U.S. patent application number 09/967754 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-03 for beverage container lids and beverage containers.
Invention is credited to Chen, Wang Ching, Robinson, Meredith.
Application Number | 20030062367 09/967754 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25513263 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030062367 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robinson, Meredith ; et
al. |
April 3, 2003 |
Beverage container lids and beverage containers
Abstract
A beverage container lid includes a first body configured as a
cover for removable securement over an opening of a beverage
container. The first body has a first side surface opposite a
second side surface. A second body is secured in the first body for
pivotal movement about a pivot point. The second body defines a
bore to provide fluid communication between an environment
proximate the first side surface of the first body and an
environment proximate the second side surface of the first
body.
Inventors: |
Robinson, Meredith; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Chen, Wang Ching; (Tainan,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WELLS ST. JOHN ROBERTS GREGORY & MATKIN P.S.
601 W. FIRST AVENUE
SUITE 1300
SPOKANE
WA
99201-3828
US
|
Family ID: |
25513263 |
Appl. No.: |
09/967754 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.1 ;
220/705 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2019/2238 20130101;
A47G 19/2227 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.1 ;
220/705 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/22 |
Claims
1. A beverage container lid comprising: a first body comprising a
cover configured for removable securement over an opening of a
beverage container, the first body comprising a first side surface
opposite a second side surface; and a second body secured in the
first body for pivotal movement about a pivot point, the second
body defining a bore providing fluid communication between an
environment proximate the first side surface of the first body and
an environment proximate the second side surface of the first
body.
2. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein the second body is
configured to receive a straw in the bore.
3. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein the second body
comprises a unitary structure.
4. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein the second body
comprises a spherical portion received in the first body to provide
the pivotal movement.
5. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein the second body
comprises a pair of oppositely extending tubular portions defining
at least a portion of the bore.
6. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein at least one of
the first and second bodies comprise a translucent material.
7. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein at least one of
the first and second bodies comprise an opaque material.
8. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein at least one of
the first and second bodies comprise a transparent material.
9. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein the first body
comprises a generally parabolic shape.
10. The beverage container lid of claim 1 wherein the first body
comprises a generally parabolic shape defining a open bottom end,
wherein the first body comprises an apex of the generally parabolic
shape generally opposite the open bottom end, and wherein the
second body is received in the apex of the first body.
11. A beverage container lid comprising: a dome-shaped cover
defining generally a partially enclosed region and having an open
end configured for removable securement over an opening of a
beverage container; and a body comprising a spherical portion
pivotally secured in the cover and at least two tubular portions
extending from the spherical portion, a first tubular portion
extending into the partially enclosed region and a second tubular
portion extending outward of the cover generally opposite the
partially enclosed region, the spherical portion and first and
second tubular portions defining a bore extending throughout to
provide fluid communication between the partially enclosed region
and outward of the cover.
12. A beverage container lid comprising: a first body for removable
securement over an open end of a beverage container, the first body
comprising a first portion of a ball socket and a first side
generally opposite a second side; a second body comprising a second
portion of the ball socket, the second body secured to the first
body with the first portion of the ball socket aligned with the
second portion of the ball socket to establish the ball socket; and
a third body comprising a ball bearing pivotally secured in the
ball socket, the third body defining a bore providing fluid
communication between the first and second sides of the first
body.
13. A beverage container comprising: a hollow body comprising an
upper open end; a lid body removably secured over the upper open
end of the hollow body; and a straw retention member secured in the
lid body for pivotal movement about a pivot point, the straw
retention member defining a bore to provide fluid communication
between inside the hollow body and outside the hollow body.
14. The beverage container of claim 13 wherein the lid body
comprises a bowl shape.
15. The beverage container of claim 13 wherein the lid body
comprises a bowl shape defining an apex opposite an open end, and
wherein the straw retention member is secured in the apex of lid
body.
16. The beverage container of claim 13 wherein the straw retention
member defines the bore as a cylindrical linear opening.
17. The beverage container of claim 13 wherein the straw retention
member comprises a unitary structure.
18. The beverage container of claim 13 further comprising a member
to pivotally secure the straw retention member to the lid body.
19. The beverage container of claim 13 wherein the straw retention
member is configured to receive a straw in the bore.
20. The beverage container of claim 13 wherein the straw retention
member comprises a pair of oppositely extending tubular portions
defining at least a portion of the bore.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention pertains to beverage container lids and
beverage containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Drinking straws are commonly used to facilitate drinking
from a glass, beverage cup, tumbler or similar beverage container.
Conventional straws are disposable, and therefore, are designed
with cheap, flimsy materials. Various straw retention apparatuses
have been developed to secure a straw for use in conjunction with
the beverage container. An exemplary design includes a beverage cup
with a lid fitted over an opening in the cup. The lid defines an
aperture to receive the straw for withdrawing a fluid in the cup.
However, such designs are prone to spillage or leakage through the
aperture. Additionally, the straw is routinely pivoted about the
aperture to access all the fluid in the cup, and such pivoting of
the flimsy straw routinely results in the straw deforming to
constrict the passageway of the straw. Furthermore, such designs
include generally planar lids which will not accommodate dessert
topping floating on a fluid, for example, whipped cream over
coffee.
[0003] Other exemplary designs for straw retention apparatuses
include discrete members separate from the beverage container and
have a first portion which is used to mount the straw retention
apparatus to the container and a second portion which secures the
straw. If not adequately secured to the container, the apparatus
may be lost. Moreover, the society of today desires items to be
convenient, simple and easy to use. Such a society may not have the
patience to locate the separate straw retention apparatus each time
a beverage is prepared for consumption, much less have the patience
to assemble the straw retention apparatus to the beverage
container.
[0004] Alternatively, straw retention apparatuses are designed with
straws integral with the beverage container. However, the majority
of such designs utilize multiple parts or otherwise have a
complicated design configuration which drives the cost of
manufacture to prohibitive levels.
[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to develop beverage
container lids and beverage containers that overcome the previously
discussed problems and shortcomings of present designs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below
with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
[0007] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a beverage
container lid in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away, side elevational view of a
first body of the beverage container lid illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a sectional, side elevational view of a second
body of the beverage container lid illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a sectional, side elevational view of a third body
of the beverage container lid illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 5 is the FIG. 3 second body and the FIG. 4 third body
illustrated in cooperation in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a partial cut-away view of a beverage container
lid illustrated with a fragmented view of a beverage cup in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a beverage container in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In one aspect, the invention includes a beverage container
lid that includes a first body configured as a cover for removable
securement over an opening of a beverage container. The first body
has a first side surface opposite a second side surface. A second
body is secured in the first body for pivotal movement about a
pivot point. The second body defines a bore to provide fluid
communication between an environment proximate the first side
surface of the first body and an environment proximate the second
side surface of the first body.
[0015] In another aspect, the invention includes a beverage
container. The beverage container includes a hollow body with an
upper open end. A lid body is removably secured over the upper open
end of the hollow body. A straw retention member is secured in the
lid body for pivotal movement about a pivot point. The straw
retention member defines a bore to provide fluid communication
between inside the hollow body and outside the hollow body.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance
of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws "to promote
the progress of science and useful arts" (Article 1, Section
8).
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a beverage container lid 10 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention and includes three
discrete and separate components or bodies: a first body 20, a
second body 60 and a third body 80. The bodies 20, 60 and 80 are
illustrated aligned along an axis 12. For this document, axis 12 is
defined as a vertical axis perpendicular to a horizontal surface on
which a beverage container or cup may rest. It should be understood
that axis 12 is only presented for referencing orientation of
components of the present invention.
[0018] Materials to form first, second and third bodies 20, 60 and
80 include polymers that can be molded or extruded, for example,
fiber glass or plastics. Other materials may be used to form the
bodies, for example metals or metal alloys, without departing from
the principles and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the
materials used to form first, second and third bodies 20, 60 and 80
may be opaque, translucent or transparent, or any combination
thereof.
[0019] First body 20 has an outer or exterior surface 22 generally
bowl shaped or parabolically shaped and is oriented to be centered
about axis 12. First body 20 acts as a cover configured for
removable securement over an opening of the beverage container or
cup. An upper portion of first body 20 forms an apex of the
parabolic shape with the exterior surface 22 defining a planar
portion 23 generally perpendicular to axis 12. Planar portion 23
includes a first circular edge 24 which defines a first diametric
dimension. An arcuate surface wall 33 extends from first circular
edge 24 downward relative planar portion 23 and outward relative
axis 12. Exterior surface 22 extends from planar portion 23 in a
curved fashion to curve inwardly toward axis 12 and terminating to
form a finger engagement portion 26 generally extending parallel
with axis 12 and circumferentially surrounding axis 12. Finger
engagement portion 26 includes ridges or edges 27 generally
extending parallel with axis 12 and circumferentially spaced
generally equidistant around first body 20. Finger engagement
portion 26 further includes concave indentations 28 between any two
adjacent edges 27. Finger engagement portion 26 is designed to
facilitate finger manipulation of first body 20 for rotation
generally about axis 12 for removable securement to the beverage
container described subsequently. Any number of finger engagement
portion configurations may be formed, for example notches extending
substantially from exterior surface 22, without departing from the
principles and scope of the invention. First body 20 may be
characterized as a beverage cover, beverage top or beverage
container lid to be removably secured to the beverage container or
cup. First body 20 may have any number of configurations, for
example generally planar, rectangular, or shaped in images such as
animals, automobiles, etc., without departing from the principles
and scope of the invention. The exemplary bowl shaped configuration
shown facilitates the use of housing a beverage such as coffee with
a dessert topping such as whipped cream floating on top of the
coffee.
[0020] Still referring to FIG. 1, beverage container lid 10 further
includes a second body 60, or straw retention member, configured to
hold or secure a conventional straw therein. Second body 60
comprises a central spherical member 62 and a pair of tubular
portions 64 and 66 extending outward from opposite sides of central
spherical member 62 wherein the tubular portions 64 and 66 are
collinear. Central spherical member 62 defines a second diametric
dimension. Central spherical member 62 and tubular portion 64 and
66 define a bore 68 throughout the second body to receive a
conventional straw. An exemplary bore 68 is linearly
configured.
[0021] Still referring to FIG. 1, beverage container lid 10 further
includes a third body 80 which may be generally referred to as a
securement member for securing second body 60 to first body 20 for
pivotal motion therein and described more thoroughly subsequently.
Retention member 80 includes an upper cylindrical ring 82 and a
lower retainment ring 84 which extends downwardly from cylindrical
ring 82. Retainment ring 84 includes an annular ledge 94 which
extends generally perpendicularly inwardly from cylindrical ring 82
and generally perpendicular to axis 12. Annular ledge 94 terminates
to form an edge 95 which defines an opening with diametric
dimensions only slightly greater than the diameter of central
spherical member 62 of second body 60. From edge 95, a curved wall
88 extends downwardly relative the annular ledge 94 and inwardly
towards axis 12 and terminates to define opening 86 defining a
diameter smaller than the diameter of central spherical member 62.
The curvature of curved wall 88 is configured to complementarily
conform to the curvature of the surface of central spherical member
62 from the diametric circumference downward therefrom such that a
portion of central spherical member 62 is complementarily received
in retainment ring 84 for pivotal securement therein by curved wall
88 and retained in retainment ring 84 by the smaller diameter of
opening 86.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, first body 20 is illustrated partially
broken away to show an inside contour of first body 20 defined by
inner or interior surface 30. Interior surface 30 defines a
generally parabolic shape and generally parallel with exterior
surface 22. An upper portion of interior surface 30 defines an apex
of the parabolic shape with the apex formed by a generally planar
surface 32 generally parallel to planar portion 23 of exterior
surface 22. Arcuate surface wall 33 extends between planar portion
23 and planar surface 32. Arcuate surface wall 33 and planar
surface 32 intersect to form a second circular edge 40 which
defines a third diametric dimension only slightly greater than the
diameter of the central spherical member 62. The curvature of
curved wall 33 is configured to complementarily conform to the
curvature of the surface of central spherical member 62 from the
diametric circumference upward therefrom such that a portion of
central spherical member 62 is complementarily received in first
body 20 with curved wall 33 pivotally securing central spherical
member 62 therein. The diametric dimension of second circular edge
40 is less than the diameter of central spherical member 62, and
therefore, central spherical member 62 is retained from exiting the
apex of the first body 20. Planar surface 32 defines an angular
groove 35 encircling second circular edge 40 and a portion of
arcuate surface wall 33. Angular groove 35 is configured to
complementarily receive cylindrical ring 82 of retention member 80.
Arcuate surface wall 33 and annular groove 35 form an annular
projection 42 therebetween. A plurality of threaded members 34
extend from interior surface 30 of first body 20 toward axis 12 and
are circumferentially spaced intermittently around first body 20
generally opposite the finger engagement portion 26 formed by the
exterior surface 22. Such threaded members 34 serve to secure first
body 20 to the beverage container or cup, described
hereinafter.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, second body 60 includes sloped corners
70 (only two referenced) and has bore 68 generally formed as a
linear cylindrical bore configured to receive a conventional straw
for sliding engagement therein.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, third body 80 includes the upper
cylindrical ring 82 defined by an inner cylindrical wall 92 which
extends generally perpendicularly upward from annular ledge 94, an
outer cylindrical wall 96 spaced outward from the inner cylindrical
wall 92, and an upper ridge 90 connecting the inner and outer
cylindrical walls 92 and 96.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 5, second body 60 is pivotally received in
the retainment ring 84 of third body 80. The positioning of second
body 60 is such that if annular ledge 94 defined a plane that
extends through second body 60, the plane would be co-planar with
or define a diametric plane through the central spherical member 62
wherein the diametric plane would be generally horizontal and
extend perpendicularly from the page. Curved wall 88 receives a
portion of the curvature of central spherical member 62 from the
diametric plane downward and conforming to the inward taper of the
curvature. With second body 60 oriented generally vertically as
shown in FIG. 5, curvature portions 63 of the central spherical
member 62 extends past the opening 86 of third body 80 and both
tubular portions 64 and 66 are outward of third body 80. Curvature
portions 65 extend outward above third body 80, and if second body
60 is left in this orientation relative the third body 80,
curvature portions 65 will be received in first body 20 proximate
arcuate surface wall 33, described subsequently. It should be
understood that second body 60 can be pivoted about a point pivot
referenced as 122 (described more thoroughly hereinafter) such that
diametrically opposed curvature portions 63 and 65 could rest
proximate curved wall 88 of the third body 80. The inner
cylindrical wall 92, annular ledge 94 and central spherical member
62 adjacent thereto, all combine to form a recess 98 between
central spherical member 62 and upper cylindrical ring 82. Recess
98 is configured to complementarily receive annular projection 42
of first body 20.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 6, first body 20 is shown with third body
80 secured thereto and second body 60 pivotally secured between
first and second bodies 20 and 80 to establish the beverage
container lid 10. Upper cylindrical ring 82 of the third body 80 is
complementarily received in annular groove 35 (see FIG. 2) of first
body 20. Annular projection 42 of first body 20 is complementarily
received in recess 98 (see FIG. 5) defined by third body 80. An
adhesive is used to secure third body 80 to first body 20.
[0027] The curvature of arcuate surface wall 33 of first body 20 is
aligned with the curvature of curved wall 88 of third body 80 to
form the contour of a partial sphere for pivotally securing the
central spherical portion 62 of second body 60 therein. The
alignment of arcuate surface wall 33 and curved wall 88 may be
characterized in one embodiment as a ball socket to receive the
central spherical portion 62 which may be characterized in one
embodiment as a ball bearing allowing second body 60 to pivot in
three dimensional space about a pivot point 122. Accordingly, the
cooperation between arcuate surface wall 33, curved wall 88 and
central spherical portion 62 may be characterized in one embodiment
as a ball joint. Planar surface 32 of first body 20 mates with
annular ledge 94 to form a plane generally coplanar with the
horizontal diametric plane through second body 60. The horizontal
diametric plane includes pivot point 122. Second body 60 can be
pivoted about pivot point 122 to any position in three-dimensional
space limited only by tubular portions 64 and 66 contacting first
body 20 and third body 80, respectively. It should be understood
that second body 60 may be rotated about an axis defined by bore 68
and shown generally by direction arrow 121, and such rotation may
be performed as second body 60 is oriented in the any pivoted
position about pivot point 122.
[0028] Still referring to FIG. 6, beverage container lid 10 is
illustrated over a fragmented view of an upper portion of a
beverage cup 102 to facilitate description of a securement method
of the beverage container lid 10 to the beverage cup 102. Beverage
cup 102 has an annular receiving surface 106 offset inwardly from a
main body 108. A resting edge 109 connects annular receiving
surface 106 and main body 108. Annular receiving surface 106
defines an opening (not shown) for receiving a fluid, for example,
coffee. Annular receiving surface 106 includes linear ridges 110
which extend outwardly from the annular receiving surface 106 and
are circumferentially spaced intermittently around the beverage cup
102. Linear ridges 110 have an upper surface 114 opposite a lower
surface 112. The first body 20 terminates to define a
downwardly-facing circular abutment edge 39 which connects finger
engagement portion 26 with the interior surface 30. Circular
abutment edge 39 defines an opening of beverage container lid 10 to
be received over beverage cup 102. The opening of beverage
container lid 10 has diametric dimensions greater than the
diametric dimensions of annular receiving surface 106 for receipt
thereover. Before placement, beverage container lid 10 is oriented
so that threaded members 34 are positioned to slide along the
annular receiving surface 106 between the linear ridges 1 10. Once
placed over the beverage cup 102, the beverage container lid 10
slides along the annular receiving surface 106 until circular
abutment edge 39 engages resting edge 109 and further movement of
beverage container lid 10 is prevented. In this position, threaded
members 34 and linear ridges 110 are configured such that threaded
members 34 are slightly below the linear ridges 110 wherein
rotation of beverage container lid 10 (or beverage cup 102 or both)
about axis 12 allows the linear ridges 110 to engage the angled
portion 37 of threaded members 34. Continued rotation of beverage
container lid 10 allows the lower surfaces 112 of linear ridges 110
to ride up the angled portion 37 and biases the circular abutment
edge 39 against resting edge 109. Such biasing corresponds to
biasing the beverage container lid 10 onto the beverage cup 102 for
sealment of the beverage cup 102. The rotation of beverage
container lid 10 continues until linear ridges 110 abut against the
horizontal portion 36 of threaded members 34. The beverage
container lid 10 and beverage cup 102 may have any number of
configurations for securing one to the other, for example,
complementarily formed helical threads, without departing from the
principles and scope of the invention.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 7, beverage container lid 10 is sealed to
beverage cup 102 to form beverage container 100. A straw 104 is
received in bore 68. It should be understood that pivoting the
second body 60 about pivot point 122 corresponds to the same pivot
action of straw 104. Accordingly, straw 104 is capable of
substantially reaching all areas inside beverage cup 102 without
deformation and constriction of the passageway of straw 104.
[0030] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been
described in language more or less specific as to structural and
methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the specific features shown and
described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred
forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is,
therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the
proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in
accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
* * * * *