CLOSURE ELEMENT FOR A CUP

Abstract

A closure element is adapted for use with a cup to form a container when combined, the container configured to hold a beverage or a granular substance. The closure element comprises a sealing portion and an annular sealing wall extending around the sealing portion, the annular sealing wall is tilted with an angle alpha of between 2-8 degrees in relation the axis A and intended to be in contact with an inside surface of an annular inner wall of the cup to seal the container. The closure element further comprises a spout configured to deliver the beverage or granular substance to a user. The closure element is configured to be pressed into the cup so that the annular sealing wall engages the inside surface of the annular inner wall of the cup to form a tight seal between the closure element and the cup.

Claims

1. A closure element adapted for use with a cup having a top opening with a first area A1 in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to an axis A, said closure element and cup adapted to form a container when combined, said container extending along said axis A and configured to hold a beverage or granular substance, said closure element comprising: a sealing portion with a second area A2 in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to said axis A, wherein the second area A2 is essentially equal to said first area A1; an annular sealing wall extending around said sealing portion, wherein said annular sealing wall is tilted with an angle alpha () in relation to said axis A and intended to be in contact with an inside surface of an annular inner wall of said cup to seal said container; and said closure element further comprises a spout configured to deliver said beverage or granular substance to a user; wherein said closure element is configured to be pressed into said cup so that said annular sealing wall engages said inside surface of said annular inner wall of said cup to form a tight seal between said closure element- and said cup, wherein said angle alpha is between 2-8 degrees, wherein said closure element is made of cellulose-based paper material or fiber-based paper material.

2. The closure element according to claim 1, further comprising a removable and attachable lid element arranged to cover said spout, and said lid element and spout are adapted to seal the container when the lid element is arranged to cover said spout, such that spilling from the container is essentially prevented.

3. The closure element according to claim 2, wherein said spout comprises a first set of threads extending around said spout, and wherein said lid element comprises a second set of threads and wherein said lid element is configured to be screwed onto said spout.

4. The closure element according to claim 2, wherein said spout comprises a first protruding rim extending around said spout and wherein said lid element comprises a first receiving recess configured to receive said protruding rim, and wherein said lid element is configured to be pressed onto said spout.

5. The closure element according to claim 1 wherein said spout comprises a permeable surface configured to be pierced.

6. The closure element according to claim 2, wherein said lid element comprises a spike configured to be used to pierce a permeable surface of said spout in order to allow a user to reach said beverage or granular substance.

7. A container configured to hold a beverage or granular substance and extending along an axis A, the container comprising: a first cup made of cellulose-based paper material or fiber-based paper material, said cup comprising an opening with a first area A1 in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to an axis A, wherein said cup comprises an inner annular wall tilted at an angle alpha () in relation to said axis A, and a closure element according to any previous claim.

8. The container according to claim 7 further comprising a second cup configured to at least partially enclose said first cup.

9. The container according to claim 7, wherein said closure element comprises a second protruding rim extending around an annular sealing wall and wherein said first cup comprises a said second protruding rim adapted to interact with a second receiving recess of said cup extending around said inner annular wall and configured to receive said second protruding rim when said closure element is pressed into said cup.

10. The container according to claim 7, wherein said paper material is formed from a fiber-based slurry comprising: a fiber base comprising at least 50% by weight of old corrugated container (OCC).

11. The container according to claim 7, wherein said paper material is formed from a fiber-based slurry comprising: a fiber base comprising at least 10% softwood (SW).

12. The container according to claim 11, said fiber-based slurry further comprising a moisture barrier; and/or an oil barrier, wherein said moisture barrier and said oil barrier are in a range of about 1%-4% by weight respectively.

13. The container according to claim 12, wherein said fiber-based slurry further comprises a strength additive in a range of 1.5%-4% by weight.

14. The container according to claim 13, wherein at least an inside surface of a closure device and/or said cup, when included, comprises an impermeable coating layer.

15. The closure element according to claim 1, wherein said paper material is formed from a fiber-based slurry comprising: a fiber base comprising at least 50% by weight of old corrugated container (OCC).

16. The closure element according to claim 15, said fiber-based slurry further comprising a moisture barrier and/or an oil barrier, wherein said moisture barrier and said oil barrier are in a range of about 1%-4% by weight respectively.

17. The closure element according to claim 15, wherein said fiber-based slurry further comprises a strength additive in a range of 1.5%-4% by weight.

18. The closure element according to claim 1, wherein said paper material is formed from a fiber-based slurry comprising: a fiber base comprising at least 10% softwood (SW).

19. The closure element according to claim 18, said fiber-based slurry further comprising a moisture barrier and/or an oil barrier, wherein said moisture barrier and said oil barrier are in a range of about 1%-4% by weight respectively.

20. The closure element according to claim 18, wherein said fiber-based slurry further comprises a strength additive in a range of 1.5%-4% by weight.

21. The closure element according to claim 1, wherein at least an inside surface of a closure device and/or said cup, when included, comprises an impermeable coating layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Exemplifying aspects will now be described in more detail, with reference to the following appended drawing:

[0034] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a container in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a container in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a container in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a container in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 5a,b,c,d schematically illustrate various aspects of closure elements in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of the elements and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of the aspects.

[0040] Exemplifying aspects will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred aspects are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein; rather, these aspects are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

[0041] It is understood that the shape of the aspects shown in the figures may be altered depending on the usage for the container. Different shapes are convenient in different situations, and the container may for example resemble the standard take-away cups or plastic bottles available today or they may not. The drawings are not intended to narrow the scope of protection for the shape of the container.

[0042] With reference to FIG. 1 there is disclosed an illustration of a closure element 130 adapted for use with a cup 110 to form a container 100 when combined.

[0043] In some aspects, a closure element 130 is provided, adapted for use with a cup to form a container, with a first function of holding a beverage or granular substance and tightly sealing the container with the closure element by engaging the inside of the cup. The closure element is advantageous in that it provides a novel and inventive way of sealing a container. Further, it may advantageously be used with a wide range of common cups, as the shape with an outer annular surface will provide the possibility to fit into most commonly marketed cups having an angled inner surface. A cup need not have the exact size opening matching the closure device circumference, as a closure device might either be pressed down into and past an opening of a cup, or in some cases, only be party inserted into an opening, and still function to seal the container. However, a closure device 130 may of course be provided in a number of different sizes, to cover a wider range of cup sizes. Further, the shape and manner of sealing also makes the closure device's sealing function independent of if a cup has a protruding outer rim, or the shape of a rim.

[0044] According to a further aspect, there is provided a container 100 configured to hold a beverage or granular substance and extending along an axis A, wherein the container 100 comprises a cup 110 comprising an opening with a first area A1 and a closure element 130 as described herein. The cup has with an inner annular wall 150 tilted at the same angle alpha in relation to the axis A as the annular sealing wall 150 of the closure device 130.

[0045] The container 100 is configured to hold a beverage or a granular substance. Notably, the phrase beverage or granular substance is meant to encompass any liquid, semi-liquid or granular foodstuff intended for ingestion by a user or used for the preparation of any type of food or beverage. The container 100 extends along an axis A. As mentioned, the cup 110 may be an already available take-away cup or it may be a specially made cup provided together with the closure element 130.

[0046] The cup 110 comprises an opening 115 with a first area A1 in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to an axis A. The opening may be circular so that the first area A1 corresponds to the area of a circle. The cup 110 is configured to hold the beverage or granular substance and may be filled via the opening 115. The cup 110 further comprises annular inner wall 120 tilted an angle alpha a in relation to the axis A.

[0047] The closure element 130 comprises a sealing portion 140 with a second area A2 in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis A, wherein the second area A2 is essentially equal to the first area A1. The sealing portion 140 is illustrated as a flat plate in the Figures, but may have any suitable shape for sealing the container. The sealing portion 140 may be a circular plate. Sealing portion 140 is intended to seal at or near the opening 115 in order to seal the container to hold the contents within the container.

[0048] The closure element 130 further comprises an annular sealing wall 150 extending around the sealing portion 140. The annular sealing wall 150 is tilted with the angle alpha a in relation to the axis A. The closure element 130 is configured to be pressed into the first cup 110 so that the annular sealing wall 150 engages the inner annular wall 120 causing the container 100 to be sealed.

[0049] In the Figures, the closure element is shown as having a sealing portion 140 with a second area A2, i.e. the area of the closure element 130 in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis A, equal to the area A1 of the opening of the cup, such that when combined, the top of the sealing portion 140 is exactly in line with the top of the cup. However, the second area A2 may be either equal to, slightly smaller than or slightly larger than the area A1 of the opening of the cup. If the second area A2 is slightly smaller than the area A1 of the opening of the cup, the closure element will seal the opening at a position slightly below the opening of the cup, as it may be pressed slightly further into the cup. Similarly, if the second area A2 is slightly larger than the area A1 of the opening of the cup, the closure element will seal the opening such that the cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the axis A in which the second area A2 is measured will end up somewhat above the opening of the cup. This makes it easier for a user to attach the closure element 130 to the cup 110, and allows for some margins of differences in cup sizes, without compromising effective sealing.

[0050] The container 100 further comprises a spout 160 configured to deliver the beverage or granular substance to a user and being arrange somewhere on the sealing portion 140. The spout may be of various sizes and shapes.

[0051] FIG. 1 shows the closure element 130 not pressed into the cup 110 and may represent how the closure element 130 is provided for use to form a container 100. After filling the container 100 for the first time the closure element 130 may be pressed into the cup 110, sealing it effectively.

[0052] The angle alpha is between 2-8 degrees. It may also be between 4-6 degrees.

[0053] The angle alpha may be chosen depending on the material of the container 100 and depending on the friction that is created between the annular sealing wall 120 of the closure element 130 and the inner annular wall 150 of the cup 110. A too large angle alpha is not preferable since the closure element 130 may fall out of the first cup 110 during use. An angle alpha around 6 degrees is preferable. However, it may, as stated, be different angles for different aspects and materials that are preferable. The angle alpha may for example be 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, or 8 degrees.

[0054] The closure device 130 is made of a paper material, preferably cellulose-based paper material or fiber-based paper material. In aspects comprising a container 100 with a cup 110 and a closure device 130, the entire container is preferably made of a paper material, more preferably the same paper material. In some aspects, only certain parts of the container may be made of a paper material. For example, the annular sealing wall of the closure element 130 is preferably made of paper material, while other parts of the closure element 130 may be other materials. In addition, the inner wall of a cup 110 may preferably be made of paper material, as the paper material provides a high friction surface, which increases the friction in sealing the closure element 130 against the cup 110. However, it is preferred that all or a majority of the materials in the closure element 130, and cup 110, when provided, are of a degradable and environmentally friendly material.

[0055] With paper material is meant any material that is made of fiber-based, cellulose-based materials or similar materials that are biodegradable and recyclable.

[0056] Closure element 130 and cup 110, when provided, may for example be made of a fiber-based material. For example, a fiber-based slurry can be pressed or shaped to form some sort of paper material, cardboard material, or other biodegradable material.

[0057] The paper material may be formed by a fiber-based slurry. Fiber-based products are biodegradable, compostable and do not end up in the oceans in the same capacity as plastics. Therefore, they are preferable to be used as an alternative to many plastic products available today. Further, using a fiber-based material results in a high friction surface, which enhances the seal between the annular sealing wall of the closure element and the cup.

[0058] In different aspect the parts of the container 100 may be formed by different types of fiber-based slurries. Here follow a few examples, however they are not seen as limiting and other materials and mixtures and proportions are also considered.

[0059] The paper material may be formed by a fiber-based slurry that may comprise at least 50% by weight of old corrugated container (OCC). Further, in some aspects, it may comprise a moisture barrier, and an oil barrier. The moisture barrier and the oil barrier may be in a range of about 1%-4% of weight respectively.

[0060] The paper material may be formed by a fiber-based slurry that may, in another aspect, comprise at least 10% softwood (SW). Further, in some aspects, it may comprise a moisture barrier, and an oil barrier. The moisture barrier and the oil barrier may be in a range of about 1%-4% of weight respectively.

[0061] The fiber-base slurry may also have a base fiber from any of the following groups: bagasse, bamboo, newsprint (NP). Other types of fiber materials are also available for forming the paper material.

[0062] The fiber-based slurry may also comprise a strength additive in a range of 1.5%-4% by weight. This may be added to enhance structural rigidity.

[0063] Molding paper pulp, fiber-materials, is a standard way of making containers, trays, and other types of packaging. Generally, the steps are as follows: A mold is made to be a mirror image of the finished paper product; Holes are drilled through the mold and a screen attached to its surface; The mold is immersed into paper pulp; A vacuum is drawn through the holes when the mold is immersed in the paper pulp so that a layer of paper pulp sticks to the mold, the screen prevents pulp from clogging the holes.

[0064] The mold is removed, and the paper pulp stuck to the side of the mold is removed and dried, a paper product has been created. Depending on the type of paper product different techniques may be used for removing the product from the mold. In what is known as wet manufacturing a transfer mold mates with the fiber product and moves the formed wet part to a hot press which compresses and dries the fiber material to increase density and to provide a smooth external surface finish. Notably, other molding techniques may be used to provide the desired shape and structural integrity.

[0065] Closure element 130 and cup 110, when provided, may be formed according to the above stated procedure by the fiber-based slurry and a vacuum former. They may be formed for example by a method containing the steps of providing a fiber-based slurry mixture. Immersing a mold including a wire mesh comprising a mirror image of parts of the beverage container to be formed. Then drawing a vacuum across the wire mesh to cause the fiber-based slurry to accumulate at a surface of the wire mesh. Then removing the mold from the fiber-base slurry mixture, removing molded parts from the surface of the wire mesh. Lastly pressing the molded parts in a hot press. However, other steps of standard vacuum forming may be incorporated into the method for achieving a functional closure element 130 or cup 110.

[0066] Closure element 130 and cup 110, when provided, may be formed in other ways as well. For example, a female and male mold of the closure element 130 or cup 110 may be constructed. A fiber-based slurry, or other suitable material, may be poured into the female mold. The male mold may then be used to press the material to the sides of the female mold creating the correct shape. The molds may be constructed so that the water within the material is drained away through a mesh in the female and male mold while pressing.

[0067] Other ways of forming the closure element 130 and cup 110, when provided, are also possible and the skilled man understands that different options are available. Depending on the part and depending on different features of the aspects different ways of forming the paper material may be preferable.

[0068] It may further be advantageous for the closure element 130, and cup 110, when provided, to comprise a water impermeable coating. The coating may be made of a plastic material and may be a thin sheet covering an inside of the closure element 130 or cup 110. The coating may be impermeable and allow for the beverage to be stored without penetrating the coating and reaching the walls of the closure element 130 or cup 110. The coating may be made from a plastic material or any other suitable material which is water impermeable, for example some cellulose-based materials. However, it is preferable that the coating be of a biodegradable material or at least have a low environmental footprint.

[0069] Depending on the beverage stored within the container 100 and the time the beverage is stored, the closure element 130 or cup 110 may comprise such a coating. Some beverages affect or damage paper-materials more than others, and therefore a coating may be needed for certain beverages. Further, depending on the storage time of the beverage within the container 100 a coating may be preferable. The longer a beverage is kept within the container 100 the higher the risk that the closure element 130 or cup 110 is affected by the beverage. Therefore, a coating may be preferable for closure elements 130 or cups 110 configured to store a beverage a longer period. The coating may have different thicknesses depending on the material it is made from and depending on the beverage to be stored.

[0070] Further, it is also possible that parts of the beverage container comprise other materials. For example, the closure element 130 and/or cup 110 may comprise plastic, silicon, or a metal in certain parts. It may be advantageous in making some parts of the closure element 130 and/or cup 110 from material that is more durable and suitable for long time use and some parts of the closure element 130 and/or cup 110 of more environmentally friendly material such as fiber-based materials.

[0071] With reference to FIG. 2 there is disclosed an illustration of a closure element 130 pressed into a cup opening to form a container 100.

[0072] The closure element 130 and cup 110 correspond to the closure element 130 and cup 110 of FIG. 1, further details may be found in relation to FIG. 1, with the difference that the closure element 130 has been pushed into the cup 110. The angle alpha () ensures that there is enough friction between the annular sealing wall 150 of the closure device 130 and the inner annular wall 150 of the cup 110 so that the closure element 130 keeps the container 100 closed and sealed.

[0073] The combination of the arrangement of an outer annular sealing wall of a closure device 130, the specified angle of the annular sealing wall and the closure device being made of cellulose-based paper material or fiber-based paper material together act to provide an extremely tight seal. The angle alpha of 2-8 degrees in itself results in a good seal between the annular sealing wall 150 of the closure element 130 and the annular inner wall of the cup 110, as this angle matches most commonly provided beverage cups. Furthermore, having the closure element 130 made of cellulose-based paper material or fiber-based paper material provides a surface of the annular sealing wall with an at least slightly rough surface, which provides high friction when pressed against the inner wall of a cup. Additionally, if one also attaches it to a cup similarly made of cellulose-based paper material or fiber-based paper material, this increases the friction even more. A tight seal is thus created when the closure element 130 is pressed into a cup, in some aspects even to a degree where it would be difficult, or take substantial force, for a user to remove the closure element 130 once attached to the cup.

[0074] The intended use of the closure element 130 is to seal the container tightly, and stay sealed over time, without the closure element 130 falling off or being removed. Thus, the closure element 130 is not primarily intended to be a lid for the user to remove once attached, e.g. for drinking the contents. Any filling of contents or drinking by the user is preferably done through the spout 160.

[0075] In some aspects, the closure element 130 further has a removable and attachable lid element 180 arranged to cover the spout 160, as will be further detailed in connection with FIG. 5a-5d below. Notably, the lid element 180 and spout 160 are adapted to seal the container 100 when the lid element 180 is arranged to cover the spout 160, such that spilling from the container is essentially prevented. In other words, the spout opening is adapted to be tightly sealed when covered with the lid element 160.

[0076] The container formed when closure element 130 is combined with, i.e. attached to by pressing into, a cup, is resistant to spilling and leaking, while still providing a user friendly container for filling and drinking beverages.

[0077] With reference to FIG. 3 there is disclosed an illustration of a closure element 130 and cup 110 forming a container 100 according to yet another aspect of the invention.

[0078] In FIG. 3 the closure element 130 and cup 110 comprise additional and optional features as compared to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0079] The closure element 130 comprises a protruding rim 132 extending around the second annular wall 150. The cup 110 comprises a receiving recess 112 extending around the annular sealing wall 150 and being configured to receive the protruding rim 132 when the closure element 130 is pressed into the cup 110.

[0080] Upon pressing the closure element 130 into the first cup 110 a user will notice when the closure element 130 is correctly placed, when the protruding rim 132 and the receiving recess 112 are joined. The protruding rim 132 and the receiving recess 112 will also further help in sealing the container 100, allowing a better and more reliable user experience.

[0081] It is further envisioned that at least parts of the closure element 130 may have a contrasting color compared to the first cup 110 so that a user may be able to clearly see when the closure element 130 has been placed correctly inside the first cup 110.

[0082] With reference to FIG. 4 there is disclosed an illustration of another aspect of a container 100.

[0083] The container 100 of FIG. 4 comprises a second cup 170. The second cup 170 is configured to be at least partially enclosing the first cup 110. So, the first cup 110 is placed within the second cup 170.

[0084] The aspect of FIG. 4 is advantageous in that the closure element 130 will press the first cup 110 towards the second cup 170. This will make the cups 110, 170 touch and the friction between the cups will make the second cup 170 stick to the first cup 110. Further, having two cups that are linked in this manner will add stability for the structure.

[0085] The aspect with two cups 110, 170 will also add insulation for the user in case of a hot or cold beverage or substance served within.

[0086] With reference to FIG. 5a-5d there is disclosed illustrations of spouts 160 arranged on the closure element 130 according to various aspects of the invention.

[0087] In the aspects of FIG. 5a-5d the closure element 130 further comprises a lid element 180 arranged to cover the spout 160. The lid element 180 may comprise a spike 185 configured to be used to pierce a permeable surface 165 in order to allow a user to reach the beverage or granular substance stored within the container.

[0088] The aspect of FIG. 5b comprises such a permeable surface 165 configured to be pierced by an object. For example, by using the top of the lid 180 to press the spike 185 against the permeable surface 165.

[0089] In FIG. 5c the spout 160 comprises a first set of threads 162 extending around the spout, and the lid element 180 comprises a second set of threads 182 and the lid element 180 is configured to be screwed onto the spout 160. The present aspect is advantageous in that the lid element 180 can be screwed onto the spout 160 making it resealable and easy to reopen. Further, a user may more easily bring the container with them without spilling when lid element 160 is arranged over spout opening.

[0090] In FIG. 5d the spout 160 comprises a protruding rim 164 extending around the spout 160 and the lid element 180 comprises a receiving recess 184 configured to receive the protruding rim 164, and the lid element 180 is configured to be pressed onto the spout 160. The present aspect is advantageous in that the container is resealable and easy to reopen.

[0091] The spout 160 and lid element 180 may also be any other conventional spout and lid solution available and suitable for the invention.

[0092] Although features and elements are described above in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements or in various combinations with or without other features and elements.

[0093] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word comprising does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article a or an does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain features are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these features cannot be used to advantage.