US20210292055A1 - Two-Piece Spill Proof Open Cup - Google Patents
Two-Piece Spill Proof Open Cup Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210292055A1 US20210292055A1 US16/827,018 US202016827018A US2021292055A1 US 20210292055 A1 US20210292055 A1 US 20210292055A1 US 202016827018 A US202016827018 A US 202016827018A US 2021292055 A1 US2021292055 A1 US 2021292055A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- container
- neck
- open cup
- spill proof
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 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
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
- B65D47/26—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts
- B65D47/261—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having a rotational or helicoidal movement
- B65D47/265—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having a rotational or helicoidal movement between planar parts
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- 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
- B65D43/021—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the inside, or a part turned to the inside, of the mouth
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
- B65D1/26—Thin-walled containers, e.g. formed by deep-drawing operations
- B65D1/265—Drinking cups
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/32—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with means for venting
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
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- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
- B65D51/1633—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by automatic opening of the closure, container or other element
- B65D51/1644—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by automatic opening of the closure, container or other element the element being a valve
- B65D51/165—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by automatic opening of the closure, container or other element the element being a valve formed by a slit or narrow opening
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/70—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for
- B65D85/72—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for materials not otherwise provided for for edible or potable liquids, semiliquids, or plastic or pasty materials
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/20—Sealing means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
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- 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
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
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- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
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- 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
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- 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
- B65D2543/0062—Groove or hollow bead
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
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- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00685—Totality
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- 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
- B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- 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
- B65D2543/00805—Segments
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00824—Means for facilitating removing of the closure
- B65D2543/00833—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar
- B65D2543/00851—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar on the central part of the lid
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00953—Sealing means
- B65D2543/0099—Integral supplemental sealing lips
Definitions
- FIG. 1 a perspective view of a two-piece spill proof open cup of the present invention, two-piece spill proof open cup 10 is shown having container 12 capped or fastened to lid 14 .
- Container 12 has sidewall 13 and neck 15 .
- Neck 15 is narrower at base 17 and flares out to lip 26 . Adding the flare to lip 26 makes for a smaller drinking angle that provides a more ergonomic cup and a more comfortable drinking experience for a user.
- Rim 24 caps neck 15 .
- Lid 14 has flap 16 and hinge 18 that connects flap 16 to lid body 25 .
- Lid body 25 has handle 20 for easy removal of lid 14 from container 12 .
- lid body 25 has vent 22 with cross-slit 27 for allowing air to pass into container 12 when two-piece spill proof open cup 10 is used for drinking.
- Neck 15 has flange 28 , that includes rim 24 and neck edge 29 , for receiving flap 16 of lid 14 .
- the diameters of neck 15 along neck edge 29 of container 12 and flap 16 , along flap edge 42 , of lid 14 are selected so that when lid 14 is fastened to container 12 , flap 16 is loaded against flange 28 .
- flap edge 42 coincides with neck edge 29 forming a tight seal between lid 14 and container 12 so that should two-piece spill proof open cup 10 tip over, the liquid or beverage will not spill out.
- Adjacent flange 28 are posts 30 arranged so that there are conduits 31 allowing the beverage to flow between adjacent posts.
- Vents 22 having slits 27 are formed in lid body 25 .
- vents 22 could be duck bills or other suitable vents known to those skilled in the art.
- flap 16 is thinner than either hinge 18 or lid body 25 so that it moves freely under pressure when in the drinking mode.
- Bead 34 is formed in lower surface 48 . Bead 34 serves the function of fastening lid 14 to container 12 when bead 34 is press fit into seat 36 of container 12 and forming a tight connection. Channels 32 are formed in bead 34 so that the beverage in container 12 can flow through bead 34 despite the tight connection.
- vents 22 with slits 27 are provided for allowing air to move in and out of two-piece spill proof open cup 10 .
- Bead 34 has channels 32 formed throughout to provide unrestricted fluid flow.
- Lid body 25 connects to flap 16 along hinge 18 .
- Hinge 18 may be supported by posts 30 .
- Flap edge 42 sits along neck edge 29 of rim 24 of flange 28 .
- the inside diameter D 2 of neck 15 at neck edge 29 is slightly smaller than the outside diameter D 1 of lid 14 at flap edge 42 so that flap 16 is loaded against rim 24 of flange 28 creating a liquid tight seal.
- Chamber 50 is formed between bead 34 and posts 30 .
Abstract
A two-piece spill proof open cup (10) is disclosed comprising a container (12) suitable for holding liquids, such as a beverage, and a lid (14). The container (12) has a sidewall (13), a neck (15) adjacent the sidewall (13) and an opening (40) defined by the neck (15). The neck (15) has a flange (28) along an edge (42) of the neck (15) and a plurality of posts (30) adjacent the flange (28). The lid (14) is adapted to fasten to the container (12). The lid (14) has an upper surface (46) external to the two-piece spill proof open cup (10) and a lower surface (48) internal to the two-piece spill proof open cup (10). The lid (14) also has a flap (16), a lid body (25) with a vent (22), a hinge (18) connecting the flap (16) to the lid body (25), a handle (20) on the upper surface (46) and a bead (34) having channels (32). The bead (34) is integrated into the lower surface (48). The lid flap (16) is adapted to form a liquid tight seal between the lid (14) and container (12).
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/602,772, filed May 23, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/477,825, filed Mar. 28, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present disclosure relates generally to cups and other drinking vessels and, more particularly, to a two-piece spill proof open cup.
- Since the invention of the cup, humans have been plagued with the problem of spills. Thus, the need for a no-spill or spill proof cup is well known in the art. One approach has been to provide a cup lid with a spout and a valve controlling the flow of liquid through the spout. An example of a successful prior art approach to a spill proof cup is U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,931. Other examples of cups with spouts are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,102,245 and 6,116,457. A disadvantage of these approaches is that they are not open cup designs as the user can only drink from the spout. In an open cup, the user can drink from any position along the rim of the cup. A problem with prior art spill proof cups arises when the user cannot see the cup while attempting to drink, for instance while driving an automobile. In those instances, the user often times has to divert his or her attention from the task at hand to properly orient the cup so that the spout aligns properly with the user's mouth. This has created a need for spill proof cups that can be used like an open cup. Various prior art solutions have been provided with openings along the periphery or rim of the cup that together with a valve provide a spill proof cup that permits the user to drink from any location along the rim or edge of the cup lid. Examples of such cups are shown in French Patent Publication No. 3,025,411 and more particularly in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,890,619; 6,202,877; 7,549,556; 8,025,178; 8,418,876; 8,453,870; 9,149,138 and 9,241,588. These prior patents suffer from a number of deficiencies. For example, a number of the cups disclosed in these prior patents have complex valve structures that are hard to keep clean and maintain in a sanitary condition. Another problem with prior art cups is they do not provide tight seals and can leak. Another problem with various prior art cups is that they are not ergonomic and can be uncomfortable to use. Another problem with cups disclosed in the prior art is that they are uncomfortable if used as a regular open cup with the lid removed. Another problem with some of the cups disclosed in these prior patents arises when the cup is near empty. In order to work properly when the cup is near empty, the cup has to be pointed nearly straight down creating an awkward drinking angle. Another deficiency of the cups disclosed in these prior patents is that they have numerous parts and can be difficult to assemble. This is a problem both in the original assembly by the manufacture and by the user after the cup has been cleaned. Thus, heretofore unaddressed needs exist in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
- In one embodiment, a two-piece spill proof open cup is disclosed comprising a container and a lid. The container is suitable for holding liquids and has a sidewall, a neck adjacent the sidewall and an opening defined by the neck. The neck has a flange along an edge of the neck and a plurality of posts adjacent the flange. The lid is adapted to fasten to the container. The lid has an upper surface external to the two-piece spill proof open cup and a lower surface internal to the two-piece spill proof open cup. The lid also has a flap, a lid body with a vent, a hinge connecting the flap to the lid body, a handle on the upper surface, and a bead having channels. The bead is integrated into the lower surface. In another embodiment, the container has an inside diameter and the lid has an outside diameter and the outside diameter is slightly larger than the inside diameter. In another embodiment, the flap is constructed so that it is loaded against the flange. In another embodiment, the lid is constructed of an elastomeric material. In another embodiment, the container is constructed of a thermoplastic material. In another embodiment, the lid is constructed of silicone.
- In another embodiment, a two-piece spill proof open cup comprises a lid and a container. The lid has an upper surface, a lower surface, a flap, a lid body, a hinge connecting the flap to the lid body, a handle on the upper surface, and a bead having channels wherein the bead is integrated into the lower surface. The container is suitable for holding liquids and has a sidewall, a neck adjacent the sidewall and an opening defined by the neck. The sidewall has a seat and a shoulder adjacent the seat. The seat is adapted to receive the bead. The neck has a flange along an edge of the neck and a plurality of posts adjacent the flange. The posts are positioned along the edge of the neck so that the hinge rests on the posts when the lid is attached to the container. In another embodiment, the lid body further comprises a vent. In another embodiment, the flap is constructed so that it is loaded against the flange.
- In another embodiment, a two-piece spill proof open cup comprises a lid and a container suitable for holding liquids. The lid has an upper surface, a lower surface, a flap, a lid body, a hinge connecting the flap to the lid body, a handle on the upper surface, a vent and a bead having channels. The bead is integrated into the lower surface. The container has a sidewall, a neck adjacent the sidewall and an opening defined by the neck. The sidewall has a seat and a shoulder adjacent the seat. The seat is adapted to receive the bead. The neck has a flange along an edge of the neck and a plurality of posts adjacent the flange. The posts are positioned along the edge of the neck so that the hinge rests on the posts when the lid is attached to the container. In another embodiment, the vent is a slit.
- The advantages of the two-piece spill proof open cup of the present invention include elimination of a complex valve structure by providing an uncomplicated structure that is easy to clean. Another advantage of the two-piece spill proof open cup of the present invention includes a tight seal between the lid and container so that the liquid contents will not spill out. Another advantage is the lid and container are shaped so that they more closely conform to the shape of a user's mouth creating a more ergonomic and comfortable drinking experience by the user. Another advantage is that the cup can be used as a regular open cup when the lid is removed. Another advantage is that a user does not have to elevate the cup much more than a horizontal angle formed between the cup and the user avoiding the need for an awkward drinking angle. Another advantage is that the entire cup is comprised of only two parts—a lid and a container making for ease of assembly by both the manufacturer and consumer. These and other advantages will be readily apparent from the drawings and detailed description that follows.
- Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
- Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a two-piece spill proof open cup of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the two components of the two-piece spill proof open cup of the present invention shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3A is a top view of an embodiment of the two-piece spill proof open cup of the present invention; -
FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the two-piece spill proof open cup shown inFIG. 3A along the line X-X; -
FIG. 3C is a more detailed view of the section circled inFIG. 3B ; -
FIG. 3D is another perspective view of a two-piece spill proof open cup of the present invention; -
FIG. 4A is a top view of an embodiment of the two-piece spill proof open cup of the present invention; -
FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the two-piece spill proof open cup shown inFIG. 4A along the line Z-Z; -
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a lid useful in an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of a lid useful in an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a lid useful in an embodiment of the present invention. - Reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a two-piece spill proof open cup of the present invention, two-piece spill proofopen cup 10 is shown havingcontainer 12 capped or fastened tolid 14.Container 12 hassidewall 13 andneck 15.Neck 15 is narrower atbase 17 and flares out tolip 26. Adding the flare tolip 26 makes for a smaller drinking angle that provides a more ergonomic cup and a more comfortable drinking experience for a user.Rim 24caps neck 15.Lid 14 hasflap 16 and hinge 18 that connectsflap 16 tolid body 25.Lid body 25 hashandle 20 for easy removal oflid 14 fromcontainer 12. Also,lid body 25 hasvent 22 with cross-slit 27 for allowing air to pass intocontainer 12 when two-piece spill proofopen cup 10 is used for drinking. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , an exploded perspective view of the two components of the two-piece spill proof open cup of the present invention shown inFIG. 1 ,container 12 is shown in the open condition suitable for receiving a liquid or beverage.Container 12 is typically a unibody construction made of a thermoplastic such as polypropylene orTriton having sidewall 13 and bottom 44. Adjacent to sidewall 13 opposite bottom 44 isneck 15 definingopening 40. In the preferred embodiment,neck 15 hasbase 17 forming a concavecurved lip 26 inneck 15 matching the curve oflid body 25 so that it more closely matches the convex protrusion of a user's mouth to provide a more ergonomic structure and more comfortable drinking experience.Neck 15 hasflange 28, that includesrim 24 andneck edge 29, for receivingflap 16 oflid 14. As explained in more detail below, the diameters ofneck 15 alongneck edge 29 ofcontainer 12 andflap 16, alongflap edge 42, oflid 14 are selected so that whenlid 14 is fastened tocontainer 12,flap 16 is loaded againstflange 28. In the preferred embodiment,flap edge 42 coincides withneck edge 29 forming a tight seal betweenlid 14 andcontainer 12 so that should two-piece spill proofopen cup 10 tip over, the liquid or beverage will not spill out.Adjacent flange 28 areposts 30 arranged so that there areconduits 31 allowing the beverage to flow between adjacent posts.Posts 30 are also arranged so thathinge 18 oflid 14 is positionedadjacent posts 30 providing a base forhinge 18 which acts as a fulcrum toflap 16. In the preferred embodiment, there is a small gap betweenhinge 18 and posts 30. In other embodiments, hinge 18 may rest upon posts 30. In the preferred embodiment, inneck 15 belowposts 30 isseat 36.Seat 36 is adapted to receivebead 34 in a press fit arrangement so that whenbead 34 is fitted intoseat 36,lid 14 is tightly fastened tocontainer 12.Shoulder 38 is provided to offer additional support to bead 34. - Still referring to
FIG. 2 ,lid 14 hasupper surface 46 andlower surface 48. Whenlid 14 is fastened tocontainer 12,upper surface 46 is exposed to a user whilelower surface 48 is directed internal tocontainer 12 and any beverage therein.Lid body 25 inupper surface 46 generally follows the contour oflip 26. The complimentary shapes oflid body 25 andlip 26 permit the entire contents ofcontainer 12 to pass out of two-piece spill proofopen cup 10 without the user having to elevate the cup at an awkward angle. Onupper surface 46, there is handle 20 for easy installation and removal oflid 14 fromcontainer 12.Container 12 is also capable of use as a regular cup with the attachment oflid 14.Lid 14 is further comprised oflid body 25 that is connected toflap 16 byhinge 18.Vents 22 havingslits 27 are formed inlid body 25. Alternatively, vents 22 could be duck bills or other suitable vents known to those skilled in the art. In the preferred embodiment,flap 16 is thinner than either hinge 18 orlid body 25 so that it moves freely under pressure when in the drinking mode.Bead 34 is formed inlower surface 48.Bead 34 serves the function offastening lid 14 tocontainer 12 whenbead 34 is press fit intoseat 36 ofcontainer 12 and forming a tight connection.Channels 32 are formed inbead 34 so that the beverage incontainer 12 can flow throughbead 34 despite the tight connection. - Referring to
FIGS. 3A and 3B , respectively a top view of an embodiment of the two-piece open cup of the present invention and a sectional view of the two-piece spill proof open cup shown inFIG. 3A along the line X-X,lid 14 is fastened tocontainer 12 so thatupper surface 46 is exposed.Flap 16 rests alongflange 28 and adjacent torim 24 abuttingneck edge 29 so thatflap edge 42 is loaded againstneck edge 29 creating a liquid tight seal betweenlid 14 andcontainer 12 atflange 28.Flap 16 can move alonghinge 18, attached tolid body 25, when a user drinks from two-piece spill proofopen cup 10 andlifts flap 16 away fromflange 28 allowing the liquid or beverage to flow out of the two-piece spill proofopen cup 10.Hinge 18 may rest onposts 30 or be positioned slightly aboveposts 30 creating a small gap betweenhinge 18 and posts 30. But in either case posts 30 may act as a fulcrum forflap 16 when the user drinks from two-piece spill proofopen cup 10.Posts 30 haveconduits 31 that permit the beverage to flow fromcontainer 12 throughflap 16 when the user places his or her lip on theupper surface 46 oflid 14 and drinks from two-piece spill proofopen cup 10.Conduits 31 are sufficiently large to allow fluid to flow through them and are easy to clean.Upper surface 46 hasvents 22 withslits 27 constructed therein.Lip 26 ofneck 15 is shown with a concave flair arising out ofbase 17 to better match a user's mouth.Lower surface 48 hasbead 34 resting inseat 36 and onshoulder 38.Channels 32 inbead 34 are obscured in this view but provide for direct fluid flow betweencontainer 12 intochamber 50. Likeconduits 31,channels 32 are sufficiently large to allow fluid to flow through them and are easy to clean. The beverage then flows fromchamber 50thorough conduits 31 betweenposts 30 throughflap 16 out of two-piece spill proofopen cup 10. - Referring to
FIG. 3C , a more detailed view of the section circled inFIG. 3B ,container 12 is shown withseat 36 havingshoulder 38 for supportingbead 34.Seat 36, in one embodiment, is positionedadjacent base 17 ofneck 15.Lip 26 is shaped intoneck 15 abovebase 17 and belowflange 28 to provide a more ergonomic and comfortable drinking experience.Lid 14 is shown withlid body 25 connected toflap 16 byhinge 18. At the end offlap 16 isflap edge 42 that is loaded againstneck edge 29 atrim 24 offlange 28.Hinge 18 may be supported byposts 30 or there may be a small gap betweenhinge 18 and posts 30. Between each post 30 isconduit 31 for conducting the beverage fromchamber 50. When a user places his or her upper lip onlid body 25 of upper surface oflid 14, that places a downward pressure onlid body 25 that causesflap 16 to lift away fromposts 30, through the operation ofhinge 18, allowing the beverage to flow through thechannels 32 ofbead 34 intochamber 50 and then throughconduits 31 into the user's mouth. When the downward pressure onlid body 25 is removed,flap 16 returns to its resting position onflange 28. As explained in more detail with respect toFIG. 3D , because the outside diameter D1 oflid 14 alongflap edge 42 is slightly larger than the inside diameter D2 ofcontainer 12 alongneck edge 29,flap 16 is loaded againstneck edge 29 and rim 24 offlange 28 creating a tight liquid seal betweenlid 14 andcontainer 12 so that the beverage will not spill out from two-piece spill proof cup should it be tipped over. - Referring to
FIG. 3D , another perspective view of a two-piece spill proof open cup of the present invention,lid 14 is shown having outside diameter D1 andcontainer 12 is shown having inside diameter D2 such that D1 is slightly larger than D2. More particularly, D1 is the diameter oflid 14 atflap edge 42 and D2 is the diameter ofcontainer 12 atneck edge 29 offlange 28. Because the outside diameter D1 oflid 14 alongflap edge 42 is slightly larger than the inside diameter D2 ofcontainer 12 alongneck edge 29,flap 16 is loaded againstneck edge 29 and rim 24 offlange 28 creating a tight liquid seal betweenlid 14 andcontainer 12 so that the beverage will not spill out from two-piece spill proof cup should it be tipped over. The other features ofcontainer 12 andlid 14 are fully described in the other figures. - Referring to
FIGS. 4A and 4B , respectively a top view of an embodiment of the two-piece spill proof open cup of the present invention and a sectional view of the two-piece spill proof open cup shown inFIG. 4A along the line Z-Z,container 12 is shown withsidewall 13, bottom 44 andneck 15 terminating atneck edge 29 and rim 24 offlange 28.Neck 15 ofcontainer 12 has an inside diameter D2. Inside neck 15 and belowrim 24 areposts 30 separated byconduits 31.Neck 15 ofcontainer 12 begins atbase 17 and frombase 17 flairs out to formlip 26. In the preferred embodiment, atbase 17,seat 36, withshoulder 38, is provided for receivingbead 34. Inlower surface 48 oflid 14vents 22 withslits 27 are provided for allowing air to move in and out of two-piece spill proofopen cup 10.Bead 34 haschannels 32 formed throughout to provide unrestricted fluid flow.Lid body 25 connects toflap 16 alonghinge 18.Hinge 18 may be supported byposts 30.Flap edge 42 sits alongneck edge 29 ofrim 24 offlange 28. In the preferred embodiment, the inside diameter D2 ofneck 15 atneck edge 29 is slightly smaller than the outside diameter D1 oflid 14 atflap edge 42 so thatflap 16 is loaded againstrim 24 offlange 28 creating a liquid tight seal.Chamber 50 is formed betweenbead 34 and posts 30. - Referring to
FIGS. 5-7 , respectively a bottom view, a side view and a bottom perspective view of a lid useful in an embodiment of the present invention,lid 14 is shown withlid body 25 havingvents 22 withslits 27. Undersurface 48 hasbead 34 with alternatingchannels 32. In the preferred embodiment,channels 32 are V-shaped but other configurations are within the scope of the invention.Outer wall 52 is constructed to complimentneck 15 so that achamber 50 is created betweenbead 34 and posts 30.Hinge 18 connectslid body 25 toflap 16 that terminates atflap edge 42. In the preferred embodiment,lid 14 is constructed of silicone. - Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the disclosure as described may be made. For example,
container 12 can be formed in a shape other than a cylinder.Lid 14 can attach toneck 15 in a variety of way such as the use of threads or compression. In the event either threads or compression are used then there is no need forseat 36 andshoulder 38.Vent 22 can be constructed in different ways such as a duck bill valve as is well known to those skilled in the art. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims (12)
1. A two-piece spill proof open cup (10) comprising:
a container (12) suitable for holding liquids, the container (12) having a sidewall (13), a neck (15) adjacent the sidewall (13), an opening (40) defined by the neck (15); the neck (15) having a flange (28) along an edge of the neck (29) and a plurality of posts (30) below the flange (28);
a lid (14) adapted to fasten to the container (12), the lid (14) having an upper surface (46) external to the two-piece spill proof open cup (10), a lower surface (48) internal to the two-piece spill proof open cup (10), a flap (16), a lid body (25), a hinge (18) connecting the flap (16) to the lid body (25), a handle (20) on the upper surface (46), and a bead (34) having channels (32) wherein the bead (34) is integrated into the lower surface (48).
2. The two-piece spill proof open cup (10) of claim 1 wherein the container (12) has an inside diameter (D2) and the lid (14) has an outside diameter (D1) and the outside diameter (D1) is slightly larger than the inside diameter (D2).
3. The two-piece spill proof open cup (10) of claim 1 wherein the flap (16) is constructed so that it is loaded against the flange (28).
4. The two-piece spill proof open cup (10) of claim 1 wherein the lid (14) is constructed of an elastomeric material.
5. The two-piece spill proof open cup (10) of claim 1 wherein the container (12) is constructed of a thermoplastic material.
6. The two-piece spill proof open cup (10) of claim 1 wherein the lid (14) is constructed of silicone.
7. A two-piece spill proof open cup (10) of claim 1 wherein the lid body (25) further comprises a vent (22).
8. A lid (14) suitable for use with a two-piece spill proof open cup (10) wherein the lid (14) comprises an upper surface (46), a lower surface (48), a flap (16), a lid body (25), a hinge (18) connecting the flap (16) to the lid body (25), a handle (20) on the upper surface (46), and a bead (34) having channels (32) wherein the bead (34) is connected to the lower surface (48).
9. A container (12) suitable for use with a two-piece spill proof open cup (10) wherein the container (12) is suitable for holding liquids and the container (12) comprises a sidewall (13), a neck (15) adjacent the sidewall (13), an opening (40) defined by the neck (15); the sidewall (13) having a seat (36) and a shoulder (38) adjacent the seat (36), the seat (36) is adapted to receive a bead (34) of a lid (14), the neck (15) having a flange (28) along an edge (29) of the neck (15) and a plurality of posts (30) below the flange (28), the posts (30) positioned along the edge (29) of the neck (15) so that a hinge (18) of lid (14) rests on the posts (30) when the lid (14) is attached to the container (12).
10. The lid (14) of claim 9 wherein the lid (14) is constructed of silicone.
11. A two-piece spill proof open cup (10) comprising:
a container (12) suitable for holding liquids, the container (12) having a sidewall (13), a neck (15) adjacent the sidewall (13), an opening (40) defined by the neck (15); and a plurality of posts (30) below the neck (15);
a lid (14) adapted to fasten to the container (12), the lid (14) having an upper surface (46) external to the two-piece spill proof open cup (10), a lower surface (48) internal to the two-piece spill proof open cup (10), a flap (16), a lid body (25), a hinge (18) connecting the flap (16) to the lid body (25), a handle (20) on the upper surface (46), and a bead (34) having channels (32) wherein the bead (34) is connected to the lower surface (48).
12. A container (12) suitable for use with a two-piece spill proof open cup (10) wherein the container (12) is suitable for holding liquids and the container (12) comprises a sidewall (13), a neck (15) adjacent the sidewall (13), an opening (40) defined by the neck (15); the sidewall (13) having a seat (36) adapted to receive a bead (34) of a lid (14), at least one post (30) positioned below the neck (15), so that a hinge (18) of lid (14) rests on the posts (30) when the lid (14) is attached to the container (12).
Priority Applications (1)
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US16/827,018 US20210292055A1 (en) | 2020-03-23 | 2020-03-23 | Two-Piece Spill Proof Open Cup |
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Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/827,018 US20210292055A1 (en) | 2020-03-23 | 2020-03-23 | Two-Piece Spill Proof Open Cup |
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US20210292055A1 true US20210292055A1 (en) | 2021-09-23 |
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US16/827,018 Abandoned US20210292055A1 (en) | 2020-03-23 | 2020-03-23 | Two-Piece Spill Proof Open Cup |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11253090B2 (en) * | 2017-07-21 | 2022-02-22 | Boe Technology Group Co., Ltd. | Spill-proof cup and control method thereof |
-
2020
- 2020-03-23 US US16/827,018 patent/US20210292055A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11253090B2 (en) * | 2017-07-21 | 2022-02-22 | Boe Technology Group Co., Ltd. | Spill-proof cup and control method thereof |
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