US20080099484A1 - Lid assembly and method for use thereof - Google Patents
Lid assembly and method for use thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080099484A1 US20080099484A1 US11/929,582 US92958207A US2008099484A1 US 20080099484 A1 US20080099484 A1 US 20080099484A1 US 92958207 A US92958207 A US 92958207A US 2008099484 A1 US2008099484 A1 US 2008099484A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cup
- lid
- band
- tether
- lip
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
- B65D1/26—Thin-walled containers, e.g. formed by deep-drawing operations
- B65D1/265—Drinking cups
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
- B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
- B65D43/163—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container and the lid being made separately
- B65D43/169—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container and the lid being made separately the lid, the hinge and the element connecting them to the container being made of one piece
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D55/16—Devices preventing loss of removable closure members
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2231/00—Means for facilitating the complete expelling of the contents
- B65D2231/02—Precut holes or weakened zones
- B65D2231/022—Precut holes or weakened zones for permitting the insertion of a tubular contents-removing device, e.g. a drinking straw
Definitions
- This invention is concerned with a lid assembly for a cup, and more particularly to a lid assembly that includes a hoop with a lid attached thereto by a tearable tether.
- a cup and lid combination that includes a cup having a side wall, a closed bottom and an open top, and a lid assembly.
- the lid assembly includes a band extending around a portion of the cup, a lid configured to close the open top of the cup, and a tether having first and second ends. The first end of the tether is connected to the band and the second end of the tether is connected to the lid.
- the cup has an outer surface and an inner surface and the band has an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface of the band contacts the outer surface of the cup and the band does not contact the inner surface of the cup.
- a method of placing a lid on a cup includes the steps of providing a stack of nestable cups, removing a cup from the stack, tearing a tether that connects a band extending around the cup to the lid, thereby separating the lid from the band, disposing of the band, and placing the lid on the cup.
- a lid assembly for a cup that includes a band configured to extend around a cup, a lid, and a tether having first and second opposite ends. The first end of the tether is secured to the band and the second end is secured to the lid.
- FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a first embodiment of a cup/lid combination incorporating this invention
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the cup/lid combination of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the cup/lid combination of FIG. 1 taken generally as indicated by line 3 - 3 in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a cup/lid combination
- FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the cup/lid combination of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of two of the cups of FIG. 4 showing that they are nestable;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing the top and lid without the cup;
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cup showing the top and lid of FIG. 7 secured on the lip of a cup;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cup/lid combination of FIG. 4 , showing the lid retained in a slot portion on the side of the cup;
- FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the cup of FIG. 4 showing the slot portion without a lid therein;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cup and lid with a T-bar connection in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cup and lid of FIG. 11 with the lid exploded from the cup;
- FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the cup and lid of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of the T-bar recess of the cup of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 15 is a detailed perspective view of the T-bar connector in the T-bar recess of the cup of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 16 a is a detailed perspective view of the T-bar connector of the lid of FIG. 11 ;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cup and lid with a snap fit connection in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the cup and lid of FIG. 17 with the lid exploded from the cup;
- FIG. 19 is a detailed perspective view of the snap fit connection of the lid and cup of FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 20 is a detailed perspective view of the cup and lid of FIG. 17 with the lid exploded from the cup;
- FIG. 21 is another detailed perspective view of the snap fit connection of the lid and cup of FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 22 is a detailed perspective view of the snap fit recess of the cup of FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 23 is a detailed perspective view of the snap fit member of the lid of FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 24 is a top plan view of a lid assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 25 is a side elevation sectional view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line A—A of FIG. 24 ;
- FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the lid assembly of FIG. 24 ;
- FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 24 ;
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 24 with the lid detached from the band;
- FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 24 secured to the top of a cup;
- FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 24 on a cup with a recess.
- FIG. 31 is a detailed cross-sectional view taken along line 31 of FIG. 29 .
- the numeral 11 designates generally the cup and numeral 12 designates generally the lid for the cup.
- cup/lid combinations taught herein can by used with any type of cup or vessel that includes a lid. Other uses for the cup/lid combinations described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art.
- Cup 11 is a nestable variety, meaning that it can be stacked with a cup nesting inside a cup therebeneath in a stack.
- cup 11 has a frustroconical wall 13 with a closed bottom 14 and an open top 15 .
- the cup preferably has a thickened or rolled lip 16 at the open top 15 .
- the wall 13 of cup 11 has a circular recess 17 therein for receiving the lid 12 .
- the recess 17 there are provided one or more pairs of oppositely disposed nubs 18 which are adapted to overlie and retain the periphery 19 of the lid 12 when it is positioned within recess 17 . (Only one such nub 18 is shown in the drawings at FIG. 2 and in enlarged section in FIG. 3 .)
- Both the cup 11 and the lid 12 are preferably formed of thin wall flexible plastic materials thus enabling the lid 12 to be bent and flexed in placing it in recess 17 beneath cup nubs 18 and to likewise flex when the lid 12 is snapped out of the recess 17 for use in covering the open top 15 of the cup.
- a tab 20 may be affixed to or be integral with the lid 12 to facilitate removing the lid from the cup wall recess 17 .
- the combination may include a flexible tether 21 providing a connection between the lid and the cup.
- the tether 21 prevents the lid from flying free when it is pulled from the recess 17 in the cup wall 13 .
- cup lid 12 nestled within the recess 17 of the cup wall 13 the cup and lid can be nested within another like cup/lid combination for stacked storage and dispensing.
- the recess 17 can include a lip, similar to lip 16 for retaining the lid 12 .
- the lid 12 is snap fit onto the lip within recess 17 , just as it is typically snap fit onto lip 16 when in use.
- the cups are still nestable because the lip is located within recess 17 .
- the lid 12 is removed from the lip in recess 17 and is then placed on lip 16 .
- recess 17 can be omitted, and a lip for retaining lid 12 can be formed on the side wall 13 of cup 11 .
- Cup 40 is similar to cup 11 , but has recess 17 omitted. Cup 40 is preferably a nestable variety. To this end cup 40 has a frustroconical wall 13 with a closed bottom 14 and an open top 15 . The cup preferably has a thickened or rolled lip 16 at the open top 15 .
- cup 40 includes flexible tether 42 and band 44 .
- the band 44 extends around the cup 40 preferably just under lip 16 .
- the band 44 , tether 42 and lid 12 together form a top for the cup 40 .
- the tether 42 is connected at one end to the band 44 and at its opposite end to the lid 12 .
- the tether 42 can be attached to or formed with the cup 40 itself, thus eliminating the need for band 44 .
- the band 44 is seated in a shallow channel that is formed in the side wall 13 of the cup 40 .
- the channel can be omitted.
- the top 15 of cup 40 has a convex/concave shape.
- the top 15 when viewed from one side (as shown in FIG. 6 ), the top 15 has a concave shape.
- the cup 40 is turned 90 degrees from the position shown in FIG. 6 the top 15 has a convex shape.
- This configuration is referred to herein as a convex/concave shape and will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.
- lid 12 takes on a shape similar to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 . This is because in storage, lid 12 points upwardly, as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the lid 12 of a lower cup 40 When the stack of cups 40 is placed in a sleeve, the lid 12 of a lower cup 40 typically contacts some of the cups 40 above it in the stack. Because the cups 40 are round and the cups 40 and lids 12 are secured in a sleeve, the lids 12 tend to mirror the shape of the cups, thus giving the lids 12 a convex/concave shape.
- the top 15 of cup 40 and lip 16 are preferably shaped in a non-flat or convex/concave shaped manner to accommodate the shape of lid 12 after storage.
- the lid 12 can have a convex/concave shape when manufactured.
- the lid 12 and top 15 of cup 40 are both shaped so as to fit one another before the lid 12 is placed in the storage position (as described below).
- lid 12 is moved between a storage position 60 and a use position 62 . As shown in FIG. 6 , the lid 12 starts in the storage position 60 . A user first removes the cup 40 from the stack. However, the tether 42 keeps the lid 12 attached to the lid 12 , so that it does not drop to the floor, counter, etc. The user then fills the cup 40 with a beverage and places the lid 12 on the cup, which is referred to herein as the use position 62 .
- the band 44 is disposable.
- the user tears the tether 42 , thereby separating the band 44 from the lid 12 and then places the lid 12 on the cup 40 in the use position 62 .
- the band 44 can then be disposed of.
- the lid 12 can be stored inside cup 40 .
- the lid 12 In use, the lid 12 is moved between a storage position, a filling position and a use position. It will be understood that the filling position is any position where the lid 12 is out of the cup 40 and not in the way when the cup 40 is being filled.
- the lid 12 , band 44 and tether 42 are formed of a unitary piece of material.
- the lid 12 , band 44 and tether 42 are formed of separate pieces that are attached to one another.
- the lid 12 , band 44 and the tether 42 are preferably formed of thin wall flexible plastic materials thus enabling the lid 12 and tether to be bent and flexed when the lid is moved from the storage position to the use position.
- the thin wall flexible plastic material allows for easy tearing of the tether in the embodiment where the band 44 is disposable.
- the lid 12 , tether 42 and cup 40 are formed of a unitary piece of material.
- a top 70 includes a band 44 that is fitted around the lip 16 , and a lid 12 that is connected to the band 44 by a tether 42 .
- the band 44 includes a channel 72 for receiving the lip 16 of the cup 40 .
- the lip 16 of the cup 40 is received in the channel 72 .
- the top 70 is preferably made of an elastomeric material, such as plastic or the like. Accordingly, the top 70 can be snap fit on the top 15 of the cup 40 by mating the channel 72 and the lip 16 of the cup 40 .
- the band 44 also includes a lip 74 .
- the lid 12 which is secured to the bottom portion 44 a of the band 44 is snap fit onto the lip 74 of the band.
- the channel 72 is defined in the bottom portion 44 a of the band 44 and extends upwardly into the lip 74 .
- the channel 72 can be defined only in the bottom portion 44 a of the band 44 .
- the top 70 can be used on a cup without a lip and can therefore provide a lip for the cup and the capability of securing a lid thereon.
- the top 70 has a non-flat or convex/concave shape similar to that described above with respect to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- the top 70 can also have a flat configuration, as is shown in FIG. 8 .
- the cup 40 can simply be a prior art cup that has the top 70 secured thereon.
- the tether 42 can be tearable or not. However, in the event that the tether 42 is torn, because the band 44 is secured around the lip 16 , the tether 42 is not disposable as it is in the embodiment described above.
- the cups 40 come in a stack with the top 70 secured to the lip 16 of the cup.
- the lid 12 is in the open or storage position, so that the cups 40 can all fit in one another.
- a user pulls a cup 40 from the stack, fills the cup 40 and closes the lid 12 , thus placing the lid 12 in the use position.
- This method is advantageous for both the user and the establishment selling the cup and/or drink.
- the user does not have to take a cup from one stack and a lid from a separate stack.
- the lid is already attached to the cup, there is little chance of lids being wasted. In other words, the user will not pull two lids accidentally from a stack and drop one on the floor.
- the user saves time and the establishment saves money and inventory.
- FIGS. 9-10 show the cup 40 as shown in FIGS. 4-6 , but without the tether 42 on the lid 12 .
- the side wall 13 of the cup 40 has a slot portion 80 defined therein into which the lid 12 is slid so that it can be retained in the recess 17 in the side of cup 40 .
- recess 17 is part of slot portion 80 .
- cup 40 includes a raised portion 82 and an indented portion 84 that cooperate to define the slot portion 80 .
- the slot portion 80 includes a closed top 86 and an open bottom or mouth 88 into which the lid 12 is inserted and is then slid up into place in recess 17 .
- the side wall, and in particular the raised portion 82 includes a flange 90 that extends into and partially defines the slot portion 80 .
- This flange 90 is adapted to overlie and retain the periphery 19 of lid 12 when it is inserted through mouth 88 , slid into slot portion 80 and secured in place against closed top 86 , as is shown in FIG. 9 .
- the slot portion 80 and/or recess 17 can also include one or more nubs which are adapted to overlie and retain the periphery 19 of the lid 12 when it is positioned within slot portion 80 and/or recess 17 .
- the flange 90 extends from raised portion 82 in such a manner that it is flush with the outer surface of raised portion 82 . Such an arrangement allows for multiple cups 40 to be stacked with the lid 12 disposed in the slot portion 80 , if so desired.
- the lid 12 is flexed appropriately (so that it mimics the shape of the outer surface of side wall 13 ), and then inserted through mouth 88 under flange 90 and is slid into position in slot portion 80 and recess 17 .
- the cups can come stacked with the lid 12 attached to a tether 42 and band 44 or in a stack with the lid 12 disposed in slot portion 80 . If the lid 12 is attached to the tether, a user pulls a cup 40 from the stack, takes the band 44 off of the cup 44 , tears the tether 42 , discards the band 44 , and then can either place the lid 12 on top of the cup 44 or can slide the lid 12 into the slot portion 80 for storage while filling or drinking from the cup.
- the user pulls a cup 40 from the stack, slides the lid 12 out of slot portion 80 (through mouth 88 ), fills the cup 40 (these steps can be reversed) and places the lid on the lip 16 of the cup.
- This method is advantageous for both the user and the establishment selling the cup and/or drink.
- the user does not have to take a cup from one stack and a lid from a separate stack.
- the lid is already disposed in the slot portion of the cup, there is little chance of lids being wasted. In other words, the user will not pull two lids accidentally from a stack and drop one on the floor. The user saves time and the establishment saves money and inventory.
- the slot portion can be defined in the side wall on the inside of cup.
- the slot portion can extend from the bottom of the cup to the top of the cup, thereby providing the capability of sliding the lid in from the top or the bottom.
- the slot portion can extend horizontally.
- the mouth of the slot portion can be at the top of the cup.
- the flange can extend over the slot portion, thereby covering the lid when it is in its storage position.
- FIGS. 11-16 A fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 11-16 .
- the lid 12 and a cup 100 include a T-bar connection 102 .
- the T-bar connection 102 comprises a connector 104 that extends from the lid 12 and a recess 106 in the cup 100 .
- the connector 104 is removably received in the recess 106 .
- connector 104 includes an extension 108 that extends from lid 12 , and a pair of pegs 110 that extend outwardly extension 108 .
- extension 108 includes a bend 108 a therein.
- recess 106 includes a wide portion 112 and a pair of knobs 114 .
- the pegs 110 are inserted into the wide portion 112 of recess 106 and then the extension 108 is snapped past the knobs 114 an into place, as is shown in FIG. 15 .
- the distance between the knobs 114 is less than the width of the extension 108 .
- the extension 108 is made of a pliable material, it deforms as it is pressed past the knobs 104 .
- the extension 108 is pulled back past the knobs 104 . As is shown in FIG.
- the bend 108 a in extension 108 in combination with the location of the knobs 104 and the pegs 110 allows the lid 12 to rest in a downwardly extending position. This position is advantageous for stacking and dispensing of the cup 100 and lid 12 together.
- the cup 100 has a non-flat or convex/concave shape similar to that described above with respect to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- the top of cup 100 can also have a flat configuration.
- the cup 100 and lid 12 can simply be a prior art cup and lid that include the components of the T-bar connection 102 .
- the connector 104 can be tearable from lid 12 or not.
- knobs 104 can be omitted and the wide portion 112 can include knobs or the like into which the pegs 110 can be snap fit.
- FIGS. 17-23 A fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 17-23 .
- the lid 12 and a cup 120 include a snap fit connection 122 .
- the snap fit connection 122 comprises a connector 124 that extends from the lid 12 and a recess 126 in the cup 120 .
- the connector 124 is removably received in the recess 126 .
- connector 124 includes an extension 128 that extends from lid 12 , and a U-shaped member 130 that extends outwardly from extension 128 .
- the U-shaped member 130 includes two elongated ridges 130 a on an inside surface thereof.
- extension 128 includes a bend 128 a therein.
- recess 126 includes a protrusion 132 that has a pair of indentations 134 defined therein.
- protrusion 132 also includes a blocker 136 for preventing the connector 104 , and specifically U-shaped member 130 from being pulled downwardly and sliding off of protrusion 132 and out of recess 126 .
- the bend 128 a in extension 128 allows the lid 12 to rest in a downwardly extending position. This position is advantageous for stacking and dispensing of the cup 120 and lid 12 together.
- the cup 120 has a non-flat or convex/concave shape similar to that described above with respect to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- the top of cup 120 can also have a flat configuration.
- the cup 120 and lid 12 can simply be a prior art cup and lid that include the components of the snap fit connection 122 .
- the connector 124 can be tearable from lid 12 or not.
- FIGS. 24-31 show another embodiment of the invention wherein a lid assembly 140 is secured on the cup 40 .
- lid assembly 140 includes a lid 12 and a band 144 that are connected by a tether 142 .
- the band 144 is formed such that it can be secured on the lip 16 of a cup 40 .
- the band 144 is snap fit on the top of a cup 40 in the same manner that the lid 12 is.
- the band 144 includes a channel 146 that receives the lip 16 of the cup 40 .
- the tether 142 is connected at one end to the band 144 and at its opposite end to the lid 12 .
- the band can be formed so as to fit onto a cup with a non-flat top. For example, it could fit on a convex/concave shaped top.
- the band 144 is snap fit onto the cup 10 from the bottom. This works particularly with paper paper or plastic cups that have a rolled lip 16 , such as that shown in FIGS. 29 and 31 .
- the band 144 includes an upper portion 144 a that has a greater circumference than a lower portion 144 b .
- the upper and lower portions 144 a and 144 b partially define the channel 146 .
- the upper portion 144 a fits snugly on the lip 16 and the lower portion 144 b fits snugly against the outer surface of the cup.
- the lid assembly 140 To put the lid assembly 140 on the cup 40 , the hoop is slid up the cup 40 from the bottom and the upper portion 144 a is snap fit onto the bottom of the lip 16 such that the lip 16 is received in channel 146 .
- the band 144 is disposable.
- the cups 40 come in a stack with the lid assembly 140 secured to the lip 16 of the cups 10 .
- the lid 12 extends outwardly, as shown in FIG. 29 , so that the cups 40 can all fit in one another in a nested fashion.
- a user pulls a cup 40 from the stack and then tears the tether 142 (preferably along score marks 148 ), thereby separating the lid 12 from the band 144 .
- the band 144 is then removed from the top of the cup 40 and can then be disposed of.
- the band 144 extends high enough above the top of cup 40 that a user can push the band 144 downwardly thereby separating the lip 12 from the channel 146 and causing the band to drop downwardly for disposal thereof. After disposal of the band 144 , the user fills the cup 40 and places the lid 12 on the top 15 thereof.
- FIG. 7 shows the lid 12 on a cup 40 with a recess 126 that is used for a lid with a connector, such as the connectors described above.
- the lid 12 , band 144 and tether 142 are formed of a unitary piece of material.
- the lid 12 , band 144 and tether 142 are formed of separate pieces that are attached to one another.
- the lid 12 , band 144 and the tether 142 are preferably formed of thin wall flexible plastic materials thus enabling the lid 12 and tether to be bent and flexed. Also, the thin wall flexible plastic material allows for easy tearing of the tether.
Abstract
A cup and lid combination that includes a cup having a side wall, a closed bottom and an open top, and a lid assembly. The lid assembly includes a band extending around a portion of the cup, a lid configured to close the open top of the cup, and a tether having first and second ends. The first end of the tether is connected to the band and the second end of the tether is connected to the lid.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/544,268, filed Oct. 6, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/442,020, filed on May 25, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/297,959, filed on Dec. 8, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/763,520, filed on Jan. 23, 2004, now abandoned, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/950,326, filed on Jul. 17, 2007, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention is concerned with a lid assembly for a cup, and more particularly to a lid assembly that includes a hoop with a lid attached thereto by a tearable tether.
- It is customary to configure disposable soft drink cups so that each cup can be nested in a like cup beneath it in a stack. This greatly reduces the storage space for multiple cups. Such cups are rarely supplied with lids in place on the open mouth of the cups because this would preclude the cups being nested. Hence, the lids are usually supplied and stored in a container separate from the container for the cups. And, thus, the cups and lids must be handled separately and brought together for use.
- There continues to be a need for a way to provide a cup and lid together so that cups can be stored in a nested condition.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided A cup and lid combination that includes a cup having a side wall, a closed bottom and an open top, and a lid assembly. The lid assembly includes a band extending around a portion of the cup, a lid configured to close the open top of the cup, and a tether having first and second ends. The first end of the tether is connected to the band and the second end of the tether is connected to the lid. In a preferred embodiment, the cup has an outer surface and an inner surface and the band has an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface of the band contacts the outer surface of the cup and the band does not contact the inner surface of the cup.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of placing a lid on a cup. The method includes the steps of providing a stack of nestable cups, removing a cup from the stack, tearing a tether that connects a band extending around the cup to the lid, thereby separating the lid from the band, disposing of the band, and placing the lid on the cup.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lid assembly for a cup that includes a band configured to extend around a cup, a lid, and a tether having first and second opposite ends. The first end of the tether is secured to the band and the second end is secured to the lid.
- The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a first embodiment of a cup/lid combination incorporating this invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the cup/lid combination ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the cup/lid combination ofFIG. 1 taken generally as indicated by line 3-3 inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a cup/lid combination; -
FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the cup/lid combination ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of two of the cups ofFIG. 4 showing that they are nestable; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing the top and lid without the cup; -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cup showing the top and lid ofFIG. 7 secured on the lip of a cup; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cup/lid combination ofFIG. 4 , showing the lid retained in a slot portion on the side of the cup; -
FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the cup ofFIG. 4 showing the slot portion without a lid therein; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cup and lid with a T-bar connection in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cup and lid ofFIG. 11 with the lid exploded from the cup; -
FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the cup and lid ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of the T-bar recess of the cup ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 15 is a detailed perspective view of the T-bar connector in the T-bar recess of the cup ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lid ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 16 a is a detailed perspective view of the T-bar connector of the lid ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cup and lid with a snap fit connection in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the cup and lid ofFIG. 17 with the lid exploded from the cup; -
FIG. 19 is a detailed perspective view of the snap fit connection of the lid and cup ofFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 20 is a detailed perspective view of the cup and lid ofFIG. 17 with the lid exploded from the cup; -
FIG. 21 is another detailed perspective view of the snap fit connection of the lid and cup ofFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 22 is a detailed perspective view of the snap fit recess of the cup ofFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 23 is a detailed perspective view of the snap fit member of the lid ofFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 24 is a top plan view of a lid assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 25 is a side elevation sectional view of the lid assembly ofFIG. 1 taken along line A—A ofFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the lid assembly ofFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the lid assembly ofFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the lid assembly ofFIG. 24 with the lid detached from the band; -
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the lid assembly ofFIG. 24 secured to the top of a cup; -
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the lid ofFIG. 24 on a cup with a recess; and -
FIG. 31 is a detailed cross-sectional view taken alongline 31 ofFIG. 29 . - Referring to
FIGS. 1-3 , thenumeral 11 designates generally the cup andnumeral 12 designates generally the lid for the cup. - For exemplary purposes only, described hereinbelow is a preferred embodiment wherein the cups described are of a nestable variety. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. It will be understood that the cup/lid combinations taught herein can by used with any type of cup or vessel that includes a lid. Other uses for the cup/lid combinations described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art.
- It will be appreciated that terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “upwardly” and other such descriptive terms used hereinbelow are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the cup/lid combinations described herein is within the scope of the present invention.
-
Cup 11 is a nestable variety, meaning that it can be stacked with a cup nesting inside a cup therebeneath in a stack. To thisend cup 11 has afrustroconical wall 13 with a closed bottom 14 and an open top 15. The cup preferably has a thickened or rolledlip 16 at the open top 15. - The
wall 13 ofcup 11 has acircular recess 17 therein for receiving thelid 12. In the view of therecess 17 there are provided one or more pairs of oppositely disposednubs 18 which are adapted to overlie and retain theperiphery 19 of thelid 12 when it is positioned withinrecess 17. (Only onesuch nub 18 is shown in the drawings atFIG. 2 and in enlarged section inFIG. 3 .) - Both the
cup 11 and thelid 12 are preferably formed of thin wall flexible plastic materials thus enabling thelid 12 to be bent and flexed in placing it inrecess 17 beneathcup nubs 18 and to likewise flex when thelid 12 is snapped out of therecess 17 for use in covering theopen top 15 of the cup. - If desired a
tab 20 may be affixed to or be integral with thelid 12 to facilitate removing the lid from thecup wall recess 17. - Also, if desired the combination may include a
flexible tether 21 providing a connection between the lid and the cup. Thetether 21 prevents the lid from flying free when it is pulled from therecess 17 in thecup wall 13. - From the foregoing it should be apparent that with the
cup lid 12 nestled within therecess 17 of thecup wall 13 the cup and lid can be nested within another like cup/lid combination for stacked storage and dispensing. - In another embodiment, the
recess 17 can include a lip, similar tolip 16 for retaining thelid 12. In this embodiment, instead of being nestled withinrecess 17, thelid 12 is snap fit onto the lip withinrecess 17, just as it is typically snap fit ontolip 16 when in use. In this embodiment, the cups are still nestable because the lip is located withinrecess 17. In use, thelid 12 is removed from the lip inrecess 17 and is then placed onlip 16. In yet another embodiment,recess 17 can be omitted, and a lip for retaininglid 12 can be formed on theside wall 13 ofcup 11. - Referring to
FIGS. 4-6 , a second embodiment of a cup/lid combination is shown.Cup 40 is similar tocup 11, but hasrecess 17 omitted.Cup 40 is preferably a nestable variety. To thisend cup 40 has afrustroconical wall 13 with a closed bottom 14 and an open top 15. The cup preferably has a thickened or rolledlip 16 at the open top 15. - In a preferred embodiment,
cup 40 includesflexible tether 42 andband 44. Theband 44 extends around thecup 40 preferably just underlip 16. Theband 44,tether 42 andlid 12 together form a top for thecup 40. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 , thetether 42 is connected at one end to theband 44 and at its opposite end to thelid 12. In an alternative embodiment, thetether 42 can be attached to or formed with thecup 40 itself, thus eliminating the need forband 44. - In an alternative embodiment, the
band 44 is seated in a shallow channel that is formed in theside wall 13 of thecup 40. In a preferred embodiment, the channel can be omitted. - As is best shown in
FIG. 4 , in a preferred embodiment, the top 15 ofcup 40 has a convex/concave shape. In other words, when viewed from one side (as shown inFIG. 6 ), the top 15 has a concave shape. When thecup 40 is turned 90 degrees from the position shown inFIG. 6 the top 15 has a convex shape. This configuration is referred to herein as a convex/concave shape and will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. After being stored for a period of time,lid 12 takes on a shape similar to that shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 . This is because in storage,lid 12 points upwardly, as shown inFIG. 6 . When the stack ofcups 40 is placed in a sleeve, thelid 12 of alower cup 40 typically contacts some of thecups 40 above it in the stack. Because thecups 40 are round and thecups 40 andlids 12 are secured in a sleeve, thelids 12 tend to mirror the shape of the cups, thus giving the lids 12 a convex/concave shape. - This convex/concave shape substantially corresponds to that of
top 15 ofcup 40 Therefore, the top 15 ofcup 40 andlip 16 are preferably shaped in a non-flat or convex/concave shaped manner to accommodate the shape oflid 12 after storage. In an alternative embodiment, thelid 12 can have a convex/concave shape when manufactured. In this embodiment, thelid 12 and top 15 ofcup 40 are both shaped so as to fit one another before thelid 12 is placed in the storage position (as described below). - In use,
lid 12 is moved between astorage position 60 and ause position 62. As shown inFIG. 6 , thelid 12 starts in thestorage position 60. A user first removes thecup 40 from the stack. However, thetether 42 keeps thelid 12 attached to thelid 12, so that it does not drop to the floor, counter, etc. The user then fills thecup 40 with a beverage and places thelid 12 on the cup, which is referred to herein as theuse position 62. - In a preferred embodiment, the
band 44 is disposable. In this embodiment, after removingcup 40 from the stack, the user tears thetether 42, thereby separating theband 44 from thelid 12 and then places thelid 12 on thecup 40 in theuse position 62. After thelid 12 is separated from theband 44, theband 44 can then be disposed of. - In yet another embodiment, the
lid 12 can be stored insidecup 40. In use, thelid 12 is moved between a storage position, a filling position and a use position. It will be understood that the filling position is any position where thelid 12 is out of thecup 40 and not in the way when thecup 40 is being filled. - Preferably, the
