Cup with integrated folding lid

Abstract

Embodiments provide a cup with an integrated lid that comprises top, center, and bottom portions. The top portion of the cup defines an opening and is attached to a plurality of integrated lid sections extending from the top portion and separated from the top portion by one or more fold lines. The plurality of integrated lid sections may be folded inward over the opening defined by the top portion to cover and at least partially seal the opening. The center portion defines a sidewall that extends between two ends that are affixed to at least each other. The bottom portion extends from the center portion and defines a base. The plurality of integrated lid sections may interlock to define a lid. The lid may be configured with a hole or spout for drinking or pouring the contents of the cup. The base, sidewall, and lid may define a frustoconical shape.

Claims

1. A cup with an integrated folding lid, comprising: a body comprising one or more materials, the body comprises one or more fold lines that when the body is bent along the one or more fold lines the body comprises: a center portion defining a sidewall, the sidewall extending between a first end and a second end, the first end of the sidewall attached to the second end of the sidewall along a seam; a circular bottom portion extending from the center portion defining a base, the circular bottom portion configured to extend from the sidewall in a first direction and attach to a bottom edge; a top portion defining an opening; and a plurality of integrated lid sections extending from the top portion and separated from the top portion by a respective fold line, the plurality of integrated lid sections comprising a first integrated lid section defining a tab, a second integrated lid section defining a slit, a third integrated lid section, and a fourth integrated lid section, wherein the slit is configured to receive there through the tab, wherein the plurality of integrated lid sections are configured to interlock at least by way of the tab being received within the slit, wherein the seam is defined between and joins the third integrated lid section and the fourth integrated lid section, and wherein the interlocked plurality of integrated lid sections define a lid cover configured to at least partially cover the opening, wherein the interlocked plurality of integrated lid sections define a spout extending through the lid cover between the first integrated lid section and the second integrated lid section, the spout configured to convey at least the liquid retained in the watertight retention cavity therethrough.

2. The cup according to claim 1, wherein the sidewall and the base define a water tight retention cavity at least partially enclosed by the body, and wherein the opening of the top portion is configured to receive at least a liquid therethrough to be retained within the water tight retention cavity.

3. The cup according to claim 2, wherein a drinking opening is positioned within the interlocked plurality of integrated lid sections defining a lid cover, wherein the drinking opening is configured to receive one or more of a straw, a stirrer, or a utensil, and wherein the drinking opening defines one or more of an ovular cross-section, a circular cross-section, a frustoconical shape, a conical shape, a cylindrical shape, or a parabolic shape.

4. The cup according to claim 1, wherein the spout defines a drinking opening, wherein the drinking opening is configured to receive one or more of a straw, a stirrer, or a utensil, wherein the spout is positioned at a junction between the interlocked plurality of integrated lid sections and the sidewall, and wherein the spout defines one or more of an ovular cross-section, a circular cross-section, a frustoconical shape, a conical shape, a cylindrical shape, or a parabolic shape.

5. The cup according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the sidewall is attached to the second end of the sidewall along the seam by overlapping a first portion of the first end of the sidewall over a second portion of the second end of the sidewall with adhesive between the overlapping first portion and second portion.

6. The cup according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the sidewall is attached to the second end of the sidewall along the seam by abutting a first edge of the first end of the sidewall against a second edge of the second end of the sidewall and attaching the first edge of the first end of the sidewall to the second edge of the second end of the sidewall.

7. The cup according to claim 1, wherein the base is attached to the bottom edge associated with a third end of the sidewall by way of an adhesive.

8. The cup according to claim 1, wherein the one or more fold lines comprise one or more of a perforation line, a creased line, a ridged line, a solid score line, or a dashed score line.

9. The cup according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of integrated lid sections extend upward from the sidewall on a fourth end as one or more continuous extensions of the sidewall.

10. The cup according to claim 1, wherein the at least one tab extends upward from a first integrated lid section of the plurality of integrated lid sections, and wherein the at least one slit comprises a cutout portion of a second integrated lid section of the plurality of integrated lid sections.

11. The cup according to claim 1, wherein the one or more materials are at least partially coated in a sealant, the sealant comprises one or more of a natural coating, synthetic coating, plastic-free coating, polylactic acid, wax, resin, epoxy, or petroleum-based coating.

12. The cup according to claim 1, wherein at least the sidewall comprises a thermal insulation, the thermal insulation comprising a plurality of layers of the one or more materials configured with at least a space therebetween.

13. The cup according to claim 12, wherein the space between the plurality of layers of the one or more materials is filled with one or more of air, foam, or plastic.

14. The cup according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the center portion, the bottom portion, or the top portion comprise a graphical design print, the graphical design print comprising one or more of an image, logo, text, numbers, or geometric shapes, wherein the graphical design print indicates a location of the one or more fold lines along the body, and the graphical design print indicates a direction and order to fold the plurality of integrated lid sections.

15. The cup according to claim 1, wherein at least the center portion defines one or more of a frustoconical shape, a conical shape, a cylindrical shape, or a parabolic shape.

16. The cup according to claim 15, wherein the center portion defines one or more diameters perpendicular to at least an outer surface of the sidewall, and wherein the one or more diameters are configured to fit a plurality of cup holders.

17. A cup with an integrated folding lid comprising: a body formed from a flat piece of material comprising: a center portion defining a sidewall, the sidewall extending between a first end and a second end, the first end of the sidewall attached to the second end of the sidewall along a seam; a bottom portion extending from the center portion and defining a base; a top portion defining an opening; and a plurality of integrated lid sections extending from the top portion and separated from the top portion by a respective fold line, the plurality of integrated lid sections comprising a first integrated lid section defining a tab, a second integrated lid section defining a slit, a third integrated lid section having neither a tab nor a slit, and a fourth integrated lid section having neither a tab nor a slit, wherein the third integrated lid section is attached to the fourth integrated lid section along the seam and wherein the plurality of integrated lid sections fold along the respective fold lines to define a lid cover configured to at least partially cover the opening wherein in a folded position where the plurality of integrated lid sections fold along the respective fold lines to define a lid cover configured to at least partially cover the opening, a spout is defined between the first integrated lid section and the second integrated lid section, wherein the seam is disposed opposite the spout.

18. A cup with an integrated folding lid comprising: a body formed from a flat piece of material comprising: a center portion defining a sidewall, the sidewall extending between a first end and a second end, the first end of the sidewall attached to the second end of the sidewall along a seam; a bottom portion extending from the center portion and defining a base; a top portion defining an opening; and a plurality of integrated lid sections extending from the top portion and separated from the top portion by a respective fold line, the plurality of integrated lid sections comprising a first integrated lid section defining a tab and a second integrated lid section defining a slit, wherein the plurality of integrated lid sections are configured to interlock at least by way of the tab being received within the slit, wherein seam does not extend through either of the first integrated lid section or the second integrated lid section, and wherein the plurality of integrated lid sections when interlocked define a lid cover configured to at least partially cover the opening. wherein in a folded position where the plurality of integrated lid sections fold along the respective fold lines to define a lid cover configured to at least partially cover the opening, a spout is defined between the first integrated lid section and the second integrated lid section, wherein the seam is disposed opposite the spout.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Having thus described embodiments of the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates an example perspective view, according to some embodiments;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates an example front elevation view, according to some embodiments;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates an example rear elevation view, according to some embodiments;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates an example right side elevation view, according to some embodiments;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates an example left side elevation view, according to some embodiments;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates an example top-down plane view, according to some embodiments;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates an example bottom-up plane view, according to some embodiments;

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a partially-folded plurality of integrated lid sections, according to some embodiments;

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a partially-folded plurality of integrated lid sections, according to some embodiments;

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates a fully-folded plurality of integrated lid sections, according to some embodiments; and

(12) FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D illustrate an example folding procedure, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The term “or” is used herein in both the alternative and conjunctive sense, unless otherwise indicated. The terms “illustrative,” “exemplary,” and the like are used to be examples with no indication of quality level. As used herein, the term “along,” and similarly utilized terms, means near or on, but not necessarily requiring directly on, an edge or other referenced location. Additionally, the term “attachment surface,” and similarly utilized terms, means the part of the first component body to which at least one second component is attached, connected, or integrated. As used herein, the term “expandable,” and similarly utilized terms, refers to one or more components capable of transitioning between two or more configurations and does not suggest a directionality (e.g., “expandable” may comprise contraction, expansion, or other movement). Further, the terms “angle,” “angled,” “bend angle,” and similarly utilized terms, refer to an angle between zero and 180 degrees. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention.

(14) FIG. 1 illustrates an example perspective view in accordance with some example embodiment of an enhanced integrated cup. As depicted, by FIG. 1, the example enhanced integrated cup is shown with a fully open plurality of integrated lid sections 102 extending from the top portion of the sidewall 110. The plurality of integrated lid sections 102 comprises a first integrated lid section 102A configured with a slit 104, a second integrated lid section 102B configured with a tab 106, a third integrated lid section 102C, and a fourth integrated lid section 102D. Slit 104 is configured to receive tab 106 during the folding and interlocking of the plurality of integrated lid sections 102. The third integrated lid section 102C and the fourth integrated lid section 102D are attached (e.g., by adhesive) along seam 103. Seam 103 is defined by the union of a first end 110A of sidewall 110 and a second end 110B of sidewall 110 and extends down the length of sidewall 110 and integrated lid sections 102C and 102D.

(15) The sidewall 110 and the plurality of integrated lid sections 102 are configured with fold lines 108 therebetween. Fold lines 108 are configured to facilitate the folding over of the plurality of integrated lid sections 102 during the folding and interlocking of the plurality of integrated lid sections 102. The placement of fold lines 108 is configured to ensure that the interlocking features (e.g., slit 104 and tab 106) of the plurality of integrated lid sections 102 align properly when folded together. The example enhanced integrated cup is shown with a circular bottom edge 110C defined at least partially by a bottom portion of sidewall 110. The example enhanced integrated cup, as shown in FIG. 1, defines a frustoconical shape with an expanding diameter defined by a circular cross-section increasing from the circular bottom edge 110C along the length of sidewall 110 up until at least fold lines 108. The fully open plurality of integrated lid sections 102 define an opening that provides accessibility to a water tight retention cavity at least partially enclosed by the body of the cup defined by at least sidewall 110. While the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 depicts integrated lid section 102B defining a tab as a tab extending from the integrated lid section, according to some embodiments, an integrated lid section may itself define the tab, whereby the integrated lid section extends sufficiently to engage a slit in another integrated lid section configured to receive the integrated lid section defining a tab.

(16) FIG. 2 illustrates an example front elevation view in accordance with some embodiments of a frustoconical shaped enhanced integrated cup body. The example enhanced integrated cup is shown with a fully open plurality of integrated lid sections 102 extending from the top portion of the sidewall 110. As illustrated, by FIG. 2, the frustoconical profile of the enhanced integrated cup body is shown to taper continuously from the top portion comprising the plurality of open integrated lid sections 102 downwards through sidewall 110 until a minimum circular diameter is reached at the circular bottom edge 110C of the sidewall.

(17) FIG. 3 illustrates an example rear elevation view in accordance with some embodiments of enhanced integrated cup body, for example, the frustoconical shaped embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. FIG. 3 illustrates cutout 302 located between the first integrated lid section 102A, configured with a slit 104, and the second integrated lid section 102B, configured with a tab 106. The plurality of integrated lid sections 102 are depicted in the full open configuration, however, when the plurality of integrated lid sections 102 are in the fully interlocked, or at least partially closed, position then cutout 302 is configured to define an opening, and/or spout, within the integrated lid formed by interlocking the integrated lid sections 102. In some embodiments, cutout 302 may be configured with a straw (not shown) at least attached, therethrough, to a portion of the enhanced integrated cup body. In some embodiments, cutout 302 may be configured with a piece of material (not shown) (e.g., an extension of sidewall 110, integrated lid section 102A, or the like) configured to cover, at least partially, cutout 302. In such embodiments, cutout 302 may be defined, at least partially, by one or more fold lines (not shown) (e.g., a perforated line, etc.) configured around one or more edges of cutout 302. In such embodiments, a user may tear, and/or fold, the piece of material (not shown) along the one or more fold lines (not shown) (e.g., a perforated line, etc.) configured around one or more edges of cutout 302.

(18) FIGS. 4-5 will now be described in terms of relative positioning and as such should not be construed, used, or taken out of the context of FIGS. 4-5 to limit the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention or any features described with respect to FIGS. 4-5.

(19) FIG. 4 illustrates an example right side elevation view in accordance with some embodiments of the enhanced integrated cup body. FIG. 4 shows a profile view of cutout 302 located, relatively, to the right the second integrated lid section 102B, configured with a tab 106. The fourth integrated lid section 102D is located, relatively, to the left of the second integrated lid section 102B.

(20) FIG. 5 illustrates an example left side elevation view in accordance with some embodiments of the enhanced integrated cup body. FIG. 5 shows a profile view of cutout 302 located, relatively, to the left of the first integrated lid section 102A, configured with a slit 104. Tab 106 is depicted, relatively, behind and extending above the first integrated lid section 102A. The third integrated lid section 102C is located, relatively, to the right of the first integrated lid section 102A.

(21) FIG. 6 illustrates an example top-down plane view in accordance with some example embodiments. As shown, the interior surface of sidewall 110 defines a single continuous surface extending from the circular base 112 up to and including the fully open plurality of integrated lid sections 102. Circular base 112 is attached to sidewall 110 around base seam 112A. Base seam 112A defines a circumference around circular base 112. Additionally, base seam 112A may attach circular base 112 to sidewall 110 by way of mechanical and/or chemical means. For example, the exterior side of base seam 112A (not shown) may be defined by an edge of circular base 112 being bonded to an edge of sidewall 110 (e.g., circular bottom edge 110C) by way of an epoxy therebetween, and a mechanical crimping of the two edges together to further force the epoxy to at least partially penetrate each respective edge material.

(22) As illustrated, by FIG. 6, at least sidewall 110 and circular base 112 define a retention cavity. In some embodiments, at least sidewall 110 and circular base 112 may be treated with a sealant to define a water tight retention cavity within the interior of the cup. In some embodiments, base seam 112A may be treated with at least the sealant used to treat sidewall 110 and circular base 112 to produce a water tight seam around the circumference of circular base 112. In some embodiments, sidewall 110, circular base 112, and one or more dividers (not shown) may define a plurality of water tight retention cavities within the interior of the enclosed enhanced integrated cup body. Moreover, FIG. 6, illustrates seam 103 between the third integrated lid section 102C and the fourth integrated lid section 102D. In accordance with the example embodiment depicted by FIG. 6, seam 103 is shown to be a lap seam defined by the overlapping edges of sidewall 110 and continued by the overlapping edges of the third integrated lid section 102C and the fourth integrated lid section 102D. Seam 103 is depicted extending the length between base 112 and the top upper edges of the third integrated lid section 102C and the fourth integrated lid section 102D.

(23) FIG. 7 illustrates an example bottom-up plane view in accordance with some example embodiments, for example the exemplary enhanced integrated cup shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 illustrates the exterior surfaces of sidewall 110, circular base 112, and the plurality of open integrated lid sections 102. As shown, seam 103 is defined by the overlapping edges of a first end 110A of sidewall 110 and a second end 110B of sidewall 110. Seam 103 extends up the length of sidewall 110 from circular base 112 up to a top portion of integrated lid sections 102C and 102D.

(24) FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a partially-folded plurality of integrated lid sections in accordance with some embodiments. The third integrated lid section 102C and the fourth integrated lid section 102D are illustrated in a folded position. The third integrated lid section 102C and the fourth integrated lid section 102D are folded inward toward the center of the opening defined by the top portion of the cup body. As shown, the third integrated lid section 102C and the fourth integrated lid section 102D are bent substantially at a ninety degree angle to sidewall 110 along fold lines 108. FIG. 8 shows that the first integrated lid section 102A and the second integrated lid section 102B are still in their respective open positions extended upward and being substantially parallel with sidewall 110.

(25) FIG. 8 further illustrates a first graphical design print 802 that comprises a coffee mug logo with three steam lines above the rendering of the mug. Additionally, a second graphical design print 804 is shown that illustrates a plurality of text based characters printed on sidewall 110 spelling out “HOT!” below the first graphical design print 802. In some embodiments, graphical design prints 802 and 804 may be printed in ink on sidewall 110, or applied by other means, while the enhanced integrated cup is still in a flat material form (i.e., a blank).

(26) FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a partially-folded plurality of integrated lid sections in accordance with some embodiments. Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, FIG. 9 depicts the third integrated lid section 102C and the fourth integrated lid section 102D in the folded position. Additionally, the first integrated lid section 102A, configured with slit 104, is illustrated in a folded position. As shown, the first integrated lid section 102A, configured with slit 104, is bent substantially at a ninety degree angle relative to sidewall 110 along fold lines 108. The first integrated lid section 102A, configured with slit 104, is shown overlapping the third integrated lid section 102C and the fourth integrated lid section 102D in the folded position. The second integrated lid section 102B, configured with tab 106, is still in its respective open position. As shown, the second integrated lid section 102B, configured with tab 106, extends upward and is substantially parallel with sidewall 110.

(27) FIG. 9 further illustrates a first graphical design print 902 that comprises a triangle logo with a snowflake logo enclosed by the triangle logo. Additionally, a second graphical design print 904 is shown that illustrates a plurality of text based characters printed on sidewall 110 spelling out “Frozen” below the first graphical design print 902. In some embodiments, graphical design prints 902 and 904 may be vinyl decals (i.e. stickers, etc.) applied with adhesive to sidewall 110 while the enhanced integrated cup is at least partially assembled for use by a consumer. For example, a food service facility may pre-print rolls of graphical design prints indicating, for example, the temperature of the contents of the cup and a food service employee may apply the appropriate graphical design print(s) prior to presenting the cup to a consumer.

(28) FIG. 10 illustrates a fully-folded plurality of integrated lid sections in accordance with some embodiments. Similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8-9, FIG. 10 depicts the first integrated lid section 102A, the third integrated lid section 102C, and the fourth integrated lid section 102D in their respective folded positions. Further, FIG. 10 illustrates, the second integrated lid section 102B, configured with tab 106, in a folded position with tab 106 interlocked with at least slit 104 of the first integrated lid section 102A. As shown, the second integrated lid section 102B, configured with tab 106, is bent substantially at a ninety degree angle relative to sidewall 110 along fold lines 108. The plurality of interlocked integrated lid sections 102 and cutout 302 define a drinking opening in the integrated lid of the cup body. FIG. 10 further illustrates a example embodiments of a handle 1002 attached to sidewall 110 of the cup body. In some embodiments, handle 1002 may be configured as a carry handle (not shown) configured to extend over the plurality of interlocked integrated lid sections 102.

(29) FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D illustrate an example folding procedure in accordance with some embodiments. As depicted, by FIG. 11A, the exemplary enhanced integrated cup 1102 is shown with a fully opened plurality of integrated lid sections extending from the top portion of the sidewall. As shown, by FIG. 11B, step 1104 occurs by folding the third integrated lid section 102C and the fourth integrated lid section 102D down along their respective fold lines and over the interior cavity defined by the cup body. Step 1106 as illustrated in FIG. 11C includes at least the first integrated lid section 102A being folded down along its respective fold line and over the interior cavity defined by the cup body. The first integrated lid section 102A overlaps the third integrated lid section 102C and the fourth integrated lid section 102D. FIG. 11D shows step 1108 that includes at least the second integrated lid section 102B being folded down along its respective fold line and over the interior cavity defined by the cup body. The second integrated lid section 102B further overlaps the integrated lid sections 102A, 102C, and 102D when in its respective folded position. Step 1110 is further shown in FIG. 11D to include at least the insertion of tab 106, of the second integrated lid section 102B, into slit 104, of the first integrated lid section 102A.

(30) In some embodiments, the fully opened plurality of integrated lid sections may be first bent outward to provide easier access to the interior cavity of the cup body (e.g., to insert a food product, beverage, etc.) before being bent inward to interlock the plurality of integrated lid sections, such as described with respect to at least FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. In some embodiments, the interlocked plurality of integrated lid sections may define a flat, convex or concave shape. For example, the interlocked plurality of integrated lid sections may bend inward toward the bottom of the cup body (i.e. the circular base) to define a concave lid. For additional example, the interlocked plurality of integrated lid sections may bend outward away from the bottom of the cup body (i.e. the circular base) to define a convex lid. In some embodiments, the plurality of integrated lid sections may comprise one or more of mechanical or chemical means to provide a water tight lid. For example, one or more integrated lid sections may be configured with a pressure activated chemical adhesive, or the like, on at least one of their respective exterior surfaces that is configured to attach to another one or more integrated lid sections when the plurality of integrated lid sections are interlocked with each other. In some example embodiments, the interior surfaces of the plurality of integrated lid sections may be treated with additional sealant material to prevent leakage through the seams defined by the plurality of interlocked integrated lid sections.

(31) While some embodiments described herein relate to food and beverage containers (e.g., drinking cups), and other particular containers, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the teachings herein may also apply to a wide range of additional containment, storage, and transportation applications. Some such additional applications include: delivery containers for online purchases, delivery containers for fast food delivery and/or takeout, commercial or personal shipping containers (e.g., mailing boxes, etc.), retail packages for appliances and electronics, storage bins (e.g., laundry bins, tote boxes, toy boxes, etc.), pet applications (e.g., pet carriers, kennels, gold fish carriers, etc.), rubbish receptacles (e.g., garbage cans, recycling bins, dumpsters, ashtrays, etc.), construction applications (e.g., concrete molds, casts, forms, equipment storage, tool boxes, etc.), manufacturing applications (e.g., hardware packaging for screws, nuts, bolts, etc.), toy applications (e.g., packaging for fast food meal toys or arcade claw machine prizes, etc.), the like, or combinations thereof.

(32) The embodiments described herein may be scalable to accommodate at least the aforementioned applications. Various components of embodiments described herein can be added, removed, modified, and/or duplicated as one skilled in the art would find convenient and/or necessary to implement a particular application in conjunction with the teachings of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, specialized features, characteristics, materials, components, and/or equipment may be applied in conjunction with the teachings of the present disclosure as one skilled in the art would find convenient and/or necessary to implement a particular application.

(33) Moreover, many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as can be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.