US20100288827A1 - Lid for cup - Google Patents
Lid for cup Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100288827A1 US20100288827A1 US12/662,862 US66286210A US2010288827A1 US 20100288827 A1 US20100288827 A1 US 20100288827A1 US 66286210 A US66286210 A US 66286210A US 2010288827 A1 US2010288827 A1 US 2010288827A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- cup
- container
- side wall
- wall
- 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
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- 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
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
- B65D21/0217—Containers with a closure presenting stacking elements
- B65D21/022—Containers with a closure presenting stacking elements the bottom presenting projecting peripheral elements receiving or surrounding the closure or peripheral elements projecting therefrom
-
- 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
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0214—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity
- B65D43/022—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity only on the inside, or a part turned to the inside, of the mouth of the container
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00046—Drinking-through lids
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
- B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00268—Paper
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/005—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container both cup and skirt
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/00509—Cup
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/00546—NO contact
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A lid for a cup includes an annular wall with a top rim and a bottom base. The annular wall is insertable into a cup wherein an exterior face of the annular wall produces a compressive force against an interior face of the cup sufficient to create a seal along a continuous path circumscribing the interior face of the annular wall of the cup.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/467,562 filed May 18, 2009 and the applicant claims the benefit of 35 U.S.C. 120.
- The invention relates generally to a lid for a disposable container.
- A dispensing container is typically formed with a cup and a lid that attaches to the rim of the cup. After putting a liquid into the cup, the lid is attached to form a sealed container that resists spillage. The lid typically has an orifice of sufficient area to dispense a product. The orifice is large enough to dispense the product based on the viscosity of the product and consumer preference for product flow rate, yet small enough to reduce spillage from tilting or bumping the container. Common examples of a dispensed liquid product are coffee, tea or a cold beverage.
- A lid commonly has a concaved lip that attaches to the cup with a compressive force on the rim. The lid is typically made of plastic with sufficient elasticity to maintain the compressive force on the rim when attached to the cup.
- When the consumer subsequently disposes of the container, the lid is not always removed. When the cup and lid are made from materials from different recycling categories, the disadvantage arises that the container may be rejected for recycling. For example, glass, plastic and paper are a few of the numerous recycling categories. A container composed of a paper cup and a plastic lid may require the lid to be separated prior to recycling.
- Cups which are to receive hot materials such as, for example, hot coffee, suffer from the disadvantage that the cup particularly when made from inexpensive materials such as light plastic or paper, permits the heat from the hot material to be transmitted through the cup making the cup too hot to hold in a user's hand. A similar disadvantage can occur with cups to hold other materials such as soups, pasta, rice or any other materials which might be hot. As well, a similar disadvantage arises in respect of cold materials such as, for example, a cold beverage or a cup containing crushed ice where, in that case, the beverage is too cold to hold comfortably.
- A further disadvantage arises that some cups and notably paper cups do not have adequate strength to guard against disadvantageous deformation such as, for example, in the case of a relatively large paper cup, deformation to a size which reduces the volume of the cup may cause fluid in the cup to be displaced out the top of the cup.
- Coffee cups and lids are known in which, for example, a plastic lid is snapped onto the top of a cup with the lid having an outlet orifice therethrough through which fluid is to be passed to be consumed by a user and in which the lid defines a liquid reservoir sump having a capability of receiving at least some fluid after it comes out the orifice. A disadvantage of many known lids is that the liquid reservoir sump is relatively small such that only a small amount of liquid which may come out from the outlet orifice can be retained particularly if the cup is disposed at an angle. This is particularly disadvantageous, for example, and arises when a cup may be carried by a person and when the cup is secured in a cup holder in a moving vehicle. Firstly, only a small amount of fluid can be retained in the liquid reservoir sump and, secondly, fluids in this sump which may be forced about by movement have only a relatively small axially upwardly extending side wall of the sump to prevent spillage.
- To at least partially overcome these disadvantages of previously known devices, the present invention provides a lid having a frustoconical body to be received within a frustoconical cup.
- One object of the present invention is to provide a lid for a container which has portions which serve to reinforce the container. Another object is to provide a lid which assists in reducing thermal transfer through the side wall of the container.
- Another object is to provide a lid with an advantageously sized liquid reservoir sump.
- The present invention has many aspects. In one aspect, the present invention provides a lid for a cup with the lid having an annular wall which, at least in part, comes into engagement with an annular wall of the cup to create a seal preventing fluid flow outwardly therepast. The cup preferably has a frustoconical side wall and the lid has a complementary frustoconical side wall for engagement with the frustoconical side wall of the cup. The cup and lid may be formed from any materials, however, in one particularly preferred embodiment, the cup and lid are both formed from paper, as defined herein, and may preferably be recycled together. Overlapping of the annular frustoconical side wall of the cup and the annular frustoconical side wall of the lid provides for insulating areas about the cup preferred for engagement by a user to reduce the thermal transfer between hot or cold materials in the cup and a user's hand grasping the cup. The insertion of the lid within the cup enhances the structural integrity of the cup and can assist in utilizing materials for the cup and the lid which individually have reduced structural characteristics yet, in combination, have improved structural characteristics. The lid preferably provides an adequate liquid retention sump with the volume of the fluid retention sump in a preferred embodiment enhanced by the lid extending upwardly beyond the upper end of the cup.
- In another aspect, the invention features a lid for a cup. The lid has an annular wall with a top rim and a bottom base. The annular wall is insertable into a cup optionally substantially in its entirety wherein an exterior face of the annular wall produces a compressive force against an interior face of the cup sufficient to create a seal along a continuous path circumscribing the interior face of the annular wall of the cup. A disc extends from an interior face of the annular wall to cover the area circumscribed by the annular wall with the disc having a dispensing orifice therethrough.
- In another aspect, the invention features a lid for a cup. The lid has an annular wall with a top rim and a bottom base. The annular wall is insertable, in one embodiment substantially in its entirety, into a cup wherein an exterior face of the annular wall produces a compressive force against an interior face of the cup sufficient to create a seal along a continuous path circumscribing the interior face of the annular wall of the cup. The annular wall of the lid preferably has a constant height. The annular wall of the lid preferably is tapered with the diameter of the top rim being larger than the diameter of the bottom base. The top rim of the lid may have a concave lip for resting on a rim of the cup.
- In another aspect, the invention features a container with a cup having a tapered annular wall and a lid having an annular wall. The annular wall of the lid has a top rim and a bottom base. The annular wall of the lid is insertable, in some embodiments substantially in its entirety, into the cup such that an exterior face of the annular wall of the lid produces a compressive force against an interior face of the annular wall of the cup sufficient to create a seal along a continuous path circumscribing the interior face of the annular wall of the cup.
- In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a container comprising in combination a cup and a separate lid, the cup comprising a resilient, hollow, frustroconical cup body having a cup first end and a cup second end,
- the cup body including a annular cup side wall extending from the cup first end to the cup second end;
- the cup side wall having an inwardly directed inner cup wall surface and an outwardly directed outer cup wall surface,
- the cup open at the cup first end,
- the cup closed proximate the cup second end via a cup bottom disc fixedly sealably coupled at its periphery to the cup side wall,
- the cup bottom disc having an first surface directed towards the cup first end, the inner cup wall surface at the cup first end having a cup first end inner diameter greater than a cup bottom inner diameter of the inner cup wall surface at the first surface of the cup bottom disc,
- the lid comprising a resilient, hollow, frustroconical lid body having a lid first end and a lid second end,
- the lid body including an annular lid side wall extending from the lid first end to the lid second end;
- the lid side wall having an inwardly directed inner lid wall surface and an outwardly directed outer lid wall surface,
- the lid open at the lid first end,
- the lid open at the lid second end,
- the lid closed intermediate the lid first end and the lid second end via a lid disc fixedly sealably coupled at its periphery to the lid side wall,
- the lid disc having an second surface directed towards the lid second end,
- a fluid port forming orifice through the lid disc for permitting fluid flow,
- the outer lid wall surface at the lid first end having a lid first end outer diameter greater than a lid second end outer diameter of the outer lid wall surface at the second lid end,
- the outer lid wall surface at the lid second end having a lid second end outer diameter greater than the cup bottom inner diameter,
- the lid insertable into the cup to assume a sealingly nested condition within the cup with:
- (a) the lid second end within the cup,
- (b) the second surface of the lid disc directed towards the first surface of the cup bottom disc, and
- (c) the outwardly directed outer lip wall surface frictionally engaging with the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface to form a fluid impermeable seal therebetween entirely annularly about the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface so as to preventing fluid flow between the lid side wall and the cup side wall. Preferably, the cup side wall having an outwardly rolled lip annularly about the open cup first end and/or the lid side wall has an outwardly rolled lip annularly about the open lid first end. Preferably, each of the cup bottom disc and the lid disc is circular
- The above and further advantages of this invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
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FIG. 1 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a container showing a first embodiment of a cup and one version of a lid in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the container and lid ofFIG. 1 showing the lid inserted into the cup. -
FIG. 3A is a schematic three-dimensional view of the lid ofFIG. 1 with a lip. -
FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view ofFIG. 3A taken along line A-A′ showing annular walls with a taper. -
FIG. 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lid similar to that shown inFIG. 3B , further modified by showing annular walls without a taper. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the container showing an example of a path representative of a seal that may form between the lid as shown inFIG. 3A and the cup. -
FIG. 5A is a schematic three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a lid without a lip. -
FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lid ofFIG. 5A taken along line A-A′ showing annular walls with a taper. -
FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lid similar to that shown inFIG. 5B , further modified by showing annular walls without a taper. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container ofFIG. 1 showing an example of a path representative of a seal that may form between the lid as show inFIG. 5A and the cup. -
FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a lid with a lip, annular walls without a taper and a surface wherein the top wall section is the entire annular wall. -
FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view ofFIG. 7A taken along line A-A′. -
FIG. 7C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lid similar to that shown inFIG. 7B , further modified with the lip removed. -
FIG. 8 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a container showing a second embodiment of a cup and a version of a lid in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional view of the container and lid ofFIG. 8 showing the lid inserted into the cup; -
FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-section diametrically through the assembled cup and lid shown inFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown inFIG. 10 , however, of a cup in accordance with a second embodiment but with a different version of a lid; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to that shown inFIG. 10 of the second embodiment of a cup, however, with a different version of the lid and in which the bottom of a second upper cup is shown stacked vertically upon the lid of the lower cup; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 12 showing a cup in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention and one version of a lid; -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional plan view radially through the cup ofFIG. 13 along section line A-A′; -
FIG. 15 is a top view of a lid as shown inFIG. 8 which also includes a closure member; -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view throughFIG. 15 along section A-A′; -
FIG. 17 is a three-dimensional view of a lid in accordance with a further version; -
FIG. 18 is a three-dimensional view of the lid ofFIG. 17 with the lid inserted to a cup in accordance with a second embodiment; -
FIG. 19 is a three-dimensional view of a lid in accordance with a further embodiment; and -
FIG. 20 is a three-dimensional view of the lid ofFIG. 19 inserted into a cup in accordance with the second embodiment. - Embodiments of lids described herein include variations that form a seal between the lid and the interior wall of a cup rather than gripping the top rim of the cup. The embodiments describe lids that are inserted into a cup with a bottom base of the lid narrower than the opening of the cup. The lid is inserted until a sufficient portion of the wall of the lid makes contact with the inside of the cup to form a continuous seal within the interior of the cup. The lid is then further inserted into the cup to create compressive force between the lid and the interior of the cup. The compressive force forms a seal to contain product within the cup and retains the lid with frictional force relative to the inside of the cup such that the lid is prevented from being accidentally dislodged. The inserted lid forms a container that holds a product, which may be a liquid, a granular form solid or other suitably dispensable product. In contrast to lids known in the art, the various embodiments of a lid as described do not exert significant, if any, force on the outer wall of the cup when forming the seal. Some embodiments of lids have a concave lip on the top rim of the lid to prevent the lid from being inserted too far into the cup. Insertion is limited to the point where the lip of the lid rests on the top rim of the cup. Further variations include a non-tapered wall of the lid and different positions of a surface that retains the product in the container against accidental spillage. Advantageously, the lid can be made of the same material as the cup. In addition, the lid can be manufactured using a variety of existing manufacturing processes. The result is a lid that may remain affixed to the cup after use, thereby facilitating the recycling process. Common examples of readily recyclable materials include paper, plastic and STYROFOAMa. These examples illustrate a few of the numerous recyclable materials that exist, or may be envisioned in the future. The embodiments described will provide the benefits of simplified recycling for any lid material that is sufficiently similar to the cup material such that the lid and cup materials are considered from the same recycling category.
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FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a dispensingcontainer 10 with a taperedcup 20 positioned to receive one embodiment of alid 30.FIG. 2 shows the dispensingcontainer 10 with thelid 30 inserted into thecup 20, thereby forming a seal between thecup 20 and thelid 30. The seal operates to limit accidental spillage of a product previously introduced into thecup 20. Thelid 30 has aconcave lip 31 that limits the extent to which the lid can enter thecup 20 by making contact with, and resting upon, acup rim 22. -
FIG. 3A shows one embodiment of thelid 30.FIG. 3B further illustrates the embodiment of thelid 30 including anannular wall 32 with a top rim 34 (having the concave lip 31) and abottom base 36. Theannular wall 32 is tapered at an angle substantially similar to the wall of thecup 20. Tapered, as used herein, means that the diameter of thetop rim 34 is greater than the diameter of thebottom base 36. Theannular wall 32 is divided into atop wall section 38 and abottom wall section 40 by asurface 42. Thebottom wall section 40 is thicker than thetop wall section 38 and thebottom wall section 40 is similar to the thickness of thesurface 42. - The
surface 42 has a dispensingorifice 44 and a ventingorifice 46. In general, the dispensing orifice is larger than the venting orifice. The dispensing orifice must have sufficient area to dispense a product at a flow rate acceptable to customers without being unduly large such that the risk of accidental spillage through the orifice is significantly increased. The venting orifice allows air to flow into the container to replace the dispensed product. This reduces the vacuum pressure caused by a reduction in product volume. The reduction in vacuum pressure permits faster product flow rate out of the dispensing orifice. - Exemplary dimensions of the
lid 30 are shown inFIG. 3B with working dimensions referenced in inches. Although these dimensions are illustrative of one embodiment, it should be appreciated that numerous variations to these dimensions and tolerances are realizable within the scope of the invention. Further embodiments, as described below also include working dimensions referenced in inches for illustrative purposes. These further embodiments are similarly not to be construed as limiting to possible variations in dimensions or tolerances. - The seal resulting from insertion of the
lid 30 into thecup 20 is formed by the compressive force between a portion of theannular wall 32 that makes contact with the inside of thecup 20. The portion of theannular wall 32 that makes contact with the inside of thecup 20 may be at any point between thebottom base 36 and thetop rim 34 provided the contact area forms a continuous path circumscribing the inside of thecup 20, thereby forming a seal to prevent accidental spillage of a product in thecontainer 10. - The height of the
annular wall 32 is chosen to provide sufficient frictional force against the inside of thecup 20 after thelid 30 is inserted into thecup 20. In one embodiment, the height of theannular wall 32 is constant. The frictional force occurs across the contact area of theannular wall 32 against the inside of thecup 20. This frictional force prevents thelid 30 from becoming accidentally dislodged from the inside of thecup 20 thereby resulting in a loss of the compressive force between theannular wall 32 and the inside of thecup 20, which further results in the loss of theseal 21. The contact area has been found to be sufficient to prevent the lid from dislodging where a constant annular wall height of approximately one inch is used with a paper lid inserted into a paper cup. -
FIG. 3C shows another embodiment of alid 30′ distinguished from thelid 30 inFIG. 3B in that theannular wall 32 is not tapered and theconcave lip 31 is made correspondingly wider so that theconcave lip 31 can extend to and rest on the cup rim 22 (FIG. 2 ). Not tapered, as used herein, means that the diameter of thetop rim 34 is substantially equal to the diameter of thebottom base 36. -
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of thecup 20 withlid 30 inserted to form acontinuous seal 21 wherein theannular wall 32 of thelid 30 makes contact with the interior wall of thecup 20.FIG. 4 also shows the depth of insertion to be limited to the point where theconcave lip 31 rests upon thecup rim 22. Thecontinuous seal 21 need not follow a straight line around the circumference of the interior wall of thecup 20.FIG. 4 shows one example of the contact area forming aseal 21 for illustrative purposes. The boundaries of the seal area will vary depending upon the planarity of theannular wall 32 and the planarity of the inside of the cup. The contact area may vary further depending upon the alignment of thelid 30 relative to thecup 20 upon insertion of thelid 30. The line of theseal 21 is tolerant of misalignment between the insertedlid 30 and thecup 20 as well as perturbations on the interior wall of thecup 20 and the annular wall of thelid 30. -
FIG. 5A andFIG. 5B show another embodiment of alid 50 distinguished from thelid 30 inFIG. 3B in that thelid 50 lacks theconcave lip 31. Thelid 50 may be inserted further into thecup 20 as compared tolid 30 to the point where theannular wall 32 compresses against the inside of thecup 20 beyond what is necessary to sufficiently seal the contents ofcup 20.FIG. 5C shows another embodiment of alid 50′ distinguished from thelid 50 inFIG. 5B in that theannular wall 32 is not tapered. -
FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of thecup 20 withlid 50 inserted to form acontinuous seal 21 wherein theannular wall 32 of thelid 50 makes contact with the interior wall of thecup 20. The depth of insertion is not limited by a concave lip 31 (FIG. 4 ). This embodiment simplifies the manufacture of thelid 50 by removing the manufacturing step of forming theconcave lip 31. Thelid 50 is intentionally shown in an exaggerated manner to be misaligned to thecup 20 to illustrate a potential path of theseal 21 that is tolerant of such misalignment. -
FIG. 7A andFIG. 7B show another embodiment of alid 60 distinguished from thelid 30′ inFIG. 3C in that thesurface 42 does not divide theannular wall 32 into atop wall section 38 and abottom wall section 40. In this embodiment, thesurface 42 extends from thebottom base 36 of theannular wall 32. Theannular wall 32 has a similar thickness to the thickness of thesurface 42. -
FIG. 7C shows another embodiment of alid 60′ distinguished from thelid 60 inFIG. 7B in that thelid 60′ lacks theconcave lip 31. - Reference is made to
FIGS. 8 to 10 which show a container formed from a second embodiment of acup 20′ and alid 70. Thecup 20′ has a construction of a type which is generally known in the art with a frustoconical, tapering outerannular wall 132 having a rolledtop rim 22. As seen inFIG. 10 , the outerannular wall 132 extends downwardly to abottom base 136 where the material forming the wall bends upwardly as an innerannular wall 133 which extends upwardly inside the outerannular wall 132 to where the innerannular wall 133 merges with abottom disc 141 closing the bottom of the cup as asurface 142. - The
lid 70 shown inFIG. 10 has a construction analogous to the construction of thecup 20′. As seen thelid 70 is a frustoconical tapering annularouter wall 32 which carries a rolledtop rim 34. The outer annular wall extends downwardly to thebottom base 36 where the material forming the outer annular wall is folded back upon itself and extends upwardly as an innerannular wall 33 to where it joins acenter disc 41 carrying thesurface 42. Over thebottom wall section 40 below thedisc 41, thelid 70 comprises two thicknesses of the material as shown. - The
lid 70 is shown as inserted into the open upper end of thecup 20′ inside thetop rim 22 of thecup 20′ and is forced downwardly into frictionally sealed engagement between a radially outwardly directedsurface 35 of the annularouter wall 32 and the radially inwardly directedsurface 135 of the outerannular wall 132 of thecup 20′. - As seen in
FIG. 9 , the dispensingorifice 44 extends through theclosure disc 41 as does a ventingorifice 46. As seen inFIG. 10 in a sealingly nested condition, when thelid 70 is frictionally engaged in a sealed relation inside thecup 20′, thesurface 42 of thedisc 41 is located approximate the roll top rim 22 of thelid 70 as is believed advantageous. Thetop rim 34 is shown spaced outwardly from the rolledtop rim 22 of thecup 20′ as is believed advantageous to provide within thelid 70 above the disc 41 a relatively large volume which can serve to catch and retain fluid from thecup 20′ as in use, for example, being carried by a user or, for example, in a storage holder in a moving vehicle. - The
bottom wall section 40 extends downwardly inside thecup 20′ and serves a number of functions. Firstly, thebottom wall section 40 serves to reinforce thecup 20′ and to provide increased rigidity and the strength of the resultant container by significantly reinforcing the outerannular wall 132 of thecup 20′ over thebottom wall section 40 where, as shown, there is an enlarged thickness of thelid 70 in the embodiment illustrated by reason of there being two layers of the sheet material forming thelid 70 over thebottom wall section 40. Thebottom wall section 40 additionally serves an insulating feature. Thelid wall 32 preferably has an insulating valve. As seen inFIG. 10 , when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition, thelid side wall 32 overlaps with thecup side wall 132 over an insulating overlapping area indicated as 344 inFIGS. 9 and 10 where there is an increased insulating value compared to thecup side wall 132 alone. The outwardly directed outercup wall surface 235 overlying the insulating overlapping area of thecup side wall 132 is particularly adapted for engagement by a hand of a user so as to assist in reducing thermal transfer therethrough between material in the cup and the user's hand. InFIG. 9 , the insulating overlappingarea 344 extends as an annular ring annularly about the cup between the rolledtop rim 22 of the cup and a dashed line shown inFIG. 9 schematically representing the cupsecond end 36. Preferably, visual indicia may be provided on the cup so as to direct a user to grasp the cup over the insulating overlapping area 334. InFIG. 9 , this is indicated by the words GRASP HERE and a series of arrows which could be provided at different locations about the periphery of the cup. Alternatively, other indicia such as colours, for example, the blue colour or other markings could be provided to assist a user in understanding they should grasp the cup over the insulating overlapping area 334. - Additionally, it is preferred that a user not grasp the
lid 70 to hold a filled cup. Thus, as seen inFIG. 9 , other visual indicia may be provided on the cup to discourage a user from grasping thecontainer 10 merely by the lid. In this regard, on thelid side wall 32, there is provided the visual indicia DO NOT GRASP on portions of the lid which are visible above the cup when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition. Again, other types of visual indicia or constructions to the lid can be provided towards assisting in preventing a user from engaging the lid alone to hold a cup. Over those areas of thecup 20′ where thelid 70 overlies the inner surface of the annularouter wall 132, thelid 70 provides increased resistance to thermal transfer through the wall as between the contents within thecontainer 10 and a user's hand which may grasp the container. In particular, over thebottom wall section 40, there is provided a double layer of the sheet material forming thelid 70 such that over this area there are three layers of material, namely, the layer of the outerannular wall 132 of thecup 20′ and then two layers of thelid 70, namely the annularouter wall 32 and the annularinner wall 33. The insulating overlapping areas of thecup side wall 32 preferably comprises an annular band extending circumferentially entirely about thecup side wall 132 and axially from the cupfirst end 220 towards the cup second end 136 a distance selected from the groove consisting of at least the width of a user's finger, at least the width of a user's thumb, at least one half inch, at least three-quarters inch, at least one inch, at least 1.5 inches and at least 2.5 inches. Functionally, the insulating overlapping area has a width to permit this area to be comfortably grasped by a user's hand to minimize thermal transfer. - The
lid 70 is preferably sized so as to extend into thecup 20′ and locate the double walledbottom wall section 40 over an annular area about the cup where a user's hand is most likely to be located with this area preferably extending from thetop rim 22 of thecup 20′ or at least proximate to thetop rim 22 of thecup 20′ downwardly to thebottom base 36 with thebottom base 36 located at a level which permits the cup to conveniently be held by its outerannular wall 132 above thebottom base 36 of thelid 70. Reducing thermal transfer from contents of thecup 20′ to the outside of the outerannular wall 32 is advantageous when either hot or cold materials are contained within thecontainer 10. - As seen in
FIGS. 8 to 10 , locating thetop rim 34 of thelid 70 above thetop rim 22 of thecup 20′ is believed advantageous so as to provide with the increased height to thetop wall section 38 an increased volume to aliquid retention sump 91 to retain fluids in the lid above thedisc 41. The volume of theliquid retention sump 91 may be defined as the volume in thelid 70′ abovedisc 41 and inside thetop wall section 38. However, it is to be appreciated that this is not necessary and thetop rim 34 of thelid 70 may be provided either adjacent thetop rim 22 of thecup 20′ or above it. As well, thetop rim 34 is a preferred but non-essential feature of thelid 70 and if it is eliminated, this can permit thetop rim 34 of the lid to be reduced to be received below thetop rim 20 of thecup 20′. - As seen in
FIG. 10 , the cup has a hollow frustoconical body having a cupfirst end 220 and a cup second end represented by thebottom base 136. The cup body includes the annularcup side wall 132 which extends from the cupfirst end 220 to the cupsecond end 136. The cup side wall has an inwardly directed cupside wall surface 135 and an outwardly directedcup wall surface 235. The cup is closed proximate the cupsecond end 136 via a cupbottom disc 141 which is preferably circular and is fixedly sealably coupled about its periphery to thecup side wall 132. The cupbottom disc 141 has thesurface 142 directed towards the cupfirst end 220. The innercup wall surface 135 at the cupfirst end 220 has a first end inner diameter schematically illustrated as D3. The inner cup wall surface at thesurface 142 of the cupbottom disc 142 has a cup bottom inner disc indicated D4. By reason of the cup being frustoconical, the cup first end inner diameter D3 is greater than the cup bottom inner diameter D4. - The
lid 70 is shown as comprising a hollow frustoconical lid body with the lid having a first end indicated as 322 and the lid second end comprising thebottom base 36. The lid body includes the annularlid side wall 32 extending from the lidfirst end 322 to the lidsecond end 36. Thelid side wall 32 has an inwardly directed innerlid wall surface 335 and an outwardly directed outerlid wall surface 35. The lid is open at the lidfirst end 322 and the lid is open at the lidsecond end 36. The lid is closed intermediate the lidfirst end 322 and the lidsecond end 36 via thelid disc 42 which is preferably circular and is fixedly sealably coupled at its periphery to thelid side wall 32. Thelid disc 41 has asurface 43 directed towards the lid second end and asurface 42 directed towards the lid first end. The outerlid wall surface 35 proximate thefirst end 322 has a lid first end outer diameter indicated as D1. The outerlid wall surface 35 at thesecond lid end 36 has a lid second end outer diameter indicated D2. By reason that the lid is frustoconical, the lid first end outer diameter D1 is greater than the lid second end outer diameter D2. - The
lid 70 is insertable into thecup 20′ to assume a sealingly nested condition within the cup as shown inFIG. 10 in which: (a) the lidsecond end 36 is within the cup, (b) thesurface 43 of thelid disc 41 is directed towards thesurface 142 of the cupbottom disc 141, and (c) the outwardly directed outerlip wall surface 35 frictionally engages with the inwardly directed innercup wall surface 135 to form a fluid impermeable seal therebetween entirely annularly about the inwardly directed innercup wall surface 135 so as to prevent fluid flow between thelid side wall 32 and thecup side wall 132. As seen in the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition ofFIG. 10 , the lidsecond end 36 is located between the cupfirst end 220 and the cupsecond end 133. This arises in that the lid second end outer diameter D2 is greater than the cup second end inner diameter D4. As also seen in the embodiment ofFIG. 10 , when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition within the cup, thelid side wall 32 extends away from the cupbottom disc 141 outwardly past the cupfirst end 220. This arises in that the lid first end outer diameter D1 is greater than the cup first end outer diameter D3. - On
FIG. 10 , two dashedlines line 341 is intended to represent a preferred liquid level being a preferred height above the cupbottom disc 141 that a volume of liquid is preferably to be provided to fill the cup when the lid is not coupled to the cup. Thereafter, on insertion of the cup into the lid to assume the sealingly nested condition inFIG. 10 , the insertion of the lid into the cup will displace the liquid contained in the cup such that the liquid will now assume a liquid level indicated 340. Theliquid levels 31 is preferably selected having regard to the nature of the lid such that theliquid level 340 after the lid has been inserted into the cup will be below thedisc lid 41. Theliquid level 340 is to be considered as below thelid disc 41 and the context of the lid being in the sealingly nested condition and with an axis of the frustoconical cup portion indicated as 342 being vertical. - Reference is made to
FIG. 11 which shows acontainer 10 having acup 20′ identical to that shown inFIGS. 8 to 10 , however, with alid 70′ which is identical to thelid 70 inFIGS. 8 to 10 , however, is of reduced axial extent such that thetop rim 34 of thelid 70′ is located closer to thetop rim 22 of thecup 20′. Both thetop wall section 38 and thebottom wall section 40 are of reduced axially extent on thelid 70′ ofFIG. 11 compared to thelid 70 ofFIG. 10 . Nevertheless, inFIG. 11 , the portions of thelid 70′ which are inside thecup 20′ below thetop rim 22 provide for reinforcement to the cup and for insulation which assists a person on grasping thecup 20′ about the upper end of thecup 20′ underneath thetop rim 22. - Reference is made to
FIG. 12 which illustrates acontainer 10 in side view identical to that shown inFIG. 10 , however, with the modification that thedisc 41 of thelid 70″ has an annular frustoconical central raisedportion 92 which raised above an annularouter portion 93. The raised centralannular portion 92 is sized so as to fit snugly inside the innerannular wall 133 of anidentical cup 20′ for stacking of anupper cup 20′ upon alower cup 20′ when thelower cup 20′ has itslid 70″ attached. In the embodiment ofFIG. 12 , each of the upper and lower cups may be filled with fluid and the arrangement provides for assistance in a person carrying the lower cup in one's hand and using it to also carry two cups stacked one upon the other as shown inFIG. 12 . - Reference is made to the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14 which shows acontainer 10 formed from acup 20″ and alid 80. Thecup 20″ is shown to be formed by a construction in which thebottom closure disc 141 is provided as a separate sheet of material from the material which forms the remainder of the cup. As shown, thecenter disc 141 comprises acentral disc portion 151 from whose circumferential perimeter 152 a frustoconicaltapering flange portion 153 extends downwardly. The walls of the cup are shown as being formed from a sheet of material forming at the top of therim 22 and extending downwardly as the outerannular wall 132 which then bends upwardly at thebottom base 136 and then upwardly as the innerannular wall 133. Theflange portion 153 of thedisc 141 is sandwiched between the outerannular wall 132 and the innerannular wall 133 sealably engaged therewith. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 13 , thelid 80 has a complementary construction to that of thecup 20″. Thelid 80 includes as a first sheet member forming thecenter disc 41 with a circularcentral disc portion 51 and a taperingannular flange portion 53 which extends downwardly. Thelid 80 includes a second sheet member which forms the rolledtop rim 34 which extends downwardly as the outerannular wall 32 to thebottom base 36 and then upwardly as an innerannular wall 33 with theflange portion 53 of thecenter disc 41 between the outerannular wall 32 and the innerannular wall 33. -
FIG. 14 shows a vertical cross-section through thecontainer 10 ofFIG. 13 , as seen inFIG. 13 and shows the outerannular wall 132 of thecup 20″ and the outerannular wall 32 of thelid 80 are frustoconical and nested. Theannular flange portion 53 of the center disc of 41 is also frustoconical and nested, preferably fixed to the frustoconical outerannular wall 32 of thelid 80. However, the innerannular wall 33 of thelid 80 is pleated so as to have a zig-zag appearance as seen in plan view inFIG. 14 . In this regard, the innerannular wall 33 has a series of V-shape pleats 81 with each pleat having aninner apex 82 engaging with the inside surface of thefrustoconical flange portion 53 of thecenter disc 41 and a pair ofwing sections outer apex cup 20″ at eachouter apex 82 andinner apex outer apexes 82 is preferably secured as by gluing or bonding to the outer surface of innerannular wall 53 although this is not necessary. In the cross-sectional view shown inFIG. 13 , on the right-hand side, the cross-section shows a cross-section through aninner apex 82 and, at the left-hand side, the cross-section is shown as through anouter apex 85. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 13 , the pleated configuration of the innerannular wall 33 provides enhanced structural reinforcement to the cup and notably improved resistance to thermal transfer between the inside of the bottom wall portion of the lid and the outside of the cup through the combination of the pleated innerannular wall 33, theflange portion 53, the outerannular wall 32 of the lid and the outerannular wall 132 of the cup. Resistance to thermal transfer is assisted by reason ofair pockets 101 being provided between adjacent pleats and theflange portion 53. These air pockets are closed at a lower end where the sheet is bent upwardly from theflange portion 53 into the innerannular wall 33 as with a series ofgussets 89 between thepleats 81. Similarly, in an embodiment ofFIG. 13 , it is preferred that theair channels 101 are closed at their upper end and this can be accommodated by the innerannular wall 33 including anannular band 88 at is upper end sealed to theflange portion 53 and withadditional gussets 89 providing for transition from theannular band 88 into thepleats 81. In this manner, each of theair channels 101 are effectively sealed and will not have the difficulty that fluid in the cup may come to fill them. - While the embodiment of
FIGS. 13 and 14 shows the innerannular wall 33 as being pleated, it is to be appreciated that this is not necessary and an unpleated configuration such as shown on the right-hand side ofFIG. 13 may be provided entirely about the circumference thus providing the advantage as seen on the right-hand side ofFIG. 14 of four layers with one layer representing the outerannular wall 132 of the cup and then three additional layers of the sheet material forming thelid 80. - Reference is made to
FIGS. 15 and 16 which shows a modified form of thelid 70 shown inFIGS. 8 to 10 . Thelid 70 shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 is identical to that shown inFIGS. 8 to 10 , however, there has been added to the lid areleasable closure member 110 for closing the dispensingorifice 44. Theclosure member 110 includes abase portion 111 fixedly secured to thedisc 41 against removal and connected along ahinge forming groove 113 to areleasable cover portion 114. Thecover portion 114 has a flat lower surface which is adapted to overlie the surface of thedisc 41 about the dispensingorifice 40 so as to prevent passage of fluid outwardly through the dispensingorifice 44. In this regard, theclosure portion 110 is preferably secured to thedisc 41 by a releasable adhesive. Theclosure portion 110 carries at its end distant from the groove 113 atab portion 114. Thetab portion 114 is adapted to be grasped by a user and pulled upwardly so as to release theclosure portion 110 from closing the dispensingorifice 44. Theclosure portion 110 may then be bent backwardly over thegroove 113 as, for example, to a position shown in dashed lines inFIG. 16 in which the distal end 115 of theclosure portion 110 may frictionally engage the inside surface of the annularouter wall 32 of the lid as to be retained in this open position and permit a user to drink fluid in the cup which may pass outwardly via the dispensing orifice. As seen inFIG. 15 , thebase portion 111 includes twoside arms disc 41. Theseside arms bottom base 136 of the upper cup will rest upon theclosed closure portion 110, and all three arms of thebase portion 111 providing upper surfaces for support of thebottom base 136 of the upper cup all in a flat plane. - The preferred embodiments of the lid in accordance with the present invention extends inwardly into the cup so as to provide reinforcement of the cup and/or thermal insulation to the cup over portions where the lid and the cup overlap. The overlapping areas such as 344 are preferably of sufficient axial length as to comprise an axial annular portion about the cup which can be grasped by a user and which has due to increased structural strength improved resistance to crushing in the grip of a user and/or increased resistance of thermal transfer between portions of a user's hand engaging the cup and the contents of the cup. Preferably, the lid and the cup overlap for an annular distance in the range of about three-quarters of an inch to more preferably at least one half inch or one inch or two inches. The lid could, in fact, overlap the entire axial length of the outer
annular wall 132 of the cup, however, this is not preferred from a point of view of cost yet may be preferred from a point of view of structural integrity and thermal insulation depending on the particular nature and use of the cup. The overlap between the cup and the lid preferably has an upper limit which is proximate the upper edge of the cup and extends downwardly therefrom. - The various preferred embodiments of the cup show the cup as having a rolled
upper edge 22 and while this preferred, it is not necessary. Similarly, the preferred embodiments of the lid show the lid as having a rolledupper lip 32, however, this is not necessary. Preferably, it is desired that the combination of the cup and lid provide an upper edge which is comfortable to a user drinking from the container. - Insofar as the lid in accordance with the present invention provides reinforcement to the cup, opportunities are provided for reducing the structural integrity of the cup alone. Thus, the combination of a cup with a lid in accordance with the present invention may be provided as, for example with a reduced wall and therefore strength to the cup which reduced strength and material costs can be compensated for by the additional strength and materials being provided by the reinforcing and overlapping portions of the lid.
- In accordance with the preferred embodiments and as, for example, as seen in the various Figures, the overlapping portions of the lid and cup provide for increased resistance to thermal transfer through the overlapping portions. As shown in the preferred embodiments, increased thermal resistance is accomplished by the lid and cup and the overlapping portions having a plurality of layers of materials. However, the multiple layers of the lid could be accomplished by having a single layer of thicker material or having one or more layers of material which is of enhanced reduction to thermal transfer such as by being pocketed or fluted or castellated or otherwise.
- The preferred embodiments show the lid as being annular and as having an axial extent which is constant about the circumference of the lid. This is not necessary and, for example, it may be adequate as to provide for the lid to have insulated portions which extend downwardly into the cup over merely portions of the circumference of the lid.
- Reference is made to
FIGS. 17 and 18 which show a new version of alid 120 which differs from the lid shown inFIGS. 8 to 10 in two respects. Firstly, the lid inFIG. 17 does not have a rolled rim but rather is provided with anupper rim 34 which represents merely the thickness of theside wall 32. Secondly, theside wall 32 does not extend axially a constant amount, rather, there are two root-like portions diametrically opposed and disposed opposite to each other on a diameter which extends through theorifice 40 which root-like portions extend axially downwardly a greater extent than intermediate diametrically opposed portions. When inserted into a cup, as shown inFIG. 18 , a user is intended to grasp theside wall 32 of the cup over insulating and overlapping areas corresponding to the root-like portion. The embodiment ofFIG. 17 is intended to reduce the materials required to form the lid and thus possibly reduce its costs. Preferably, visible indicia may be provided so as to indicate to a user where the user should grasp thecontainer 10 albeit such indicia may not be necessary insofar as persons are generally inclined to grasp a container when drinking diametrically in line withorifice 40. The embodiment ofFIGS. 17 and 18 on which thelid 120 does not include a rolled top edge provides one configuration for a lid in which when the lid is in a sealingly nested condition, it is difficult for a user to grasp thecontainer 10 merely by engaging the lid. The embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10 shows the lidfirst end 322 as being disposed at a height above the cupfirst end 220. This is not necessary and the relative diameters and proportions of thelid 120 ofFIGS. 17 and 18 may be selected such that the lid first end 320 is above the same location as or below the cupfirst end 220. Insofar as thelid 120 has its lid first end 320 proximate to the cupfirst end 220 or lower cupfirst end 220 than to remove the lid, a user can, for example, grasp theclosure member 110 when aclosure member 110 as shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 is incorporated on the lid. - Reference is made to
FIGS. 19 and 20 which shows another embodiment of acontainer 10 in accordance with the present invention utilizing another version of alid 140 which is identical to thelid 120 shown inFIG. 17 , however, includes a frustoconicalupper portion 332 which extends upwardly from the location of therim 34 inFIGS. 17 and 18 to anupper rim 234 of a smaller diameter. As seen inFIG. 20 , this configuration has the advantage of providing an increased volume to theliquid retention sump 91 yet provides a configuration of the lid where the lid extends upwardly beyond the rolledrim 220 which renders it difficult for a user to grasp the lid when the lid is in the sealed nested condition. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 19 and 20 , as in each of embodiments illustrated, when in the sealed nested condition, the outwardly directed outerlid wall surface 32 over the downwardly tapering frustoconical surfaces and the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface produce compressive forces therebetween sufficient to form the fluid impermeable seal therebetween and to resist removal of the lid from the cup. - Although plastic lids may be manufactured with a stamping process, paper lids may be made with the following exemplary forming and gluing process. First, a flat stock of paper is stamped into flat trapezoidal sections. Second, the sections are rolled around a die form and two edges are glued together to create a tapered tube. Third, a lid bottom is stamped to form a circular shape with a straight lip orthogonal to the bottom. Then, the lid bottom is inserted into the lid and glued to the inner wall of the lid.
- The embodiments of lids described in
FIG. 3A ,FIG. 3B ,FIG. 3C ,FIG. 5A ,FIG. 5B andFIG. 5C may be readily manufactured using a conventional stamping process or by a forming and gluing process. The embodiments of lids described inFIG. 7A ,FIG. 7B andFIG. 7C are preferably made with a stamping process. - The embodiments of the lid described in
FIGS. 8 to 20 preferably are paper lids which are made from paper-type materials. In this regard, each of the cups is preferably a paper cup and the lid is preferably a paper lid such that the cups and lids are recyclable together without the need for separation. As used herein, the term paper is used to refer to paper cups and paper lids and intended to broadly refer to paper and cellulose fibers, however, not limited to what might be considered only paper. Included are paper, paperboard, cardboard and other paper-like materials which may or may not have various coatings or layers or plasticizers and the like. In accordance with the preferred embodiments as illustrated particularly inFIGS. 8 to 20 , the cups and the lids are preferably made from the same materials such that they may be readily recycled together without separation. It is within the scope, however, ofFIGS. 8 to 20 that the cup and lid may be made from any materials including plastic and that the cup need not be made of the same materials as the lid. For example, a lid may be desired to be formed from plastic materials whereas the cup may be characterized as a paper cup. - Similarly, the cup may comprise a foam cup such as made of STYROFOAM (trade mark) and other plastic materials as may the lid. It may be preferred, however, that each of the cup and lid if not made from the same materials may be made from the same class of materials when such materials are concealed for the purposes of recycling. For example, if a cup may be considered a paper cup for the purposes of recycling, then the lid may preferably be formed of a material which is also suitable for recycling with paper such as, for example, paperboard, cardboard or other cellulose material. Similarly, if the cup may be made from a plastic material that may be preferred that the cup is also formed from the same plastic material and other material which will be characterized so as to be recyclable with the plastic material.
- While the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A container comprising in combination a cup and a separate lid,
the cup comprising a hollow, frustroconical cup body having a cup first end and a cup second end,
the cup body including a annular cup side wall extending from the cup first end to the cup second end;
the cup side wall having an inwardly directed inner cup wall surface and an outwardly directed outer cup wall surface,
the cup open at the cup first end,
the cup closed proximate the cup second end via a cup bottom disc fixedly sealably coupled at its periphery to the cup side wall,
the cup bottom disc having an first surface directed towards the cup first end,
the inner cup wall surface at the cup first end having a cup first end inner diameter greater than a cup bottom inner diameter of the inner cup wall surface at the first surface of the cup bottom disc,
the lid comprising a hollow, frustroconical lid body having a lid first end and a lid second end,
the lid body including an annular lid side wall extending from the lid first end to the lid second end;
the lid side wall having an inwardly directed inner lid wall surface and an outwardly directed outer lid wall surface,
the lid open at the lid first end,
the lid open at the lid first end
the lid closed intermediate the lid first end and the lid second end via a lid disc fixedly sealably coupled at its periphery to the lid side wall,
the lid disc having an second surface directed towards the lid second end,
a fluid port forming orifice through the lid disc for permitting fluid flow,
the outer lid wall surface at the lid first end having a lid first end outer diameter greater than a lid second end outer diameter of the outer lid wall surface at the second lid end,
the outer lid wall surface at the lid second end having a lid second end outer diameter greater than the cup bottom inner diameter,
the lid insertable into the cup to assume a sealingly nested condition within the cup with:
(a) the lid second end within the cup,
(b) the second surface of the lid disc directed towards the first surface of the cup bottom disc, and
(c) the outwardly directed outer lip wall surface frictionally engaging with the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface to form a fluid impermeable seal therebetween entirely annularly about the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface so as to preventing fluid flow between the lid side wall and the cup side wall.
2. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lid second end outer diameter being greater than the cup second end inner diameter.
3. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition within the cup the lid second end is located between the cup first end and the cup second end.
4. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lid first end outer diameter being greater than the cup first end outer diameter.
5. A container as claimed in claim 2 wherein the lid first end outer diameter being greater than the lid first end outer diameter.
6. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition within the cup the lid side wall extends away from the cup bottom disc outwardly past the cup first end.
7. A container as claimed in claim 3 wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition within the cup the lid side wall extends away from the cup bottom disc outwardly past the cup first end.
8. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition the lid disc is proximate the cup first end.
9. A container as claimed in claim 8 wherein when the lid is not coupled to the cup, the cup is adapted to receive a volume of fluid which would fill the cup to a liquid level to a preferred height above the cup bottom disc, and wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition the lid disc is above the preferred height.
10. A container as claimed in claim 8 wherein when the lid is not coupled to the lid, the cup is adapted to receive a preset volume of fluid and wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition with an axis of the frustoconical cup portion vertical and the cup is holding the preset volume of fluid, the lid disc is above an upper level of the preset volume of fluid received in the cup.
11. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lid side wall having an insulating value,
wherein when the lid is in the sealingly nested condition the lid side wall overlaps with the cup side wall over an insulating overlapping area which has an increased insulating value compared to the cap side wall alone,
the outwardly directed outer cup wall surface overlying the insulating overlapping area of the cup side wall being adapted for engagement by a hand of a user so as to assist in reducing thermal transfer therethrough between material in the cup and the user's hand.
12. A container as claimed in claim 11 wherein the cup or lid include visual indicia identifying to a user portions of the outwardly directed outer lid wall surface overlying the insulating overlapping area of the cup side wall.
13. A container as claimed in claim 11 wherein portions of the outwardly directed outer lid wall surface overlying the insulating overlapping area of the cup side wall comprises an annular band extending; (a) circumferentially entirely about the cup side wall, and (b) axially from the cup first end towards the cup second end a distance selected from the group consisting of: at least the width of a user's finger, at least the width of a user's thumb, at least ½ inch, at least ¾ inch, at least 1 inch, at least 1.5 inches, and at least 2 inches.
14. A container as claimed in claim 11 wherein the lid side wall includes a plurality of insulating bodies integral with the lid side wall.
15. A container as claimed in claim 14 wherein said lid side wall comprises a double-wall structure.
16. A container as claimed in claim 8 wherein the cup or lid include visual indicia indicating to that the container with the lid in the sealed nested condition should not be held merely by a user engaging the lid.
17. A container as claimed in claim 8 wherein the lid carries at the lid first end structure which renders it difficult for a user to grasp the lid when the lid in the sealed nested condition.
18. A container as claimed in claim 17 wherein the structure comprises an extension of the lid first end which extends away from the lid second end and tapers inwardly to an open dispensing mouth of reduced diameter compared to the lid first end outer diameter.
19. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein in the sealed nested condition the outwardly directed outer lid wall surface and the inwardly directed inner cup wall surface produce compressive forces therebetween sufficient to form the fluid impermeable seal therebetween.
20. A container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lid comprises a paper material and the lid has an outwardly rolled lip annularly about the lid first end, and
the cup comprises a paper material and the cup has an outwardly rolled lip annularly about the open cup first end.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/662,862 US20100288827A1 (en) | 2009-05-18 | 2010-05-07 | Lid for cup |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/467,562 US20100288768A1 (en) | 2009-05-18 | 2009-05-18 | Lid for a disposable container |
US12/662,862 US20100288827A1 (en) | 2009-05-18 | 2010-05-07 | Lid for cup |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/467,562 Continuation-In-Part US20100288768A1 (en) | 2009-05-18 | 2009-05-18 | Lid for a disposable container |
Publications (1)
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US20100288827A1 true US20100288827A1 (en) | 2010-11-18 |
Family
ID=43067708
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/662,862 Abandoned US20100288827A1 (en) | 2009-05-18 | 2010-05-07 | Lid for cup |
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US (1) | US20100288827A1 (en) |
Cited By (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8556113B2 (en) | 2010-12-10 | 2013-10-15 | Dixie Consumer Products Llc | Lid adapter |
US20140054306A1 (en) * | 2012-08-22 | 2014-02-27 | Meadwestvaco Corporation | Paper-based container lids and methods for making the same |
US8881938B2 (en) | 2012-08-08 | 2014-11-11 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for beverage container |
USD736623S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-08-18 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid with egg shaped basin |
USD737142S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-08-25 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid with triangular shaped basin |
USD739729S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-09-29 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for beverage container |
KR101599047B1 (en) * | 2015-07-28 | 2016-03-02 | 김대령 | Vending machine |
USD756773S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2016-05-24 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid with tear line |
USD880231S1 (en) * | 2018-06-25 | 2020-04-07 | b.box for kids developments Pty Ltd. | Rim lid for cup |
USD926575S1 (en) * | 2019-01-18 | 2021-08-03 | Kikuo Yamada | Lid for a cup |
USD926574S1 (en) * | 2019-01-18 | 2021-08-03 | Kikuo Yamada | Lid for a cup |
USD944083S1 (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2022-02-22 | Palmetteo Distilleries, LLC | Pour spout |
USD947675S1 (en) | 2018-12-17 | 2022-04-05 | Kikuo Yamada | Lid for a cup |
USD1017399S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-12 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
USD1017398S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-12 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
USD1018285S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-19 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
USD1018286S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-19 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
USD1018287S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-19 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
USD1018288S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-19 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
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USD570213S1 (en) * | 2007-03-01 | 2008-06-03 | John Newman | Lid for a disposable drink cup |
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US2753049A (en) * | 1951-12-10 | 1956-07-03 | Gaines Bernard | Strainer-protector for drinking vessels |
US2925208A (en) * | 1956-10-19 | 1960-02-16 | American Can Co | One-piece flat bottom paper cup |
US2969901A (en) * | 1956-10-31 | 1961-01-31 | American Can Co | Flat bottom paper container |
US3235164A (en) * | 1963-03-07 | 1966-02-15 | Haskon Inc | Paper lid |
USD289720S (en) * | 1984-11-23 | 1987-05-12 | Maher Walter J | Non-spill lid for drinking cup |
US5725123A (en) * | 1996-03-04 | 1998-03-10 | Heraeus Instruments Gmbh | System for closing containers |
US5820016A (en) * | 1996-05-13 | 1998-10-13 | Dunkin' Donuts Incorporated | Cup and lid |
US6338421B1 (en) * | 1998-11-20 | 2002-01-15 | Fort James Corporation | Crack-resistant container lid having opening |
US20040064983A1 (en) * | 2002-10-07 | 2004-04-08 | Joseph Maria Hanna | Distribution of promotional indicia on lids, covers or closures |
US20070181591A1 (en) * | 2005-07-01 | 2007-08-09 | Seanet Group, Inc. | Internally fitted cellulose draft matching lid |
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Cited By (28)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8556113B2 (en) | 2010-12-10 | 2013-10-15 | Dixie Consumer Products Llc | Lid adapter |
US8881938B2 (en) | 2012-08-08 | 2014-11-11 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for beverage container |
US10676253B2 (en) | 2012-08-08 | 2020-06-09 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for beverage container |
US20140054306A1 (en) * | 2012-08-22 | 2014-02-27 | Meadwestvaco Corporation | Paper-based container lids and methods for making the same |
US20140144923A1 (en) * | 2012-08-22 | 2014-05-29 | Meadwestvaco Corporation | Paper-based container lids and methods for making the same |
US10582787B2 (en) * | 2012-08-22 | 2020-03-10 | Ptm Packaging Tools Machinery Pte. Ltd. | Paper-based container lids and methods for making the same |
US11497330B2 (en) | 2012-08-22 | 2022-11-15 | Ptm Packaging Tools Machinery Pte. Ltd. | Paper-based container lids and methods for making the same |
USD736623S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-08-18 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid with egg shaped basin |
USD737142S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-08-25 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid with triangular shaped basin |
USD739729S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-09-29 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for beverage container |
USD756773S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2016-05-24 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid with tear line |
KR101599047B1 (en) * | 2015-07-28 | 2016-03-02 | 김대령 | Vending machine |
USD944083S1 (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2022-02-22 | Palmetteo Distilleries, LLC | Pour spout |
USD880231S1 (en) * | 2018-06-25 | 2020-04-07 | b.box for kids developments Pty Ltd. | Rim lid for cup |
USD960708S1 (en) | 2018-12-17 | 2022-08-16 | Kikuo Yamada | Lid for a cup |
USD979409S1 (en) | 2018-12-17 | 2023-02-28 | Kikuo Yamada | Lid for a cup |
USD947675S1 (en) | 2018-12-17 | 2022-04-05 | Kikuo Yamada | Lid for a cup |
USD960706S1 (en) | 2018-12-17 | 2022-08-16 | Kikuo Yamada | Lid for a cup |
USD960707S1 (en) | 2018-12-17 | 2022-08-16 | Kikuo Yamada | Lid for a cup |
USD979408S1 (en) | 2018-12-17 | 2023-02-28 | Kikuo Yamada | Lid for a cup |
USD926575S1 (en) * | 2019-01-18 | 2021-08-03 | Kikuo Yamada | Lid for a cup |
USD926574S1 (en) * | 2019-01-18 | 2021-08-03 | Kikuo Yamada | Lid for a cup |
USD1017399S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-12 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
USD1017398S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-12 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
USD1018285S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-19 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
USD1018286S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-19 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
USD1018287S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-19 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
USD1018288S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-19 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |