WO2007052014A1

WO2007052014A1 - Lids

Info

Publication number: WO2007052014A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/004064
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Knipe; Richard Cole
Original assignee: Huhtamaki (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 2005-10-31
Filing date: 2006-10-31
Publication date: 2007-05-10
Also published as: GB0522165D0

Abstract

A moulded lid (20) for a plastic or paper cup is described. The lid (20) comprises a unitary mouthpiece (23) which includes a port (28) and, mounted on the lid a closure (318) for the port including a plug (323) which is operatively moveable between a closed position and an open position. The closure (318) is liquid-tight when in the closed position, is moulded separately from the body of the lid (20), is slidably mounted to an external surface of the lid and only penetrates the lid when in the closed position with the plug (323) in the port (28). Thus a liquid-tight lid may be provided for a disposable cup, which lid can readily be reversibly manipulated to an open or closed position.

Description

LIDS

This invention relates to lids; more particularly, this invention relates to lids suitable for disposable containers, for example, such containers for drinkable beverages or comestibles.

Convenience food and drink outlets which dispense hot beverages such as coffee and tea and other hot liquid comestibles such as soup use large quantities of disposable cups typically of paper or plastics material. At peak vending times many people require fast service; and hot cups of coffee, tea and soup are handled by many customers and the personnel serving them. As coffee, tea and soup need to be dispensed at comparatively high temperatures to suit popular taste, the cups present a potential hazard to the consumer and also to neighbouring people in crowded circumstances (e.g. in a crowd of commuter or sports spectators). In consequence, it has become the custom for the operative at the dispensing point of the outlet to push-fit lids onto the mouths of the cups which lids include a mouthpiece so that the beverage or liquid comestible may be drunk with reasonable comfort and safety by the consumer, especially the itinerant consumer.

However, the mouthpiece can, on occasion, (for example, if the consumer experiences an unexpected change in velocity) discharge a directed, concentrated quantity of hot liquid which may scald and/or cause unsightly straining either to the consumer or to a neighbouring person. Further, the mouthpiece emits heat which results in undesirable cooling of the hot beverage or hot liquid comestible.

There is thus a need for a more secure, indeed a liquid-tight, lid for a cup, especially a disposable cup, which can readily be reversibly manipulated to an open or closed position on demand by the consumer.

In accordance with one aspect of this invention, there is provided a lid, suitably a moulded lid, for a plastics or paper cup, the lid comprising a unitary mouthpiece which includes a port and, mounted on the body of the lid a closure for the port including a plug which is operatively moveable between a closed position and an open position, the closure being;

• liquid-tight when in the closed position;

• moulded separately from the body of the lid;

• slidably mounted to an external surface of the lid; and

• only penetrating the lid when in the closed position with the plug in the port.

Suitably, the closure includes, as plug, a recessed portion which, in the closed position, is push-fitted into, and in register with, the port. In the open position, the closure may be positioned remote from the port preferably at a distance enabling, in service, consumption in comfort.

Preferably the closure is such that it does not include an aperture or other formation for allowing passage of the beverage or liquid comestible through the closure when in the open position.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the closure includes means for manipulating the closure between the open position and the closed position. Suitably, the means for manipulating the closure include an upstanding knob. Preferably, the means for manipulating the closure is distal to the port.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the means for manipulating the closure include a slidable tab. Preferably, the lid has, in top plan, a substantially circular symmetry with the closure slidably diametrically mounted.

In some aspects of the invention, a part of the tab may be secured to a part of the lid. The tab may be deformable to effect removal of the plug from the port when the tab is slid into the open position.

In some arrangements, the closure preferably comprises a slidable cap including the plug.

The body of the lid may include a mouthpiece portion, the mouthpiece portion including the port, and the closure comprises a cap adapted to slide along the mouthpiece portion between the open and closed positions.

In a preferred example, the mouthpiece portion and the closure are substantially arcuate. Preferably the arcuate mouthpiece portion is concentric with the circumference of the lid (where the Hd is circular). Preferably the arc length of the closure is such that it subtends an angle of less than 180 degrees, preferably less than 60 degrees, most preferably less than 30 degrees at its centre of curvature.

In an alternative arrangement, the closure might be a different shape, for example straight, the shape of the mouthpiece portion preferably being shaped appropriately.

In preferred arrangements, the size of the closure is small. Preferably the closure covers only a part of the external surface of the lid, and preferably only a part of the external surface of the lid in the region of the port, when the closure is in the closed position. Preferably the lid is made as small as possible so as to reduce the amount of material used, and hence cost. In a preferred arrangement, the closure is sized so that it just includes the plug (or depression) and an upstanding projection (or knob) to assist in manipulation of the closure.

In accordance with a particularly preferred feature of this invention, the lid affords, in service in the closed position, a substantially liquid-tight seal. Preferably, the lid, in top plan, has substantially circular symmetry with the closure slidably diametrically mounted. The lid of the invention may include reversible interference means to retain the closure in the open position.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid is unitarily fabricated from a thermoplastics material. Suitably, the thermoplastics material is a homo- or co-polymer of styrene or methylstyrene which homo- or co-polymer may be reinforced with a dispersed phase. Such lid and/or the closure may be fabricated, in a manner known per se, for example, by thermoforming.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination.

The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 represents an isometric view of a lid according to a first embodiment of this invention in the closed position;

Figure 2 represents an isometric view of the lid depicted in Figure 1 in the open position;

Figure 3 represent a top plan view of the lid depicted in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 represents a front elevation of the lid depicted in Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 represents a side elevation (opposite sides correspond) of the lid depicted in Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 represents a rear elevation of the lid depicted in Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 represents an isometric view of a lid according to a second embodiment of this invention in the closed position;

Figure 8 represents an isometric view of the lid depicted in figure 7, in the open position;

Figure 9 represents a top plan view of the lid depicted in Figure 7; Figure 10 represents a front elevation of the lid depicted in Figure 7;

Figure 11 represents a side elevation (opposite sides correspond)

5 of the lid depicted in Figure 7;

Figure 12 represents a rear elevation of the lid depicted in figure 7;

Figure 13 represents a plan view of a lid according to a third embodiment of the 10 invention, in the closed position;

Figure 14 represents an isometric view of the lid depicted in Figure 13, but with the closure cap removed;

15 Figures 15 and 16 represent rear and side views, respectively, of the lid depicted in Figure 13, but with the closure cap removed;

Figure 17 represents a plan view of the lid depicted in Figure 13, but with the closure cap removed; and 20

Figures 18 and 19 represent plan views of the lid depicted in Figure 13, in first and second open positions.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, there is disclosed in Figs. 1 to 6 a

25 first embodiment of this invention which includes a lid 10 of generally circular configuration and comprising a planar floor 11 into which is sunk a central upstanding circular boss 12. Depending from the floor 11 is a continuous circumferential skirt 13 adapted, in known manner, to be push-fitted onto a disposable cup (not shown) to give a liquid-tight seal. The front half of the lid is raised above the floor to provide a mouthpiece

30 14 the top of which 15 is planar, parallel to the floor 11 and bounded by a diameter and by inner 16 and outer 17 edges concentric with the boss 12. The top is bounded, at its outer edge by a smooth, stepped surface 18 which, at its outer boundary, is unitary with the skirt 13. An elongate port 19 is centrally located on the top 15. The lower part 110 of the surface 19 continues circumferentially about the lid while at the rear of the lid the upper part 111 is developed into curved external side walls 112, 112' of two, symmetrically disposed reservoirs 113, 113'. The internal side walls 114, 114' provide a continuous essentially vertical surface between the external side walls 112, 112', the top 15 and the floor 11. The side walls meet the top 15 in essentially triangular surfaces 115, 115'. Symmetrically disposed about and containing the port 19 is a depressed region 116 of the top the parallel walls of which 117,117' each include a groove (not shown). Beneath the region 116 is a slot 118 into which the consumer's thumb may be inserted.

The first embodiment also includes a tab 119 which in the closed position, has a front end 120 which is proud of the outer edge. The tab includes a bung portion 121 adapted to register in a liquid-tight manner within the port 19 and, immediately internally to the bung a pair of raised friction pads 122. The distal end 123 of the tab is formed as a circle. Prior to use the front end of the tab 119 is slotted into the grooves and the distal end, 123 is push-fitted over boss 12.

In use, the liquid comestible is poured into the cup and the lid is push-fitted on the filled cup with the tab is the closed position forming a liquid-tight unit. The consumer then pushes with his thumb against the front end of the tab 119 so that the bung portion 121 disengages from the front and slides inwardly along the grooves. He then consumes a portion of the liquid comestible. Thereafter, he next exerts thumb pressure on the pads 122 to close the bung portion 121 onto the port 19.

There is also disclosed in Figs. 7 to 12 a second embodiment of this invention which includes a lid 20 of generally circular configuration and comprising a planar floor 21. Depending from the floor 21 , is a continuous circumferential, skirt 22 adapted in known manner to be push-fitted onto a disposable cup (not shown), to give a liquid-tight seal. The front half of the lid is raised above the floor to provide a mouthpiece 23, the top of which 24, is planar, parallel to the floor and bounded by a diameter and by inner 25 and outer 26, concentric edge. The top is bounded, at its outer edge by a smooth, stepped surface 27, which, at its outer boundary, is unitary with the skirt 22. An elongate port 28 is centrally located on the top 24. The lower part 29 of the surface 27 continues circumferentially about the lid white at the rear of the lid, the upper part 210 is developed into curved external side walls 211 , 211' of two, symmetrically disposed reservoirs 212, 212', and, at the front of the lid, there is a substantially semi-circumferential groove 213 5 bounding the top 24. The internal side walls 214, 214' provide a continuous, essentially vertical surface, which also includes a substantially semi-circumferential groove 215 bounding the top 24, between the external side walls 211, 211', the top 24 and the floor 21. The side walls meet the top 24, in essentially triangular surfaces 216, 216'. Adjacent to the port 28 to its right, when viewed from above, is a depression 217 of the same 10 dimensions as the port.

The second embodiment also includes a cap 218 which is arcuate and dimensioned to fit over a portion of the top. It comprises an exterior skirt 219 which seats in groove 213 and an interior skirt 220 within an internal, centrifugally disposed 15 flange (not shown) disposed to fit into groove 215. The top 221 of the cap 218 includes at its right end, when viewed from above, a knob 222 and to its left, a port 223 which, when the cap is to the right, is held in register with port 28; defining the open position, and when the cap is to the left is secured in depression 217, defining the closed position.

20 In use, the liquid comestible is poured into the cup and the lid is push-fitted onto the filled cup with the cap in the closed position forming a liquid-tight unit. The consumer then urges the knob to the left, viewed from above, so that the port 223 disengages from the depression 217 and slides circumferentially along grooves 213 and 215 until it registers with port 28. He then consumes a portion of the liquid comestible. Thereafter,

25 he next urges the knob to the right to close the port 28 and secure port 223 in depression 217.

There is also disclosed in Figures 13 to 19 a third embodiment of the invention which includes a lid 20 of generally circular configuration and comprising a planar floor

30 21. Depending from the floor 21 , is a continuous circumferential skirt 22 adapted in known manner to be push-fitted onto a disposable cup (not shown), to give a liquid-tight seal. The front half of the lid is raised above the floor to provide a mouthpiece 23, the top of which 24, is planar, parallel to the floor 21 and bounded by a diameter and by inner

25 and outer 26 concentric edges. The top is bounded, at its outer edge by a smooth stepped surface 27 which, at its outer boundary, is unitary with the skirt 22. An elongate port 28 is centrally located on the top 24. The lower part 29 of the surface 27 continues circumferentially about the lid while at the rear of the lid, an upper part is developed into curved external side walls 310, 310' of two, symmetrically disposed reservoirs 312, 312'.

At the front of the lid, there is a substantially semi-circumferential groove 313 bounding the top 24. The internal side walls 314, 314' provide a continuous, essentially vertical surface, which also includes a substantially semi-circumferential groove 315 bounding the top 24, between the external side walls 311 , 311 ', the top 24 and the floor 21.

Located on the top 24 are two depressions of similar dimensions to the port 28. A first depression 317 is arranged to the right of the port 28, when viewed from above; a second depression 317' is arranged to the left of the port 28.

The arrangement also includes a closure comprising a cap 318 which is arcuate and dimensioned to fit over a portion of the top 24. It comprises an exterior skirt 319 having an internal flange disposed to fit into groove 313 and an interior skirt 320 having an internal flange disposed to fit into groove 315.

The top 321 of the cap 318 includes at its right end, when viewed from above, a knob 322 and to its left, a depression 323 which forms a protrusion on the underside of the cap 318. When the cap is in its closed position as shown in Figure 13, the depression 323 is secured in the port 28 defining the closed position.

When the cap 318 is to the right as shown in Figure 18, the depression 323 is held in the first depression 317 and the left edge 324 of the cap 318 is remote from the port 28, defining a first open position.

When the cap 318 is to the left as shown in Figure 19, the depression 323 I held in the second depression 317' and the right edge 325 of the cap 318 is remote from the port 28, defining a second open position. In use, the liquid comestible is poured into the cup and the lid 20 is push-fitted onto the filled cup with the cap 318 in the closed position (Figure 13) forming a liquid-tight unit. The consumer then may urge the knob 322 to the right, viewed from above, so that the depression 323 disengages from the port 28 and the cap 318 slides circumferentially along grooves 313 and 315 until the depression 323 registers with first depression 317 to open the lid. Alternatively, the consumer may urge the knob 322 to the left, viewed from above, so that the depression 323 disengages from the port 28 and the cap 318 slides circumferentially along grooves 313 and 315 until the depression 323 registers with second depression 317' to open the lid. The consumer then consumes a portion of the liquid comestible. Thereafter, he urges the knob back to close the port 28 and secure the depression 323 in the port 28.

It will be seen that the distance from the port 28 to the first depression 317 is less than that from the port to the second depression 317'. This is to allow for the knob 322 on the right of the closure, as viewed from above, to be located to the left of the port 28 when the cap 318 is in the second open position.

It will be appreciated that variations in the structure of the third embodiment are possible. For example, only one open position may be provided for. In this case, only one depression might be provided in the top 24.

The lid, tab and cap may be made in known manner by thermoforming plastics sheet; for example a substituted or unsubstituted polyolefin sheet such as polyetyrene, HIPS or ABS which may be pigmented.

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modification of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Claims

1. A moulded lid for a plastic or paper cup, the lid comprising a unitary mouthpiece which includes a port and, mounted on the lid a closure for the port including a plug which is operatively moveable between a closed position and an open position, the closure being;

• liquid-tight when in the closed position;

• moulded separately from the lid; • slidably mounted to an external surface of the lid; and

2. A lid of substantially circular configuration and dimensioned to fit industry- sized cups in a liquid-tight manner.

3. A lid according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the closure includes a recessed portion which, in the closed portion, is push-fitted into, and in register with, the port.

4. A lid according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, in the open position, the closure is positioned remote from the port.

5. A lid according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the closure includes means for manipulating the closure between the open position and the closed position.

6. A lid according to Claim 5 wherein the means for manipulating the closure include an upstanding knob.

7. A lid according to Claim 5 or 6 wherein the means for manipulating the closure is distal to the port.

8. A lid according to Claim 5 wherein the means for manipulating the closure include a slidable tab.

9. A lid according to Claim 8 which, in top plan, has substantially circular symmetry with the closure slidably diametrically mounted.

10. A lid according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein a part of the tab is secured to a part of the lid.

11. A lid according to any preceding claim wherein the closure comprises a slidable cap including the plug

12. A lid according to claim 11 , wherein the body of the lid includes a mouthpiece portion, the mouthpiece portion including the port, and the closure comprises a cap adapted to slide along the mouthpiece portion between the open and closed positions.

13. A lid according to claim 12, wherein the mouthpiece portion and the closure are substantially arcuate.

14. A lid according to claim 13, wherein the arc length of the closure is such that it subtends an angle of less than 180 degrees, preferably less than 60 degrees, most preferably less than 30 degrees at its centre of curvature.

15. A lid according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, in the closed position, the lid affords, in service, a substantially liquid-tight seal.

16. A lid according to any one of the preceding claims including reversible interference means to retain the closure in the open position.

17. A lid according to any one of the preceding claims unitary fabricated from a thermoplastics material.

18. A lid according to Claim 17 wherein the thermoplastics material is a homo- or co-polymer of styrene or methylstyrene which homo- or co-polymer may be reinforced with a dispersed phase.

19. A lid substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

20. A lid according to any one of the preceding claims push fitted onto a cup or other container.

21. A lid and container according to Claim 20 wherein the container is a disposable plastics or paper container.