cup 170. The second cup 170 is configured to be at least partially enclosing the first cup 110. So, the first cup 110 is placed within the second cup The embodiment of Figure 4 is advantageous in that the closure element 130 will press the first cup 110 towards the second cup 170. This will make the cups 110, 170 touch and the friction between the cups will make the second cup 170 stick to the first cup 110. Further, having two cups that are linked in this manner will add stability for the structure.

The embodiment with two cups 110, 170 will also add insulation for the user in case of a hot or cold beverage or substance served within.

With reference to Figure 5a - 5d there is disclosed illustrations of spouts 160 arranged on the closure element of the container according to embodiments of the invention. ln the embodiments of Figure 5a - 5d the closure element further comprises a lid element 180 arranged to cover the spout 160. The lid element 180 may comprise a spike 185 configured to be used to pierce a permeable surface 165 in order to allow a user to reach the beverage or granular substance stored within the container.

The embodiment of Figure 5b comprises such a permeable surface 165 configured to be pierced by an object. For example, by using the top of the lid 180 to press the spike 185 against the permeable surfaceln Figure 5c the spout 160 comprises a first set of threads 162 extending around the spout, and the lid element 180 comprises a second set of threads 182 and the lid element 180 is configured to be screwed onto the spout 160. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the lid element 180 can be screwed onto the spout 160 making it resealable and a user may more easily bring the container with them without spilling. ln Figure 5d the spout 160 comprises a protruding rim 164 extending around the spout 160 and the lid element 180 comprises a receiving recess 184 configured to receive the protruding rim 164, and the lid element 180 is configured to be pressed onto the spout 160. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the container is resealable.

The spout 160 and lid element 180 may also be any other conventional spout and lid solution available and suitable for the invention.

Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements or in various combinations with or without other features and elements.

Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. ln the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (13)

Claims

1. Closure element (130) adapted for use with a cup (110) having a top opening (115) with a first area A1 in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to an axis A, and said cup (110) preferably being made of cellulose-based paper material or fiber- based paper material, said closure element (130) and cup (110) adapted to form a container (100) when combined, said container (100) extending along said axis A and configured to hold a beverage or granular substance, said closure element (130) comprising: a sealing plate (140) with a second area A2 equal to said first area A1; an annular sealing wall (150) extending around said sealing plate (140), wherein said annular sealing wall (150) is tilted with an angle alpha (d) in relation to said axis A and intended to be in contact with an inside surface of an annular wall of the cup (110) to seal the container (100); and said closure element (130) further comprises a spout (160) configured to deliver said beverage or granular substance to a user and arranged on said sealing plate (140), wherein said closure element (130) is configured to be pressed into said cup (110) so that said annular sealing wall (150) engages said inside surface of an annular wall of the cup (110) to form a tight seal between said closure element (6130) and said cup (110), wherein said angle alpha is between 2 - 8 degrees, wherein said closure element (130) is made of cellulose-based paper material or fiber-based paper material, and wherein said closure element (130) further comprises a removable and attachable lid element (180) arranged to cover said spout (160), and said lid element (180) and spout (160) are adapted to seal the container (100) when the lid element (180) is arranged to cover said spout (160), such that spilling is prevented. The closure element (130) according to claim 1 wherein said spout (160) comprises a first set of threads (162) extending around said spout (160), and wherein said lid element (180) comprises a second set of threads (182) and wherein said lid element (180) is configured to be screwed onto said spout (160). The closure element (130) according to claim 1 wherein said spout (160) comprises a first protruding rim (164) extending around said spout (160) and wherein said |id element (180) comprises a first receiving recess (184) configured to receive said protruding rim (164), and wherein said |id element (180) is configured to be pressed onto said spout (160). The closure element (130) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said spout (160) comprises a permeable surface (165) configured to be pierced. The closure element (130) according to claim 4 wherein said |id element (180) comprises a spike (185) configured to be used to pierce said permeable surface (165) in order to allow a user to reach said beverage or granular substance. The closure element (130) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said closure element (130) comprises a second protruding rim (132) extending around said annular sealing wall (150), adapted to interact with a second receiving recess (1 12) of said cup (110) extending around said inner annular wall and configured to receive said second protruding rim (132) when said closure element (130) is pressed into said cup (110). Container (100) configured to hold a beverage or granular substance and extending along an axis A, said container (100) comprising: a first cup (110) made of cellulose-based paper material or fiber-based paper material, said cup (110) comprising an opening (115) with a first area A1 in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to an axis A, wherein said cup (110) comprises an inner annular wall (120) tilted at said angle alpha (oi) in relation to said axis A, and a closure element (130) according to any previous claim. The container (100) according to claim 7 further comprising a second cup (170) configured to at least partially enclose said first cup (110). The closure element (130) according to any of claims 1 to 6 or the container (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said paper material is formed from a fiber-based slurry comprising; a fiber base comprising at least 50% by weight of old corrugated container (OCC). The closure element (130) according to any of claims 1 to 6 or the container (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said paper material is formed from a fiber-based slurry comprising; a fiber base comprising at least 10% softwood (SW). The closure element and/or the container according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the fiber-based slurry further comprises a moisture barrier, and an oil barrier wherein said moisture barrier and said oil barrier are in a range of about 1% - 4% of weight respectively. The closure element and/or the container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fiber-based slurry further comprises a strength additive in a range of 1 .5% - 4% by weight. The closure element and/or the container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least an inside surface of said cup (110) comprises an impermeable coating layer.