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: a center portion defining a sidewall; a bottom portion; a top portion defining an opening; and an integrated lid section extending from the top portion and separated from the top portion by a fold line, the integrated lid section configured to fold along the fold line to form a lid substantially covering the opening, wherein the lid defines a concave curvature.
2. The cup of claim 1, wherein the integrated lid section, in response to folding along the respective fold line to form a lid, forms a first distinct lid section, a second distinct lid section, and a third distinct lid section.
3. The cup of claim 2, wherein one or more fold lines are formed between the first distinct lid section and the third distinct lid section, and between the second distinct lid section and the third distinct lid section.
4. The cup of claim 2, further comprising a spout defined between the first distinct lid section and the second distinct lid section, wherein a position of the spout is elevated relative to a remainder of the lid when the cup is disposed on a horizontal surface.
5. The cup of claim 4, wherein the sidewall extends between a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the sidewall is attached to the second end of the sidewall along a seam.
6. The cup of claim 5, wherein the bottom portion is 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.
7. The cup of claim 2, wherein the first distinct lid section comprises a tab extending from the first distinct lid section, wherein the second distinct lid section comprises a slot defined in the second distinct lid section, wherein in response to the integrated lid section folding along the fold line to form the lid, the tab is received within the slot.
8. The cup of claim 7, wherein responsive to the cup being squeezed, the tab is driven into the slot.
9. The cup of claim 7, wherein the tab and the slot are positioned along the concave curvature.
10. The cup of claim 1, further comprising an insulative sidewall, the insulative sidewall surrounding at least a portion of the center portion defining the sidewall.
11. The cup of claim 10, wherein the insulative sidewall comprises a surface that is more hydrophobic than a material forming the body.
12. The cup of claim 11, wherein the surface that is more hydrophobic than the material forming the body comprises a surface printed with a hydrophobic ink.
13. A cup with an integrated folding lid, comprising: a body comprising: a center portion defining a sidewall; a bottom portion; a top portion defining an opening; and an integrated lid section extending from the top portion and separated from the top portion by a fold line, wherein the integrated lid section configured to fold along the fold line to form a plurality of distinct lid sections, wherein at least two distinct lid sections interlock to hold the plurality of distinct lid sections in a closed lid configuration.
14. The cup of claim 13, wherein a spout is defined through the closed lid, and wherein the spout is positioned at a greater height than a remainder of the lid when the cup is positioned on a horizontal surface.
15. The cup of claim 14, wherein the closed lid configuration defines a concave curvature.
16. The cup of claim 15, wherein the at least two distinct lid sections include a tab on a first of the at least two distinct lid sections, and a slot on a second of the at least two distinct lid sections, wherein the tab engages the slot in the closed lid configuration.
17. A cup with an integrated folding lid, comprising: a body comprising: a center portion defining a sidewall; a bottom portion; a top portion defining an opening; an integrated lid section extending from the top portion and separated from the top portion by a fold line, the integrated lid section configured to fold along the fold line to form a lid substantially covering the opening; and an insulative sidewall, the insulative sidewall surrounding at least a portion of the center portion defining the sidewall.
18. The cup of claim 17, wherein the insulative sidewall comprises a surface that is more hydrophobic than a material forming the body.
19. The cup of claim 18, wherein the surface that is more hydrophobic than the material forming the body comprises a surface printed to with a hydrophobic ink.
20. The cup of claim 19, wherein the lid defines a concave curvature.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] 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:
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an example perspective view, according to some embodiments;
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an example front elevation view, according to some embodiments;
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates an example rear elevation view, according to some embodiments;
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates an example right side elevation view, according to some embodiments;
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates an example left side elevation view, according to some embodiments;
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates an example top-down plane view, according to some embodiments;
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates an example bottom-up plane view, according to some embodiments;
[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a partially-folded plurality of integrated lid sections, according to some embodiments;
[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a partially-folded plurality of integrated lid sections, according to some embodiments;
[0046] FIG. 10 illustrates a fully-folded plurality of integrated lid sections, according to some embodiments;
[0047] FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D illustrate an example folding procedure, according to some embodiments;
[0048] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a cup with an integrated folding lid in an unfolded, open position according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0049] FIG. 13 illustrates the cup with the integrated lid of FIG. 12 with the lid in the closed, folded configuration according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0050] FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the cup of FIG. 13 with the integrated lid section folded, but the tab not yet received in the slot according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0051] FIG. 15 illustrates a top view the cup with the integrated folding lid of FIG. 13 in the closed, folded configuration according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0052] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view the cup with the integrated folding lid of FIG. 13 in the closed, folded configuration according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0053] FIG. 17 illustrates a cup with an integrated folding lid and an insulative sidewall according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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).
