LID WITH STOPPER

Abstract

A lid for a beverage cup can include a base comprising a top surface and an upper sidewall extending upward from edges of the top surface. The lid can include a drinking aperture in the top surface. The lid can include a stopper coupled to an upper sidewall. The stopper can be configured to rotate around an outer circumference of the lid along the upper sidewall. The stopper can be configured to selectively cover the drinking aperture. The lid can include at least two protrusions, each of the at least two protrusions extending at least from an inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall towards a center of the lid. The at least two protrusions can be configured to limit rotation of the stopper. The at least two protrusions can also be configured to support a second lid or a second beverage cup stacked on the lid.

Claims

1. A lid for a beverage cup, the lid comprising: a base comprising a top surface and an upper sidewall extending upward from edges of the top surface; a drinking aperture in the top surface configured to allow a user to drink; a stopper coupled to an upper sidewall, the stopper configured to rotate around an outer circumference of the lid along the upper sidewall, the stopper configured to selectively cover the drinking aperture; and at least two protrusions, each of the at least two protrusions extending at least from an inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall towards a center of the lid, the at least two protrusions configured to limit rotation of the stopper, the at least two protrusions configured to support a second lid or a second beverage cup stacked on the lid.

2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the drinking aperture is positioned near an edge of the top surface.

3. The lid of claim 1, wherein the stopper comprises a flat portion and a curved portion, the flat portion covering a portion of the top surface, the curved portion configured to cover an inner circumferential surface of a portion of the upper sidewall, a top surface of the portion of the upper sidewall, and an outer circumferential surface of the portion of the upper sidewall.

3. The lid of claim 3, wherein the curved portion is configured to snap fit to the portion of the upper sidewall.

5. The lid of claim 3, wherein the flat portion of the stopper comprises a coupling mechanism, wherein the flat portion is coupled to a center portion of the base.

6. The lid of claim 5, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises two or more arms extending downward from a bottom surface of the flat portion of the stopper, wherein the center portion of the base comprises an aperture configured to receive the two or more arms of the stopper.

7. The lid of claim 3, wherein a terminal end of the curved portion can extend to at least a height of a top surface of the flat portion.

8. The lid of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the base is planar.

9. The lid of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two protrusions comprises a thin wall or fin.

10. The lid of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two protrusions is L-shaped.

11. The lid of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two protrusions comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is positioned between the upper sidewall and the second portion.

12. The lid of claim 11, wherein a height of the first portion is greater than a height of the second portion.

13. The lid of claim 11, wherein the first portion is positioned radially inward from the upper sidewall, wherein the second portion is positioned radially inward from the first portion.

14. The lid of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two protrusions is configured to extend from the top surface of the base.

15. The lid of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two protrusions comprises a profile that matches a portion of the stopper.

16. The lid of claim 1, wherein the at least two protrusions comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion being spaced in a first rotational direction from the drinking aperture, the second protrusion being spaced in a second rotational direction from the drinking aperture, the second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

17. The lid of claim 16, wherein the first protrusion is positioned 90 from the drinking aperture, wherein the second protrusion is positioned 90 from the drinking aperture.

18. The lid of claim 16, wherein the at least two protrusions comprises a third protrusion, wherein the third protrusion is positioned 180 from the drinking aperture.

19. The lid of claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a lower sidewall that extends from a bottom planar surface of the base.

20. The lid of claim 19, wherein an outer circumference of the lower sidewall is less than an outer circumference of the upper sidewall.

21. The lid of claim 1, wherein a clearance between a bottom surface of the stopper and a top surface of the base is between 0.010 inches and 0.060 inches.

22. A set of at least two lids, comprising: a first lid; a second lid, the second lid stacked on the first lid; each of the first lid and the second lid comprising: a base comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and an upper sidewall extending upward from edges of the top surface, a drinking aperture in the top surface configured to allow a user to drink, a stopper coupled to an upper sidewall, the stopper configured to rotate around an outer circumference of the lid along the upper sidewall, the stopper configured to selectively cover the drinking aperture, and at least two protrusions, each of the at least two protrusions extending at least from an inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall towards a center of the lid, the at least two protrusions configured to limit rotation of the stopper, wherein the at least two protrusions of the first lid are configured to support the bottom surface of the second lid, wherein the stopper of the first lid is configured to not contact the bottom surface of the second lid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments. Various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a lid with a stopper.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the lid of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the lid of FIGS. 1-3

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the lid of FIGS. 1-4.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a close up view of another portion of the lid of FIGS. 1-4.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates two lids in a stacked configuration.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a lid with a stopper.

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIGS. 1-4.

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lid of FIGS. 1-4.

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates the embodiment of the lids of FIG. 10 in a stacked arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Various lids for lids for cups are described below to illustrate various examples that may achieve one or more desired improvements. These examples are only illustrative and not intended in any way to restrict the general disclosure presented and the various aspects and features of this disclosure. The general principles described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than those discussed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments shown, but is instead to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features that are disclosed or suggested herein.

[0022] For example, many of the embodiments are described in the context of lids for cups for beverages. However, certain features and aspects of the disclosure may also have utility in lid for other types of containers for other items, such as foods or other liquids. Many of the embodiments described herein involve a beverage such as coffee, tea, juice, or other edible liquids.

[0023] Beverages can be placed in a container and covered with a lid. The lid can provide a number of functions, such as prevent leaking during transport. The lid can also assist in maintaining the beverage at the desired temperature and prevent contamination of the beverage within the container. The lid can also provide an opening for the user to drink from the lid, which can assist the user in more easily drinking from the container. Additionally, for ease of storage, it can be desirable for storage purposes to be able to stack the lids on one another or to stack containers with the lids on one another. Additionally, it can be desirable for a user to be able to cover the opening of the lid to seal the lid.

[0024] Disclosed herein are lids that, in some variants, can include features that, with two or more lids stacked, can suspend a bottom surface of a top lid at a spaced-away position relative to an upper surface of a bottom lid. Similarly, in some variants, the features of a bottom lid can suspend a bottom surface of a cup stacked on the bottom lid at a spaced-away position relative to an upper surface of a bottom lid. The features of the bottom lid can protect a rotatable stopper from pressure that would otherwise be applied by a cup or top lid stacked on the bottom lid. The lids herein can include features to limit rotation of the rotatable stopper.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a lid 10. FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the lid 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the lid 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the lid 10 of FIGS. 1-3. The lid 10 can include a base 20 and a stopper 30. The base 20 can include a top surface 22. The top surface 22 can be planar. In some examples, the top surface 22 can be domed or curved. The base 20 can further include upper sidewall 24 that extend upward from the edges of the top planar surface 22. The upper edge or surface of the upper sidewall 24 can be considered the rim or lip of the lid 10. The upper sidewall 24 can be a circumferential wall or a cylindrical shaped wall. The outer circumference of the upper sidewall 24 can be the same outer circumference of the base 20. In some examples, the upper sidewall 24 can be entirely vertical or straight. In some examples, the upper sidewall 24 can be slanted or angled.

[0026] The base 20 can further include a lower sidewall 28 that extend from the bottom planar surface 43. The lower sidewall 28 can be circumferential wall or a cylindrical shaped wall. The outer circumference of the lower sidewall 28 can be smaller than the outer circumference of the base 20. The lower sidewall 28 having a smaller outer circumference can allow the lower sidewalls 28 to fit within an opening of the cup and act as a plug to close the opening of the cup. In some examples, the lower sidewall 28 can be entirely vertical or straight. In some examples, the lower sidewall 28 can be slanted or angled.

[0027] The top surface 22 of the base 20 can be generally planar. The top surface 22 can include a first or drinking aperture 26 positioned near the edge of the top surface 22, adjacent to the upper sidewall 24 and the lower sidewall 28. The drinking aperture 26 can extend through the entire thickness of the lid, such that a user could drink the beverage from the drinking aperture 26. In some examples, the drinking aperture 26 can be triangular. In other examples, the drinking aperture 26 can be oval, elliptical, circular, rectangular, or another shape.

[0028] The lid 10 can further include a stopper 30. The stopper 30 can be attached or coupled to the base 20. The stopper 30 can have a generally triangular outer shape. In other examples, the stopper 30 can have an outer shape that is rectangular, circular, or any other shape. The stopper 30 can include a flat portion 32. The flat portion 32 covers a portion of the top planar surface 22 of the base 20. When the stopper 30 is in a closed position, the flat portion 32 of the stopper 30 can be positioned to cover the drinking aperture 26 of the base 20. In this manner, the stopper 30 can selectively cover the drinking aperture 26. When the stopper 30 is in an open position, the flat portion 32 of the stopper 30 can be positioned away from the drinking aperture 26 such that the flat portion 32 does not cover the drinking aperture 26 of the lid. The stopper 30 can rotate between the open position and the closed position. The stopper 30 and the base 20 can be made of plastic, such as polypropylene. This can advantageously allow the entire lid 10 to be recycled without requiring disassembly.

[0029] The stopper 30 can extend to the edge of the base 20. The stopper 30 can extend to and cover a portion of the upper sidewall 24. The stopper 30 can include a first end 34 that can reach or be closer to the center of the lid than the second end 36. The first end 34 can be a part of the flat portion 32. The second end 36 can be coupled to the upper sidewall 24 of the base 20. The second end 36 of the stopper 30 can be a curved portion that can extend over a portion of the upper sidewall 26. Specifically, the second end 36 of the stopper 30 can curve to cover the inner circumferential surface of a portion of the upper sidewall 24, the top surface of the portion of the rim, and the outer circumferential surface of the portion of the rim 26. FIG. 4 shows the cross-sectional view of the lid 10 is taken along a radial direction of the lid 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the profile of the second end 36 can be u-shaped, which can surround the three sides of a portion of the upper sidewall 24 of the base 20. The terminal end 56 of the second end 36 can extend to at least the same level or height of the top planar surface of the flat portion 32. In some examples, the terminal end 56 of the second end 36 can extend below the top planar surface of the flat portion 32, such as shown in FIG. 4. The terminal end of the second end 36 can be positioned adjacent to an outer circumferential surface of the upper sidewall 24. Due to the u-shape configuration of the curved portion 36 of the stopper 30, the curved portion 36 covers the portion of the sidewall that the user's mouth touches. This can advantageously increase the cleanliness of the area that contacts the user's mouth. The second end 36 can act as a coupling mechanism of the stopper 30 to couple the stopper 30 to the base 20. The second end 36 can clip onto or snap fit onto the upper sidewall 24 of the base 20. The stopper 30 can be anchored or secured to the base 20 at the second end 36 of the stopper 30.

[0030] The stopper 30 can rotate around the base 20. The second end 36 can rotate around the upper sidewall 24 of the base 20. As the second end 36 rotates around the upper sidewall 24 of the base 20, the flat portion 32 of the stopper 30 rotates around the top planar surface 22 of the base. When the stopper 30 is in the closed position, the flat portion 32 of the stopper 30 can cover the drinking aperture 26 and the curved portion 36 of the stopper 30 can cover the portion of the sidewall 22 adjacent to the drinking aperture 26.

[0031] In some examples, such as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the stopper 30 can reach the center or a central portion of the cup. The stopper 30 can have a first end 34 can reach the center portion of the base 20. The first end 34 of the stopper 30 can be rounded. The stopper 30 can have a secondary coupling mechanism 38 that is positioned near the first end 34 of the stopper 30. The secondary coupling mechanism 38 can anchor or fasten the stopper 30 to the base 20 near the first end 34 of the stopper 30 to the center of the base 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the base 20 can include a second or central aperture 44. The secondary coupling mechanism 34 can include two or more arms 46 that extend from a bottom surface of the stopper 30 and extend in a downward direction. The two or more arms 46 are configured to extend through the second aperture 44 of the base 20. The two or more arms 36 can also be configured to lock the stopper 30 to the base 20. In other examples, the secondary coupling mechanism 34 can take other forms, such as a screw and bolt, a snap fit, or any other suitable coupling mechanism.

[0032] This secondary coupling mechanism 34 can advantageously allow the stopper 30 to be anchored to the base 20 in two places, at the sidewall 24 and at the center of the base 20. The stopper 30 can be constrained at both ends, at the first end 34 and at the second end 36. This can allow the stopper 30 to be securely anchored to the base 20 while also allowing the stopper 30 to rotate around the base 20. This can prevent the stopper 30 from popping off the base 20. The stopper 30 being anchored at its two ends can also allow the clearance between the bottom surface of the stopper 30 and the top surface of the base 20 to be adjusted to allow liquid to pass therethrough. This can advantageously allow the lid 10 to be cleaned thoroughly without requiring the stopper 30 to be removed from the lid 10. Additionally, the lid 10 can be cleaned with the stopper 30 in any position relative to the lid 10. Furthermore, the clearance between the stopper 30 and the base 20 can allow the lid 10 to be machine washed in any position. In some examples, the clearance or spacing between the bottom surface of the stopper 30 and the top planar surface 22 of the base 20 can be between 0.010 inches and 0.060 inches, and in some examples between 0.020 inches and 0.050 inches.

[0033] The lid 10 can further include two or more protrusions 40. The protrusions 40 can extend from an inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall 24 in a radial direction towards the center of the cup. The protrusions 40 can be thin walls or fins that are L shaped. FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the lid of FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 5 illustrates a close up view of one of the protrusions 40. The protrusion 40 can have a first portion 42 and a second portion 44. The first portion 42 can be a tall portion and the second portion 44 can be a short portion. The height of the first portion 42 can be greater than the height of the second portion 44. The first portion 42 and the second portion 44 can be adjacent to one another. The first portion 42 can be adjacent to the upper sidewall 24. The first portion 42 can be positioned between the second portion 44 and the upper sidewall 24. The second portion 44 can be positioned adjacent to and radially inward from the first portion 42. The first portion 32 can have a height of at least the height of the upper sidewall 24. The second portion 44 can have a height that is less than the height of the first portion.

[0034] The protrusions 40 can each have a first surface or a bottom surface that is attached to or extends from the top planar surface 22 of the base 20. The protrusions 40 can also each have a second surface or a side surface that is attached to or extends from inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall 24. The protrusions 40 can each extend perpendicular from the top planar surface 22 of the base 20 and substantially perpendicular from the inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall 24.

[0035] The overall profile or shape of the protrusions 40 of the base 20 can match a shape or profile to a portion 50 of the stopper 30 adjacent to the upper sidewall 24. FIG. 6 illustrates a close up view of another portion of the lid of FIGS. 1-4. The portion 50 of the stopper 30 can be located on sides of the stopper 30. As shown in FIG. 6, the stopper 30 can include two portions 50 on opposing sides of the stopper 30. The two portions 50 can be each located adjacent to the upper sidewall 24.

[0036] Each portion 50 of the stopper 30 can include a first portion 52 and a second portion 54. The first portion 52 can be a sidewall of an inner wall of the curved portion 36 of the stopper 30. Thus, the first portion 52 is adjacent to the upper sidewall 24. The first portion 52 can be positioned adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall 24. The second portion 54 can be an extension of a sidewall of the stopper 30. The second portion 54 can be positioned adjacent to the first portion 52 of the stopper 30. The second portion 54 can be positioned radially inward from the first portion 52. The second portion 54 can be a thin wall or fin. The second portion 54 can have a first end or edge that is connected to or extends from the first portion 52. The second portion can have a second end or edge that is connected to or extends from a sidewall of the flat portion 32 of the stopper 30. The second portion 54 can have a height that is less than the height of the first portion 52. The second portion 54 can extend perpendicular to the top planar surface of the flat portion 32 of the stopper 30. The second portion 54 can also extend substantially perpendicular from the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall of the curved portion 36 of the stopper 30, the inner circumferential surface being positioned closer to the center of the cup than the outer circumferential surface of the inner wall of the curved portion 36 of the stopper 30. The outer circumferential surface of the inner wall of the curved portion 36 can face the inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall 24. The inner circumferential surface of the inner wall of the curved portion 36 can be positioned radially inward relative to the outer circumferential surface of the inner wall of the curved portion 36.

[0037] As previously described, the overall profile or shape of the protrusions 40 of the base 20 can match a shape or profile to a portion 50 of the stopper 30 adjacent to the upper sidewall 24. As the stopper 30 rotates around the circumference of the base 20, the portion 50 of the stopper 30 adjacent to the upper sidewall 24 can contact one of the protrusions 40 on the base 20. As the portion 50 of the stopper 30 is positioned against the protrusion 40, the protrusion 40 can stop rotation of the stopper 30. As described above, the base 20 can include several protrusions 40. In some examples, the base 20 can have two protrusions 40 spaced circumferentially on either side of the stopper 30. The first protrusion can be positioned or spaced in a first rotational direction from the drinking aperture 28 and the second protrusion can be positioned or spaced in a second rotational direction from the drinking aperture 28. The first rotational direction and the second rotational direction being opposite one another. In some examples, the first rotational direction is clockwise and the second rotational direction is counter clockwise. Thus, the stopper 30 can be confined to rotate between the two protrusions 40. The protrusions 40 can be spaced from or positioned to allow the stopper 30 to rotate far enough away from the drinking aperture 26 to provide access to the drinking aperture 26.

[0038] In some examples, a first protrusion 40 can be positioned 90 from the drinking aperture 26 in a first rotational direction and a second protrusion 40 can be positioned 90 from the drinking aperture in a second rotational direction, the second rotational direction opposite from the first rotational direction. In this manner, the first protrusion 40 can be positioned 180 away from the second protrusion 40. In some examples, the lid 10 can further include a third protrusion 40 that is positioned between the first protrusion 40 and the second protrusion 40. The third protrusion 40 can be positioned 90 from each of the first protrusion 40 and the second protrusion 40. The third protrusion 40 can be positioned 180 from the drinking aperture 26. Other configurations and positions of the protrusions 40 are possible. In some examples, the protrusions 40 can include 5 protrusions, which can be positioned 60 from the drinking aperture and from one another.

[0039] In addition to the protrusions 40 acting as rotational stoppers or limiters for the stopper 30, the protrusions 40 can also act to support stacking of other lids or cups thereon. It can be desirable, such as for storage purposes and transport purposes, to be able to stack lids on one another or for a cup to be stacked on a lid.

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates two lids in a stacked configuration. FIG. 7 shows a first lid 10A supporting a second lid 10B. When two lids 10A, 10B are stacked on one another, the protrusions 40A of the first lid 10A can receive the bottom surface of the lower sidewall 28B of a second lid 10B. The protrusions 40A of the first lid 10A can elevate and support the bottom surface of the lower sidewall 28B above the top planar surface 22A of the base 20A and above the top planar surface of the flat portion 32A of the stopper 30. The top surfaces of the second portions 44A of the protrusions 40A of the first lid 10A can each come into contact and support the bottom surface of the lower sidewall 28B of the second lid 10B. The second portions 44A can each have a height that is greater than the height of the flat portion 32A of the stopper 30A of the first lid 10A. In this manner, the protrusions 40A can support the bottom surface of the second lid 10B while the stopper 30A does not support the bottom surface of the second lid 10B. The stopper 30A can not be in contact with the bottom surface of the lower sidewall 28B of the second lid 10B.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, the lower sidewall 28B of the second lid 10B can be positioned radially inward from the first portions 42A of the protrusions 40A of the first lid 10A. As discussed above, the lower sidewall 28B can be a cylindrical sidewall that has a smaller diameter than the outer circumference of the lid 10B. The second portions 44A of the protrusions 40A are positioned radially inward relative to the first portions 42A of the protrusions 40A and the upper sidewall 24A of the first lid, thus can be positioned to support the lower sidewall 28B of the second lid 10B. As described above, the first portions 42A of the protrusions 40A can have a larger height than the second portions 44A of the protrusions 40A. Furthermore, the first portions 42A of the protrusions 40A of the first lid 10A can further act to support the lower sidewall 28B of the second lid 10B as inner sidewalls of the first portions 42A of the first lid 10A can contact the outer circumferential surface of the lower sidewall 28B of the second lid 10B and constrain movement of the second lid 10B in a radial direction.

[0042] The protrusions 40A of a first lid 10A providing support for a stacked second lid 10B advantageously prevents pressure from being applied to the stopper 30A during stacking. This also allows the second lid 10B to be stacked on top of the first lid 10A in a stable manner, such that the second lid 10B remains level relative to the first lid 10A. This also allows the stopper 30A to be oriented in any direction without affecting the stacking of the lids 10A, 10B.

[0043] The protrusions 40 of the lid can also support a bottom surface of a cup in a similar manner as the lower sidewall 28 of a second lid. In this manner, a first cup can be stacked on a second cup with a lid.

[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a lid with a stopper. In FIG. 7, like numbers are used to refer to parts similar to those of FIGS. 1-6. In some examples, a lid can include a stopper 60 that does not extend to a center of the base 20 of the lid. Instead of the stopper being attached in two locations to the base 20, at the center and at the upper sidewall 24 of the lid, the stopper 60 can be attached to the base 20 at the upper sidewall 24 of the lid. The stopper 60 can similarly rotate around the circumference of the base as the curved portion 36 of the stopper can snap fit onto the upper sidewall 24 of the lid. The stopper 60 can have a shortened flat portion 64 that does not extend to the center of the base 20.

[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of a cross-sectional view of the lid 10 with example non-limiting dimensions. As illustrated, the thickness of the base 20 between the upper surface 22 and the bottom planar surface 43 can be about 0.050 inches. In some variants, the thickness of the base 20 between the upper surface 22 and the bottom planar surface 43 can include any value or range between about 0.020 and 0.090 inches. As described elsewhere herein, the lid 10 can include protrusions 40 that can extend upward from the upper surface 22 of the base 20 and/or radially inward from the inner surface of the upper sidewall 24. The protrusions 40 can include the first portion 42 and second portion 44.

[0046] The second portion 44 can include an angled surface 70 that extends upward and/or radially outward from the upper surface 22. The second portion 44 can include an upper surface 82, which can be oriented perpendicularly relative to the central axis of the lid 10. The second portion 44 can include a radius that connects the angled surface 70 and the upper surface 82. The radius that connects the angled surface 70 and the upper surface 82 can be about 0.080 or 0.090 inches. In some variants, the radius that connects the angled surface 70 and the upper surface 82 can at least be any value or range between about 0.040 and 0.120 inches. The distance in an axial direction between the upper surface 82 and the top planar surface 22 can be about 0.203 inches. In some variants, the distance in the axial direction between the upper surface 82 and the top planar surface 22 can at least be about 0.150 and 0.250 inches. In some variants, the angled surface 70 can be angled relative to the upper surface 22 (e.g., 90-135 degrees, such as 102 degrees). In some variants, the angled surface 70 and upper surface 22 can form a corner. In some variants, a radius (e.g., 0.005-0.040 inches, such as 0.010 inches) can connect the angled surface 70 and the upper surface 22.

[0047] The first portion 42 can include an angled surface 80 that extends upward and/or radially outward from the upper surface 82 of the second portion 44. In some variants, the angled surface 80 and upper surface 82 can form a corner. The angled surface 80 and upper surface 82 can be angled (e.g., 90-135 degrees, such as 96.1 degrees) relative to each other. In some variants, a radius (e.g., 0.005-0.040 inches, such as 0.010 inches) can connect the angled surface 80 and upper surface 82. The first portion 42 can include an upper surface 78. The upper surface 78 can extend radially outward to the top of the upper sidewall 24. A radius can connect the upper surface 78 and angled surface 80 of the first portion 42. The radius that connects the upper surface 78 and angled surface 80 of the first portion 42 can be about 0.030 inches. In some variants, the radius that connects the upper surface 78 and angled surface 80 of the first portion 42 can at least be any value or range between 0.010 and 0.060 inches. The distance in an axial direction between the upper surface 78 and the upper surface 82 can be about 0.131 inches. In some variants, the distance in the axial direction between the upper surface 78 and the upper surface 82 can at least be about 0.080 and 0.200 inches.

[0048] The upper sidewall 24 can include a radius 84 that curves down from the upper surface 78. The radius 84 can be concave. The radius 84 can define the radially outermost surface of the lid 10, excluding features of the stopper 30 in some variants.

[0049] The distance in a radial direction between the radially outermost surface of the radius 84 and a theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the angled surface 80 and upper surface 78 can be about 0.136 inches. In some variants, the distance in a radial direction between the radially outermost surface of the radius 84 and the theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the angled surface 80 and upper surface 78 can at least be between about 0.090 and 0.180 inches.

[0050] The distance in a radial direction between the radially outermost surface of the radius 84 and a theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the angled surface 70 and upper surface 82 can be about 0.270 inches. In some variants, the distance in a radial direction between the radially outermost surface of the radius 84 and the theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the angled surface 70 and upper surface 82 can at least be between about 0.200 and 0.320 inches.

[0051] The distance in a radial direction between the radially outermost surface of the radius 84 and the corner created by the angled surface 70 and top planar surface 22 can be about 0.310 inches. In some variants, the distance in a radial direction between the radially outermost surface of the radius 84 and the corner created by the angled surface 70 and top planar surface 22 can at least be any value or range between about 0.250 and 0.370 inches. The distance in a radial direction between the corner (e.g., theoretical sharp corner) created by the angled surface 70 and top planar surface 22 (e.g., projections thereof) and the theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the angled surface 70 and upper surface 82 can be 0.010-0.090 inches or any value (e.g., 0.043 inches) or range of values therebetween. The distance in a radial direction between the corner (e.g., theoretical sharp corner) created by the angled surface 70 and top planar surface 22 (e.g., projections thereof) and the theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the upper surface 82 and angled surface 80 can be 0.100-0.500 inches or any value (e.g., 0.173 inches) or range of values therebetween. The distance in a radial direction between the corner (e.g., theoretical sharp corner) created by the angled surface 70 and top planar surface 22 (e.g., projections thereof) and the theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the angled surface 80 and the upper surface 78 can be 0.100-0.600 inches or any value (e.g., 0.187 inches) or range of values therebetween.

[0052] The upper sidewall 24 can include a radius 86 that curves down from the radius 84. The radius 86 can be convex. The radius 86 can curve from the radius 84 to an angled surface 76 of the upper side wall 24. The radius 86 can be about 0.020 inches. In some variants, the radius 86 can at least be any value or range between about 0.010 to 0.030 inches. The angled surface 76 can extend downward and radially inward. The angled surface 76 can extend to a radius 74. The radius 74 can be about 0.018 inches. In some variants, the radius 74 can be any value or range between about 0.010 and 0.030 inches. A surface 88 can extend radially inward from the radius 74. The surface 88 can, in some variants, be coplanar with the bottom planar surface 43. The surface 88 can, in some variants, be oriented perpendicularly relative to the central axis of the lid 10.

[0053] A radius 72 can connect the surface 88 to the lower sidewall 28. The lower sidewall 28 can extend downward relative to the surface 88 and/or bottom planar surface 43, which an include being parallel relative to a central axis of the lid 10. In some variants, a radius 68 can connect the bottom planar surface 43 and the lower sidewall 28. The radius 68 can be about 0.125 inches. In some variants, the radius 68 can include any value or range between about 0.015 and 0.160 inches.

[0054] The lower sidewall 28 can include a protrusion 66. The protrusion 66 can be disposed on an outer surface of the lower sidewall 28. The protrusion 66 can be tapered in an axial direction. For example, the upper portion of the protrusion 66 can be thicker in a radial direction relative to the lower portion of the protrusion 66. The protrusion 66 can catch on a corresponding feature of a cup to engage the lid 10 with a cup. For example, the protrusion 66 can be received by a corresponding annular recess of an inner portion of a cup, which can help engage the lid 10 with the cup.

[0055] FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a cross-sectional view of the lid 10 that does not section the one of the protrusions. FIG. 10 illustrates the lid 10 with example non-limiting dimensions. An inner surface 81 of the upper sidewall 24 can extend downward from the upper surface 79 of the upper side wall 24 to a radius 92 that can connect the upper surface 22 and the inner surface 81. The inner surface 81 can face inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the lid 10. The inner surface 81 can, in some variants, be angled (e.g., acute angle) relative to the central axis of the lid 10. The inner surface 81 can, in some variants, curve inward when approaching the radius 92. The radius 92 can be about 0.080 inches. In some variants, the radius 92 can be any value or range between about 0.020 and 0.160 inches. The upper surface 79 can be rounded, which can include rounding downward and inward toward the inner surface 81. The upper surface 79, in some variants, can be flat (e.g., perpendicular relative to the central axis of the lid 10). The upper surface 79 can define the upper-most surface of the lid 10. The distance in the axial direction between the upper-most surface of the upper surface 79 and the upper surface 22 can, in some variants, be about 0.334 inches. In some variants, the distance in the axial direction between the upper-most surface of the upper surface 79 and the upper surface 22 can, in some variants, be any value or range between about 0.100 and 0.700 inches. The upper surface 79 can span between the inner surface 81 and the radius 84.

[0056] The radius 84 can curve from the upper surface 79. The radius 84 can be convex. The radius 84 can curve downward toward the angled surface 76 of the upper side wall 24. The radius 86, as described elsewhere herein, can be disposed between the radius 84 and the angled surface 76. The angled surface 76 can extend downward and inward toward the radius 74. The surface 88, as described herein, can extend radially inward from the radius 74. The angled surface 76 can be disposed at an angle relative to the surface 88. For example, in some variants, the angled surface 76 can be disposed at an angle of 78.893 degrees relative to the surface 88. In some variants, the angled surface 76 can be disposed at an angle of any degree or range of degrees between about 45 and 90 degrees.

[0057] The radius 72 can connect the surface 88 to the lower side wall 28. The radius 72 can, in some variants, include a radius of about 0.015 inches. In some variants, the radius 72 can include a radius of any value or range between about 0.005 and 0.060 inches.

[0058] The lower side wall 28 can, as described herein, include the protrusion 66. The protrusion 66 can catch on a corresponding feature (e.g., recess) of a cup to engage the lid 10 with the cup. The protrusion 66 can protrude radially outward from an outward-facing surface 73 of the lower side wall 28. The protrusion 66 can include an angled surface 94 and an angled surface 100. The angled surface 94 can extend downward and radially outward from the outward-facing surface 73. The angled surface 94 can be disposed at an angle relative to the central axis of the lid 10. The angled surface 94 can be disposed at an angle relative to the surface 88, which can include an angle of about 45 degrees. In some variants, the angled surface 94 can be disposed at any angle or range of angles between about 10 and 80 degrees. The angled surface 100 can be disposed at an angle relative to the central axis of the lid 10. The angled surface 100 can be disposed at an angle relative to the angled surface 94. The angled surface 100 can extend downward and inward relative to the angled surface 94. A radius 96 can connect the outward-facing surface 73 and the angled surface 94. In some variants, the radius 96 can be about 0.010 inches. In some variants, the radius 96 can be any value or range between about 0.003 and 0.040 inches. A radius 98 can connect the angled surface 94 and the angled surface 100. In some variants, the radius 98 can be about 0.010 inches. In some variants, the radius 98 can be any value or range between about 0.003 and 0.040 inches. The radius 98, in some variants, can define a radially outermost portion of the lower side wall 28 and/or protrusion 66. The angled surface 100 can extend downward and inward toward a lower surface 104 (e.g., bottom surface) A radius 102 can connect the angled surface 100 and the lower surface 104. In some variants, the radius 102 can be about 0.005 inches. In some variants, the radius 102 can be any value or range between about 0.001 inches and 0.020 inches. In some variants, the lower surface 104 can define a bottom-most surface of the lower side wall 28. In some variants, the lower surfaced 104 can be oriented perpendicular relative to the central axis of the lid 10. In some variants, the distance in the axial direction between the lower surface 104 and the bottom planar surface 43 can be about 0.238 inches. In some variants, the distance between the lower surface 104 and the bottom planar surface 43 can be any value or range between about 0.100 and 0.500 inches.

[0059] A surface 105, which can be angled and/or curved, can extend inward and upward from the inner end of the surface 104. The surface 105 can connect the surface 104 to a radius 106. The radius 106 can connect the surface 105 to an inward-facing surface 75 of the lower side wall 28. The inward-facing surface 75 can, in some variants, be disposed at an angle relative to the central axis of the lid 10 (e.g., extend upward and inward from the surface 106). In some variants, the inward-facing surface 75 can be disposed parallel relative to the central axis of the lid 10. The radius 68 can connect the inward-facing surface 75 and the bottom planar surface 43. The radius 68 can, in some variants, be about 0.025 inches. In some variants, the radius 68 can be any value or range between about 0.015 and 0.160 inches. The lower side wall 28 can be biased radially outward, which can include a lower portion of the lower side wall 28 (e.g., portion including the protrusion 66) being disposed more radially outward relative to an upper portion of the lower side wall 28.

[0060] Features of the lid 10 can define various diameters of different sizes. For example, in some variants, the theoretical sharp corner (TSC) formed by the angled surface 76 and surface 88 can define a diameter of about 4.258 inches. In some variants, the TSC formed by the angled surface 76 and surface 88 can define a diameter of any value or range between about 3.100 and 5.100 inches. In some variants, the TSC formed by the angled surface 94 and angled surface 100 can define a diameter of about 4.145 inches. In some variants, the TSC formed by the angled surface 94 and angled surface 100 can define a diameter of any value or range between about 3.000 and 5.000 inches. In some variants, the TSC formed by the angled surface 100 and the surface 104 can define a diameter of about 4.082 inches. In some variants, the TSC formed by the angled surface 100 and the surface 104 can define a diameter of any value or range between about 2.900 and 4.900 inches. In some variants, the inner end of the surface 104 can define a stripper ring diameter (STR) of about 4.068 inches. In some variants, the inner end of the surface 105 can define a STR of any value or range between about 2.800 and 4.850 inches. During the manufacturing process, the surface 105 defining the STR can help to eject the lid 10 from a core during formation.

[0061] FIG. 11 illustrates an upper lid 10a and lower lid 10b stacked on top of each other in a nested arrangement, which can be convenient for handling, storing, and/or shipping. The upper and lower lids 10a, 10b can be the same. The upper and lower lids 10a, 10b can include any of the features of the lid 10 described here. In the stacked arrangement (e.g., nested arrangement), the lower wall 28 can contact the upper surface 82 of the protrusion 40 of the upper lid 10a. In the stacked arrangement, the upper surface 78 of the upper lid 10a and the upper surface 78 of the lower lid 10b can be axially spaced apart by 0.2-0.9 inches (e.g., nest height), which can include any value (e.g., 0.491 inches) or range of values therebetween.

Certain Terminology

[0062] As used herein, the term beverage has its ordinary and customary meaning, and includes, among other things, any edible liquid or substantially liquid substance or product having a flowing quality (e.g., juices, coffee beverages, teas, milk, beer, wine, cocktails, liqueurs, spirits, cider, soft drinks, flavored water, energy drinks, soups, broths, combinations of the same, or the like).

[0063] Conditional language, such as can, could, might, or may, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0064] Conjunctive language such as the phrase at least one of X, Y, and Z, unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0065] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as a or an should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as a device configured to are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B, and C can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.

[0066] The terms comprising, including, having, and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Likewise, the terms some, certain, and the like are synonymous and are used in an open-ended fashion. Also, the term or is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term or means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0067] The terms approximately, about, and substantially as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms approximately, about, and substantially may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. Numbers preceded by a term such as about or approximately include the recited numbers and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate as reasonably possible under the circumstances, for example. For example, about 1 gram includes 1 gram. In the embodiments described in this application, terms such as about or approximately within the specification or claims that precede values or ranges can be omitted such that this application specifically includes embodiments of the recited values or ranges with the terms about or approximately omitted from such values and ranges such that they can also be claimed without the terms about or approximately before the disclosed range. The term generally as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes, or tends toward, a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term generally parallel can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees and/or the term generally perpendicular can refer to something that departs from exactly perpendicular by less than or equal to 20 degrees.

[0068] Overall, the language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims. The language of the claims is not to be limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples that are illustrated and described in this disclosure, or that are discussed during the prosecution of the application.

[0069] The following example embodiments identify some possible permutations of combinations of features disclosed herein, although other permutations of combinations of features are also possible.

Summary

[0070] Although certain aspects, advantages, and features are described herein, it is not necessary that any particular embodiment include or achieve any or all of those aspects, advantages, and features. For example, some embodiments may not achieve the advantages described herein, but may achieve other advantages instead. Any structure, feature, or step in any embodiment can be used in place of, or in addition to, any structure, feature, or step in any other embodiment, or omitted. This disclosure contemplates all combinations of features from the various disclosed embodiments. No feature, structure, or step is essential or indispensable In addition, although this disclosure describes certain embodiments and examples of beverage systems and methods, many aspects of the above-described systems and methods may be combined differently and/or modified to form still further embodiments or acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure.

[0071] Also, although there may be some embodiments within the scope of this disclosure that are not expressly recited above or elsewhere herein, this disclosure contemplates and includes all embodiments within the scope of what this disclosure shows and describes. Further, this disclosure contemplates and includes embodiments comprising any combination of any structure, material, step, or other feature disclosed anywhere herein with any other structure, material, step, or other feature disclosed anywhere herein.

[0072] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0073] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0074] Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not be interpreted to be limiting. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Also, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

[0075] Moreover, while components and operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular arrangement or order, such components and operations need not be arranged and performed in the particular arrangement and order shown, nor in sequential order, nor include all of the components and operations, to achieve desirable results. Other components and operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the embodiments and examples. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0076] In summary, various illustrative embodiments and examples of beverage dispensing systems and methods have been disclosed. Although the systems and methods have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow as well as their full scope of equivalents.