US20210053727A1 - Lid for a container - Google Patents
Lid for a container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210053727A1 US20210053727A1 US16/997,723 US202016997723A US2021053727A1 US 20210053727 A1 US20210053727 A1 US 20210053727A1 US 202016997723 A US202016997723 A US 202016997723A US 2021053727 A1 US2021053727 A1 US 2021053727A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- container
- perimeter sidewall
- sidewall
- bottom panel
- 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
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 31
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012943 hotmelt Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010902 straw Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 without limitation Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000021056 liquid food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000014347 soups Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000002195 synergetic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- 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
- B65D2543/00425—Lids or covers welded or adhered to 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
- B65D2543/00481—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
Definitions
- cups and containers suitable for holding drink and/or food items are well known in the food and beverage packaging industry.
- Such cups and containers are commonly constructed from a paperboard material, particularly a coated paperboard material that facilitates moisture resistance and prolongs the life of the container once a drink or food item is inserted therein.
- Such cups and containers are also often manufactured to be biodegradable and compostable in order to be environmentally-friendly.
- the lids commonly utilized on connection with disposable or single-use containers are traditionally made from a plastic material. Such lids are configured to fit over and around the upper edge of the paperboard container and typically include an engaging means that is designed to fit over and partially underneath the outwardly rolled upper rim of the container.
- the fit between these conventional plastic lids and paperboard containers is not always consistent and/or secure, which can lead to leakage between the container and the lid and can also result in the lid popping off of the top of the container unexpectedly. This is particularly the case when the container is intended for use with drink or liquid food contents and the paperboard container loses rigidity or stiffness over time.
- the present invention is directed generally to a lid for a container.
- the lid may be configured to be inserted into the upper open end of the container and secured thereto through a frictional and/or interference fit.
- the lid may include a bottom panel and a perimeter sidewall extending upward from the bottom panel.
- the perimeter sidewall may include an inwardly turned flange formed along the lower end of the perimeter sidewall and the lid.
- the inwardly turned flange may be configured to engage the bottom panel and enclose the lower end of the lid.
- the perimeter sidewall can further include an outwardly rolled upper edge formed along the upper end of the lid, which provides rigidity and can assist in gripping the lid and inserting or removing the lid from a container.
- the lid may further optionally include an opening defined through the bottom panel to provide access to the contents of the container when the lid is inserted into the container.
- Such opening may be adapted to receive a straw and/or adapted to function as a drinking hole or pouring spout.
- the lid may be formed by wrapping the perimeter sidewall in a cylindrical and/or frustoconical shape and enclosing the sidewall by forming an overlapping side seam.
- the inwardly turned flange may be formed into the sidewall by folding the lower edge portion of the perimeter sidewall inward.
- the bottom panel may then be secured to the inwardly turned flange to enclose the bottom end of the lid.
- the lid may have an inclined taper or frustoconical shape that generally conforms to the shape of traditional containers.
- the perimeter sidewall of the lid may have a taper angle that provides the perimeter sidewall with an angle of inclination.
- the taper angle of the lid may be equal to, less than or greater than the taper angle of the container with which the lid is used.
- the lid may engage the container along all or a substantial portion of the height of the perimeter sidewall of the lid once the lid is inserted into the container to enclose the upper end thereof.
- the taper angle of the lid is greater than or less than the taper angle of the container, the lid may engage the container along a portion of the height of the perimeter sidewall.
- either one or both of the lid and container may slightly deform or flex when the lid is inserted into the container, thereby increasing the amount of engagement between the lid and container.
- the engagement of the perimeter sidewall of the lid and the sidewall of the container may create a frictional and/or interference fit the secures the lid within the upper end opening of the container.
- the taper angle of the lid may be such that it enables the lid to be used with multiple containers of different sizes, geometries, and types because the taper angle of the lid allows for at least partial engagement with the interior surface of the container to create a frictional and/or interference fit.
- the engagement between the lid and container can be adapted to create a generally liquid-tight seal.
- the lid may include an upper end diameter defined at an upper end of the perimeter sidewall and a lower end diameter defined at a lower end of the perimeter sidewall.
- the upper end diameter of the lid may be approximately equal to the upper end diameter of the container to allow the lid to be fully or almost fully inserted into the upper end opening of the container.
- the lower end diameter may be less than the upper end diameter of the container to facilitate easy insertion of the lid into the container.
- the upper end diameter of the lid may also be greater than the upper end diameter of the container while the lower end diameter of the lid may be less than the upper end diameter of the container.
- the lid may be constructed from one or more different materials.
- the lid may be constructed from a paperboard material that is recyclable, biodegradable, and/or compostable in order to provide an environmentally-friendly lid for conventional containers.
- the lid may be constructed from a poly-coated or moisture-proof paperboard material as known in the art in order to allow the lid to be utilized with containers suited for holding drinks and/or food items.
- the lid may be constructed of the same material or different material than the container with which the lid is used, and the lid may be configured for use with containers constructed from various different materials.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid for a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view of the lid of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the lid of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a top plan view of material blanks for a bottom panel and a perimeter sidewall for use in constructing the lid of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional side view of a lid for a container showing a lower folding edge portion of the lid in an unfolded position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional side view of the lid of FIG. 5 showing the lower folding edge portion of the lid in a folded position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional side view of a lid and a container illustrating the lid being inserted into an upper end of the container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional side view of the lid and container of FIG. 7 illustrating the lid inserted into the upper end of the container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial sectional side view of the lid and container of FIG. 8 illustrating the engagement between the lid and container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- lid 10 that may be used in conjunction with a container (such as container 100 referenced herein) to enclose the upper opening of the container.
- a container such as container 100 referenced herein
- lid 10 may be configured to be inserted into the upper end opening 102 of container 100 and nested therein to provide a frictional and/or interference fit between lid 10 and the upper end opening 102 of container 100 .
- lid 10 may be configured to enclose a container 100 utilized for holding and/or transporting drink items, food items or any other type of product.
- Container 100 (which is illustrated for reference in FIGS. 7-9 ) may be configured as any type of cup or container known in the art and is not necessarily intended to represent a novel aspect of the present invention.
- Container 100 may be constructed from any number of suitable materials, including without limitation, paperboard, cardboard, laminated paperboard, thermoplastic materials and the like.
- container 100 may include a sidewall 104 wrapped around an enclosed bottom 106 to form a circumferential sidewall with a rolled upper lip or rim 108 along the edge of the upper end opening 102 of container 100 .
