Anti-spill Disposable Drink through Cup Lid

Abstract

This invention relates to anti-spill disposable and reusable drink-through lids for hot and cold disposable and reusable beverage cups. The present invention is directed to drink-through lids which may be placed over and attached to disposable and reusable beverage cups and which provides a drink-through opening near the perimeter of the lid's top surface for easy drinking. The drink-though lid can accommodate a consumer's lips or a beverage disposable or reusable straw. When used with a straw, the lid and straw combination creates a spill-proof seal.

Claims

1. A straw-and-lid combination comprising: a straw having a first diameter; and a round lid having a raised top having a full circular circumference, an outer wall extending down from the full circular circumference of the raised top and having a wall height, an oval opening in the raised top located adjacent to the full circular circumference, the oval opening having an oval width and an oval length, the raised top having a flat surface extending from directly adjacent the oval opening, around the round lid adjacent to the full circular circumference, and back to the oval opening, an unperforated frustoconical structure extending downward from the oval opening in the raised top to a circular opening in the frustoconical structure, the circular opening having a second diameter that is smaller than or equal to the first diameter of the straw, the frustoconical structure having a side wall that transitions from an oval curvature at the oval opening to a spheroid curvature portion adjacent the circular opening and is configured to guide the straw into the circular opening when the round straw is inserted into the oval opening.

2. The straw-and-lid combination of claim 1 wherein the side wall has a first slope along a bisecting length of the unperforated frustoconical structure, the side wall has a second slope along a bisecting width of the unperforated frustoconical structure, the first slope is less than half the second slope, and the first slope is more than a third the second slope.

3. The straw-and-lid combination of claim 1 wherein the wall height is one half the oval length.

4. The straw-and-lid combination of claim 1 wherein the second diameter of the circular opening is less than one half the oval width.

5. The straw-and-lid combination of claim 1 wherein the unperforated frustoconical structure extends downward from the oval opening a first length, and the first length is within 15% of the second diameter.

6. The straw-and-lid combination of claim 1 wherein the round lid has a total height, and the total height is less than the oval length.

7. The straw-and-lid combination of claim 6 wherein the total height is more than the oval width.

8. The straw-and-lid combination of claim 1 wherein the spheroid curvature portion has a radius of curvature, and the radius of curvature is a quarter the second diameter.

9. The straw-and-lid combination of claim 1 wherein the unperforated frustoconical structure extends downward from the oval opening a first length, the spheroid curvature portion has a radius of curvature, and the radius of curvature is a fifth of the first length.

10. The straw-and-lid combination of claim 1 wherein the flat surface extending around the round lid has a minimum width equal to the second diameter.

11. The straw-and-lid combination of claim 1 wherein the flat surface extending around the round lid has a minimum width less than one half the oval width.

12. The straw-and-lid combination of claim 1 wherein the raised top has a circular edge about the full circular circumference, and the circular edge forms a geometric circle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d illustrate the anti-spill disposable drink-through cup lid CAD drawing. FIG. 1a is a top view, FIG. 1b is a side view, FIG. 1c is a cross-section view taken along line 1c-1c of FIG. 1a, and FIG. 1d is a perspective view.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-section of the anti-spill disposable drink-through cup lid and a disposable beverage cup. This drawing does not include a straw.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic cross-section of the anti-spill disposable drink-through cup lid and a disposable beverage cup. This drawing does include a straw.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the anti-spill disposable drink-through cup lid. This drawing does not include a straw.

[0034] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate, respectively, a top view and a detailed side view of the integrated spout.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic cross-section of the anti-spill disposable drink-through cup dome lid and a disposable beverage cup. This drawing does include a straw. This configuration is typically used for a cold beverage.

[0036] FIG. 7 is cropped view of FIG. 1 highlighting various features of the conical spout.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional rendering of a sectional view of the conical spout shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 shows an annotated version of FIG. 1D with additional measurements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The present invention relates to an anti-spill disposable drink-through lid for hot and cold beverages. The anti-spill disposable drink-though lid 2, as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d includes an integrated and fixed spout 4 that consumers can use to drink hot or cold beverages. The integrated spout 4 includes (i) a spout opening 6 (preferably oval-shaped, 0.63 inches on the short axis, 1.07 inches on the long axis, as shown in FIG. 1a), (ii) an unperforated inverted conical structure 8 (preferably extending from the opening 6 to the hole 10 at a depth of 0.3 inches of a total lid height of 0.8 inches, as shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d) and (iii) an opening 10 (preferably round with a diameter of 0.266 inches, as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1c) at the bottom of the inverted conical structure 8. The conical structure 8 may also be called a frustoconical structure. This integrated spout 4 enables the consumer to use the integrated spout with or without a straw. The oval spout opening 6 is designed to comfortably fit consumer lips. The spout opening 6 can be configured in many shapes (round, oval, etc.). The oval spout opening 6 is located in a raised top 100 of the drink lid with an outer circumference 102 that fully extends around the drink lid 2. An outer wall 104 extends down from the outer circumference 102 and has a height of at least 0.3 inches. The raised top 100 also has a flat surface 106 that extends from directly adjacent a side of the oval spout opening 6, around the lid 2, and back to an opposite side of the oval spout opening 2. The inverted conical structure 8 has an oval portion 108 and a spheroid portion 110 extending down to a continuous circular edge 112. The spheroid portion 110 has a radius of curvature of 0.063 inches. The inverted conical structure 8 is a frustoconical structure in that it has the shape of a frustum of a cone, i.e. a cone with a portion of the pointed end cut off. The flat surface 106 is bound by a circular outer edge 138. The outer edge 138 forms a geometric circle in that it forms a circle that can be contained within a single geometric plane.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-section of the anti-spill disposable drink-through cup lid 2 and a disposable beverage cup 20. This drawing does not include a straw. FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic cross-section of the anti-spill disposable drink-through cup lid 2 and a disposable beverage cup 20. This drawing does include a straw 30. Since the spout opening 6 is larger than the opening 10 at the bottom of inverted conical structure 8, the spout opening 6 provides the beverage server or consumer with a generous guide for the straw insertion. The opening 10 is preferably round in shape.

[0040] The opening 10 diameter is preferably the exact same size or slightly smaller than the drinking straw 30 diameter depending on the lid and straw materials, composition and other factors. This opening 10 and straw 30 relationship is important. It is this relationship between the opening 10 and the straw 30 which creates a snug and anti-spill seal. The fit between the opening 10 and the straw 30 is like a hand and glove. Once the straw 30 is placed within the spout opening 6, the beverage server or consumer simply pushes the straw down the inverted conical structure 8 and through the opening 10 at the bottom of the inverted conical structure 8. Unlike other inventions, this invention's straw insertion process can easily be done with just one hand. Beverage servers and consumers appreciate the simple, quick, convenient and efficient straw insertion process. In addition, the risk of damaging the straw 30 or the integrated spout 4 during the process is minimal. Although straws with smaller diameters than the opening 10 diameter are possible, the ability to eliminate spills is compromised if smaller diameter straws are used. Smaller straws are unable to create a snug seal.

[0041] If the consumer requires cream, sugar or other condiment for the beverage, the lid 2 can easily be removed allowing the consumer to add the condiments. As with many lids, the lid 2 can be easily replaced once the condiments have been added. If the consumer is using a straw 30, it is important to highlight that the straw and lid remain together during the removal and replacement processes. It is the hand and glove fit which keeps the two items united.

[0042] It is a primary objective of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and provide a spout 4 that dramatically reduces lid spillage. This is accomplished by adding the inverted conical structure 8 to the integrated spout 4. The inverted conical structure 8 extends from the top of the integrated spout 4 downward and into the integrated spout 4. Although consumers can enjoy beverages without straws, the open cone 8 easily allows beverage servers or consumers to guide a straw 30 through the top of the integrated spout 4, through the spout opening 6, down into the inverted conical structure 8 and through the opening 10 at the bottom of the inverted conical structure 8. It is important to note that the opening 10 is designed to be the exact same size or slightly smaller than the diameter of the straw 30 so that when the straw 30 is inserted, the opening 10 and the straw 30 create a snug and leak-proof seal. The advantages of this design include a dramatic reduction and even elimination of beverage spillage.

[0043] The present invention is a vast improvement to Freek's disclosure (U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,633) of two flaps and Crudgington's disclosure (U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,393 B2) which calls for four flaps served to stabilize and partially seal the inserted drinking straw within drink-through opening regardless of the diameter of the drinking straw being used. As written in Crudgington's description, the four flaps do not create a leak-proof seal. The partial seal is compromised and prone to spillage and drips. In addition, when Crudgington's four flaps are exposed to hot beverages, the four flaps become weak and compromised leaving a less-than-stabilized straw. Regardless of the number of flaps (two or four), the partial seals allow spillage and leaks. Even if the present invention is used without a straw, the conical opening and inverted conical structure obstruct the beverage from traveling up through the conical opening and the inverted conical structure and out onto the lid, the surrounding environment or the beverage server and consumer.

[0044] The disposable drink-through lid according to the present invention may be configured so that the lid extends upward (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) the volume of the cup it covers. This is desirable when beverages are served with whipped cream, foam and other toppings.

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the anti-spill disposable drink-through cup lid. This drawing does not include a straw. A small vent hole 22 can be positioned on the lid surface directly across from the conical structure 8. This small vent hole 22 can be similar in structure to the inverted conical structure 8 but at a much smaller scale, or a standard vent hole commonly known in the art. This design limits any spillage from the vent hole 22.

[0046] The stacking capability of the drink-through lids 2 of the present invention is very important. The space-saving nesting feature is a beverage industry requirement due to the large quantities of lids fast food restaurants, coffee houses and other like establishments must stock. In addition, this same space-saving nesting feature is appreciated at the point of use as beverage servers typically work in small and congested areas. The nesting quality reduces the cost of shipping from the drink-through lid manufacturer to the restaurant, coffee house or other establishment.

[0047] Configuration options of the present invention include removable tabs that can easily be removed by the beverage vendor or consumer using fingers for the spout opening tab or a straw for the conical opening tab. While the spout opening tab can be disposed of, the conical opening tab is designed to allow the straw to penetrate the conical opening and form a snug seal, the conical opening tab remains attached to the inverted conical structure so that the tab is not accidentally swallowed by the consumer. Although optional, most beverage vendors will not order straws with protective paper wrappers since the beverage server will likely insert the straw into the drink-though lid in a controlled and sanitary beverage pouring environment. Having the beverage server insert the straw makes the invention's drink-through lid virtually leak proof. This straw wrapper elimination decreases the overall straw costs and is a more environmentally aware product.

[0048] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate, respectively, a top view and a detailed side view of the integrated spout 4, showing the conical structure 8 and the opening 10. Unlike drink-though lids offered today, this invention provides spillage and leakage protection at the time the drink-though lid 2 is engaged with the cup 20. The drink-though lids provide a new level of protection from spillage and leakage. If a straw 30 is combined with the drink-though lid 2, the risk of spillage and leakage is eliminated. For greater protection, a straw 30 can be inserted for a virtually leak-proof drink-through lid 2. This can reduce legal exposure for the beverage vendor and provide a safer environment for the beverage server and the consumer.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1c and 1d, the drink-though lid configuration can include an elevated rim 40 surrounding a depression 44 around at least a portion of the surface of the lid 2 to contain any spillage. As shown in FIGS. 1c and 1d, the depression 44 may be angled to one side of the lid 2. The drink-though lid 2 can include beverage punches (embossments) that can identify the kind of beverage (coffee, decaffeinated, cream, etc.). The drink-though lid and straw can include advertisements or other content.

[0050] The present invention can also be incorporated into a dome drink-through lid, as shown in FIG. 6, where the cup 20 has a dome lid 50 having a vent hole 22, the conical structure 8, with the straw 30 extending through the opening 10. Unlike the current dome lid configurations, this invention provides significant advantages including a fully sealed beverage. Current dome lids include a large opening on the top of the lid which allows whipped cream, beverage toppings and liquid to spill and create a mess on the exterior of the dome lid, the beverage server hands, the consumer hands and the surrounding area. The invention can also be incorporated into a flat dink-through lid. Unlike current flat drink lids, the invention can include a short inverted conical structure with a conical opening. As with the other embodiments, the key to the design is the snug fit between the conical opening and the straw. It is this hand and glove fit which eliminates beverage spillage.

[0051] The present invention thus relates to anti-spill disposable drink-through lids. The invention can be used for hot and cold beverages and their related disposable cups. The present invention also relates to a drink-through lid which may be placed over and attached to a disposable beverage cup 20 and which provides a drink-through opening near the perimeter 60 (FIG. 4) of the lid's top surface 62 for easy drinking the drink-though lid 2 thus accommodates a consumer's lips or a beverage straw. The anti-spill disposable drink-though lid 2 includes an integrated and fixed spout 4 that consumers can use to drink hot or cold beverages. The integrated spout 4 includes a spout opening 6, an inverted conical structure 8 and an opening 10 at the bottom of the inverted conical structure 8. The opening 10 is preferably round in shape. This integrated spout 4 enables the consumer to use the integrated spout with or without a straw. The spout opening 6 is designed to comfortably fit consumer lips. The spout opening 6 can be configured in many shapes (round, oval, etc.). Since the spout opening 6 is larger than the opening 10 at the bottom of inverted conical structure 8, the spout opening 6 provides the beverage server or consumer with a generous guide for the straw insertion.

[0052] The opening 10 diameter is the exact same size or slightly smaller than the drinking straw 30 diameter depending on the lid and straw materials, composition and other factors. This conical opening 10 and straw 30 relationship is important. It is this relationship between the opening and the straw which creates a snug and anti-spill seal. The fit between the opening and the straw is like a hand and glove. Straws with smaller diameters than the opening 10 diameter are possible, but the ability to eliminate spills may be compromised if smaller diameter straws are used. Once the straw 30 is placed within the spout 4 opening 6, the beverage server or consumer simply pushes the straw down the inverted conical structure and through the conical opening at the bottom of the inverted conical structure. Unlike other inventions, this invention's straw insertion process can easily be done with just one hand. A small vent hole 22 can be positioned on the lid surface directly across from the conical structure 8.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the conical structure 8 has a sidewall with an oval portion 108 that transitions to a toroidal portion 110 that extends to the continuous circular edge 112. The oval portion 108 extends from the oval spout opening 6 to the toroidal portion. In the illustrated example, the oval spout opening has a length 118 of 1.07 inches and a width 120 of 0.63 inches, such that the length 118 is about two thirds larger than the width 120. The opening 10 has a first diameter 122 that is 0.266 inches and the toroidal portion has a toroidally curved surface with a radius of curvature of 0.063 inches such that the total diameter of the toroidal portion 110 is 0.392 inches, or 50% larger than the first diameter 122 of the opening, 40% smaller than the width 120, or 60% smaller than the length 118. The opening with a first diameter 122 is structured to receive a straw (not shown) having a second diameter that is less than or equal to the first diameter 122.

[0054] FIG. 8 show a three-dimensional view of a sectional view of conical structure 8 shown in FIG. 7. The oval portion 108 extends down to a toroidal portion 110 with a radius 124 of curvature. The continuous circular edge 112 extends fully around the opening and does not include any perforations or grooves configured to allow a portion of the conical structure to deflect away from a straw when inserted into the opening 10. The length 118 in the illustrated example of FIG. 8 is 1.07, the diameter 122 is 0.266, and the radius of curvature is 0.063 inches such that the run 117 of the oval portion 108 is 0.34 inches ((1.07/2-0.266/2-0.063). The radius of curvature is about a fifth the total height 119 of the conical structure 8. The radius of curvature is about a quarter the diameter 122. The total height 119 of the conical structure 8 is 0.300 inches, and the radius 124 of curvature is 0.063 such that the rise 121 of the oval portion 108 is 0.237 inches. The total height 119 of the conical structure 8 is within 15% of the diameter 122. (0.266 inches vs. 0.300 inches). With a rise 121 of 0.237 inches and a run 117 of 0.34 inches, the slope 123 of the oval portion is at least 35 degrees. Along the bisecting width 120 of the oval opening (the width line that bisects the oval opening), the slope of the oval portion 108 is approximately 90 degrees (almost vertical) while along the bisecting length 118 of the oval opening the slope of the oval is 35 degrees. In the illustrated example, the minimum slope of the oval portion 108 is less than half, but more than a third, the maximum slope of the oval portion 108. That is, the 35 degrees at a minimum is less than half 90 degrees, but more than a third of 90 degrees.

[0055] FIG. 9 shows an annotated version of FIG. 1D with additional measurements. The raised top 100 has a diameter 130 of 2.74 inches such that the diameter 130 of the raised top is approximately 80% of the total diameter of the lid (3.688 inches). The flat surface 106 of the raised top 100 has a minimum width 132 that is approximately equal to diameter 10 of the opening (0.266 inches). The minimum width 132 is less than one half the width 120 of the oval. The outer wall 104 has a height 134 of 0.45 inches, or at least 0.30 inches. In the illustrated example, the height 134 of the outer wall 104 is less than half the length 118 of the conical structure 8, larger than the diameter 122 of the opening 10, and a tenth the length of the total diameter of the lid.

[0056] The oval spout opening 6 is located in a raised top 100 of the drink lid with an outer circumference 102 that fully extends around the drink lid 2. An outer wall 104 extends down from the outer circumference 102 and has a height of at least 0.3 inches. The raised top 100 also has a flat surface 106 that extends from directly adjacent a side of the oval spout opening 6, around the lid 2, and back to an opposite side of the oval spout opening 2. The inverted conical structure 8 has an oval portion 108 and a spheroid portion 110 extending down to a continuous circular edge 112. The spheroid portion 110 has a radius of curvature of 0.063 inches.

[0057] In one embodiment, the height 134 of the outer wall is one half the length 118 of the oval spout opening. In another embodiment the first diameter 122 is less than half the width 120 of the oval opening, and a quarter the length 118 of the oval opening. The width 120 of the oval opening is about half the length 118 of the oval opening. The first diameter 122 is approximately equal to the height 134 of the outer wall. The total height 119 of the conical structure 8 is roughly equal to the first diameter 122. The height 119 is within 15% of the first diameter 122. The total height 119 of the conical structure 8 is half the width of the oval opening, and more than a quarter of the length 118 of the oval opening. The total height 136 of the lid is less than the length 118 of the oval opening, but more than the width 120 of the oval opening. The length 118 of the oval opening is more than one third the diameter 130 of the raised top, and less than one half the diameter 130 of the raised top.

[0058] The disposable drink-through lid may be configured so that the lid extends the volume of the cup it covers. This is desirable when beverages are served with whipped cream, foam and other toppings. The invention can easily be removed from the cup allowing the consumer to add condiments (cream, sugar, cinnamon, etc.). The lid can be easily replaced once the condiments have been added. The invention can also be manufactured to function with a dome drink-through lid 50 and/or a flat drink-through lid. The space-saving nesting feature is a beverage industry requirement due to the large quantities of lids fast food restaurants, coffee houses and other like establishments must stock. The space-saving nesting feature is appreciated at the point of use as beverage servers typically work in small and congested areas. The nesting quality reduces the cost of shipping from the drink-through lid manufacturer to the restaurant, coffee house or other establishment.

[0059] The use of terms such as first diameter and second diameter in this application does not specify a relationship between the two elements instead is instead used to designate two elements. The designators may be flipped, or otherwise changed, without changing the meaning of the terms.

[0060] The drink-though lid and straw can include advertisements or other content. The invention is an economical design which can be produced on a mass basis and which permits drinking of the beverage through the lid while eliminating or effectively limiting the amount of beverage spillage in the event the beverage cup is upset, jostled or otherwise moved.