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] FIG. 12 illustrates another example embodiment of a cup 1200 with an integrated folding lid. As shown, the cup 1200 includes a body formed of a sidewall 1210 and bottom (not shown), while the integrated folding lid is formed by integrated lid section 1202. The integrated lid section 1202 of the illustrated embodiment includes a tab 1206 and a slot 1204 to receive the tab when the integrated lid section is in the folded configuration, and secure the folded lid in a folded, closed position. As shown in FIG. 12, the integrated lid section is unitary extending around a substantial portion of a circumference of a top edge 1211 of the sidewall 1210. The integrated lid section 1202 does not extend across a break in the lid section that forms a spout 1212 when the integrated lid section is in the folded, closed position.
[0073] The integrated lid section 1202, to form the folded, closed lid, folds in upon itself at fold lines, whereby individual lid sections of the continuous, integrated lid section 1202 are formed. This continuous integrated lid section 1202 that extends around the top edge 1211 of the sidewall 1210 along all portions other than where the spout 1212 is formed provides a more spill-resistant lid for the cup, improving consumer satisfaction and reducing unwanted spills from the cup, such as when a cup is being carried by hand or secured in a cup holder and exposed to significant movement.
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the spout 1212 area includes a raised portion of the top edge 1211 that extends above the majority of the remaining portion of the top edge. This feature aids in conveying fluids from an internal cavity of the cup to a user's mouth while reducing the likelihood of drips from the spout after a user has consumed contents of the cup.
[0075] FIG. 13 illustrates the cup 1200 of FIG. 12 with the integrated lid section 1202 in the folded, closed configuration. As shown, the integrated lid section 1202 forms a first distinct lid section 1202A and a second distinct lid section 1202B by virtue of folds along the integrated lid section 1202. Also shown and only partially visible is a third distinct lid section 1202C. FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the cup with the integrated lid section 1202 folded, but the tab 1206 not yet received in the slot (generally not visible behind the tab in FIG. 14). The illustrated embodiment of the tab 1206 includes a slit 1207 in the tab. This slit 1207 is positioned at a base of the tab 1206 and functions to secure the lid in a closed position as described further below.
[0076] FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of the cup 1200 with the integrated lid section folded to form the three distinct lid sections. As shown, the third distinct lid section 1202C top edges shown as heavy, dashed lines 1203 fold in such a way along fold lines 1205 shown as lighter, dotted lines such that the inner cavity of the cup securely holds fluid and does not allow fluid to spill from a back side of the cup, opposite the spout 1212. This folding method provides a spill-resistant cavity that is desirable in a portable beverage cup.
[0077] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the cup 1200 with the integrated lid section in the folded, closed position such that in profile the top edge 1211 of the sidewall 1210 is visible. As shown, the top of the cup 1200 defines a curved profile, with the spout 1212 rising above substantially the remainder of the folded lid. This profile is defined by the top edge 1211 of the sidewall 1210 along which the integrated lid section 1202 is folded to form the lid. This configuration provides a more accessible drinking spout 1212. The specific profile defined by the top edge 1211 of the sidewall 1210 allows a user to place their mouth at the spout 1212 of the cup 1200 and tilt the cup up without the top of the cup interfering with a nose or facial hair, for example. Further, the spout 1212 of the illustrated embodiments serves to funnel the contents of the cup to the spout 1212 as the cup is tilted toward the mouth of a user.
[0078] While the illustrated profile of the concave top curvature defined by the top edge 1211 of the sidewall 1210 provides enhancements to use and user convenience and satisfaction, the configuration further provides for a more secure and robust closure of the integrated lid section 1202 in the folded, closed position. Referring back to FIG. 13, the tab 1206 engages the slot 1204 along the concave curvature of the closed lid. This benefits the closure in several ways. The concavity holds the engagement between the tab 1206 and the slot 1204. As the lid is not merely flat, the concavity induces a force upon the engaged members that resists opening. To open the lid, the first distinct lid section 1202A and the second distinct lid section 1202B would have to move from their concave positions, passing through a flat position, to a convex position that is formed when the lid is fully opened as shown in FIG. 12. The concavity of the top surface profile thus holds engagement between the tab 1206 and the slot 1204, resisting unwanted opening.
[0079] The concave curvature of the top defined by the top edge 1211 also resists unwanted disengagement between the tab 1206 and the slot 1204. Conventional containers having folded lids that are of a flexible material will tend to force open a folded lid when the container is squeezed along the sidewalls. This is generally because the flat lid bows upwardly responsive to the cavity becoming smaller through squeezing of the sidewalls. However, according to the illustrated embodiment, as the sidewall 1210 is squeezed, such as by a hand grasping the cup 1200, the first distinct lid section 1202A and the second distinct lid section 1202B will respond to the squeezing by bowing inwardly to become somewhat more concave, thereby driving the tab 1206 further into the slot 1204, further strengthening the closure of the lid. This interaction between the tab 1206 and the slot 1204 occurs regardless of the direction of squeeze placed upon the sidewall 1210 as the concavity of the lid responds to any such squeezing by concaving further inwardly, benefiting the closure of the integrated lid section 1202. Embodiments including the slit 1207 shown in FIX. X additionally benefit from the slit further securing the lid. As the tab 1206 is driven into the slot 1204, the slit 1207 permits engagement with an edge of the slot. This engagement precludes the tab 1206 from disengaging with the slot 1204. This benefit is significant over prior art embodiments of folding-lid containers and provides a distinct advantage in the functionality and utility of the embodiments described herein.
[0080] While the spout 1212 of the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 12-17 are generally configured for sipping directly therefrom, other shapes of spouts are provided herein for different functional uses. For example, a straw-specific embodiment can include a substantially circular spout opening, or a boba tea embodiment may have a larger orifice to facilitate larger straws that generally accompany boba tea beverages. Further, a spout can be sized and shaped to accommodate a straw or sipping directly from the spout to be used with a wide array of beverages. A larger opening may be more appropriate for smoothies or thicker beverages, while smaller spouts may be more appropriate for hot beverages, such as coffees and teas. The spouts described herein can be employed using the general structure described above with respect to FIGS. 12-17.
[0081] Embodiments described herein can further employ an additional layer added to the sidewall to provide an insulative body of the cup. FIG. 17 illustrates such an embodiment with an insulative sidewall 1320 that includes a second layer of material over the first layer of the sidewall 1310 for a cup 1300. This insulative sidewall 1320 can be in the form of a secondary sidewall that provides more material between the contents of the cup 1300 and where a user would grasp the cup. The insulative sidewall can provide a more hydrophobic layer to resist the formation of condensation for cold beverages and provide a surface that can be printed to. Further, the ink used to print to the insulative sidewall 1320 may itself be hydrophobic, resisting condensation on the exterior of the cup 1300. The hydrophobic properties of the insulative sidewall 1320 may be inherent in the material from which the insulative sidewall is formed. Optionally, the hydrophobic properties of the insulative sidewall 1320 may be increased with a printed layer of hydrophobic ink. Such a layer of hydrophobic ink may provide a hydrophobic surface while also providing a graphical design on the insulative sidewall to connote a brand, an appealing design/color, or other information printed to the insulative sidewall 1320.
[0082] The insulative sidewall 1320 provides an overall wall thickness between the contents of the cup and an exterior surface that is greater than the thickness of the sidewall 1310 of the cup. The insulative sidewall 1320 can include a secondary layer of material that is adhered to the sidewall 1310. Optionally, the insulative sidewall can be formed as a sleeve, with the material formed in a frustoconical shape of an angle congruent with that of the sidewall 1310, and adhered to itself in a lap joint or but joint to form a complete sleeve. This sleeve can then be attached to the sidewall 1310, which may be facilitated by adhesive or rely upon frictional engagement. The insulative sidewall of an example embodiment can include a corrugated surface, wherein the corrugated surface reduces a portion of the insulative sidewall that a person would grasp and reduces thermal transfer between a fluid in the cup to a hand holding the cup.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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.