- Sidewall 104 may further have a generally frustoconical shape such that the diameter of container 100 increases along the height of sidewall 104 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that shapes different from the above-mentioned construction for container 100 may serve equally as well as may be required by a desired application.
- lid 10 may include a bottom panel 12 and a perimeter sidewall 14 .
- perimeter sidewall 14 may wrap around bottom panel 12 and extend upwardly from bottom panel 12 such that bottom panel 12 is positioned at the lower end of lid 10 .
- bottom panel 12 may have a circular shape generally conforming to the circular or cylindrical shape of the upper end 102 of container 100 .
- bottom panel 12 may have any desired shape that is capable of creating an interference fit, whether or not such shape matches that of container 100 in alternative embodiments of the present invention.
- perimeter sidewall 14 may have any suitable shape that generally corresponds to the shape of bottom panel 12 and allows for bottom panel 12 to be positioned and retained at the lower end of lid 10 .
- perimeter sidewall 14 may include an inwardly turned flange or lower folded end flange 16 formed at a lower end portion of perimeter sidewall 14 .
- Inwardly turned flange 16 may be folded inward to provide a seated edge for receiving bottom panel 12 .
- inwardly turned flange 16 may define the lower boundary of lid 10 and form the bottom edge thereof.
- bottom panel 12 may include an overlapping perimeter or edge portion 18 that is configured to rest upon and engage inwardly turned flange 16 of perimeter sidewall 14 so that bottom panel 12 and inwardly turned flange 16 extend along a plane forming the lower boundary of lid 10 .
- overlapping edge portion 18 of bottom panel 12 may designate the outer perimeter edge portion of bottom panel 12 that is positioned in an overlapping relationship with inwardly turned flange 16 of perimeter sidewall and bottom panel 12 may be configured with a flat disc shape without folded or bent portions.
- overlapping edge portion 18 of bottom panel 12 may be secured to inwardly turned flange 16 using an adhesive, sealant or other suitable means now known or hereinafter developed.
- overlapping edge portion 18 of bottom panel may be secured to the upper surface of inwardly turned flange 16 .
- bottom panel 12 may be secured to the lower surface of inwardly turned flange 16 to connect bottom panel 12 to perimeter sidewall 14 .
- perimeter sidewall 14 of lid 10 may include an outwardly rolled upper rim 20 formed around its upper end in a manner similar to outwardly rolled rims commonly formed into conventional cups and other containers known in the art.
- lid 10 may further include an opening 22 formed into bottom panel 12 to allow access to the interior of container 100 in which lid 10 is inserted into.
- opening 22 may be configured to receive a drinking straw (not shown)
- opening 22 may also be configured as a drinking opening and/or pouring spout for a user of container 100 .
- bottom panel 12 and perimeter sidewall 14 may each be die cut from a larger sheet or roll (not shown) of material and formed into individual blanks. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , bottom panel 12 and perimeter sidewall 14 are formed as two separate blank components. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, both bottom panel 12 and perimeter sidewall 14 may be formed as a single unitary blank where bottom panel 12 and perimeter sidewall 14 are integrally connected together.
- lid 10 (including bottom panel 12 and perimeter sidewall 14 forming lid 10 ) may be constructed of paperboard or a similar material such as, but not limited to, a coated or laminated paperboard material in order to resist migration of liquids reduce deformation from liquids contained within the interior volume of container 100 in which lid 10 is secured thereon.
- lid 10 may be constructed from any other suitable material or combination of materials.
- lid 10 may be formed by wrapping perimeter sidewall 14 around bottom panel 12 to form an enclosed perimeter wall with an overlapping side seam (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , after perimeter sidewall 14 has been wrapped, inwardly turned flange 16 of perimeter sidewall 14 may be folded inward. Overlapping edge portion 18 of bottom panel 12 may then be secured to flange 16 using an adhesive or other suitable securing means as known in the art (including without limitation, cold glues, hot melts, sonic welding, sealants and the like). Outwardly rolled rim 20 may be formed into the upper end of perimeter sidewall 14 in order to complete the construction of lid 10 .
- perimeter sidewall 14 may be wrapped around a mandrel and formed into a perimeter wall secured by an overlapping side seam prior to bottom panel 12 being inserted therein.
- perimeter sidewall 14 may be formed first followed by inwardly turned flange 16 being folded inward to form a receiving edge for bottom panel 12 and bottom panel 12 may be seated onto and secured to inwardly turned flange 16 .
- Lid 10 may be constructed using any other suitable method for constructing paperboard or similar containers (even plastic containers) now known or hereinafter developed.
- lid 10 may be configured to be inserted into the upper end opening 102 of container 100 in order to enclose container 100 .
- the interaction between the outer surface of sidewall 14 of lid 10 and the inner surface of sidewall 104 of container 100 may create an engagement resulting in a tortuous path of that any leaking fluid must navigate in order to escape.
- outwardly rolled rim 20 of lid 10 may be positioned above and adjacent to the rolled rim 108 of container 100 .
- outwardly rolled rim 20 of lid 10 may facilitate removal of lid 10 from container 100 after lid 10 has been inserted therein by providing a gripping means for lifting lid 10 from container 100 . It will be appreciated that outwardly rolled rim 20 may also provide lid 10 with structural stability or rigidity, as well as having an engagement interface that uses will find to have a feel similar to that of rim 108 of container 100 . Lid 10 may be configured to be fully or partially inserted into the upper end opening 102 of container 100 . In addition, as described in greater detail below, the full or partial insertion of lid 10 may be dependent on the size and diameter of container 100 and allow for lid 10 to be used with multiple containers 100 of different sizes and dimensions.
- lid 10 may be secured within the upper end opening 102 of container 100 by the creation of a frictional and/or interference fit between perimeter sidewall 14 of lid 10 and sidewall 104 of container 100 .
- Perimeter sidewall 14 may engage sidewall 104 of container 100 along all or a portion of the height of perimeter sidewall 14 to create the frictional and/or interference fit between lid 10 and container 100 , depending on the particular taper angles and diameters of lid 10 and container 100 as described in greater detail herein.
- the interference fit between lid 10 and container 100 once lid 10 has been inserted into the upper end 102 of container 100 may restrict lid 10 from unintentionally exiting upper end 102 . It will be appreciated that in embodiments where the lid and container have differing taper angles, either one or both of the lid and container may slightly deform or flex when lid 10 is inserted into container 100 , thereby increasing the amount of engagement between the lid and container.
- perimeter sidewall 14 of lid 10 may have a taper or angle of inclination ⁇ (which is measured from an arbitrarily placed vertical line) that forms the frustoconical shape of lid 10 .
- sidewall 104 of container 100 may have a taper or angle of inclination ⁇ (also measured from an arbitrarily placed vertical line) forming the frustoconical shape of container 100 .
- Angles ⁇ and ⁇ represent the degree of outward angled configuration from vertical for perimeter sidewall 14 of lid 10 and sidewall 104 of container 100 , respectively.
- perimeter sidewall 14 of lid 10 may have a taper or angled configuration that generally conforms to the taper or angled configuration of sidewall 104 of container 100 in order to provide the interference fit between lid 10 and container 100 .
- angle of inclination ⁇ of lid 10 may be approximately equal to the angle of inclination ⁇ of container 100 so that the outer portion of perimeter sidewall 14 aligns with and contacts the inner portion of sidewall 104 when lid 10 is inserted into container 100 .
- perimeter sidewall 14 of lid 10 may have a taper or angle of inclination ⁇ that is greater than the taper or angle of inclination ⁇ of sidewall 104 of container 100 so that a small gap is created between the lower end of lid 10 and sidewall 104 of container 100 once lid 10 has been inserted into the upper end 102 of container 100 .
- Such a configuration may facilitate the full insertion of lid 10 into the upper end 102 of container 100 according to certain embodiments.
- perimeter sidewall 14 of lid 10 may have a taper or angle of inclination ⁇ that is less than the taper or angle of inclination ⁇ of sidewall 104 of container 100 . According to this embodiment, where angle ⁇ is less than angle ⁇ , the lower portion of lid 10 will more forcefully engage the interior portion of sidewall 104 of container 100 when lid 10 is inserted into container 100 and provide a greater frictional and interference fit between lid 10 and container 100 .
- Lid 10 may further be designed and configured with a taper that is designed to correspond to containers 100 of different sizes and/or having different tapers of sidewall 104 .
- lid 10 may be configured to use with containers of different sizes by having a taper angle ⁇ generally conforming to a particularly sized container 100 having the largest taper angle ⁇ , thereby allowing lid 10 to be utilized in connection with other differently-sized containers with a smaller taper angles ⁇ ′, ⁇ ′′, etc. (where ⁇ > ⁇ ′> ⁇ ′′). It is also recognized that in alternative embodiments, lid 10 may be configured with a taper angle ⁇ that corresponds to the container 100 having the smallest taper angle ⁇ ′′ or intermediate taper angle ⁇ ′.
- lid 10 may be configured with an upper exterior diameter D 1 defined at its upper end that is approximately equal to the interior diameter D 2 of container 100 , which is defined at the upper end of container 100 , in order to enable full insertion of lid 10 into the upper end opening 102 of container 100 when in use (see FIG. 8 ).
- lid 10 may be configured with a lower exterior diameter D 3 defined at its lower end that is equal to or less than the upper exterior diameter D 1 of lid 10 , depending on the taper angle ⁇ of perimeter sidewall 14 of lid 10 . As illustrated in FIGS.
- lower exterior diameter D 3 may also be less than interior diameter D 2 of container 100 in order to allow lid 10 to be easily inserted into upper end opening 102 of container 100 .
- the exterior surface of lid 10 defined along the height of perimeter sidewall 14 may contact and engage with the interior surface of container 100 defined along a portion of the height of container sidewall 104 .
- lid 10 may contact container 100 along a substantial portion of the height of perimeter sidewall 14 and create a frictional and/or interference fit between the exterior surface of perimeter sidewall 14 of lid 10 and the interior surface of sidewall 104 of container 100 to secure lid 10 within the upper end opening 102 of container 100 .
- the exterior surface of lid 10 may contact and engage with the interior surface of container 100 only along an upper portion or intermediate portion of the height of perimeter sidewall 14 .
- a small gap or space may be provided between the lower end of lid 10 and container sidewall 104 while the upper portion or intermediate portion of lid 10 contacts container sidewall 104 to create the frictional and/or interference fit between the exterior surface of perimeter sidewall 14 of lid 10 and the interior surface of sidewall 104 of container 100 to secure lid 10 within the upper end opening 102 of container 100 .
- the exterior surface of lid 10 may contact and engage with the interior surface of container 100 only along a lower portion of the height of perimeter sidewall 14 .
- a small gap or space may be provided between the upper end of lid 10 and container sidewall 104 while the lower end of lid 10 contacts container sidewall 104 to create the frictional and/or interference fit between the exterior surface of perimeter sidewall 14 of lid 10 and the interior surface of sidewall 104 of container 100 to secure lid 10 within the upper end opening 102 of container 100 .
- Lid 10 may also be configured with an exterior diameter D 1 at its upper end slightly larger than the interior diameter D 2 of container 100 at its upper end 102 in certain embodiments.
- the taper or angle or inclination ⁇ of perimeter sidewall 14 of lid 10 may enable the lower end portion of lid 10 to be easily inserted into the upper end opening 102 of container 100 and the slightly larger diameter D 1 of the upper end of lid 10 may create a strong interference fit with container 100 .
- This configuration may further enable lid 10 to be utilized with containers 100 of differing opening diameters and sizes.
- the taper angle ⁇ and diameters of lid 10 may enable lid 10 to be suitably used with containers 100 of different sizes.
- One configuration of lid 10 with a defined taper angle ⁇ and defined upper and lower end diameters D 1 and D 3 may be secured within a first container size having a taper angle ⁇ less than lid taper angle ⁇ , a second container size having a taper angle ⁇ equal to lid taper angle ⁇ , and a third container size having a taper angle ⁇ greater than lid taper angle ⁇ .
- at least a portion of the height of perimeter sidewall 14 engages with the interior surface of container sidewall 104 to provide the frictional and/or interference fit that secures lid 10 within container 100 .
- lid 10 may be constructed for one or more different materials.
- lid 10 may be constructed from a paperboard material that is recyclable, biodegradable, and/or compostable in order to provide an environmentally-friendly lid for conventional containers.
- lid 10 may be constructed from a poly-coated or moisture-proof paperboard material as known in the art in order to allow lid 10 to be utilized with containers 100 suited for holding drinks and/or food items.
- Lid 10 may be constructed of the same material or different material than container 100 and lid 10 may be configured for use with containers 100 constructed from various different materials.
- the combination of the construction of the lid including in excess of at least 30% of the same being comprised of paperboard material, and the lid's snug fit location within the cup's upper end opening create a synergistic effect on the cup-lid combination.
- paperboard lids now become not only an acceptable and often preferred substitute for plastic lids but also strengthen the upper end opening of the lid-cup combination and provide a secure fit, thus precluding the likelihood of leakage or having the lids pop off.
Abstract
Description
- This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/889,279, filed on Aug. 20, 2019, to Fredrick Betzen et al., entitled “Lid for a Container,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- Disposable or single-use cups and containers suitable for holding drink and/or food items are well known in the food and beverage packaging industry. Such cups and containers are commonly constructed from a paperboard material, particularly a coated paperboard material that facilitates moisture resistance and prolongs the life of the container once a drink or food item is inserted therein. Such cups and containers are also often manufactured to be biodegradable and compostable in order to be environmentally-friendly.
- The lids commonly utilized on connection with disposable or single-use containers are traditionally made from a plastic material. Such lids are configured to fit over and around the upper edge of the paperboard container and typically include an engaging means that is designed to fit over and partially underneath the outwardly rolled upper rim of the container. The fit between these conventional plastic lids and paperboard containers is not always consistent and/or secure, which can lead to leakage between the container and the lid and can also result in the lid popping off of the top of the container unexpectedly. This is particularly the case when the container is intended for use with drink or liquid food contents and the paperboard container loses rigidity or stiffness over time. In addition to having inconsistent securement to the top of a conventional cup or container, many national and local laws, rules and regulations are being enacted that prohibit, restrict, and/or disfavor the use of plastic lids for disposable or single use containers or in the quick-service restaurant industry because, among other reasons, such plastic lids are not made from biodegradable or compostable materials and therefore can result in greater harm to the environment.
- Accordingly, a need exists for an economical and efficient lid design that can be consistently secured to the upper end of a conventional container. In addition, a need exists for a lid design that can be effectively constructed from a biodegradable and/or compostable material.
- The present invention is directed generally to a lid for a container. The lid may be configured to be inserted into the upper open end of the container and secured thereto through a frictional and/or interference fit. The lid may include a bottom panel and a perimeter sidewall extending upward from the bottom panel. The perimeter sidewall may include an inwardly turned flange formed along the lower end of the perimeter sidewall and the lid. The inwardly turned flange may be configured to engage the bottom panel and enclose the lower end of the lid. The perimeter sidewall can further include an outwardly rolled upper edge formed along the upper end of the lid, which provides rigidity and can assist in gripping the lid and inserting or removing the lid from a container. The lid may further optionally include an opening defined through the bottom panel to provide access to the contents of the container when the lid is inserted into the container. Such opening may be adapted to receive a straw and/or adapted to function as a drinking hole or pouring spout.
- The lid may be formed by wrapping the perimeter sidewall in a cylindrical and/or frustoconical shape and enclosing the sidewall by forming an overlapping side seam. The inwardly turned flange may be formed into the sidewall by folding the lower edge portion of the perimeter sidewall inward. The bottom panel may then be secured to the inwardly turned flange to enclose the bottom end of the lid.
- The lid may have an inclined taper or frustoconical shape that generally conforms to the shape of traditional containers. The perimeter sidewall of the lid may have a taper angle that provides the perimeter sidewall with an angle of inclination. The taper angle of the lid may be equal to, less than or greater than the taper angle of the container with which the lid is used. When the taper angle of the lid is approximately equal to the taper angle of the container, the lid may engage the container along all or a substantial portion of the height of the perimeter sidewall of the lid once the lid is inserted into the container to enclose the upper end thereof. When the taper angle of the lid is greater than or less than the taper angle of the container, the lid may engage the container along a portion of the height of the perimeter sidewall. It will be appreciated that in embodiments where the lid and container have differing taper angles, either one or both of the lid and container may slightly deform or flex when the lid is inserted into the container, thereby increasing the amount of engagement between the lid and container. The engagement of the perimeter sidewall of the lid and the sidewall of the container may create a frictional and/or interference fit the secures the lid within the upper end opening of the container. The taper angle of the lid may be such that it enables the lid to be used with multiple containers of different sizes, geometries, and types because the taper angle of the lid allows for at least partial engagement with the interior surface of the container to create a frictional and/or interference fit. In embodiments intended for use with liquids (e.g., drinks, soups, etc.), the engagement between the lid and container can be adapted to create a generally liquid-tight seal.
- The lid may include an upper end diameter defined at an upper end of the perimeter sidewall and a lower end diameter defined at a lower end of the perimeter sidewall. The upper end diameter of the lid may be approximately equal to the upper end diameter of the container to allow the lid to be fully or almost fully inserted into the upper end opening of the container. The lower end diameter may be less than the upper end diameter of the container to facilitate easy insertion of the lid into the container. The upper end diameter of the lid may also be greater than the upper end diameter of the container while the lower end diameter of the lid may be less than the upper end diameter of the container. The resulting configuration can enable the lid to be used with multiple sizes of container having different upper end diameters.
- The lid may be constructed from one or more different materials. The lid may be constructed from a paperboard material that is recyclable, biodegradable, and/or compostable in order to provide an environmentally-friendly lid for conventional containers. The lid may be constructed from a poly-coated or moisture-proof paperboard material as known in the art in order to allow the lid to be utilized with containers suited for holding drinks and/or food items. The lid may be constructed of the same material or different material than the container with which the lid is used, and the lid may be configured for use with containers constructed from various different materials.
- Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the accompanying drawing figures.
- In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid for a container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view of the lid ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the lid ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of material blanks for a bottom panel and a perimeter sidewall for use in constructing the lid ofFIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional side view of a lid for a container showing a lower folding edge portion of the lid in an unfolded position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional side view of the lid ofFIG. 5 showing the lower folding edge portion of the lid in a folded position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional side view of a lid and a container illustrating the lid being inserted into an upper end of the container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional side view of the lid and container ofFIG. 7 illustrating the lid inserted into the upper end of the container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial sectional side view of the lid and container ofFIG. 8 illustrating the engagement between the lid and container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. - The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.
- The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- Referring to the figures, the present invention is directed to a
lid 10 that may be used in conjunction with a container (such ascontainer 100 referenced herein) to enclose the upper opening of the container. As shown in the several figures and described herein,lid 10 may be configured to be inserted into the upper end opening 102 ofcontainer 100 and nested therein to provide a frictional and/or interference fit betweenlid 10 and the upper end opening 102 ofcontainer 100. Depending on the desired application oflid 10 of the present invention,lid 10 may be configured to enclose acontainer 100 utilized for holding and/or transporting drink items, food items or any other type of product. - Container 100 (which is illustrated for reference in
FIGS. 7-9 ) may be configured as any type of cup or container known in the art and is not necessarily intended to represent a novel aspect of the present invention.Container 100 may be constructed from any number of suitable materials, including without limitation, paperboard, cardboard, laminated paperboard, thermoplastic materials and the like. According to one embodiment,container 100 may include asidewall 104 wrapped around anenclosed bottom 106 to form a circumferential sidewall with a rolled upper lip orrim 108 along the edge of the upper end opening 102 ofcontainer 100.Sidewall 104 may further have a generally frustoconical shape such that the diameter ofcontainer 100 increases along the height ofsidewall 104. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that shapes different from the above-mentioned construction forcontainer 100 may serve equally as well as may be required by a desired application. - Turning to
FIGS. 1-3 ,lid 10 may include abottom panel 12 and aperimeter sidewall 14. As shown,perimeter sidewall 14 may wrap aroundbottom panel 12 and extend upwardly frombottom panel 12 such thatbottom panel 12 is positioned at the lower end oflid 10. According to one embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 ,bottom panel 12 may have a circular shape generally conforming to the circular or cylindrical shape of theupper end 102 ofcontainer 100. However, it is recognized thatbottom panel 12 may have any desired shape that is capable of creating an interference fit, whether or not such shape matches that ofcontainer 100 in alternative embodiments of the present invention. It is also recognized thatperimeter sidewall 14 may have any suitable shape that generally corresponds to the shape ofbottom panel 12 and allows forbottom panel 12 to be positioned and retained at the lower end oflid 10. - As best shown in
FIG. 2 ,perimeter sidewall 14 may include an inwardly turned flange or lower foldedend flange 16 formed at a lower end portion ofperimeter sidewall 14. Inwardly turnedflange 16 may be folded inward to provide a seated edge for receivingbottom panel 12. As best shown inFIG. 2 , inwardly turnedflange 16 may define the lower boundary oflid 10 and form the bottom edge thereof. As shown inFIG. 2 ,bottom panel 12 may include an overlapping perimeter oredge portion 18 that is configured to rest upon and engage inwardly turnedflange 16 ofperimeter sidewall 14 so thatbottom panel 12 and inwardly turnedflange 16 extend along a plane forming the lower boundary oflid 10. - As best shown in
FIG. 2 , according to one embodiment, overlappingedge portion 18 ofbottom panel 12 may designate the outer perimeter edge portion ofbottom panel 12 that is positioned in an overlapping relationship with inwardly turnedflange 16 of perimeter sidewall andbottom panel 12 may be configured with a flat disc shape without folded or bent portions. When forminglid 10, overlappingedge portion 18 ofbottom panel 12 may be secured to inwardly turnedflange 16 using an adhesive, sealant or other suitable means now known or hereinafter developed. As best shown inFIG. 2 , overlappingedge portion 18 of bottom panel may be secured to the upper surface of inwardly turnedflange 16. However, it is recognized that in alternative embodiments,bottom panel 12 may be secured to the lower surface of inwardly turnedflange 16 to connectbottom panel 12 toperimeter sidewall 14. - As further shown in
FIGS. 1-3 ,perimeter sidewall 14 oflid 10 may include an outwardly rolledupper rim 20 formed around its upper end in a manner similar to outwardly rolled rims commonly formed into conventional cups and other containers known in the art. According to the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 ,lid 10 may further include anopening 22 formed intobottom panel 12 to allow access to the interior ofcontainer 100 in whichlid 10 is inserted into. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, opening 22 may be configured to receive a drinking straw (not shown) However, opening 22 may also be configured as a drinking opening and/or pouring spout for a user ofcontainer 100. - Turning to
FIG. 4 , according to one embodiment,bottom panel 12 andperimeter sidewall 14 may each be die cut from a larger sheet or roll (not shown) of material and formed into individual blanks. According to the embodiment shown inFIG. 4 ,bottom panel 12 andperimeter sidewall 14 are formed as two separate blank components. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, bothbottom panel 12 andperimeter sidewall 14 may be formed as a single unitary blank wherebottom panel 12 andperimeter sidewall 14 are integrally connected together. According to one embodiment, lid 10 (includingbottom panel 12 andperimeter sidewall 14 forming lid 10) may be constructed of paperboard or a similar material such as, but not limited to, a coated or laminated paperboard material in order to resist migration of liquids reduce deformation from liquids contained within the interior volume ofcontainer 100 in whichlid 10 is secured thereon. However, it will also be appreciated thatlid 10 may be constructed from any other suitable material or combination of materials. - According to one embodiment,
lid 10 may be formed by wrappingperimeter sidewall 14 aroundbottom panel 12 to form an enclosed perimeter wall with an overlapping side seam (not shown). As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 , afterperimeter sidewall 14 has been wrapped, inwardly turnedflange 16 ofperimeter sidewall 14 may be folded inward. Overlappingedge portion 18 ofbottom panel 12 may then be secured to flange 16 using an adhesive or other suitable securing means as known in the art (including without limitation, cold glues, hot melts, sonic welding, sealants and the like). Outwardly rolledrim 20 may be formed into the upper end ofperimeter sidewall 14 in order to complete the construction oflid 10. It is also recognized thatperimeter sidewall 14 may be wrapped around a mandrel and formed into a perimeter wall secured by an overlapping side seam prior tobottom panel 12 being inserted therein. In such embodiments,perimeter sidewall 14 may be formed first followed by inwardly turnedflange 16 being folded inward to form a receiving edge forbottom panel 12 andbottom panel 12 may be seated onto and secured to inwardly turnedflange 16.Lid 10 may be constructed using any other suitable method for constructing paperboard or similar containers (even plastic containers) now known or hereinafter developed. - As best shown in
FIGS. 7-9 ,lid 10 may be configured to be inserted into the upper end opening 102 ofcontainer 100 in order to enclosecontainer 100. The interaction between the outer surface ofsidewall 14 oflid 10 and the inner surface ofsidewall 104 ofcontainer 100 may create an engagement resulting in a tortuous path of that any leaking fluid must navigate in order to escape. As best shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 , afterlid 10 has been inserted intocontainer 100, outwardly rolledrim 20 oflid 10 may be positioned above and adjacent to the rolledrim 108 ofcontainer 100. According to certain embodiments, outwardly rolledrim 20 oflid 10 may facilitate removal oflid 10 fromcontainer 100 afterlid 10 has been inserted therein by providing a gripping means for liftinglid 10 fromcontainer 100. It will be appreciated that outwardly rolledrim 20 may also providelid 10 with structural stability or rigidity, as well as having an engagement interface that uses will find to have a feel similar to that ofrim 108 ofcontainer 100.Lid 10 may be configured to be fully or partially inserted into the upper end opening 102 ofcontainer 100. In addition, as described in greater detail below, the full or partial insertion oflid 10 may be dependent on the size and diameter ofcontainer 100 and allow forlid 10 to be used withmultiple containers 100 of different sizes and dimensions. - As best shown in
FIG. 9 ,lid 10 may be secured within the upper end opening 102 ofcontainer 100 by the creation of a frictional and/or interference fit betweenperimeter sidewall 14 oflid 10 andsidewall 104 ofcontainer 100.Perimeter sidewall 14 may engagesidewall 104 ofcontainer 100 along all or a portion of the height ofperimeter sidewall 14 to create the frictional and/or interference fit betweenlid 10 andcontainer 100, depending on the particular taper angles and diameters oflid 10 andcontainer 100 as described in greater detail herein. The interference fit betweenlid 10 andcontainer 100 oncelid 10 has been inserted into theupper end 102 ofcontainer 100 may restrictlid 10 from unintentionally exitingupper end 102. It will be appreciated that in embodiments where the lid and container have differing taper angles, either one or both of the lid and container may slightly deform or flex whenlid 10 is inserted intocontainer 100, thereby increasing the amount of engagement between the lid and container. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , according to one embodiment,perimeter sidewall 14 oflid 10 may have a taper or angle of inclination α (which is measured from an arbitrarily placed vertical line) that forms the frustoconical shape oflid 10. Similarly,sidewall 104 ofcontainer 100 may have a taper or angle of inclination β (also measured from an arbitrarily placed vertical line) forming the frustoconical shape ofcontainer 100. Angles α and β represent the degree of outward angled configuration from vertical forperimeter sidewall 14 oflid 10 andsidewall 104 ofcontainer 100, respectively. - According to one embodiment as shown in
FIG. 9 ,perimeter sidewall 14 oflid 10 may have a taper or angled configuration that generally conforms to the taper or angled configuration ofsidewall 104 ofcontainer 100 in order to provide the interference fit betweenlid 10 andcontainer 100. In such an embodiment, angle of inclination α oflid 10 may be approximately equal to the angle of inclination β ofcontainer 100 so that the outer portion ofperimeter sidewall 14 aligns with and contacts the inner portion ofsidewall 104 whenlid 10 is inserted intocontainer 100. - Alternatively, according to certain embodiments,
perimeter sidewall 14 oflid 10 may have a taper or angle of inclination α that is greater than the taper or angle of inclination β ofsidewall 104 ofcontainer 100 so that a small gap is created between the lower end oflid 10 andsidewall 104 ofcontainer 100 oncelid 10 has been inserted into theupper end 102 ofcontainer 100. Such a configuration may facilitate the full insertion oflid 10 into theupper end 102 ofcontainer 100 according to certain embodiments. - According to yet another embodiment,
perimeter sidewall 14 oflid 10 may have a taper or angle of inclination α that is less than the taper or angle of inclination β ofsidewall 104 ofcontainer 100. According to this embodiment, where angle α is less than angle β, the lower portion oflid 10 will more forcefully engage the interior portion ofsidewall 104 ofcontainer 100 whenlid 10 is inserted intocontainer 100 and provide a greater frictional and interference fit betweenlid 10 andcontainer 100. -
Lid 10 may further be designed and configured with a taper that is designed to correspond tocontainers 100 of different sizes and/or having different tapers ofsidewall 104. According to one embodiment,lid 10 may be configured to use with containers of different sizes by having a taper angle α generally conforming to a particularlysized container 100 having the largest taper angle β, thereby allowinglid 10 to be utilized in connection with other differently-sized containers with a smaller taper angles β′, β″, etc. (where β>β′>β″). It is also recognized that in alternative embodiments,lid 10 may be configured with a taper angle α that corresponds to thecontainer 100 having the smallest taper angle β″ or intermediate taper angle β′. - As best shown in
FIGS. 7-9 ,lid 10 may be configured with an upper exterior diameter D1 defined at its upper end that is approximately equal to the interior diameter D2 ofcontainer 100, which is defined at the upper end ofcontainer 100, in order to enable full insertion oflid 10 into the upper end opening 102 ofcontainer 100 when in use (seeFIG. 8 ). As further shown inFIG. 7 ,lid 10 may be configured with a lower exterior diameter D3 defined at its lower end that is equal to or less than the upper exterior diameter D1 oflid 10, depending on the taper angle α ofperimeter sidewall 14 oflid 10. As illustrated inFIGS. 7-9 , according to one embodiment where lower exterior diameter D3 is less than upper exterior diameter D1 oflid 10, lower exterior diameter D3 may also be less than interior diameter D2 ofcontainer 100 in order to allowlid 10 to be easily inserted into upper end opening 102 ofcontainer 100. - As shown in
FIGS. 7-9 , according to one embodiment where the taper angle α oflid 10 is substantially similar to taper angle β ofcontainer 100, the exterior surface oflid 10 defined along the height ofperimeter sidewall 14 may contact and engage with the interior surface ofcontainer 100 defined along a portion of the height ofcontainer sidewall 104. In such an embodiment,lid 10 may contactcontainer 100 along a substantial portion of the height ofperimeter sidewall 14 and create a frictional and/or interference fit between the exterior surface ofperimeter sidewall 14 oflid 10 and the interior surface ofsidewall 104 ofcontainer 100 to securelid 10 within the upper end opening 102 ofcontainer 100. - According to alternative embodiments (not shown) where the taper angle α of
lid 10 is greater than the taper angle β ofcontainer 100, the exterior surface oflid 10 may contact and engage with the interior surface ofcontainer 100 only along an upper portion or intermediate portion of the height ofperimeter sidewall 14. In such embodiments, a small gap or space may be provided between the lower end oflid 10 andcontainer sidewall 104 while the upper portion or intermediate portion oflid 10contacts container sidewall 104 to create the frictional and/or interference fit between the exterior surface ofperimeter sidewall 14 oflid 10 and the interior surface ofsidewall 104 ofcontainer 100 to securelid 10 within the upper end opening 102 ofcontainer 100. - According to other alternative embodiments (not shown) where the taper angle α of
lid 10 is less than the taper angle β ofcontainer 100, the exterior surface oflid 10 may contact and engage with the interior surface ofcontainer 100 only along a lower portion of the height ofperimeter sidewall 14. In such embodiments, a small gap or space may be provided between the upper end oflid 10 andcontainer sidewall 104 while the lower end oflid 10contacts container sidewall 104 to create the frictional and/or interference fit between the exterior surface ofperimeter sidewall 14 oflid 10 and the interior surface ofsidewall 104 ofcontainer 100 to securelid 10 within the upper end opening 102 ofcontainer 100. -
Lid 10 may also be configured with an exterior diameter D1 at its upper end slightly larger than the interior diameter D2 ofcontainer 100 at itsupper end 102 in certain embodiments. In such configurations, the taper or angle or inclination α ofperimeter sidewall 14 oflid 10 may enable the lower end portion oflid 10 to be easily inserted into the upper end opening 102 ofcontainer 100 and the slightly larger diameter D1 of the upper end oflid 10 may create a strong interference fit withcontainer 100. This configuration may further enablelid 10 to be utilized withcontainers 100 of differing opening diameters and sizes. - As described above, the taper angle α and diameters of
lid 10 may enablelid 10 to be suitably used withcontainers 100 of different sizes. One configuration oflid 10 with a defined taper angle α and defined upper and lower end diameters D1 and D3 may be secured within a first container size having a taper angle β less than lid taper angle α, a second container size having a taper angle β equal to lid taper angle α, and a third container size having a taper angle β greater than lid taper angle α. In each case, at least a portion of the height ofperimeter sidewall 14 engages with the interior surface ofcontainer sidewall 104 to provide the frictional and/or interference fit that secureslid 10 withincontainer 100. As further described above, one configuration oflid 10 with a taper angle α and defined upper and lower end diameters D1 and D3 may be secured within a first container size having a diameter D2 less than upper lid diameter D1 (i.e., D1>D2>D3), a second container size having a diameter D2 equal to upper lid diameter D1 (i.e., D1=D2; D2>D3), and a third container size having a diameter D2 greater than upper lid diameter D1 (i.e., D1<D2; D2>D3). - Depending on the particular embodiment of the present invention,
lid 10 may be constructed for one or more different materials. In certain embodiments of the present invention,lid 10 may be constructed from a paperboard material that is recyclable, biodegradable, and/or compostable in order to provide an environmentally-friendly lid for conventional containers. According to certain embodiments,lid 10 may be constructed from a poly-coated or moisture-proof paperboard material as known in the art in order to allowlid 10 to be utilized withcontainers 100 suited for holding drinks and/or food items.Lid 10 may be constructed of the same material or different material thancontainer 100 andlid 10 may be configured for use withcontainers 100 constructed from various different materials. - It should be noted that the combination of the construction of the lid, including in excess of at least 30% of the same being comprised of paperboard material, and the lid's snug fit location within the cup's upper end opening create a synergistic effect on the cup-lid combination. For example, paperboard lids now become not only an acceptable and often preferred substitute for plastic lids but also strengthen the upper end opening of the lid-cup combination and provide a secure fit, thus precluding the likelihood of leakage or having the lids pop off.
- From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.
- The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/997,723 US20210053727A1 (en) | 2019-08-20 | 2020-08-19 | Lid for a container |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201962889279P | 2019-08-20 | 2019-08-20 | |
US16/997,723 US20210053727A1 (en) | 2019-08-20 | 2020-08-19 | Lid for a container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210053727A1 true US20210053727A1 (en) | 2021-02-25 |
Family
ID=74646623
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/997,723 Abandoned US20210053727A1 (en) | 2019-08-20 | 2020-08-19 | Lid for a container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210053727A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD955172S1 (en) * | 2019-08-07 | 2022-06-21 | Real Value LLC | Tumbler |
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 |
USD1018286S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-19 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
USD1018285S1 (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 |
USD1018287S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-19 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
Citations (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2315591A (en) * | 1940-08-26 | 1943-04-06 | Dixie Vortex Co | Paper dish and base therefor |
US2746669A (en) * | 1952-10-10 | 1956-05-22 | Moore George Arlington | Sanitary hermetic sealing closures for containers |
US3283942A (en) * | 1964-12-28 | 1966-11-08 | Phillips Petroleum Co | Formed container and closure therefor |
US3371847A (en) * | 1965-12-03 | 1968-03-05 | Owens Illinois Inc | Container and closure means therefor |
US3421653A (en) * | 1967-04-11 | 1969-01-14 | Robert E Whaley | Container closure |
US3951331A (en) * | 1974-05-29 | 1976-04-20 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Reclosable closure |
US4643329A (en) * | 1986-03-21 | 1987-02-17 | Mobberley Laura P | Tamper evident container |
EP0408516A1 (en) * | 1989-07-14 | 1991-01-16 | Sandherr Packungen AG | Packaging container |
CH679034A5 (en) * | 1989-08-09 | 1991-12-13 | Sandherr Packungen Ag | Inserted box-lid - comprises deep-drawn cardboard sections secured inside each other |
US5226586A (en) * | 1990-04-26 | 1993-07-13 | Lin Tec Verpackungstechnik Gmbh | Container, especially drinking cup |
CH683514A5 (en) * | 1990-09-10 | 1994-03-31 | Staeger & Co Ag | Container with fixed lid |
WO1997015506A2 (en) * | 1995-10-27 | 1997-05-01 | Rpc Containers Limited | Plastic hooded lid with thin central region |
US5669549A (en) * | 1995-08-22 | 1997-09-23 | Sealright Co. Inc. | Non-round container having an offset side seam |
US20020074337A1 (en) * | 2000-08-14 | 2002-06-20 | Melton Bruce W. | Printed inserts for thermoformed plastic disposable food containers |
US20040232154A1 (en) * | 2003-05-19 | 2004-11-25 | Fort James Corporation | Splash Resistant Lid With a Snap-On Baffle |
US20050252918A1 (en) * | 2004-05-11 | 2005-11-17 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Container having a metal end to which a membrane is sealed |
US20070090121A1 (en) * | 2005-10-26 | 2007-04-26 | Double "H" Plastics, Inc. | Lid with tube reinforced skirt |
WO2007110897A1 (en) * | 2006-03-24 | 2007-10-04 | Pic Co., Ltd. | Paper-made lid for paper-made container |
CA2660908A1 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2010-10-06 | Aleksandar Mijailovic | Recyclable cup lid |
US20100288768A1 (en) * | 2009-05-18 | 2010-11-18 | Michael Lyle Booth | Lid for a disposable container |
US8308021B2 (en) * | 2010-08-12 | 2012-11-13 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Disposable storage container |
GB2503899A (en) * | 2012-07-10 | 2014-01-15 | Boys Ltd 3 | Lid Having Removable Cover |
US10421589B1 (en) * | 2016-05-13 | 2019-09-24 | Plastek Industries, Inc. | Scoop dock and assembly methods |
WO2021140104A1 (en) * | 2020-01-06 | 2021-07-15 | Hanpak Limited | A lid |
-
2020
- 2020-08-19 US US16/997,723 patent/US20210053727A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2315591A (en) * | 1940-08-26 | 1943-04-06 | Dixie Vortex Co | Paper dish and base therefor |
US2746669A (en) * | 1952-10-10 | 1956-05-22 | Moore George Arlington | Sanitary hermetic sealing closures for containers |
US3283942A (en) * | 1964-12-28 | 1966-11-08 | Phillips Petroleum Co | Formed container and closure therefor |
US3371847A (en) * | 1965-12-03 | 1968-03-05 | Owens Illinois Inc | Container and closure means therefor |
US3421653A (en) * | 1967-04-11 | 1969-01-14 | Robert E Whaley | Container closure |
US3951331A (en) * | 1974-05-29 | 1976-04-20 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Reclosable closure |
US4643329A (en) * | 1986-03-21 | 1987-02-17 | Mobberley Laura P | Tamper evident container |
EP0408516A1 (en) * | 1989-07-14 | 1991-01-16 | Sandherr Packungen AG | Packaging container |
CH679034A5 (en) * | 1989-08-09 | 1991-12-13 | Sandherr Packungen Ag | Inserted box-lid - comprises deep-drawn cardboard sections secured inside each other |
US5226586A (en) * | 1990-04-26 | 1993-07-13 | Lin Tec Verpackungstechnik Gmbh | Container, especially drinking cup |
CH683514A5 (en) * | 1990-09-10 | 1994-03-31 | Staeger & Co Ag | Container with fixed lid |
US5669549A (en) * | 1995-08-22 | 1997-09-23 | Sealright Co. Inc. | Non-round container having an offset side seam |
WO1997015506A2 (en) * | 1995-10-27 | 1997-05-01 | Rpc Containers Limited | Plastic hooded lid with thin central region |
US20020074337A1 (en) * | 2000-08-14 | 2002-06-20 | Melton Bruce W. | Printed inserts for thermoformed plastic disposable food containers |
US20040232154A1 (en) * | 2003-05-19 | 2004-11-25 | Fort James Corporation | Splash Resistant Lid With a Snap-On Baffle |
US20050252918A1 (en) * | 2004-05-11 | 2005-11-17 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Container having a metal end to which a membrane is sealed |
US20070090121A1 (en) * | 2005-10-26 | 2007-04-26 | Double "H" Plastics, Inc. | Lid with tube reinforced skirt |
WO2007110897A1 (en) * | 2006-03-24 | 2007-10-04 | Pic Co., Ltd. | Paper-made lid for paper-made container |
CA2660908A1 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2010-10-06 | Aleksandar Mijailovic | Recyclable cup lid |
US20100288768A1 (en) * | 2009-05-18 | 2010-11-18 | Michael Lyle Booth | Lid for a disposable container |
US8308021B2 (en) * | 2010-08-12 | 2012-11-13 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Disposable storage container |
GB2503899A (en) * | 2012-07-10 | 2014-01-15 | Boys Ltd 3 | Lid Having Removable Cover |
US10421589B1 (en) * | 2016-05-13 | 2019-09-24 | Plastek Industries, Inc. | Scoop dock and assembly methods |
WO2021140104A1 (en) * | 2020-01-06 | 2021-07-15 | Hanpak Limited | A lid |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD955172S1 (en) * | 2019-08-07 | 2022-06-21 | Real Value LLC | Tumbler |
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 |
USD1018286S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-19 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
USD1018285S1 (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 |
USD1018287S1 (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2024-03-19 | Ky7 Inc. | Packaging container lid |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20210053727A1 (en) | Lid for a container | |
US7726551B2 (en) | Container with folding lid | |
US9845173B2 (en) | Vessel and method for making the same | |
US6494332B1 (en) | Stoppers for individual beverage containers | |
US6955289B2 (en) | Container having an integral lid | |
US8672163B2 (en) | Reinforced paper lid | |
US4726487A (en) | Disposable beverage container | |
CA3002402C (en) | Cylindrical container and serving bowl | |
KR20160019413A (en) | Packaging container | |
US20220363433A1 (en) | Cup with integrated folding lid | |
AU2008356866A1 (en) | Folding closure containers | |
US20090261156A1 (en) | Round top cup with folding closure | |
US20060169759A1 (en) | Product container with fold-down lid | |
US20080105736A1 (en) | Removable divider for food container | |
TWI792041B (en) | Lid for a cup | |
AU2013205527B2 (en) | Vessel and method for making the same | |
US5779088A (en) | Seal for upward opening hollow containers | |
JPH0326099Y2 (en) | ||
US20210070007A1 (en) | Compostable Laminated Food Tray | |
US1979923A (en) | Paper can | |
WO2024083815A1 (en) | Card based package for powdered infant nutrition products | |
WO2024083307A1 (en) | Card based package for powdered infant nutrition products | |
CA3068680A1 (en) | Container and bottom end construction therefor | |
WO2009154843A9 (en) | Round top cup with folding closure | |
MXPA00011384A (en) | Stoppers for individual beverage containers |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HUHTAMAKI, INC., KANSAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BETZEN, FREDRICK;KIRCHER, WILLIAM;REEL/FRAME:053543/0758 Effective date: 20190815 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
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: 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 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
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: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |