WO2018065752A1

WO2018065752A1 - Lid and method of manufacture thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2018065752A1
Application number: PCT/GB2017/052811
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary Day
Original assignee: Turbulence Tamers Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-06
Filing date: 2017-09-21
Publication date: 2018-04-12
Also published as: GB2569745B; GB201905756D0; GB2569745A

Abstract

A lid (1) for a beverage container. The lid includes an outer wall portion, at least a lower portion of which is adapted to engage with a wall or rim of the container in use, and an inner surface portion (11) extending inwardly from said outer wall portion. The inner surface portion further includes at least two drinking apertures (9) located substantially circumferentially on said surface.

Description

LID AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF

The invention to which this application relates is a lid means and a method of manufacture thereof. Although the following description refers almost exclusively to lid means for disposable beverage containers, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could also be used with almost any form of liquid container, depending on the required use.

Cafes, coffee shops and the like are commonplace all over the World, and hot drinks/beverages made to be taken away by a person form the principal part of those businesses. Consequently, there has formed a huge market in the design and production of disposable beverage containers/cups . Accompanying these disposable cups, disposable lids for the same are also designed and provided in various forms. Primarily, lids for such drinks cups are provided as generally domed-shaped plastic members that fit around the top rim of the cup. The lids usually have an edge or lip for attachment to the drinks cup and a wall or shoulder portion which is raised relative to the rest of the dome-shape, and has a small drinking aperture located in a top surface of that wall or shoulder portion. Through this small hole, a user must drink the beverage, and which usually requires some degree of sucking while tilting the cup in order to draw a sufficient amount of the beverage out each time. While this design is functional, to a point, and is one of the most popular forms of design for such lids, due to its simplicity, several problems do exist with this design.

One of the main problems with disposable lids such as those discussed above is that they are provided with only a single aperture through which to drink, the aperture itself being relatively awkward for a user to drink through. This arrangement also makes the lid unidirectional in that there is only a single point through which the user may drink, unlike if they were to drink from a regular cup. This can be problematic if, for whatever reason, the aperture or lip surrounding the aperture becomes damaged, for example, from a user biting and cracking the plastic, which makes subsequent drinking through the lid even more awkward. Furthermore, such apertures generally remain uncovered, which means as a user is walking with the drink in hand, the drink may splash and spill through the aperture, either forming a pool in the rest of the dome- shaped lid or dripping down the side of the cu /container. There are some disposable lids which have been formed so as to reduce this spillage/splashing issue, whereby a movable cover or slide, or a foldable cover may be provided to cover and uncover the aperture, enabling a user to drink or protect the beverage as required. Such designs do not, however, serve to alleviate the earlier problems mentioned associated with these lids.

Another issue from which common disposable lids suffer is that while in place, the lid prevents the aroma and, hence, part of the flavour during consumption of the drink from dispersing from the cup. Some attempts have been made to overcome this problem, in particular, in US Patent US 8733583 there is provided a disposable lid having a drinking aperture located in a lip or shoulder of the lid, and a centrally-located aperture, which is provided so as to allow the aroma of the drink to disperse from the cup while still drinking with the lid on. However, this design still does not serve to address the other significant functional issues that hinder currently available disposable lids for drinks/beverage containers .

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a lid means that overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a disposable beverage container and lid means combination that overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.

It is yet a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a lid means that overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided lid means for a beverage container, said lid means including: an outer wall portion, at least a lower portion of which is adapted to engage with a wall or rim of the container in use; an inner surface portion extending inwardly from said outer wall portion, and characterised in that said inner surface portion includes at least two drinking apertures located substantially circumferentially on said surface.

In one embodiment, a plurality of drinking apertures are provided on said inner surface, and distributed in an annular arrangement thereon. Typically, said drinking apertures are located radially inwardly of the outer wall portion.

In one embodiment, the lower portion of the outer wall is provided as a lip member. Typically, said lip member is arranged to engage with an outer wall or rim of the container in use. Typically, said lip member is provided so as to form a snap-fit attachment. Further typically, the profile of the lip member is formed to correspond with a profile of the wall or rim of the container.

In one embodiment, said outer wall portion comprises at least said lower portion, and a body portion. Typically, said body portion acts as a contact point for a lip or mouth of a user. Typically, said body portion includes a top surface which is substantially continuous in form/nature. Typically, said body portion forms a barrier means to protect from spillage/ splashing of liquid from within the beverage container.

In one embodiment, said drinking apertures are distributed substantially evenly about the inner surface of said lid means. Typically, said drinking apertures may be provided in groups of apertures, said groups being distributed substantially evenly about said inner surface.

In one embodiment, said drinking apertures are provided as any or any combination of circular apertures, circumferential slots and/or radial slots.

In one embodiment, said inner surface portion is located radially inwardly of the outer wall portion. Typically, said at least two drinking apertures are located substantially adjacent an inner side of the outer wall portion.

In one embodiment, a top edge or edges of said drinking apertures are provided flush with a top face of the inner surface.

In one embodiment, one or more of the drinking apertures can be located at least partially in an inner side of the outer wall portion. Typically, all of the drinking apertures can be located at least partially in an inner side of the outer wall portion. Typically, one or more upwardly directed channels are formed in said inner side of the outer wall portion, each channel corresponding to the portion of the one or more drinking apertures partially located in said inner side. Thus, the provision of such channels when one or more, or all, of the drinking apertures are located at least partially within the inner side of the outer wall portion serves to improve the flow of liquid and, consequently, drinking of the same by a user.

In one embodiment, one or more tubular members /walls extend downwardly from corresponding drinking apertures below a bottom or lower face of the inner surface. Typically, such tubular members serve to act as barriers / protectors from liquid within the beverage container splashing outwardly of the drinking apertures.

In one embodiment, said drinking apertures are provided as tubular orifices, extending downwardly from a top face of the inner surface and below a bottom, or lower, face of the same.

In one embodiment, a lower profile of the lid means is provided to lie substantially in line with a top edge profile and/or the drinking opening of a beverage container on which it is placed. Thus, the provision of the lid means of the present invention does not, when attached to a beverage container, reduce the volume / capacity of the container, and therefore maximises the amount of liquid that may be contained therein.

In one embodiment, at least one substantially central aperture or recess is located in a central portion of the inner surface. Typically, the at least one central aperture is sized to be larger than the drinking apertures. Typically, where an aperture is provided, the at least one central aperture is sized to receive the bowl-end of a teaspoon. Thus, the provision of at least one central aperture such as the one described herein serves to provide a number of advantages for a user. Providing the aperture of a sufficient size to allow a teaspoon therethrough will allow a user to add milk and/or sugar as desired without having to remove the lid from the container on which it is placed and, furthermore, such an aperture also allows the aroma of the beverage to disperse from the top of the container and through the lid means, thereby increasing the flavour, quality, and drinking experience for the user.

In some embodiments, two or more apertures or recesses may be provided, located in a central portion of the inner surface. Typically, said two or more apertures or recesses may be distributed substantially centrally on the inner surface.

In one embodiment, cover means may be provided to be removably located over at least said drinking apertures. Typically, said cover means may be provided as a ring-like member. Alternatively, said cover means may be provided as a disc-like member. Typically, said cover means can be provided to be located on said inner surface.

In one embodiment, said cover means may be provided to cover, where present, at least one substantially central aperture or recess formed on the lid means.

In one embodiment, said cover means is provided as removably locatable in locating means formed in the lid means. Typically, said locating means is provided as one or more recessed portions in the inner side of the outer wall portion. Further typically, said one or more recessed portions correspond to one or more protrusions extending radially outward from the cover means.

In another embodiment, said locating means is provided as an annular recessed portion in the inner side of the outer wall portion, and arranged to receive an outer portion of the cover means therein. Typically, receipt of said cover means in the locating means is via a snap-fit arrangement or similar. In one embodiment, said locating means may be provided as one or more complementary formations and recesses and/or apertures formed on the inner surface portion and at a corresponding point on an underside of said cover means. Typically, said as one or more complementary formations and recesses and/or apertures engage via a snap-fit arrangement or similar.

In one embodiment, said cover means includes a substantially centrally located formation, sized to be received in a substantially central aperture or recess formed on the lid means . Typically, said formation can releasably engage the central aperture via a snap-fit arrangement.

In one embodiment, said cover means comprises an upper face and an opposing, lower face, and said formation extends outwardly from said lower face. Typically, a corresponding recess is formed on the said upper face of the cover means.

In one embodiment, said cover means further includes release means, provided so as to enable the user to more easily remove the same from the lid means, as required. Typically, said release means are provided in the form of at least one gripping, lifting, or tab portion located on the cover means.

In one embodiment, said release means may be located substantially at an edge of said cover means . Typically, said release means may be a protrusion extending from an edge of said cover means. In another embodiment, said release means may be provided as at least one gripping, lifting, or tab portion extending from an upper face of side cover means.

In another embodiment, said release means may be provided as at least one gripping, lifting, or tab portion extending from an upper face of side cover means. Typically, said release means are located extending from a substantially central recessed portion on an upper face of the cover means .

In one embodiment, said cover means may further include text or imagery, or a combination thereof, on an upper face of the same. Typically, said text and/or imagery may be provided as advertising material for a business, company, product and/or the like.

In one embodiment, said cover means includes at least two drinking apertures located substantially about the periphery of the same. Typically, said at least two drinking apertures are provided to correspond with the at least two drinking apertures located on the inner surface portion of the lid means.

In one embodiment, said cover means, when engaged with said lid means, is rotatable between a first, open position, wherein the drinking apertures of the cover means and the inner surface portion are substantially aligned, and a second, closed position, wherein the drinking apertures of the cover means and the inner surface portion are offset.

In one embodiment, said cover means includes at least two formations extending downwardly from a lower face of the cover means, located substantially about the periphery of the same. Typically, said at least two formations are sized and provided to be received in the at least two drinking apertures located on the inner surface portion of the lid means, in a closed position.

In one embodiment, said cover means includes at least two drinking apertures and at least two formations extending downwardly from a lower face of the cover means, located substantially about the periphery of the same. Typically, said apertures and formations are provided in an alternating arrangement.

In one embodiment, said cover means, when engaged with said lid means, is rotatable between a first, open position, wherein the drinking apertures of the cover means and the inner surface portion are substantially aligned, and a second, closed position, wherein the at least two formations are received in the at least two drinking apertures located on the inner surface portion of the lid means.

In one embodiment, the cover means is formed from a plastics material. Typically, said cover means is formed from a vacuum formed plastics material. In one embodiment, said lid means and cover means may be formed, in combination, as a two-part item. Typically, the said means a vacuum formed.

In one embodiment, said lid means further includes attachment means, provided for attachment to a handle member. Typically, said handle member may be detachably attached to the lid means, via the attachment means . In another embodiment, said handle member may be formed integrally with the attachment means and/ or directly with the lid means.

In one embodiment, said handle member includes : a first end for attachment to, or formed integrally with, lid means or attachment means thereof; a handle portion for gripping / by a user, located between said first end and a second end; and a container-gripping member located at said second end, and provided for gripping / clasping / removable clamping to a body of a beverage container. In one embodiment, said lid means may be formed by injection- moulding. Typically, said handle member, provided integrally or attachable to the lid means, may be formed by injection moulding.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided lid means for a beverage container, said lid means including: a wall portion located substantially about a periphery of the lid means, part of the wall portion forming an engagement portion arranged to engage the lid means with a wall or rim of the container in use, and characterized in that at least two drinking apertures are provided on an inner surface portion of the lid means extending inwardly from the wall portion and distributed circumferentially about said surface.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a lid means for a beverage container, said method including the steps of: forming an outer wall portion of the lid means, at least a lower portion of which being formed to engage with a wall or rim of the container in use; providing an inner surface portion to extend inwardly from said outer wall portion, and characterised in that said inner surface portion is formed having at least two drinking apertures located substantially circumferentially on said surface.

The present invention therefore provides an improved lid means for a beverage container that overcomes the aforementioned problems in the prior art. The lid means of the present invention provides an outer wall portion, wherein at least a portion of the same is formed to engage with a wall or rim of the container in use, preferably via a snap-fit or form-fitting attachment, securing the lid means to the container. The outer wall portion is provided to act as a point of contact for a user's mouth/lip. An inner surface portion is provided to extend inwardly of the outer wall and at least two, although in some embodiments a plurality of drinking apertures are located circumferentially on the same, through which liquid beverage may flow as the container on which the lid means is located is tilted in order for the user to drink. This allows the user to drink the beverage in a much more traditional fashion, without having to suck through a singular hole in order to draw liquid through. Furthermore, the lid means of the present invention allows a user to much more easily assess the temperature of the liquid within the container. This is a significant improvement over conventional designs as it is commonplace for a user to have to guess the temperature and risk being scolded by liquid that is too hot to drink.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a lid means according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a lid means according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an underside of a lid means in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of a lid means in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a side-on view of a lid means according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 6a— e illustrate exemplary forms of a cover means for a lid means according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a lid means, highlighting a recessed portion thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a lid means with an attached handle portion thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a lid means with attached handle portion, fitted onto a beverage container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 10a — c illustrate a lids means and cover means separately and in combination, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 11 a— b illustrate cross-section views of cover means in engaged positions in a lid means, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 1 there is illustrated a lid 1 for a beverage container / drinks cup. The cup and/or the lid 1 may be disposable in nature or, alternatively, either or both may be provided to be reused multiple times . Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of the same lid 1. The lid 1 includes an outer wall portion, a lower portion of which forms a lip 3, which extends around the circumference of the lid 1. The Lip 3 is provided so as to engage the lid 1 to a drinks cup. The lip 3 is provided with a profile to match that of the edge of the opening of a drinks cup and, consequently, form a fitted engagement with a wall or rim of the cup in use, preferably as a snap-fit or form-fitting arrangement. The outer wall portion also comprises a body portion 5, which also extends around the lid in an annular form. The body 5 has a top surface 7, which is continuous in form, acting as a point of contact for a user's mouth/lip. The body 5 consequently also acts as a barrier to protect from spillage / splashing of liquid from within the drinks cup. Extending inwardly of the body 5, there is an inner surface 11 , which is provided with at least two, but generally a plurality of drinking apertures 9, distributed in an circumferentially about the surface 1 1. In the particular example shown in the figures, the drinking apertures 9 are provided as equally sized circular apertures, spaced evenly from one another around their path on surface 1 1. However, the apertures 9 may, in some examples, be provided in group s of two or more apertures, with each group being spaced evenly from the next, adjacent group. In other examples, the drinking apertures 9 may be provided as circumferential slots or radial slots, rather than, or in addition to, the circular apertures depicted in the figures .

The top edges 13 of the drinking apertures 9 are provided flush with the top face 15 of the inner surface 11. In the examples shown, the apertures 9 are located substantially adjacent the inner side 17 of the body 5, but separated therefrom. In another embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in Figure 2, one or more of the drinking apertures 9 may be formed at least partially in the inner side 17 of the body 5. When the apertures 9 are formed in this manner, a plurality of corresponding channels 19 are also formed in the inner side 17 of the body 5. The channels 19 are formed to be upwardly directed from the apertures 9 and top face 15 of the surface 1 1. The provision of such channels 19 when the drinking apertures 9 are located at least partially within the inner side 17 of the body 5 serves to improve the flow of liquid and, consequently, drinking of the same by a user when tilting the drinks cup on which it is attached.

Figure 3 illustrates the underside of the lid 1 of the present invention. In particular, the apertures 9 are provided with corresponding tubular members/walls/orifices 21 , extending downwardly therefrom below a bottom or lower face 23 of the surface 1 1 of the lid 1. The tubular walls 21 serve to act as barriers / protectors from liquid within the drinks cup splashing outwardly of the drinking apertures 9. Figure 5 illustrates the lid 1 of the present invention in a side-on view, and it can be seen from the figures that the lower profile of the lid is provided to lie substantially in line with a top edge profile, wall, rim or drinking opening of the drinks cup on which it is to be located. It will be understood that there will be some overlap where the lip 3 of the lid 1 is shaped to fit over the edge/rim portion of the cup, and so, effectively, the uppermost edge of the cup will lie substantially in line with the top portion of the lip 3. The advantage, however, of this arrangement, is such that the lid 1 does not, when attached to a drinks cup, reduce the volume / capacity of the cup, and therefore maximises the amount of liquid that may be contained therein. There is also less chance of liquid leaking from the lid 1 in this example than, for example, lids which are to be inserted within the cup and forming a friction fit between the inner wall of the cup and an outer wall of the lid— such friction being reduced as liquid seeps in between the two.

As is shown in the figures, the lid 1 may also be provided with a centrally located aperture 25. This aperture 25 is provided of a size greater than that of the drinking apertures 9 and, generally, is provided large enough to receive the bowl end of a teaspoon. This, consequently, will end able a user to add sugar and/or milk, for example, according to their taste and without the need for removing and replacing the lid 1 in order to do this . The central aperture 25 has the additional benefit of allowing the aroma of the beverage to disperse from the top of the container / cup and through the lid 1 , thereby increasing the flavour, quality, and drinking experience for the user. While only one, central and large aperture 25 is shown in the figures, in alternative examples of the present invention, there may be provided two or more centrally-located apertures, which would still allow the dispersion of the aroma of the drink, however, would reduce the likelihood of spillages/splashing than through a single, large central aperture 25.

Referring now to Figures 6a— d, there is illustrated a number of differing cover portions 27, provided to be removably located on the lid 1 to cover the drinking apertures 9. The cover 27 is provided so as to prevent a user, when on the move, from inadvertently spilling or splashing the drink. The covers 27 may be provided in various forms, depending on the particular design of the lid 1. Figures 6c and 6d depict ring like covers 27c, 27d, which may be suitable for lids including drinking apertures 9 but not including any centrally located apertures 25. Alternatively, disc like covers 27a, 27b, shown in Figures 6a and 6b, may be provided for lids that include a central aperture or apertures 25, or even those without, since the design will be most convenient to manufacture. In order for the cover 27 to fit securely over the apertures 9, 25 and on the lid 1 , an attachment mechanism in the form of a recessed portion 29 within the inner side 17 of the shoulder 5 is provided. For the covers 27a and 27c shown in Figures 6a and 6c, a single recessed portion 29, as shown in Figure 7 may be provided. Alternative designs may also be provided, such as those shown in Figures 6b and 6d, wherein the covers 27b, 27d each have a series of protrusions or tabs 31b, 31 d, which will locate in a corresponding series of recesses (not shown) located along the line of the recess 29 in the inner side 17. In other embodiments of the present invention, although not shown in the figures, the attachment mechanism between the lid 1 and the cover 27 may be provided as one or more complementary formations and recesses formed on the inner surface 11 and at a corresponding point on an underside of the cover 27. Such formations and recesses may engage via a snap- fit arrangement or similar.

As the cover 27 is located on the lid 1 and partially within the recess 29, release means in the form of a grip or tab 33, shown in Figures 6a and 6b, is provided on an upper face of the cover 27, enabling a user to remove the cover 27 simply and when required. In another example, the release means may be provided as a tab 33', as shown in Figure 6e, formed as a protrusion extending from an edge of the cover 27e. It will also be possible for the cover 27 to be customised further, generally by a manufacturer, such that includes text or imagery 61 , or a combination of the two, as shown on the upper face of cover 27e in Figure 6e. The text and/or imagery displayed may be provided as advertising material for a business, company, product and/or the like, or can also be used to provide certain images or a series of images that can serve as collectable souvenirs etc.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, in an embodiment of the present invention, the lid 1 further includes an attachment port 35, provided so as to receive a first end 37 of a handle member 39 that can be detachably attached, in one example, to the lid 1 . In an alternative form, the handle member 39 can be formed integrally with the lid 1 , forming a single lid and handle combination. The handle member 39 comprises a handle portion 41 , adjacent the first end 37, and which is provided to be gripped/held by a user. The handle portion 41 may be provided as shown or, alternatively, in other, more economically preferable forms. A second end 43 of the handle member is located at the opposing end of the handle portion 41 and extends to a gripping portion 45 of the handle member 39, which is provided, in the examples shown, as a pair of resilient clamps or clasps 47, which are urged outwardly as a drinks cup 49 is inserted and then bias back inwardly, retaining the cup 49 therein. The lid 1 and handle member 39, whether provided integrally or attachable, can be formed by injection moulding.

A number of differing cover portions 27 are depicted in Figures 6a— d, wherein they are provided to be removably located on the lid 1 to cover the drinking apertures 9. The covers 27 are provided so as to prevent a user, when on the move, from inadvertently spilling or splashing the drink. However, in order for a user to be able to drink the contents of the cup on which the lid 1 is located the cover 27 as depicted in Figures 6a - d needs to be fully removed. Referring now to Figures 10 and 1 1 , a cover portion 27f is provided, shown most clearly in the Figures 10a— c, which need not be removed and replaced each time a user wants to take a drink and yet maintain a cover over the drinking apertures 9.

The cover 27f is provided as a disc-like body having a central formation which, extends downwardly from a lower face of the cover 27f — viewed from above this appears as a recess 1001 in the upper face 1003 of the cover 27f. The recessed portion 1003 is formed of a size such that it can be received in the central aperture 25 of the lid 1 , and remains engaged via a snap- fit arrangement or similar, and can be easily released. In order to aid such a release, a release or gripping portion 33a is provided, which extends upwardly from the upper surface of the recessed portion 1001 , allowing a user to grip or grasp the same. The cover 27f described in the present application further includes at least two, but preferably a plurality of drinking apertures 1005 located around its periphery, and are provided to correspond with the drinking apertures 9 located in the lid 1. Thus, when the cover portion 27f is engaged with the lid 1 , the cover 27f is rotatable from a first, open position, wherein the drinking apertures 1005, 9 of the cover 27f and the lid 1 are substantially aligned, and a second, closed position, wherein the apertures 1005, 9 are offset, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure l c. Rotation of the cover 27f can then be achieved simply by gripping and turning gripping portion 33a. Additionally, the cover 27f is also formed from a plastics material, and thus will not absorb moisture or liquid as a simple card insert would. Preferably, the cover 27f is a vacuum formed plastics item, and the lid 1 and cover 27f combination, in some embodiments, may be provided as a two-part vacuum formed pair of items.

The cover 27f is also provided with at least two, but preferably a plurality of formations 1007 extending downwardly from a lower face thereof, appearing from above as a plurality of shallow recesses 1007. The recesses 1007 are provided of a size so as to be received within the drinking apertures 9 of the lid 1. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of apertures 1005 and a plurality of recesses 1007 are provided in an alternating arrangement around the periphery of the cover 27f such that, when the cover 27f is rotated to an open position on the lid 1 , the apertures 1005 of the cover 27f substantially align with the apertures 9 of the lid 1 , allowing a user to drink the contents of the cup therethrough. The cover 27f can then be rotated to a closed position, wherein the apertures 1005 and 9 are offset, and the recesses 1007 are located either above or in the drinking apertures 9 of the lid 1 , thereby providing a form of seal for the lid 1 as a whole.

Claims

1. A lid means for a beverage container, said lid means including:

an outer wall portion, at least a lower portion of which is adapted to engage with a wall or rim of the container in use; an inner surface portion extending inwardly from said outer wall portion, and

characterised in that said inner surface portion includes at least two drinking apertures located substantially circumferentially on said surface.

2. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of drinking apertures is provided on said inner surface, and distributed in an annular arrangement thereon.

3. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein said drinking apertures are located radially inwardly of the outer wall portion.

4. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein the lower portion of the outer wall is provided as a lip member, arranged to engage with an outer wall or rim of the container in use.

5. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein said outer wall portion comprises at least said lower portion, and a body portion, said body portion acting as a contact point for a lip or mouth of a user.

6. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein said inner surface portion is located radially inwardly of the outer wall portion.

7. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein a top edge or edges of said drinking apertures are provided substantially flush with a top face of the inner surface portion.

8. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein one or more of the drinking apertures are located at least partially in an inner side of the outer wall portion.

9. A lid means according to claim 8, wherein one or more upwardly directed channels are formed in said inner side of the outer wall portion, each channel corresponding to the portion of the one or more drinking apertures partially located in said inner side.

10. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein one or more tubular members/walls extend downwardly from corresponding drinking apertures below a bottom or lower face of the inner surface portion.

11. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein said drinking apertures are provided as tubular orifices, extending downwardly from a top face of the inner surface and below a bottom, or lower, face of the same.

12. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein a lower profile of the lid means is provided to lie substantially in line with a top edge profile and/or the drinking opening of a beverage container on which it is placed.

13. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein at least one substantially central aperture or recess is located in a central portion of the inner surface, sized to be larger than the at least two drinking apertures.

14. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein cover means are provided to be removably located over at least said drinking apertures, said cover means provided as a disc-like member.

15. A lid means according to claim 14, wherein said cover means are provided to cover, where present, at least one substantially central aperture or recess formed on the lid means.

16. A lid means according to claim 14, wherein said cover means is provided as removably locatable in locating means formed in the lid means.

17. A lid means according to claim 16, wherein said locating means is provided as an annular recessed portion in the inner side of the outer wall portion, and arranged to receive an outer portion of the cover means therein.

18. A lid means according to claim 16, wherein said locating means are provided as one or more complementary formations and recesses and/or apertures formed on the inner surface portion and at a corresponding point on an underside of said cover means.

19. A lid means according to claim 14, wherein said cover means includes a substantially centrally located formation, sized to be received in a substantially central aperture or recess formed on the lid means.

20. A lid means according to claim 19, wherein said cover means comprises an upper face and an opposing, lower face, and said formation extends outwardly from said lower face.

21. A lid means according to claim 14, wherein said cover means further includes release means, provided to enable the user to more easily remove the same from the lid means, as required.

22. A lid means according to claim 21 , wherein said release means are provided as at least one gripping, lifting, or tab portion extending from an upper face of side cover means.

23. A lid means according to claim 21 , wherein said release means are located extending from a substantially central recessed portion on an upper face of the cover means.

24. A lid means according to claim 14, wherein said cover means includes at least two drinking apertures located substantially about the periphery of the same, said at least two drinking apertures provided to correspond with the at least two drinking apertures located on the inner surface portion of the lid means.

25. A lid means according to claim 24, wherein said cover means, when engaged with said lid means, is rotatable between a first, open position, wherein the drinking apertures of the cover means and the inner surface portion are substantially aligned, and a second, closed position, wherein the drinking apertures of the cover means and the inner surface portion are offset.

26. A lid means according to claim 14, wherein said cover means includes at least two formations extending downwardly from a lower face of the cover means, located substantially about the periphery of the same, said at least two formations sized and provided to be received in the at least two drinking apertures located on the inner surface portion of the lid means, in a closed position.

27. A lid means according to claim 14, wherein said cover means includes at least two drinking apertures, and at least two formations extending downwardly from a lower face of the cover means, located substantially about the periphery of the same.

28. A lid means according to claim 27, wherein said cover means, when engaged with said lid means, is rotatable between a first, open position, wherein the drinking apertures of the cover means and the inner surface portion are substantially aligned, and a second, closed position, wherein the at least two formations are received in the at least two drinking apertures located on the inner surface portion of the lid means.

29. A lid means according to claim 1 , wherein said lid means further includes attachment means, provided for attachment to a handle member.

30. A lid means according to claim 29, wherein said handle member includes: a first end for attachment to, or formed integrally with, lid means or attachment means thereof; a handle portion for gripping / by a user, located between said first end and a second end; and a container-gripping member located at said second end, and provided for gripping / clasping / removable clamping to a body of a beverage container.

31. A method of manufacturing a lid means for a beverage container, said method including the steps of: forming an outer wall portion of the lid means, at least a lower portion of which being formed to engage with a wall or rim of the container in use;

providing an inner surface portion to extend inwardly from said outer wall portion, and

characterised in that said inner surface portion is formed having at least two drinking apertures located substantially circumferentially on said surface.