BEVERAGE CONTAINER LID HAVING AN ELONGATED OPENING, INCLUDING A FLEXIBLE PORTION, FOR LIQUIDS

Abstract

The present invention relates to lids for beverage containers, and more particularly to a lid including an elongated spout with an opening for dispensing the liquid. An elongated spout has an opening located at a distance from the lid, such that when drinking a liquid from the beverage container, the opening is located beyond the user's teeth such that contact by the liquid with the teeth, such as the front of the user's teeth, is reduced or eliminated. The elongated spout may be flexible, to allow a user to move and position it at different angles or depths within the mouth. The elongated spout may also be manufactured separate and distinct and then attached to a conventional lid, either through the top or the bottom, such that the elongated spout permits the liquid to flow from the beverage container through the opening in the lid and the elongated spout.

Claims

1. A lid for a beverage container comprising: a collar that allows the lid to be detachably affixed to the beverage container; a cover having a plane; an elongated spout having a base end and a distal end, the base end attached to the cover at the plane and the elongated spout being hollow to allow liquid to pass through it; and an opening at the distal of the elongated spout located at a distance from the plane of the cover; wherein the cover and the elongated spout are configured to direct liquid through the elongated spout and to the opening such that when a user takes a drink, the opening is placed in the mouth beyond the teeth of the of the user.

2. The lid for a beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the elongated spout included a bellows portion that is capable of being extended and retracted.

3. The lid for a beverage container according to claim 2, wherein the bellows portion is bendable.

4. The lid for a beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the elongated spout is substantially cylindrical.

5. The lid for a beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the lid is made of a biodegradable material,

6. The lid for a beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the elongated spout is located at a non-right angle to the plane of the cover.

7. The lid for a beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the elongated spout is curved.

8. The lid for a beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the elongated spout is tapered.

9. A insert for a lid for a beverage container comprising: a hollow elongated spout having a base end and a distal end, wherein the elongated spout is hollow to allow liquid to pass through it; an insert located at the base end of the elongated spout, the insert having at least one wing that engages with a cover of the lid when the elongated spout is inserted into an opening in the lid; and an opening at the distal of the elongated spout located at a distance from a plane of the cover; wherein the lid and the elongated spout are configured to direct liquid through the elongated spout and to the opening such that when a user takes a drink, the opening is placed in the mouth beyond the teeth of the of the user.

10. The insert for a lid for a beverage container according to claim 9, wherein the wing engages with a bottom portion of the cover to prevent liquid from leaving the container except through the opening in the elongated spout.

11. The insert for a lid for a beverage container according to claim 9, wherein the at least one wing is flexible.

12. The insert for a lid for a beverage container according to claim 10, wherein the at least one wing permits insertion of the insert through the opening in the lid from the top of the cover.

13. The insert for a lid for a beverage container according to claim 9, wherein the elongated spout included a bellows portion that is capable of being extended and retracted.

14. The insert for a lid for a beverage container according to claim 9, wherein the bellows portion is bendable.

15. The insert for a lid for a beverage container according to claim 9, wherein the elongated spout is substantially cylindrical.

16. The insert for a lid for a beverage container according to claim 9, wherein the lid is made of a biodegradable material.

17. The insert for a lid for a beverage container according to claim 9, wherein the elongated spout is arranged at anon-right angle to the plane of the cover.

18. The insert for a lid for a beverage container according to claim 9, wherein the elongated spout is curved.

19. The insert for a lid for a beverage container according to claim 9, wherein the elongated spout is tapered.

Description

BRIEF OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a beverage container lid on a cup according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front view of the beverage container lid on a cup according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the beverage container lid according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a top view of the beverage container lid according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a beverage container lid on a cup according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a front view of the beverage container lid on a cup according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 5;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a side view of the beverage container lid according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 5;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a side view of a beverage container lid on a cup according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a front view of the beverage container lid on a cup according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 8;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a side view of a beverage container lid on a cup according to another embodiment of the invention, where the bellows portion of the spout is fully extended;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a side view of a beverage container lid on a cup according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 10, where the bellows portion of the spout is partially extended;

[0025] FIG. 12 is a side view of a beverage container lid on a cup according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 10, where the bellows portion of the spout is completely collapsed;

[0026] FIG. 13 is a side view of a spout of a beverage container lid according to another embodiment of the invention, where the bellows portion of the spout is fully extended;

[0027] FIG. 14 is a side view of the spout of the beverage container lid according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 13, where the bellows portion of the spout is completely collapsed;

[0028] FIG. 15 is a side view of the spout of a beverage container lid according to another embodiment of the invention, where the bellows portion of the spout is fully extended;

[0029] FIG. 16 is a side view of the spout of a beverage container lid according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 15, where the bellows portion of the spout is completely collapsed;

[0030] FIG. 17 is a side view of a flexible spout insert for a beverage container lid according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0031] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the flexible spout insert and a beverage container lid according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 17;

[0032] FIG. 19 is a side view of the flexible spout insert for a beverage container lid according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 17, where the bellows portion of the spout is completely collapsed;

[0033] FIG. 20 is a side view of a flexible spout insert for a beverage container lid according to another embodiment of the invention; and

[0034] FIG. 21 is a side view of the flexible spout insert and a beverage container lid according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 20.

[0035] While the present disclosure will now be described in detail, and it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments, it is not limited by the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION INVENTION

[0036] Reference will be made in detail to certain aspects and exemplary embodiments of the application, illustrating examples in the accompanying structures and figures. The aspects of the application will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, including methods, materials and examples, such description is non-limiting and the scope of the application is intended to encompass all equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, either generally known, or incorporated here. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. One of skill in the art will recognize many techniques and materials similar or equivalent to those described here, which could be used in the practice of the aspects and embodiments of the present application. The described aspects and embodiments of the application are not limited to the methods and materials described.

[0037] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0038] Ranges may be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent about, it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as about that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value 10 is disclosed, then about 10 is also disclosed. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that less than or equal to the value, greater than or equal to the value and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value 10 is disclosed the less than or equal to 10 as well as greater than or equal to 10 is also disclosed.

[0039] As used throughout this application, the term may is of permitted meaning (i.e., possibly) but not compulsory meaning (i.e., essentially). Similarly, the terms comprising, including and consisting mean comprising but not limited to,

[0040] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate various views of a beverage container lid according to an embodiment of the invention. A beverage container 120 has a base 121 and a top 122. A lid 110 includes a collar 111 that allows the lid 110 to be detachably affixed to beverage container 120 at its top 122. The lid 110 further includes a cover 112 and an elongated spout 113. The cover 112 and the elongated spout 113 work to prevent spillage of the liquid inside the beverage container 120 while directing the liquid through the elongated spout 113 and to the opening 114. Opening 114 permits the liquid to leave the beverage container 120. Although the opening 114 is illustrated as comprising four smaller, separate openings, it is understood that any number of openings, including one opening, may be used.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the lid 110 includes a plane 130 at the top of the cover 112 opposite the container 120. The spout 113 is elongated such that the opening 114 is above and at a distance from the plane 130 of the cover 112 of the lid 110. This distance is sufficient such that when a user takes a drink, the opening 114 is placed in the mouth beyond the teeth of the user. This results in the liquid leaving the beverage container 110 through the opening 114 and entering the mouth beyond the teeth, thereby reducing or eliminating contact between the liquid and the teeth, and particularly between the liquid and the front of the teeth.

[0042] The lid 110 further includes a tapered portion 116 between the cover 112 and the elongated spout 113. In this embodiment of the invention, the tapered portion 116 provides for a smooth junction between the cover 112 and the spout 113 so that the user may place their lips and mouth on the lid 110 at the tapered portion 116. This may reduce any discomfort and provide an improved drinking experience.

[0043] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate various view of a beverage container lid according to another embodiment of the invention. Similar to the previous embodiment, a beverage container 220 has a base 221 and a top 222. A lid 210 includes a collar 211 that allows the lid 210 to be detachably affixed to a beverage container 220 at its top 222. The lid 210 further includes a cover 212 and an elongated spout 213. As with the previous embodiment, the cover 212 and the elongated spout 213 work to prevent spillage of the liquid inside the beverage container 220 while directing the liquid through the elongated spout 213 and to the opening 214. Opening 214 permits the liquid to leave the beverage container 220.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the lid 220 includes a plane 230 at the top of the cover 212 opposite the container 220. The spout 213 is elongated such that the opening 214 is at a distance from the plane 230 of the cover 212 of the lid 210. This distance is sufficient such that When a user takes a drink, the opening 214 is placed in the mouth beyond the teeth of the user. This results in the liquid leaving the beverage container 210 through the opening 214 and entering the mouth beyond the teeth, thereby reducing or eliminating contact between the liquid and the teeth, and particularly between the liquid and the front of the teeth.

[0045] In contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7 provides that the elongated spout 213 is substantially cylindrical in shape. Moreover, the elongated spout 213 connects to the cover 212 with substantially no tapering between the spout 213 and the cover 212. It should be understood that the elongated spout 213 may connect to the cover 212 at different angles, including at a right angle, to each other. In one embodiment of the invention, elongated spout 213 is in the shape of a straw that has been incorporated into the lid 210. Other shapes for the elongated spout 213 may also be used.

[0046] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a beverage container lid according to another embodiment of the invention. Similar to previous embodiments, a beverage container 320 has a base 321 and a top 322. A lid 310 includes a collar 311 that allows the lid 310 to be detachably affixed to a beverage container 320 at its top 322. The lid 310 further includes a cover 312 and an elongated spout 313. The elongated spout 313 includes a curved portion 317 such that the opening 314 is directed outward from the center of the lid 310. As with the previous embodiments, the cover 312 and the elongated spout 313 work to prevent spillage of the liquid inside the beverage container 320 while directing the liquid through the elongated spout 313 and to the opening 314. Opening 314 permits the liquid to leave the beverage container 320.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lid 320 includes a plane 330 at the top of the cover 312 opposite the container 320. The spout 313 is elongated such that the opening 314 is at a distance from the plane of the cover 312 of the lid 310. This distance is sufficient such that when a user takes a drink, the opening 314 is placed in the mouth beyond the teeth of the user. In addition, the curved portion 317 directing the opening outward from the lid 310 may also permit the opening 314 to be beyond the users teeth while still reducing or eliminating any discomfort. This results in the liquid leaving the beverage container 310 through the opening 314 and entering the mouth beyond the teeth, thereby reducing or eliminating contact between the liquid and the teeth, and particularly between the liquid and the front of the teeth.

[0048] FIG. 8 also provides tapered portion 316 where the spout 313 and cover 312 meet. However, it is understood that an elongated spout 313 with a curved portion 317 may be connected to the cover 312 without a tapered portion 316.

[0049] FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a beverage container lid according to another embodiment of the invention. Again similar to the previous embodiments, a beverage container 420 has a base (not shown) and a top 422. A lid 410 includes a collar 411 that allows the lid 410 to be detachably affixed to a beverage container 420 at its top 422. The lid 410 further includes a cover 412 and an elongated spout 413. The elongated spout 413 includes a bellows portion 418 and a mouth portion 419 located near the opening 414. As with the previous embodiment, the cover 412 and the elongated spout 413 work to prevent spillage of the liquid inside the beverage container 420 while directing the liquid through the elongated spout 413 and to the opening 414. Opening 414 permits the liquid to leave the beverage container 420.

[0050] In this embodiment, the bellows portion 418 is sufficiently flexible to enable the elongated spout 413 to extend, collapse and otherwise be moved by a user. According to an embodiment of the invention, bellows portion 418 may be made in a manner similar to that of a flexible straw, so as to allow the mouth portion 419 to be extended a distance away from the cover 412. The bellows portion 418 may be extended partially or fully, thereby allow a user to determine the length of the elongated spout 413 when in use. FIG. 10 illustrates where the bellows portion 418 of the spout 413 is fully extended. FIG. 11 illustrates where the bellows portion 418 of the spout 413 is partially extended. FIG. 12 illustrates where the bellows portion 418 of the spout 413 is completely collapsed.

[0051] The bellows portion 418 may also be moveable in other directions, such as to create a curved shape similar to that illustrated in FIG. 8. The bellows portion 418 may also be bent to one side or the other, thereby allowing the user to drink while placing the opening 414 of the spout 413 in one side of the mouth or the other. This may be useful for a user with issues on one side of the mouth, such as dental work or an injury. A user may manipulate the bellows portion 418 in any manner so as to create an enjoyable drinking experience while minimizing or avoiding a portion of the mouth or the teeth from coming into contact with the liquid.

[0052] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the spout 513 of a beverage container lid 510 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the elongated spout 518 is in a substantially cylindrical in shape. FIG. 13 illustrates where the bellows portion 518 is fully extended, such that the mouth portion 519 and the opening 514 are at their furthest position from the lid 510. FIG. 14 illustrates where the bellow portion 518 is fully retracted or collapsed, such that the mouth portion 519 and the opening 514 are at their closest position to the lid 510. The present application is further illustrated by the following examples that should not be construed as limiting. The contents of all references, patents, and published patent applications cited throughout this application, as well as the Figures and Tables, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the spout 513 of a beverage container lid 510 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the elongated spout 518 is in a substantially cylindrical in shape. FIG. 13 illustrates where the bellows portion 518 is fully extended, such that the mouth portion 519 and the opening 514 are at their furthest position from the lid 510. FIG. 14 illustrates the bellow portion 518 fully retracted or collapsed, such that the mouth portion 519 and the opening 514 are at their closest position to plane 530 of the lid 510.

[0054] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a spout 613 of a beverage container lid 610 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the elongated spout 618 is in a substantially conical in shape. FIG. 15 illustrates where the bellows portion 618 is fully extended, such that the mouth portion 619 and the opening 614 are at their furthest position from the lid 610. FIG. 16 illustrates where the bellow portion 618 is fully retracted or collapsed, such that the mouth portion 619 and the opening 614 are at their closest position to plane 630 of the lid 610. Other shapes and configurations of the elongated spout may also be used.

[0055] FIGS. 17-19 illustrate a flexible spout insert for a beverage container lid according to another embodiment of the invention. The insert 740 includes a bellows portion 718 having an opening 714 at one end and a base portion 746 having another opening 742. Opening 714 and opening 742 are connected so as to allow a liquid to enter opening 742 and travel through and out opening 714. Wings 744 are connected to the base portion 746.

[0056] The lid 710 has a lid bottom 715, with a well 717. The insert 740 is inserted from the lid bottom 715 such that the bellows portion 718 inserts into and through the opening of the lid (not shown) toward the top portion of the lid 710. The wings 744 are wedged into the well 717 to secure the insert 740 such that bellows portion 718 stays above the lid 710 and through the opening of the lid 710, thereby allowing the user to drink the liquid through the insert 740. The insert 740 may be secured mechanically to lid 710, such as by friction. In another embodiment of the invention, the insert 740 may be secured to lid 710 through an adhesive, heat welding or other manners of securing.

[0057] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate another flexible spout insert for a beverage container lid according to another embodiment of the invention. Insert 840 includes a bellows portion 818 having an opening 814. Insert 840 also includes a base portion 848 having another opening 842. As shown in FIG. 21, insert 840 is inserted into lid 810 through opening 825 of cover 812. The beverage container 820 has a base 821 and a top 822, where the lid 810 is attached to the beverage container 820 at the top 822. Opening 842 is connected to opening 814 such that a liquid from the beverage container 820 entering opening 842 moves through insert 840 and out of opening 814.

[0058] The insert 840 further includes wing portions 849 attached to the end of the base portion 848 at the opening 842. According to an embodiment of the invention, wing portions 849 are pivotally connected to base portion 848 such that the wing portions 849 may move between a position substantially parallel to the walls of base portion 848 and a position substantially perpendicular to the walls of base portion 848. According to an embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the wing portions 849 may be pulled back such that they are substantially parallel to and in close proximity to the walls of base portion 848. The base portion 848 and wing portions 849 are then inserted through the opening of a lid (not shown). When the wing portions 849 are inserted past the cover 812 and released, they may then move back to a position that is perpendicular to the base portion 848. The wing portions 849 may then engage with the lid to prevent the insert 840 from being removed from the lid. According to another embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the wing portions 849 may be pushed such that they are substantially parallel with the walls of base portion 848, but are away from base portion 848. The wing portions 849 may be inserted into opening 825 of lid 810. When the wing portions 848 are released, they may return to a position that is perpendicular to the base portion 848. The wing portions 849 may engage with cover 812 to prevent the insert 840 from being removed from the lid 810. The wing portions 849 of FIGS. 20 and 21 may engage with lid 840 to prevent spillage from around the insert 840.

[0059] A lid of the present invention may provide an opening to allow liquid to pour to the middle of the mouth, behind the teeth and to the middle of the tongue, therefore bypassing the front enamels of the teeth. According to an embodiment of the invention, the lids may be stackable or collapsible (like a flexible straw) to reduce the space taken up while on a merchant's shelf.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an extendable spout with the opening through which the liquid, such as coffee, slips inside the mouth may work the same as a flexible straw that can be bent and moved around the mouth for the most comfortable drinking experience. The opening may be small enough that it will not allow the liquid to suddenly pour down in the mouth. This may be desirable for hot liquids, such as coffee or tea, to avoid burning the roof of the mouth or the tongue.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the invention, the elongated spout may be designed to be used with the current existing cups in the market such as Solo, Ecotainer (International Paper) and Dixie. In one embodiment, an elongated spout may be manufactured as an integrated part of such a lid. In another embodiment of the invention, an elongated spout may be manufactured separately, and then affixed to a conventional lid, such as mechanically, through an adhesive, through heat bonding, or similar manner.

[0062] Lids of the present invention may be made for any size beverage container. By way of example, lids of the present invention may be made for 8, 12, 16 and 20 oz. coffee cups or any other conventional size cup. Depending on what coffee cup is used, the size of the rim may stay the same. According to an embodiment of the invention, the coffee cups may have the exact same lid size regardless of the height and size of the cup. By way of example, the dimensions for Starbucks cups are currently: 8 oz.90*80*53 mm (top*bottom*height); 12 oz.103*85*75 mm (top*bottom*height); and 16 oz.105*85*75 mm (top*bottom*height). Thus, lids of the present invention could be manufactured to fit these cups. Lids of the present invention may be manufactured to other sizes, so as to fit other size cups.

[0063] Lids of the present invention may be made of a variety of material. In one example, lids may be made from the same types of plastic that conventional lids are made of, such as plastic #6 (polystyrene) or the like,

[0064] Lids of the present invention may also be made from biodegradable products. By way of example, corn and sugarcane based disposables may be used in place of traditional petroleum based products. Other materials, such as paper-based products may also be used. Alternatively, multiple materials may be used together to create lids according to embodiments of the invention.

[0065] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that such disclosures have been presented by way of example only and are not limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the subject compositions and methods should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents,

[0066] The above description is for the purpose of teaching the person of ordinary skill in the art how to practice the present invention, and it is not intended to detail all those obvious modifications and variations of it which will become apparent to the skilled worker upon reading the description. It is intended, however, that all such obvious modifications and variations be included within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the following claims. The claims are intended to cover the components and steps in any sequence which is effective to meet the objectives there intended, unless the context specifically indicates the contrary.

[0067] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are for clarity described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately and/or in any suitable sub-combination.