lid 12,band 44 andtether 42 are formed of a unitary piece of material. In an alternative embodiment, thelid 12,band 44 andtether 42 are formed of separate pieces that are attached to one another. Furthermore, thelid 12,band 44 and thetether 42 are preferably formed of thin wall flexible plastic materials thus enabling thelid 12 and tether to be bent and flexed when the lid is moved from the storage position to the use position. Also, the thin wall flexible plastic material allows for easy tearing of the tether in the embodiment where theband 44 is disposable. In another embodiment, where theband 44 is omitted, thelid 12,tether 42 andcup 40 are formed of a unitary piece of material. - A third preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 7-8 . In this embodiment, a top 70 includes aband 44 that is fitted around thelip 16, and alid 12 that is connected to theband 44 by atether 42. Theband 44 includes achannel 72 for receiving thelip 16 of thecup 40. As can be seen inFIG. 8 , thelip 16 of thecup 40 is received in thechannel 72. The top 70 is preferably made of an elastomeric material, such as plastic or the like. Accordingly, the top 70 can be snap fit on the top 15 of thecup 40 by mating thechannel 72 and thelip 16 of thecup 40. Preferably, theband 44 also includes alip 74. In use, thelid 12, which is secured to the bottom portion 44 a of theband 44 is snap fit onto thelip 74 of the band. As can be seen inFIG. 8 , thechannel 72 is defined in the bottom portion 44 a of theband 44 and extends upwardly into thelip 74. In an alternative embodiment, thechannel 72 can be defined only in the bottom portion 44 a of theband 44. In this embodiment, the top 70 can be used on a cup without a lip and can therefore provide a lip for the cup and the capability of securing a lid thereon. - As can be seen in
FIG. 7 , in a preferred embodiment, the top 70 has a non-flat or convex/concave shape similar to that described above with respect to the second embodiment of the present invention. However, the top 70 can also have a flat configuration, as is shown inFIG. 8 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art, that in this embodiment, thecup 40 can simply be a prior art cup that has the top 70 secured thereon. - In this embodiment, the
tether 42 can be tearable or not. However, in the event that thetether 42 is torn, because theband 44 is secured around thelip 16, thetether 42 is not disposable as it is in the embodiment described above. - In use, the
cups 40 come in a stack with the top 70 secured to thelip 16 of the cup. Thelid 12 is in the open or storage position, so that thecups 40 can all fit in one another. A user pulls acup 40 from the stack, fills thecup 40 and closes thelid 12, thus placing thelid 12 in the use position. This method is advantageous for both the user and the establishment selling the cup and/or drink. The user does not have to take a cup from one stack and a lid from a separate stack. Moreover, because the lid is already attached to the cup, there is little chance of lids being wasted. In other words, the user will not pull two lids accidentally from a stack and drop one on the floor. The user saves time and the establishment saves money and inventory. -
FIGS. 9-10 show thecup 40 as shown inFIGS. 4-6 , but without thetether 42 on thelid 12. As shown inFIGS. 4-6 and 9-10, instead of including a circular recess for retaining thelid 12, as is shown in the embodiment inFIGS. 1-3 , theside wall 13 of thecup 40 has aslot portion 80 defined therein into which thelid 12 is slid so that it can be retained in therecess 17 in the side ofcup 40. It will be understood thatrecess 17 is part ofslot portion 80. As shown inFIG. 9 ,cup 40 includes a raisedportion 82 and anindented portion 84 that cooperate to define theslot portion 80. Theslot portion 80 includes a closed top 86 and an open bottom ormouth 88 into which thelid 12 is inserted and is then slid up into place inrecess 17. - As is best shown in
FIG. 10 , the side wall, and in particular the raisedportion 82 includes aflange 90 that extends into and partially defines theslot portion 80. Thisflange 90 is adapted to overlie and retain theperiphery 19 oflid 12 when it is inserted throughmouth 88, slid intoslot portion 80 and secured in place against closed top 86, as is shown inFIG. 9 . Similar to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-3 , theslot portion 80 and/orrecess 17 can also include one or more nubs which are adapted to overlie and retain theperiphery 19 of thelid 12 when it is positioned withinslot portion 80 and/orrecess 17. - In a preferred embodiment, the
flange 90 extends from raisedportion 82 in such a manner that it is flush with the outer surface of raisedportion 82. Such an arrangement allows formultiple cups 40 to be stacked with thelid 12 disposed in theslot portion 80, if so desired. - To store the
lid 12, thelid 12 is flexed appropriately (so that it mimics the shape of the outer surface of side wall 13), and then inserted throughmouth 88 underflange 90 and is slid into position inslot portion 80 andrecess 17. - In use, the cups can come stacked with the
lid 12 attached to atether 42 andband 44 or in a stack with thelid 12 disposed inslot portion 80. If thelid 12 is attached to the tether, a user pulls acup 40 from the stack, takes theband 44 off of thecup 44, tears thetether 42, discards theband 44, and then can either place thelid 12 on top of thecup 44 or can slide thelid 12 into theslot portion 80 for storage while filling or drinking from the cup. If the lid is already stored in theslot portion 80, the user pulls acup 40 from the stack, slides thelid 12 out of slot portion 80 (through mouth 88), fills the cup 40 (these steps can be reversed) and places the lid on thelip 16 of the cup. This method is advantageous for both the user and the establishment selling the cup and/or drink. The user does not have to take a cup from one stack and a lid from a separate stack. Moreover, because the lid is already disposed in the slot portion of the cup, there is little chance of lids being wasted. In other words, the user will not pull two lids accidentally from a stack and drop one on the floor. The user saves time and the establishment saves money and inventory. - In an alternative embodiment, the slot portion can be defined in the side wall on the inside of cup. In another embodiment the slot portion can extend from the bottom of the cup to the top of the cup, thereby providing the capability of sliding the lid in from the top or the bottom. In another embodiment, the slot portion can extend horizontally. In another embodiment the mouth of the slot portion can be at the top of the cup. In another embodiment, the flange can extend over the slot portion, thereby covering the lid when it is in its storage position.
- A fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 11-16 . In this embodiment, thelid 12 and acup 100 include a T-bar connection 102. The T-bar connection 102 comprises aconnector 104 that extends from thelid 12 and arecess 106 in thecup 100. Theconnector 104 is removably received in therecess 106. - As is best shown in
FIGS. 16 and 16 a,connector 104 includes anextension 108 that extends fromlid 12, and a pair ofpegs 110 that extend outwardlyextension 108. In a preferred embodiment,extension 108 includes a bend 108 a therein. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. As is best shown inFIG. 14 ,recess 106 includes awide portion 112 and a pair ofknobs 114. - With reference to
FIGS. 11, 12 and 15, to establish the T-bar connection, thepegs 110 are inserted into thewide portion 112 ofrecess 106 and then theextension 108 is snapped past theknobs 114 an into place, as is shown inFIG. 15 . It will be understood that the distance between theknobs 114 is less than the width of theextension 108. Because theextension 108 is made of a pliable material, it deforms as it is pressed past theknobs 104. To remove theconnector 104 from therecess 106, theextension 108 is pulled back past theknobs 104. As is shown inFIG. 11 , the bend 108 a inextension 108 in combination with the location of theknobs 104 and thepegs 110 allows thelid 12 to rest in a downwardly extending position. This position is advantageous for stacking and dispensing of thecup 100 andlid 12 together. - As can be seen
FIGS. 11-12 , in a preferred embodiment, thecup 100 has a non-flat or convex/concave shape similar to that described above with respect to the second embodiment of the present invention. However, the top ofcup 100 can also have a flat configuration. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, that in this embodiment, thecup 100 andlid 12 can simply be a prior art cup and lid that include the components of the T-bar connection 102. In this embodiment, theconnector 104 can be tearable fromlid 12 or not. - In an alternative embodiment, the
knobs 104 can be omitted and thewide portion 112 can include knobs or the like into which thepegs 110 can be snap fit. - A fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 17-23 . In this embodiment, thelid 12 and acup 120 include a snapfit connection 122. The snapfit connection 122 comprises aconnector 124 that extends from thelid 12 and arecess 126 in thecup 120. Theconnector 124 is removably received in therecess 126. - As is best shown in
FIGS. 19-23 ,connector 124 includes anextension 128 that extends fromlid 12, and aU-shaped member 130 that extends outwardly fromextension 128. TheU-shaped member 130 includes two elongatedridges 130 a on an inside surface thereof. In a preferred embodiment,extension 128 includes abend 128 a therein. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. As is best shown inFIG. 14 ,recess 126 includes aprotrusion 132 that has a pair ofindentations 134 defined therein. - With reference to
FIGS. 19-22 , to establish the snap fit connection, theU-shaped member 130 is pressed over theprotrusion 132. Due to the material of the U-shaped member, theelongated ridges 130 a cause the U-shaped member to spread until the elongatedridges 130 a snap into place in theindentations 134. It will be understood that the distance between theelongated ridges 130 a is less than the width of theprotrusion 132. To remove theconnector 124 from therecess 126, the extensionU-shaped member 130 is pulled backwards so that theelongated ridges 130 a come out of theindentations 134 andU-shaped member 130 comes off ofprotrusion 132. In a preferred embodiment,protrusion 132 also includes ablocker 136 for preventing theconnector 104, and specificallyU-shaped member 130 from being pulled downwardly and sliding off ofprotrusion 132 and out ofrecess 126. - As is shown in
FIG. 17 , thebend 128 a inextension 128 allows thelid 12 to rest in a downwardly extending position. This position is advantageous for stacking and dispensing of thecup 120 andlid 12 together. - As can be seen
FIGS. 17-18 , in a preferred embodiment, thecup 120 has a non-flat or convex/concave shape similar to that described above with respect to the second embodiment of the present invention. However, the top ofcup 120 can also have a flat configuration. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, that in this embodiment, thecup 120 andlid 12 can simply be a prior art cup and lid that include the components of the snapfit connection 122. In this embodiment, theconnector 124 can be tearable fromlid 12 or not. - It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other temporary connections between the cup and lid are within the scope of the present invention. Any connection that includes a connector extending from the lid and a recess in the cup or vice versa is within the scope of the invention. For example, VELCRO™, buttons, other snap fit connections or the like are possible.
-
FIGS. 24-31 show another embodiment of the invention wherein alid assembly 140 is secured on thecup 40. Similar to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4-8 ,lid assembly 140 includes alid 12 and aband 144 that are connected by atether 142. Theband 144 is formed such that it can be secured on thelip 16 of acup 40. In other words, theband 144 is snap fit on the top of acup 40 in the same manner that thelid 12 is. Theband 144 includes achannel 146 that receives thelip 16 of thecup 40. As shown in the figures, thetether 142 is connected at one end to theband 144 and at its opposite end to thelid 12. In an alternative embodiment, the band can be formed so as to fit onto a cup with a non-flat top. For example, it could fit on a convex/concave shaped top. - In a preferred embodiment, the
band 144 is snap fit onto thecup 10 from the bottom. This works particularly with paper paper or plastic cups that have a rolledlip 16, such as that shown inFIGS. 29 and 31 . As is best shown inFIGS. 25 and 31 , theband 144 includes anupper portion 144 a that has a greater circumference than alower portion 144 b. The upper andlower portions channel 146. Theupper portion 144 a fits snugly on thelip 16 and thelower portion 144 b fits snugly against the outer surface of the cup. To put thelid assembly 140 on thecup 40, the hoop is slid up thecup 40 from the bottom and theupper portion 144 a is snap fit onto the bottom of thelip 16 such that thelip 16 is received inchannel 146. - In a preferred embodiment, the
band 144 is disposable. In use, thecups 40 come in a stack with thelid assembly 140 secured to thelip 16 of thecups 10. Thelid 12 extends outwardly, as shown inFIG. 29 , so that thecups 40 can all fit in one another in a nested fashion. A user pulls acup 40 from the stack and then tears the tether 142 (preferably along score marks 148), thereby separating thelid 12 from theband 144. Theband 144 is then removed from the top of thecup 40 and can then be disposed of. In a preferred embodiment, theband 144 extends high enough above the top ofcup 40 that a user can push theband 144 downwardly thereby separating thelip 12 from thechannel 146 and causing the band to drop downwardly for disposal thereof. After disposal of theband 144, the user fills thecup 40 and places thelid 12 on the top 15 thereof. -
FIG. 7 shows thelid 12 on acup 40 with arecess 126 that is used for a lid with a connector, such as the connectors described above. - Preferably, the
lid 12,band 144 andtether 142 are formed of a unitary piece of material. In an alternative embodiment, thelid 12,band 144 andtether 142 are formed of separate pieces that are attached to one another. Furthermore, thelid 12,band 144 and thetether 142 are preferably formed of thin wall flexible plastic materials thus enabling thelid 12 and tether to be bent and flexed. Also, the thin wall flexible plastic material allows for easy tearing of the tether. - The embodiments described above are exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses of, and departures from, the above-described embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the present invention is to be defined solely by the scope of the following claims.
Claims (17)
1. A cup and lid combination comprising:
a. a cup having a side wall, a closed bottom and an open top, and
b. a lid assembly, wherein the lid assembly includes
i. a band extending around a portion of the cup,
ii. a lid configured to close the open top of the cup, and
ii. a tether having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the tether is connected to the band and the second end of the tether is connected to the lid.
2. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 wherein the cup includes a lip adjacent the top thereof, and wherein the band is secured around the lip.
3. The cup and lid combination of claim 2 wherein the lid is separable from the band by tearing the tether.
4. The cup and lid combination of claim 2 wherein the band includes a channel defined therein, and wherein at least a portion of the lip of the cup is received in the channel.
5. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 wherein the cup has an outer surface and an inner surface and the band has an outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the inner surface of the band contacts the outer surface of the cup and the band does not contact the inner surface of the cup.
6. The cup and lid combination of claim 3 wherein the tether includes score marks defined therein.
7. The cup and lid combination of claim 5 wherein the inner surface of the band contacts the lip.
8. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 wherein the band includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the upper portion has a greater circumference than the lower portion.
9. A method of placing a lid on a cup, the method comprising the steps of:
a. providing a stack of nestable cups,
b. removing a cup from the stack,
c. tearing a tether that connects a band extending around the cup to the lid, thereby separating the lid from the band,
d. disposing of the band, and
e. placing the lid on the cup.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the method includes the step of snap fitting the band onto a lip of the cup before step (a).
11. The method of claim 9 wherein each of the cups in the stack includes a band therearound, and wherein each of the bands have a lid connected thereto by a tether.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the band is snap fit onto the lip from the bottom of the cup.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein the band includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the upper portion has a greater circumference than the lower portion.
14. A lid assembly for a cup comprising:
a. a band configured to extend around a cup,
b. a lid, and
c. a tether having first and second opposite ends, the first end being secured to the hand and the second end being secured to the lid.
15. The lid assembly of claim 14 wherein the band has a channel defined therein, wherein the channel is configured to receive at least a portion of a lip of the cup.
16. The lid assembly of claim 15 wherein the band includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the upper portion has a greater circumference than the lower portion.
17. The lid assembly of claim 16 wherein the tether has score marks defined therein.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/929,582 US20080099484A1 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2007-10-30 | Lid assembly and method for use thereof |
PCT/US2008/070219 WO2009012331A1 (en) | 2007-07-17 | 2008-07-16 | Lid assembly and method for use thereof |
US12/396,370 US20090223969A1 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2009-03-02 | Lid assembly and method for use thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US76352004A | 2004-01-23 | 2004-01-23 | |
US11/297,959 US7398892B2 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2005-12-08 | Cup and lid combination |
US11/442,020 US7398893B2 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2006-05-25 | Cup and lid combination |
US11/544,268 US7419067B2 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2006-10-06 | Cup and lid combination |
US11/929,582 US20080099484A1 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2007-10-30 | Lid assembly and method for use thereof |
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US11/544,268 Continuation-In-Part US7419067B2 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2006-10-06 | Cup and lid combination |
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US12/396,370 Continuation-In-Part US20090223969A1 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2009-03-02 | Lid assembly and method for use thereof |
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US20080099484A1 true US20080099484A1 (en) | 2008-05-01 |
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US11/929,582 Abandoned US20080099484A1 (en) | 2004-01-23 | 2007-10-30 | Lid assembly and method for use thereof |
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US (1) | US20080099484A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
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US8286823B2 (en) | 2010-06-30 | 2012-10-16 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Container with anti-buckling structural features |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HALO CUPS, INC., ARIZONA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BOUIE, TONY V;REEL/FRAME:020039/0860 Effective date: 20071025 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |