US20200369438A1 - Fiber-Containing Lid With High Polymer Mating Region - Google Patents
Fiber-Containing Lid With High Polymer Mating Region Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200369438A1 US20200369438A1 US16/694,795 US201916694795A US2020369438A1 US 20200369438 A1 US20200369438 A1 US 20200369438A1 US 201916694795 A US201916694795 A US 201916694795A US 2020369438 A1 US2020369438 A1 US 2020369438A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- polymer
- mating portion
- layer
- fibrous material
- 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
Links
Images
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
- B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/46—Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
- B65D65/466—Bio- or photodegradable packaging materials
-
- 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
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
- B32B5/14—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts, e.g. denser near its faces
-
- 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
- B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
- B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
-
- 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
- B65D2313/00—Connecting or fastening means
- B65D2313/04—Connecting or fastening means of magnetic type
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00314—Combination, e.g. laminates, several different materials
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00527—NO contact
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00629—Massive bead
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00685—Totality
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/00731—Groove or hollow bead
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00796—Totality
Definitions
- the field of the invention is lids for drinking cups.
- Paper-based cups have several disadvantages. For example, paper tends to absorb liquid, resulting in deformation of the cup. Wax-coated paper cups are advantageous in that they tend to resist deformation, however, their popularity diminished because wax can melt with hot liquids, and wax coatings tend to be too thick.
- a paper lid for a paper container it is known in some instances to use a paper lid for a paper container.
- U.S. Pat. No. 1,952,401 teaches a paper lid for an ice cream container. This paper lid is satisfactory for its intended purpose, but would not work well for a paper coffee cup because it provides an inadequate seal.
- a lid for the coffee cup must be closed tightly to provide a secure seal, because liquid would press against the lid when a person tilts the cup for drinking.
- a paper lid for an ice cream container works sufficiently well because one does not normally tilt the ice cream container with its lid attached. And also ice cream is solid, not liquid.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,569 teaches a plastic lid. Such lids work well with typical paper drinking cups, but are unsatisfactory with respect to environmental effects. Plastic pollution is currently one of the greatest environmental concerns, harming all manner of plants, oceans, animals, and humans. It can take hundreds or even thousands of years for plastic to break down, so the damage to the environment is long-lasting. It has been reported that about 16 billion plastic lids are used on disposable coffee cups each year. The European Union is moving forward on banning single-use plastic stirrers and plates by 2021. It is time for us to seriously consider how to reduce the amount of single-use plastic and maintain our environment clean and safe.
- the inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods in which a paper or other fiber-based lid has a plastic-reinforced mating portion that creates a seal with a corresponding cup.
- Contemplated lids include a body, and a polymer-containing mating portion that extends circumferentially and downwardly from the body. There is an extra coating of polymer in or on the mating portion, or the mating portion can be entirely constructed of the polymer.
- the lid preferably contains no more than 10 wt % of polymer material. In preferred embodiments, the lid has no more than 5 wt % polymer, and in especially preferred embodiments, the lid has no more than 1 wt % polymer.
- the mating portion has a mating portion and a flared portion.
- the mating portion of the lid refers to the portion that is sized and dimensioned to mate with an upper rim bead of a cup.
- the mating portion preferably has an annular indentation with a depth of at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 1.0 mm, and most preferably at least 1.5 mm.
- the flared portion is sized and dimensioned to assist a user in positioning the lid onto the top upper rim bead of a cup.
- the mating portion is reinforced by one or more additional layers of polymer material, which provides additional stiffness.
- the polymer layer is at least 0.1 mm thick. In preferred embodiments, the polymer layer is at least 0.2 mm thick and more preferred embodiments, at least 0.3 mm thick.
- the polymer layer can be applied medial, lateral, or any combination thereof, onto the fiber-containing layer of the lid, or it is disposed inside of the fiber-containing layer.
- the polymer material includes polyethylene, polydiketoenamine, polypropylene, polyetylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene and any combination thereof.
- the body can have a drinking hole disposed of the raised portion in the centrally depressed body.
- a polymer coating is disposed on an upper surface of the body, about at least a portion of the drinking hole.
- the polymer coating of the body extends at least 5 mm away from the drinking hole.
- the polymer coating can be also applied to the underside of the body.
- Coupled to is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 1 , and a container.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a lid.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a lid.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a lid.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of lid with a magnetic upper rim bead.
- inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements.
- inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
- the present invention relates to apparatus, methods, and systems for a fiber-containing lid having a polymer coated reinforced region, which provides a secure seal to a liquid container.
- the reinforced region is a mating portion of the mating portion of the lid.
- FIG. 1 generally depicts a fiber-containing lid 100 at least having a body 110 and a mating portion 122 that depends from the body 110 .
- the lid 100 comprises at least two materials, a fibrous material and a polymer coating.
- polystyrene resin All suitable polymer materials are contemplated, especially including polymers typically used to coat inside surface of paper coffee cups. This includes polyethylene, polypropylene, polyetylene terephthalate, high-density polyetylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyetylene, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, and any combination thereof.
- lid 100 have no more than 10 wt % the total polymer material(s). In some embodiments, the lid has no more than 10 wt % or even 5 wt % polymer, and the most preferred embodiments have no more than 1 wt % polymer.
- the body 110 has a drinking hole 130 . It is contemplated that a polymer coating can be disposed on an upper surface of the lid, about at least a region 140 adjacent the drinking hole 130 . A coating in that region coating can provide an improved mouth feel relative to embodiments where the region is not coated. In some embodiments, the polymer coating of the body extends at least 5 mm around the drinking hole 130 .
- FIG. 2 depicts the side view of lid 200 .
- the lid 200 is configured to be removably coupled with a cup 250 , allowing repeated closing and opening the lid.
- the body 210 can have a raised portion 211 that surrounds a concavity 212 .
- the raised portion can be of constant height, or of varying heights.
- the drinking hole is positioned in the raised portion 211 .
- the body 210 would typically have an underside with a polymer coating 213 , although there are embodiments in which there is no underside coating. Thus, it is contemplated that the reinforcing polymner could be applied only to the mating portion 222 . It is also contemplated that the body 210 , or even the entire lid, can be coated on the outer surfaces (not shown).
- the body 210 has an angled portion 221 can flare slightly from a top of the lid 200 , and the flared region can extend to meet with the mating portion 222 .
- the mating portion 220 extends circumferentially and downwardly from the body 210 .
- the mating region 222 is sized and dimensioned to securely mate with the upper rim bead 251 of the cup 250 .
- the mating portion would preferably have an indentation with a depth of at least 1.5 mm. Having a secure seal is desirable because it protects the user from spilling of hot liquid such as coffee, tea, and soup over himself or herself.
- the mating portion 220 can itself have a flared region 223 , sized and dimensioned to assist a user in positioning the lid onto the top upper rim bead of a cup, thereby helping to prevent significant deformation of the lid 200 .
- FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 1 , including a body 321 and a mating portion 320 .
- a polymer coating 305 on the underside of the body 321 .
- the mating portion 320 includes an indented region 322 and a flared region 323 .
- FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative lid, including a body 421 and a mating portion 420 .
- a polymer coating 405 on the underside of the body 421 .
- the mating portion 420 includes an indented region 422 and a flared region 423 .
- FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of another alternative lid, including a body 521 and a mating portion 520 .
- a polymer coating 505 on the underside of the body 521 .
- the mating portion 520 includes an indented region 522 and a flared region 523 .
- FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view oft another alternative lid, including a body 621 and a mating portion 620 .
- a polymer coating 605 on the underside of the body 621 .
- the mating portion 620 includes an indented region 622 and a flared region 623 .
- stiffening member 627 comprises a stiff polymer.
- FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 2 , except that the upper rim bead 251 is magnetic, and the stiffening member 627 A is a metal or other material attracted by magnetic force.
- the polymer coatings on the undersides of the various lids 205 , 305 , 405 , 505 , and 605 is distinctly preferably, but could nevertheless be omitted depending on the composition of the lid.
- the polymer coatings on some or all of the portions of the undersides of the various lids 205 , 305 , 405 , 505 , and 605 should be viewed as optional.
- the polymer material can be added to the mating portions of the various embodiments.
- the polymner can protect the mating portion from deformation caused by the liquid or a vapor evaporating from the liquid.
- Second, including a polymer in the mating portion can significantly enhance stiffness of the mating portion, thereby providing a secure seal with a cup or other vessel.
- the thickness at least one such layer is preferably at least 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm, and most preferably at least 0.3 mm.
- the mating portion could be entirely polymeric, i.e., with no fibrous content.
- the polymeric mating portion could have a thin extension that extends up into the body of the lid, or is glued or otherwise adhered to a medial or lateral side of the body.
- the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A lid for a container having an upper rim bead, the lid having a fiber-containing body and a mating portion depending from the body that is configured to mate with the upper rim bead, wherein the mating portion has a higher weight percentage of a polymer than the body. The mating portion can include the polymer on a medial or lateral surface, and/or inside the mating portion, or the mating portion can be entirely made of polymer.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/850,312 filed May 20, 2019, and EPO1907921.9 filed Jun. 4, 2019.
- The field of the invention is lids for drinking cups.
- The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
- Many people enjoy having coffee, tea, or other beverages, and it is well known to imbibe such drinks from a disposable paper cup. Such cups are typically consturcted from paper having a thin inner plastic coating. One example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,197 B2. Such cups can also be made entierely of plastic, but paper is more environmentally friendly than plastic.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,197 B2 and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to be controlling.
- The U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,197 patent, and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
- Paper-based cups have several disadvantages. For example, paper tends to absorb liquid, resulting in deformation of the cup. Wax-coated paper cups are advantageous in that they tend to resist deformation, however, their popularity diminished because wax can melt with hot liquids, and wax coatings tend to be too thick.
- It is well known to make paper coffee cups with very thin plastic coatings. For example, US20070170236A1 teaches a cup made of a plastic-coated paper. Such cups provide several advantages. First, the plastic does not melt. Second, the plastic protects paper-based cups from liquid exposure.
- Regarding lids, it is known in some instances to use a paper lid for a paper container. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,952,401 teaches a paper lid for an ice cream container. This paper lid is satisfactory for its intended purpose, but would not work well for a paper coffee cup because it provides an inadequate seal. A lid for the coffee cup must be closed tightly to provide a secure seal, because liquid would press against the lid when a person tilts the cup for drinking. A paper lid for an ice cream container works sufficiently well because one does not normally tilt the ice cream container with its lid attached. And also ice cream is solid, not liquid. A second reason that a paper lid is dysfunctional for a coffee cup is that as the lid absorbs liquid, even to a small extent, such absorption might well weaken the lid sufficiently to negatively impact the seal. For these and probably other reasons, the vast majority of lids for paper drinking cups are made entirely of plastic.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,569 teaches a plastic lid. Such lids work well with typical paper drinking cups, but are unsatisfactory with respect to environmental effects. Plastic pollution is currently one of the greatest environmental concerns, harming all manner of plants, oceans, animals, and humans. It can take hundreds or even thousands of years for plastic to break down, so the damage to the environment is long-lasting. It has been reported that about 16 billion plastic lids are used on disposable coffee cups each year. The European Union is moving forward on banning single-use plastic stirrers and plates by 2021. It is time for us to seriously consider how to reduce the amount of single-use plastic and maintain our environment clean and safe.
- The basic problem is that “the perfect is the enemy of the good”. People keep trying to make a lid that is entirely fibrous material, i.e., with no plastic whatsoever. That may happen in the future, but in the meantime an awful lot of plastic is thrown away in plastic lids. What is needed right now is lid that made mostly of paper or other fiber-based material, but has sufficient plastic to provide an adequate seal for a coffee cup or other paper (or mostly paper) container.
- The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods in which a paper or other fiber-based lid has a plastic-reinforced mating portion that creates a seal with a corresponding cup.
- Contemplated lids include a body, and a polymer-containing mating portion that extends circumferentially and downwardly from the body. There is an extra coating of polymer in or on the mating portion, or the mating portion can be entirely constructed of the polymer.
- The lid preferably contains no more than 10 wt % of polymer material. In preferred embodiments, the lid has no more than 5 wt % polymer, and in especially preferred embodiments, the lid has no more than 1 wt % polymer.
- The mating portion has a mating portion and a flared portion. The mating portion of the lid refers to the portion that is sized and dimensioned to mate with an upper rim bead of a cup. The mating portion preferably has an annular indentation with a depth of at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 1.0 mm, and most preferably at least 1.5 mm. The flared portion is sized and dimensioned to assist a user in positioning the lid onto the top upper rim bead of a cup.
- The mating portion is reinforced by one or more additional layers of polymer material, which provides additional stiffness. The polymer layer is at least 0.1 mm thick. In preferred embodiments, the polymer layer is at least 0.2 mm thick and more preferred embodiments, at least 0.3 mm thick. The polymer layer can be applied medial, lateral, or any combination thereof, onto the fiber-containing layer of the lid, or it is disposed inside of the fiber-containing layer.
- The polymer material includes polyethylene, polydiketoenamine, polypropylene, polyetylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene and any combination thereof.
- The body can have a drinking hole disposed of the raised portion in the centrally depressed body. A polymer coating is disposed on an upper surface of the body, about at least a portion of the drinking hole. The polymer coating of the body extends at least 5 mm away from the drinking hole. In some embodiments, the polymer coating can be also applied to the underside of the body.
- As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.
- As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
- All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
- Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lid ofFIG. 1 , and a container. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lid ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a lid. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a lid. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a lid. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of lid with a magnetic upper rim bead. - The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
- The present invention relates to apparatus, methods, and systems for a fiber-containing lid having a polymer coated reinforced region, which provides a secure seal to a liquid container. In preferred embodiments, the reinforced region is a mating portion of the mating portion of the lid. The principles and operations for such methods and systems, according to the present invention, may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and drawings.
-
FIG. 1 generally depicts a fiber-containinglid 100 at least having abody 110 and amating portion 122 that depends from thebody 110. Thelid 100 comprises at least two materials, a fibrous material and a polymer coating. - All suitable fibrous materials are contemplated, including wood and vegetable fibers (as for example utilized in papers and cardboards). Biodegradable paper is especially preferred to reduce negative environmental impact when the lids are disposed.
- All suitable polymer materials are contemplated, especially including polymers typically used to coat inside surface of paper coffee cups. This includes polyethylene, polypropylene, polyetylene terephthalate, high-density polyetylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyetylene, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, and any combination thereof.
- To reduce the environmental impact, preferred embodiments of
lid 100 have no more than 10 wt % the total polymer material(s). In some embodiments, the lid has no more than 10 wt % or even 5 wt % polymer, and the most preferred embodiments have no more than 1 wt % polymer. - The
body 110 has adrinking hole 130. It is contemplated that a polymer coating can be disposed on an upper surface of the lid, about at least aregion 140 adjacent thedrinking hole 130. A coating in that region coating can provide an improved mouth feel relative to embodiments where the region is not coated. In some embodiments, the polymer coating of the body extends at least 5 mm around thedrinking hole 130. -
FIG. 2 depicts the side view oflid 200. Thelid 200 is configured to be removably coupled with acup 250, allowing repeated closing and opening the lid. Thebody 210 can have a raisedportion 211 that surrounds aconcavity 212. The raised portion can be of constant height, or of varying heights. Typically, the drinking hole is positioned in the raisedportion 211. - The
body 210 would typically have an underside with apolymer coating 213, although there are embodiments in which there is no underside coating. Thus, it is contemplated that the reinforcing polymner could be applied only to themating portion 222. It is also contemplated that thebody 210, or even the entire lid, can be coated on the outer surfaces (not shown). Thebody 210 has an angledportion 221 can flare slightly from a top of thelid 200, and the flared region can extend to meet with themating portion 222. - The mating portion 220 extends circumferentially and downwardly from the
body 210. Themating region 222 is sized and dimensioned to securely mate with theupper rim bead 251 of thecup 250. For a typical paper coffee cup, the mating portion would preferably have an indentation with a depth of at least 1.5 mm. Having a secure seal is desirable because it protects the user from spilling of hot liquid such as coffee, tea, and soup over himself or herself. - The mating portion 220 can itself have a flared
region 223, sized and dimensioned to assist a user in positioning the lid onto the top upper rim bead of a cup, thereby helping to prevent significant deformation of thelid 200. -
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the lid ofFIG. 1 , including abody 321 and amating portion 320. There is apolymer coating 305 on the underside of thebody 321. Themating portion 320 includes anindented region 322 and a flaredregion 323. There is anextra coating 324 of polymer on part of the medial side of thebody 321, and the medial sides of the indented 322 and flared 323 regions. -
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative lid, including abody 421 and amating portion 420. There is apolymer coating 405 on the underside of thebody 421. Themating portion 420 includes anindented region 422 and a flaredregion 423. There is anextra coating 425 of polymer on the lateral side of theindented region 422. -
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of another alternative lid, including a body 521 and amating portion 520. There is apolymer coating 505 on the underside of the body 521. Themating portion 520 includes anindented region 522 and a flaredregion 523. There is anextra coating 526 of polymer on both medial and lateral sides of theindented region 522. -
FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view oft another alternative lid, including abody 621 and amating portion 620. There is apolymer coating 605 on the underside of thebody 621. Themating portion 620 includes anindented region 622 and a flaredregion 623. There is anextra stiffening member 627 on inside of theindented region 622. In someembodiments stiffening member 627 comprises a stiff polymer. - It is also contemplated that one could use magnetic coupling so that the cup and lid would “click” together, magnetically, and thereby remain “mated” without the need for any mechanical coupling as in
FIG. 2 . To that end, inFIG. 7 is similar toFIG. 2 , except that theupper rim bead 251 is magnetic, and the stiffeningmember 627A is a metal or other material attracted by magnetic force. - As indicated above, the polymer coatings on the undersides of the
various lids various lids - There are at least two reasons for adding the polymer material to the mating portions of the various embodiments. First, if the polymer is disposed on a medial side of the mating portion, the polymner can protect the mating portion from deformation caused by the liquid or a vapor evaporating from the liquid. Second, including a polymer in the mating portion can significantly enhance stiffness of the mating portion, thereby providing a secure seal with a cup or other vessel.
- Where the polymer is included in the mating portion as one or more layers, the thickness at least one such layer is preferably at least 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.2 mm, and most preferably at least 0.3 mm.
- It is also contemplated that the mating portion could be entirely polymeric, i.e., with no fibrous content. In such instances the polymeric mating portion could have a thin extension that extends up into the body of the lid, or is glued or otherwise adhered to a medial or lateral side of the body.
- In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
- Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.
- Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
- It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
Claims (19)
1. A lid for a container having an upper rim bead, the lid comprising:
a body comprising a first fibrous material; and
a mating portion depending from the body, the mating portion comprising a second fibrous material, and having a recess configured to mate with the upper rim bead;
wherein the mating portion has a higher weight percentage of a first polymer than the body.
2. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the mating portion comprises a medial layer of the first polymer, and a lateral layer of the second fibrous material.
3. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the first fibrous material of the body is continuous with the second fibrous material of the mating portion.
4. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the body has a layer of the first polymer.
5. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the mating portion has a second layer of the first polymer.
6. The lid of claim 5 , wherein the second layer comprises a second polymer that has a different chemical composition that the first layer.
7. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the body has a drinking hole, and a layer of a second polymer disposed about the drinking hole.
8. The lid of claim 7 , wherein the layer of the second polymer extends at least 5 mm around the drinking hole.
9. The lid of claim 7 , wherein the body has a raised portion disposed about a central depression, and the drinking hole is disposed in the raised portion.
10. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the lid has no more than 10 wt % of the first polymer.
11. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the lid has no more than 5 wt % of the first polymer.
12. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the lid has no more than 1 wt % of the first polymer.
13. The lid of claim 2 , wherein the medial layer is at least 0.1 mm thick.
14. The lid of claim 2 , wherein the medial layer is at least 0.3 mm thick.
15. The lid of claim 2 , wherein the mating portion flares outwardly to a bottom of the lid.
16. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the recess comprises an annular indentation having a depth of at least 1.5 mm.
17. (canceled)
18. The lid of claim 1 , further comprising a second layer of the first polymer disposed within, or lateral to, the lateral layer of the second fibrous material.
19. The lid of claim 1 , wherein the first polymer comprises at least one of polyethylene and polydiketoenamine.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/694,795 US20200369438A1 (en) | 2019-05-20 | 2019-11-25 | Fiber-Containing Lid With High Polymer Mating Region |
US17/613,378 US20220212838A1 (en) | 2019-05-20 | 2020-05-19 | Fibrous Lid With High Polymer Mating Region |
PCT/US2020/033643 WO2020236838A1 (en) | 2019-05-20 | 2020-05-19 | Fiber-containing lid with high polymer mating region |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201962850312P | 2019-05-20 | 2019-05-20 | |
EP1907921.9 | 2019-06-04 | ||
GB1907921.9A GB2584640B (en) | 2019-05-20 | 2019-06-04 | Fiber-containing lid with high polymer mating region |
US16/694,795 US20200369438A1 (en) | 2019-05-20 | 2019-11-25 | Fiber-Containing Lid With High Polymer Mating Region |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/613,378 Continuation US20220212838A1 (en) | 2019-05-20 | 2020-05-19 | Fibrous Lid With High Polymer Mating Region |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200369438A1 true US20200369438A1 (en) | 2020-11-26 |
Family
ID=67385956
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/694,795 Abandoned US20200369438A1 (en) | 2019-05-20 | 2019-11-25 | Fiber-Containing Lid With High Polymer Mating Region |
US17/613,378 Pending US20220212838A1 (en) | 2019-05-20 | 2020-05-19 | Fibrous Lid With High Polymer Mating Region |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/613,378 Pending US20220212838A1 (en) | 2019-05-20 | 2020-05-19 | Fibrous Lid With High Polymer Mating Region |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20200369438A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2584640B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020236838A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2023080834A1 (en) * | 2021-11-08 | 2023-05-11 | FrostPharma AB | Clinical waste container comprising wood fibres arranged with first and second snap-locking means and method for producing the same |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2024157111A1 (en) * | 2023-01-27 | 2024-08-02 | Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa | Combination of a container and a closing element |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2721686A (en) * | 1950-11-07 | 1955-10-25 | Lily Tulip Cup Corp | Container closure with transparent pane |
JPH09301394A (en) * | 1996-05-15 | 1997-11-25 | Toppan Printing Co Ltd | Cap made up by insert injection molding |
US6196451B1 (en) * | 1999-10-13 | 2001-03-06 | Double “H” Plastics, Inc. | Paper-sided composite lid |
KR100805799B1 (en) * | 2005-09-01 | 2008-02-21 | 권석웅 | A cover of container with a inner lid made of a paper, and a method of manufacturing thereof |
US20070075081A1 (en) * | 2005-10-05 | 2007-04-05 | Harlan Stokes | Reusable container with flavor chamber in lid |
US7942281B2 (en) * | 2007-03-29 | 2011-05-17 | Rexam Closure Systems, Inc. | Closure and package with flexible base wall panel |
US8210377B2 (en) * | 2008-03-20 | 2012-07-03 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | Closure edge protection via polymer coated metal |
EP2291459A4 (en) * | 2008-04-25 | 2012-03-28 | Seanet Dev Inc | Molded, recyclable, compostable cellulose fiber lid assembly for a container |
US20090289074A1 (en) * | 2008-05-23 | 2009-11-26 | Helen Of Troy | Cotainer lid |
EP2707303B1 (en) * | 2011-05-09 | 2015-09-16 | Abbott Laboratories | Method of applying a closure to a container |
US20130075356A1 (en) * | 2011-09-22 | 2013-03-28 | Celebrate Everywhere, LLC | Single serving beverage vessel with a resealable lid |
US20130256320A1 (en) * | 2012-03-30 | 2013-10-03 | Mostafa Sorkhabi | Dispenser Apparatus |
US8881938B2 (en) * | 2012-08-08 | 2014-11-11 | Harl-Bella Holdings, Llc | Lid for beverage container |
CN104703891A (en) * | 2012-08-22 | 2015-06-10 | 米德韦斯瓦科公司 | Paper-based container lids |
-
2019
- 2019-06-04 GB GB1907921.9A patent/GB2584640B/en active Active
- 2019-11-25 US US16/694,795 patent/US20200369438A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2020
- 2020-05-19 US US17/613,378 patent/US20220212838A1/en active Pending
- 2020-05-19 WO PCT/US2020/033643 patent/WO2020236838A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2023080834A1 (en) * | 2021-11-08 | 2023-05-11 | FrostPharma AB | Clinical waste container comprising wood fibres arranged with first and second snap-locking means and method for producing the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20220212838A1 (en) | 2022-07-07 |
GB2584640A (en) | 2020-12-16 |
WO2020236838A1 (en) | 2020-11-26 |
GB2584640B (en) | 2021-06-16 |
GB201907921D0 (en) | 2019-07-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20200369438A1 (en) | Fiber-Containing Lid With High Polymer Mating Region | |
JP6330663B2 (en) | Packaging container | |
US6976578B1 (en) | Dispensing lid closure for beverage container and method of making and using the closure | |
US2932437A (en) | Cup | |
US20120024873A1 (en) | Anti-splash device configured for removable placement within a cup interior | |
US7909204B2 (en) | Resealing overcap for a container | |
US20060060590A1 (en) | Lid for a container and method of making same | |
EP1564152A2 (en) | Container assembly having an overcap with a storage compartment | |
CA2808621C (en) | Condiment and sauce container | |
US20190055070A1 (en) | Tabbed Seal For Beverage Pod | |
US7357266B2 (en) | Venting closure | |
JP2006248530A (en) | Paper-made lid for paper-made container | |
US20060091140A1 (en) | Microwaveable packaged good article overcap | |
GB2023407A (en) | Food container | |
US20080264939A1 (en) | Reduced material container | |
US20150173544A1 (en) | Coaster | |
MX2009001827A (en) | Diaphragm. | |
US11305513B2 (en) | Laminate liner | |
TW202118704A (en) | Lid for a cup | |
RU2704917C2 (en) | Container with oleophilic/oleophobic pattern on sealing surface | |
US2378470A (en) | Container and method of sealing same | |
JP2007153352A (en) | Container for microwave oven cooking | |
JP2021175669A (en) | Paper container with lid | |
JPH11342982A (en) | Heat insulating container with handle | |
JP7461761B2 (en) | Paper container with lid for microwave cooking food |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |