U.S. patent application number 10/065721 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-15 for recloseable lid.
Invention is credited to Atkins, Todd, Belt, Gordon A., Gingras, Ryan P..
Application Number | 20030089713 10/065721 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23377895 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030089713 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Belt, Gordon A. ; et
al. |
May 15, 2003 |
Recloseable lid
Abstract
A reclosable lid for a drinking cup comprising a base and a cap
in mating relationship which can rotate relative to each other.
Both the base and cap are provided with an aperture for delivery of
liquid therethrough. When the apertures are aligned, liquid may be
removed from the cup. When the cap is rotated relative to the base
so that the apertures are offset, removal and spillage of liquid
will be prevented.
Inventors: |
Belt, Gordon A.; (Mason,
MI) ; Atkins, Todd; (Dansville, MI) ; Gingras,
Ryan P.; (Grass Lake, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGARRY BAIR PC
171 MONROE AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 600
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49503
US
|
Family ID: |
23377895 |
Appl. No.: |
10/065721 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60350719 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/253 ;
220/259.3; 220/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00046
20130101; B65D 47/265 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/253 ;
220/259.3; 220/714 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/22; B65D
051/18 |
Claims
1. A recloseable lid comprising: a mounting ring for mounting the
lid to a cup; a base connected to and extending from the mounting
ring, the base having a drink opening and defining a well with an
annular groove; and a cap having a plug for closing the drink
opening, and an annular edge sized to be inserted into the well and
received within the annular groove to rotatably mount the cap to
the base, wherein the cap can be rotated relative to the base
between an opened position, where the plug does not close the drink
opening, and a closed position where the plug closes the drink
opening.
2. The reclosable lid according to claim 1 wherein the annular
groove is continuous.
3. The recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein the well
comprises a floor and a peripheral wall extending from the floor
and the groove is located at the junction of the peripheral wall
and floor.
4. The recloseable lid according to claim 3 wherein at least a
portion of the peripheral wall extends in a direction upwardly and
inwardly relative to the floor to form the groove.
5. The recloseable lid according to claim 4 wherein the peripheral
wall comprises a second portion extending from the first portion in
a direction that is upwardly and outwardly relative to the
floor.
6. The recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein the cap has a
mounting projection comprising a peripheral wall that transitions
into a surface, with the transition forming the annular edge and
the surface overlying the floor when the cap is assembled to the
base.
7. The recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein each of the
annular edge and annular groove have a major radial portion, when
the major radial portions are aligned, the annular edge can be
inserted into the annular groove, and when the cap is rotated
relative to the base, the major radial portion of the cap will
encounter a portion of the annular groove to limit the relative
rotation of the cap and the base.
8. The recloseable lid according to claim 7 wherein each of the
annular edge and annular groove have an oval shape, and the major
radial portion is formed by the major axis of the oval.
9. The recloseable lid according to claim 7 wherein the lid is
neither in the opened or closed positions when the major radial
portions are aligned.
10. The recloseable lid according to claim 7 wherein one of the
annular edge and annular groove comprises an angled surface such
that when the cap is rotated relative to the base and the major
radial portion of the cap contacts the annular groove, the angled
surface contacts the other of the annular edge and annular groove
and is deflected toward the base thereby drawing the cap toward the
base.
11. The recloseable lid according to claim 10 wherein the plug and
drink opening are oriented such that the plug overlies the drink
opening when the lid is drawn toward the base to draw the plug into
the drink opening.
12. The recloseable lid according to claim 1 I wherein the plug
seals the drink opening when it is drawn into the drink
opening.
13. The recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein the lid
further comprises a detent for releaseably fixing the cap and base
in one of the opened and closed positions.
14. The recloseable lid according to claim 13 wherein the lid
further comprises another detent for releaseably fixing the cap and
base in the other of the opened and closed positions.
15. The recloseable lid according to claim 13 wherein the detent
comprises a recess in one of the cap and base and a projection in
the other of the cap and base, and the projection is received
within the recess to form the detent.
16. The recloseable lid according to claim 15 wherein the recess is
a well formed in the base and the projection is a second well
formed in the cap.
17. The recloseable lid according to claim 16 wherein the second
well formed in the cap has an open bottom, and when the lid is in
the open position, the open-bottom well aligns with the drink
opening permitting liquid to pass therethrough, and when the lid is
in the closed position, the open-bottom well is received within the
base well.
18. The recloseable lid according to claim 17 wherein the open
bottom well comprises a peripheral wall that bears against the edge
of the drink opening to seal the cap relative to the base when the
lid is in the open position.
19. The recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein the plug is a
closed-bottom well, which is received within the drink opening when
the lid is in the closed position to close the drink opening.
20. The recloseable lid according to claim 19 wherein the
closed-bottom well comprises a peripheral wall that bears against
the edge of the drink opening to seal the cap relative to the base
when the lid is in the closed position.
21. The recloseable lid according to claim 1 and further comprising
a rotation stop for limiting the relative rotation of the cap and
the base.
22. The recloseable lid according to claim 21 wherein the rotation
stop comprises a key extending upwardly from the base, and a slot
in the cap, with the key being received in the slot when the cap is
mounted to the base.
23. The recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein the cap has a
grip for aiding in the rotation of the cap relative to the
base.
24. The recloseable lid according to claim 23 wherein the grip
comprises multiple projections extending from the cap.
25. The recloseable lid according to claim 23 wherein the grip
comprises multiple indentations on the cap.
26. The recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein the cap has a
depression located on the cap relative to the drink opening to
receive the user's nose when the user drinks liquid from the drink
opening.
27. The recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein the cap
comprises a pass-through opening that overlies the drink opening
when the lid is in the opened position.
28. The recloseable lid according to claim 27 wherein the
pass-through opening is a notch formed in the annular edge of the
cap.
29. The recloseable lid according to claim 28 wherein the drink
opening is located in the well.
30. The recloseable lid according to claim 27 wherein the base
comprises a wall defining the well and terminating in an upper
surface, and the drink opening is located in the upper surface.
31. The recloseable lid according to claim 30 wherein the
pass-through opening is funnel-shaped projection that is received
within the drink opening.
32. A disposable, recloseable lid comprising: a mounting ring for
mounting the lid to a cup; a base connected to and extending from
the mounting ring, the base having a drink opening for the passage
of liquid from the cup through the lid when the lid is attached to
the cup; and a cap rotatably mounted to the base for rotation
between an opened and a closed position, the cap having a
pass-through opening that aligns with the drink opening when the
lid is in the opened position and a plug that aligns with the drink
opening for closing the drink opening when the lid is in the closed
position; wherein the cap, mounting ring, and tab are formed from a
plastic sheet.
33. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein the lid
further comprises a detent for releaesably fixing the cap and base
in one of the opened and closed positions.
34. The recloseable lid according to claim 33 wherein the lid
further comprises another detent for releaseably fixing the cap and
base in the other of the opened and closed positions.
35. The recloseable lid according to claim 33 wherein the detent
comprises a recess in one of the cap and base and a projection in
the other of the cap and base, and the projection is received
within the recess to form the detent.
36. The recloseable lid according to claim 35 wherein the recess is
a well formed in the base and the projection is a well formed in
the cap.
37. The recloseable lid according to claim 36 wherein the well
formed in the cap has an open bottom defining the pass-through
opening, and when the lid is in the open position, the open-bottom
well of the cap aligns with the drink opening permitting liquid to
pass therethrough, and when the lid is in the closed position, the
open-bottom well is received within the base well.
38. The recloseable lid according to claim 37 wherein the
open-bottom well comprises a peripheral wall that bears against the
edge of the drink opening to seal the cap relative to the base when
the lid is in the open position.
39. The recloseable lid according to claim 36 wherein the cap has a
closed-bottom well, which is received within the base well when the
lid is in one of the opened and closed positions.
40. The recloseable lid according to claim 39 wherein the
closed-bottom well forms the plug, which is received within the
drink opening when the lid is in the closed position and in the
base well when the lid is in the open position.
41. The recloseable lid according to claim 40 wherein the
closed-bottom well comprises a peripheral wall that bears against
the edge of the drink opening to seal the cap relative to the base
when the lid is in the closed position.
42. The recloseable lid according to claim 33 wherein the base
comprises an annular groove and the cap comprises an annular edge
received within the annular groove to rotatably mount the cap to
the base.
43. The reclosable lid according to claim 42 wherein the annular
groove is continuous.
44. The recloseable lid according to claim 43 wherein the annular
edge is continuous.
45. The recloseable lid according to claim 42 wherein the base
further comprises a recess formed by a floor and a peripheral wall
extending from the floor and the groove is located at the junction
of the peripheral wall and floor.
46. The recloseable lid according to claim 45 wherein at least a
portion of the peripheral wall extends in a direction upwardly and
inwardly relative to the floor to form the groove.
47. The recloseable lid according to claim 46 wherein the
peripheral wall comprises a second portion extending from the first
portion in a direction that is upwardly and outwardly relative to
the floor.
48. The recloseable lid according to claim 42 wherein cap has a
mounting projection comprising a peripheral wall that transitions
into a surface, with the transition forming the annular edge and
the surface overlying the floor when the cap is assembled to the
base.
49. The recloseable lid according to claim 42 wherein each of the
annular edge and annular groove have a major radial portion, when
the major radial portions are aligned, the edge can be inserted
into the groove, and when the cap is rotated relative to the base,
the major radial portion of the cap will encounter a portion of the
annular groove to limit the relative rotation of the cap and the
base.
50. The recloseable lid according to claim 49 wherein each of the
annular edge and annular groove have an oval shape, and the major
radial portion is formed by the major axis of the oval.
51. The recloseable lid according to claim 50 wherein the lid is
neither in the opened or closed positions when the major radial
portions are aligned.
52. The recloseable lid according to claim 50 wherein one of the
annular edge and annular groove has an angled surface such that
when the cap is rotated relative to the base and the major radial
portion of the cap contacts the annular groove, the angled surface
contacts the other of the annular edge and annular groove and is
deflected toward the base thereby drawing the cap toward the
base.
53. The recloseable lid according to claim 52 wherein the plug and
drink opening are oriented such that the plug overlies the drink
opening when the lid is drawn toward the base to draw the plug into
the drink opening.
54. The recloseable lid according to claim 53 wherein the plug
seals the drink opening when it is drawn into the drink
opening.
55. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 and further
comprising a rotation stop that limits the relative rotation of the
cap and the base.
56. The recloseable lid according to claim 55 wherein the rotation
stop comprises a key extending upwardly from the base, a slot in
the cap, with the key being received in the slot when the cap is
mounted to the base.
57. The recloseable lid according to claim 56 wherein the rotation
stop comprises complementary indentations in the cap and base, with
the cap indentation being smaller than the base indentation and
received within the base indentation.
58. The recloseable lid according to claim 57 wherein the cap
indentation is located on the cap relative to the drink opening to
receive the user's nose when the user drinks liquid from the drink
opening.
59. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein the cap has a
grip for aiding the user in grasping the cap and rotating it
relative to the base.
60. The recloseable lid according to claim 59 wherein the grip
comprises projections extending from the cap.
61. The recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein the grip
comprises indentations on the cap.
62. The recloseable lid according to claim 61 wherein the
indentations are spaced about the periphery of the cap.
63. The reclosable lid according to claim 62 wherein there is at
least one indentation on opposite halves of the cap.
64. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein the
pass-through opening is a notch formed in the annular edge of the
cap.
65. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein the base
defines a well and the drink opening is located in the well.
66. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein the base
comprises a wall that terminates in an upper surface, and the drink
opening is located in the upper surface.
67. The recloseable lid according to claim 66 wherein the wall is
arcuate.
68. The recloseable lid according to claim 67 wherein the wall is
annular.
69. The recloseable lid according to claim 66 wherein the wall is a
spout.
70. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein the
pass-through opening is funnel-shaped projection that is received
within the drink opening.
71. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein the cap is a
disk.
72. The recloseable lid according to claim 72 wherein the base has
a well in which the disk is received.
73. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein the cap is a
dome.
74. The reclosable lid according to claim 73 wherein the base
comprises a crown and the dome is received over the crown.
75. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein the cap
comprises a recess that drains into the pass-through opening.
76. The recloseable lid according to claim 75 and further
comprising a channel connecting the recess to the pass-through
opening.
77. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein the plug is a
portion of the cap that overlies the drink opening when the lid is
in the closed position.
78. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein the plug is a
projection extending from the cap that is received within the drink
opening when the lid is in the closed position.
79. The recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein the mounting
ring defines a peripheral channel sized to receive the rim of a
cup.
80. The recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein the mounting
ring defines a peripheral channel sized to receive the rim of a
cup.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority on U.S. provisional patent
application Serial No. 60/350,719 filed Nov. 13, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a recloseable lid for use with a
drinking cup. In one aspect, the invention relates to a reclosable
lid assembly operable between an open position where a user can
consume the contents of the cup and a closed position where the
contents of the cup are inhibited from splashing. In another
aspect, the reclosable lid assembly has characteristics suitable
for disposable use, especially in the fast-food or take-out food
market.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Disposable cups with lids that can be installed to inhibit
splashing while allowing consumption of the liquid contained
therein are well-known in the industry. One type of lid
incorporates a series of narrowly spaced, baffled slots through
which the liquid can be consumed. The narrow spacing of the slots
and the baffles minimize but do not eliminate splashing while
allowing the liquid to be consumed. Another type of lid
incorporates a flap that can be torn back from the rim of the cup
toward the center of the lid and secured in an open position to
provide a drinking aperture. The flap can be reattached to the rim
of the cup, but it will not prevent spilling of the contents. While
these lids have the benefit of being disposable and relatively
splash-proof during consumption, they are not fully reclosable and
liquid can be spilled when the consumer is not drinking from the
cup.
[0006] There are non-disposable, reclosable lids that can be used
with non-disposable cups that can sufficiently inhibit splashing
during the normal operation of the motor vehicle. One such
reclosable lid comprises a well that is sized to be received within
the opening of the cup. Multiple 0-rings are disposed about a
peripheral wall of the well and contact the cup to form a
liquid-seal therebetween. A bottom wall of the well has a through
opening permitting the passage of liquids from the cup. A rotatable
cover is positioned within the well against the bottom wall and
includes a projection and a through opening. When the through
openings of the well and the cover align, a consumer can drink the
contents from the cup. When the projection is received within the
well through opening, the cup is closed.
[0007] The reclosable well structure is advantageous in that the
lid can be closed to inhibit splashing and to the extent liquid is
splashed, it can be retained in the well. The lid is
disadvantageous in that the well structure extends into the cup,
which reduces the cup liquid capacity. The lid is also not suitable
for use as a disposable lid in the fast-food or take-out food
market because of its apparent manufacturing complexity.
[0008] The prior lids are also not suitable for disposable use in
the fast-food or take-out food markets because they are made by
injection molding. The nature of the injection molding process
makes these lids unsuitable for disposable use because of the
relatively high cost and low production rates. Disposable lids are
typically fabricated from thermoforming or vacuum forming due to
lower fabrication costs and higher production rates. Injection
molded lids generally use a much greater amount of material and
have a greater thickness than thermoformed lids. The additional
material and thickness is well suited for non-disposable lids, but
adds additional and unnecessary cost for a disposable lid where
only a one-time use is anticipated.
[0009] The injection molding process is more suitable for making
lids with complex shapes and strong connection/support structures,
without a lot of material waste. The injection mold defines a
three-dimensional cavity that is filled with molten plastic to form
the lid. The mold can be made to accommodate almost any desired
three-dimensional shape. However, the thermoforming process uses an
effectively two-dimensional sheet of material that is pressed
around a form. For example, a recloseable lid having an integral
closure device extending from the lid upper surface can be easily
formed by injection molding. However, such a lid cannot be formed
with the thermoforming process, unless the integral closure is
formed by tearing-away a portion of the lid upper surface, because
both the lid and closure device must be made from the same portion
of the sheet.
[0010] The distinction between injection molding and thermoforming
can be thought of as the injection molding process can form pieces
having varying thickness whereas the thermoforming process can only
make parts having a thickness equal to, or due to stretching, less
than, the thickness of the sheet material. Therefore, while the
injection molding process can have increased thickness portions,
such as webs, gussets, and the like, no such increased thickness
portion can be made with the thermoforming process.
[0011] The ability of the injection mold to be crafted to handle
complex designs is disadvantageous when it comes to production
rates. The mold must be closed, filled with molten plastic, which
then must be cooled sufficiently to retain its shaped prior to the
opening of the mold. In contrast, the thermoforming process uses a
web of plastic that is heated to or beyond its glass state, which
permits the web to be shaped but does not require a long cooling
time as the injection mold system. Thus, the thermoformed web is
shaped and advanced to the next production step much faster than
with the injection mold. The end result being the thermoforming
process has much higher production rates.
[0012] Therefore, there is a desire for a reclosable lid having the
functionality of prior recloseable lids, yet the lid is suitable
for disposable use and still maintain a seal after several cycles
between the opened and closed positions.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0013] The invention relates a reclosable lid for a drinking cup
comprising a base and a cap in mating relationship which can rotate
relative to each other. Both the base and cap are provided with an
aperture for delivery of liquid therethrough. When the apertures
are aligned, liquid may be removed from the cup. When the cap is
rotated relative to the base so that the apertures are offset,
removal and spillage of liquid will be prevented.
[0014] In one embodiment the lid comprises a mounting ring defining
a peripheral channel sized to receive the rim of a cup for mounting
the lid to a cup. A base is provided and is connected to and
extends from the mouting ring. The base has a drink opening and
defines a well with an annular groove. A cap is provided and has a
plug for closing the drink opening and an annular edge sized to be
inserted into the well and received within the annular groove to
rotatably mount the cap to the base. The cap can be rotated
relative to the base between and opened position, where the plug
does not close the drink opening, and an closed position where the
plug closes the drink opening.
[0015] In another embodiment the lid comprises a mounting ring
defining a peripheral channel sized to receive the rim of a cup for
mounting the lid to a cup. A base connects to and extends from the
mouting ring. The base has a drink opening for the passage of
liquid from the cup through the lid when the lid is attached to the
cup. A cap, rotatably mounted to the base, is rotated to operate
the lid between and opened and a closed postion. The cap has a
pass-through opening that aligns with the drink opening when the
lid is in the opened position and a plug that aligns with the drink
opening for closing the drink opening when the lid is in the closed
position, the cap, mounting ring, and tab are formed from a plastic
sheet and have a substantially uniform thickness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] In the Drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cup and first embodiment
of a reclosable lid assembly according to the invention showing the
lid in an open position for removal of liquid from the cup.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cup and lid assembly of
FIG. 1 showing the lid in a closed position.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1
showing a base and a cap, which collectively form a reclosable lid
assembly.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top view of the base of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a sectional perspective view of the lid assembly
of FIG. 1 taken through line 6-6 of FIG. 1 showing the lid assembly
in the open position.
[0023] FIG. 6A is a close-up view of a portion of the lid assembly
of FIG. 6 detailing a mated detent structure of the lid
assembly.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a sectional elevational view taken along line 6-6
of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a top view of the cap of FIG. 3.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 3.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a sectional perspective view of the lid assembly
of FIG. 2 taken through line 10-10 showing the lid assembly in the
closed position.
[0028] FIG. 11 s a sectional elevational view taken along line
10-10 of FIG. 2.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a sectional perspective view of the lid assembly
taken along major axes of the cap and base receptacles showing the
cap rotated midway between the open position and the closed
position so that the major axes are aligned.
[0030] FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the lid assembly of FIG.
12.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a sectional perspective view of the lid assembly
of FIG. 1 taken through line 14-14 along the major axis of the cap
receptacle showing the lid assembly in the closed position.
[0032] FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the lid assembly of FIG.
14.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative construction
of the base with a liquid spillage chamber and a vent for venting
the cup and returning spilled liquid to the cup.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a sectional perspective view of the base of FIG.
16 and the cap of FIG. 1 showing the lid assembly with the
alternative construction of the base taken along line 17-17 of
FIG.16.
[0035] FIG. 18 is an elevational view of the lid assembly of FIG.
17.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a cap and base comprising a
second embodiment of the reclosable lid assembly according to the
invention.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a plan view of the top of the base of FIG.
19.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a plan view of the top of the cap of FIG. 19.
[0039] FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the cap assembled onto the
base to comprise the second embodiment of the lid assembly taken as
an elevation view.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a sectional perspective view of the lid assembly
of FIG. 22.
[0041] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a cap and base
comprising a third embodiment of the reclosable lid assembly
according to the invention showing the lid assembly oriented in an
open position.
[0042] FIG. 25 is a plan view of the top of the cap of FIG. 24.
[0043] FIG. 26 is a plan view of the top of the base of FIG.
24.
[0044] FIG. 27 is a sectional perspective view of the cap assembled
onto the base to comprise the lid assembly of FIG. 24 taken along
line 27-27 showing the lid assembly in the open position.
[0045] FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the lid assembly shown in
FIG. 27 taken as an elevation view along line 27-27 of FIG. 24.
[0046] FIG. 29 is a sectional perspective view corresponding to
line 29-29 of FIG. 24 of the cap assembled onto the base to
comprise the lid assembly according to the invention showing the
cap rotated relative to the base to place the lid assembly in a
closed position.
[0047] FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the lid assembly shown in
FIG. 29 taken as an elevation view corresponding to line 29-29 of
FIG. 24 showing the cap rotated relative to the base to place the
lid assembly in a closed position.
[0048] FIG. 31 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention and illustrates the base
and cap.
[0049] FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of the assembled base and
cap and shown in the closed condition.
[0050] FIG. 33 is identical to FIG. 32 except that the cap is
rotated to place the lid in the open condition where a notch in the
lid aligns with a drink opening in the base.
[0051] FIG. 34 is a top view of the assembled lid in the open
condition.
[0052] FIG. 35 is a close-up of the drink opening in the base.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 1-16, an assembly of a first
embodiment of a reclosable lid assembly 10 and a cup 12 is shown in
accordance with the invention. The reclosable lid assembly 10 is
preferably removably mounted to the cup 12 for selective use
thereon, which aids in the filling of the cup with a suitable
liquid and the subsequent mounting of the lid assembly 10.
[0054] Preferably, both the lid assembly 10 and cup 12 are suitable
for disposable use in markets such as the fast food or take-out
food. In such a market, the cup 12 is preferably made from well
known materials such as expanded foam or paper. The cup 12 can be
used for either hot or cold liquids and can come in a variety of
sizes such as 16, 24, 32, and 44 ounces, for example. Although
preferred, the invention is not limited to disposable cups.
[0055] The lid assembly 10 can be manufactured in any suitable
manner but is preferably vacuum formed from a thin sheet of plastic
material, preferably High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS). It is within
the scope of the invention that the lid assembly 10 can be
alternatively fabricated from paper products or other suitable
composite materials.
[0056] The lid assembly 10 is adapted to matingly engage a rim 14
of the drinking cup 12 to cover the open end of the cup 12 as shown
in FIGS. 1-2. The lid assembly 10 comprises a base 16 and a
complementary cap 18. As assembled, the base 16 nests within the
cap 18 and the cap 18 can be rotated relative to the base to place
the lid assembly in either an open or closed position.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 3-7 specifically and FIGS. 1-2 generally,
the base 16 is circular in plan view and generally comprises a cup
mount 20 that transitions into a crown 30 from which extends a top
wall 34. The cup mount 20 is relatively well known in the art and
comprises a downwardly-depending annular skirt 21 in which is
provided an indentation forming an inwardly-extending annular rib
28. The upper end of the skirt 21 terminates in an annular lip 26.
Depending from the lip 26 is an annular inner wall 22 in opposed
relationship to the skirt 21. The skirt 21, the inner wall 22, and
the lip 26 define a cup channel 24 adapted to receive the rim 14 of
the cup 12 in a press-fit relationship. When the lid assembly is
mounted to the cup, the rim 14 is compressed between the inner wall
22 and the rib 28 to frictionally retain the lid assembly 10 on the
cup 12 in a manner well-known in the art.
[0058] The crown 30 comprises an annular crown wall 32 that
transitions into the top wall 34. The crown wall 32 connects the
top wall 34 to an annular floor 27 of the cup mount 20. The crown
wall 32 is inclined to the vertical. Preferably, the incline has
approximately seven degrees of draft, which also aids in removing
the base 16 from a forming mold. The annular floor 27 extends from
the crown wall 32 to the inner wall 22. The inner wall 22, the
floor 27, and the crown wall 32 define an overflow channel 29 (FIG.
6A). The crown wall 32 is provided with an arcuate sip groove
recess 54 proximate to an aperture detent 46 and adapted to receive
sip grooves 82, as hereinafter described.
[0059] The top wall 34 comprises an annular rim 36 which defines an
indented receptacle 38. The receptacle 38 comprises a receptacle
floor 39 and an annular inner wall 40. The rim 36 is provided with
a first detent 42, a second detent 44, and an aperture detent 46
positioned between the first and second detents 42, 44. The detents
42, 44 and the aperture detent 46 comprise generally oval-shaped
indentations extending beneath the top wall 34 of the rim 36. The
detents 42, 44 and the aperture detent 46 comprise an inclined wall
45 connected to the rim 36 by a rounded face 47. For the detents
42, 44, the inclined wall transitions into a floor 43. For the
aperture detent 46, the inclined wall transitions into an aperture
49 through which liquids can pass. In the preferred embodiment, the
detents 42, 44 are spaced at a detent angle .alpha. of 20 degrees
on center (FIG. 5).
[0060] The receptacle 38 has a very slight elliptical shape
preferably with a major axis B coaxial with a minor axis of the
aperture detent 46 (FIG. 3). It will be readily understood that the
elliptical receptacle 38 will also have a minor axis (not shown)
that is shorter than the major axis B. Opposing slots 48 are formed
in the inner wall 40. The slots 48 are positioned laterally
outwardly of the inner wall 40 and terminate in stops 55. The inner
wall 40 depends from the rim 36 to the floor 39 and is inclined
somewhat inwardly from the rim 36 to the floor 39, preferably at a
draft of approximately 5-9 degrees. Very slight optional
projections 50 are formed in and extend inwardly from the inner
wall 40 (FIG. 4). One projection 50 is preferably located along the
radial line that extends midway between the detent 42 and the
aperture detent 46, and the other projection 50 is preferably
located along the radial line that extends midway between the
detent 44 and the aperture detent 46.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6-9 specifically and FIGS. 1-2
generally, the cap 18 is adapted to matingly engage the base 16 by
nesting with the base. The cap 18 comprises a cap wall 60 and a top
wall 62. The cap wall 60 extends in a generally upward direction
and is inclined somewhat from the vertical to define a shallow
truncated cone. The draft of the cap wall 60 is preferably the same
or approximately the same as the crown wall 32 to permit the base
16 to be received within the cap 18 as well as the relative
rotation of the cap 18 and the base 16. Grips 76 are formed in the
cap wall 60 and are spaced circumferentially about the wall. Two of
the grips 76 are closely spaced. The grips 76 generally comprise a
series of spaced grooves projecting inwardly from the surface of
the cap wall 60. A series of spaced vertical sip grooves 82 are
disposed between the closely spaced grips 76.
[0062] The top wall 62 comprises an annular rim 64 which defines an
indented receptacle 66. The receptacle 66 comprises a receptacle
floor 67 and an annular inner wall 68. The annular rim 64 is
provided with a detent 70 and an aperture detent 72. The detent 70
comprises a generally oval-shaped indentation extending beneath the
top surface of the rim 64 and functions as a plug for closing the
drink opening formed by the aperture detent 46. The detent 70 and
the aperture detent 72 comprise a floor 71 and an inclined wall 73.
The angle of inclination of the wall 73 is generally greater than
the angle of inclination of the inclined face 47. Furthermore, the
aperture detent 72 comprises an aperture 79 extending through the
rim 64. The detent 70 and the aperture detent 72 are adapted to
matingly engage the detents 42, 44 and the aperture detent 46. When
the detents 70, 72 are between the detents 42, 44, 46, which will
occur when the cap 18 is rotated between the open and closed
positions, the detents 70, 72 will abut the rim 36, thus lifting
the cap 1 8 above the base 16 until the detents are matingly
engaged.
[0063] As with the receptacle 38 of the base, the receptacle 66 has
a very slight elliptical shape preferably with a major axis C
extending midway between the detent 70 and the aperture detent 72
(FIG. 3). It will be readily understood that the elliptical
receptacle 66 will also have a minor axis (not shown) that is
shorter than the major axis C. Opposing slot sections 74 are formed
in the inner wall 68. The slot sections 74 form corresponding
bosses 75 (FIG. 9) on the reverse side of the cap 18. The inner
wall 68 depends from the rim 64 to the floor 67 and is inclined
somewhat inwardly from the rim 64 to the floor 67. The slot
sections 74 extend laterally outwardly from the receptacle 66 to
define stops 82. The slot sections 74 are adapted to engage the
slots 48. The stops 82 are adapted to engage the stops 55 when the
cap 18 is rotated on the base 16 beyond a selected position, as
hereinafter described.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 6-7 and 10-18, the assembly and
operation of the reclosable lid assembly 10 will now be described.
To assemble the base 16 and the cap 18, the cap 18 is aligned with
the base 16 so that the bosses 75 are aligned with the slots 48 and
preferably, but not necessarily, the aperture detents 46, 72 are
aligned. The cap 18 and the base 16 are brought together into a
nesting relationship with the upper wall 34 and the crown wall 32
of the base being received within the cap 18.
[0065] As the base 16 and the cap 18 are nested, the cap inner wall
68 will abut the base inner wall 40. At least the cap 18, and
preferably the base 16 and the cap 18, are made from a suitable
material and are sufficiently thin that at least the cap inner wall
68, and preferably the base inner wall 40 and the cap inner wall
68, deflect during nesting and permit the lower edge of the cap
inner wall 68, and thus the receptacle 66, to pass by the upper
edge of the base inner wall 40. As the lower edge of the cap inner
wall 68 passes the upper edge of the base inner wall 40, there will
preferably be an audible click indicating that the receptacle 66 is
nested with the receptacle 38. Thus, the cap 18 and base 16 are
snapped together.
[0066] The snap closing is further enhanced by the sip grooves 82.
As best seen in FIG. 6A, the upper edges of the sip grooves 82
effectively form a ledge 83 spaced from the rim 64 to define a gap
therebetween that receives the portion of the crown wall 32 between
the sip groove recess 54 and the rim 36. As the cap 18 and the base
16 are nested, the cap wall 60 at the sip grooves 82 is deflected
over the crown wall 32 until the sip grooves 82 are received within
the sip groove recess 54, which will also preferably result in an
audible sound.
[0067] If the cap detent 70 and cap aperture detent 72 are not
already aligned with and received within the base aperture detent
46 and the base detent 44, respectively, which is the closed
position for the lid assembly 10, the cap 18 is rotated relative to
the base 16 until the lid assembly 10 is in the closed position. It
should be noted that it is not necessary for the lid assembly 10 to
be initially set in the closed position. However, it is highly
preferred that the lid assembly 10 be initially set in the closed
position since it will better insure that when the lid assembly 10
is placed on the cup 12 the lid assembly 10 will be closed and
thereby reduce the possibility of spillage.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 10-11 in the closed position, a
portion of the inclined wall 73 and the detent floor 71 will lie
within the aperture detent 46 and form a seal therewith to prevent
liquid from flowing out of aperture 49 through and beyond the cap
16. The seal is formed by the cap inclined wall 73 bearing against
the base rounded face 47. The difference in draft between the cap
inclined wall 73 and the base rounded face 47 enhances the seal
therebetween.
[0069] In the closed position, the aperture detent 46 rests within
the detent 44. Collectively, the aperture detent 46 and the detent
44 function as a detent for the closed position thereby locking or
holding the lid assembly 10 in the closed position. Preferably, the
base 16 and cap 18 are constructed such that the user will feel
and/or hear the detent 70 and the aperture detent 72 nest within
the aperture detent 46 and the detent 44, respectively.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6-7, the lid assembly can be moved
to the open position by relatively rotating the cap 18 with respect
to the base 16 such that the cap aperture detent 72 is aligned with
the base aperture detent 46, which aligns the apertures 49 and 79,
and the cap detent 70 is received within the base detent 42 to lock
or hold the cap 18 in the open position relative to the base 16.
The cap aperture detent 72 forms a seal with the base aperture
detent 46 in the same manner as previously described for the cap
aperture detent 72 and the base detent 44. Similarly, the cap
detent 70 and the base detent 42 collectively function as a detent
to hold the cap 18 and base 16 in the open position.
[0071] In the open position, liquid in the cup 12 can pass directly
through the aligned apertures 49 and 79. Thus, to drink from the
cup 12, the user covers the cap aperture detent 72 with his or her
mouth. The sip grooves 82 can help the user locate the cap aperture
detent 72 by feel.
[0072] By rotating the cap 18 relative to the base 16, the user can
alternately place the lid assembly 10 in the open and closed
positions to permit the user to drink the contents of the cup 12
and subsequently seal the cup 12 to prevent spilling between
drinks. The detents and aperture detents of the cap 18 and the base
16 provide the user with a tactile indication that the lid assembly
10 is locked or held in the desired position.
[0073] The user can relatively rotate the cap 18 and the base 16 by
placing his or her fingers on the grips 76 in any manner or
orientation comfortable to the user. It is contemplated that the
user will use at least one of the closely spaced grips and the
other grip so that the user's fingers are in a generally opposing
relationship.
[0074] The resulting orientation of the cap 18 and the base 16 upon
their relative movement is more complex than is immediately seen
and aids in enhancing the seal between the detents and aperture
detents along with improving the tactile feel of the lid assembly
10 which is primarily, but not solely, attributable to the very
slight elliptical shape of the receptacles 38, 66 along with their
inclined inner walls 40, 68. The elliptical shape provides each of
the receptacles 38, 66 with vertices or ends located at the point
where major axes B, C intersect the inner walls 40, 68.
[0075] The functional result of the elliptical receptacle structure
and the location of the major axes B, C is that the vertices of the
inner walls 40, 68 of the receptacles 38, 66 are radially aligned
when the major axes B, C are aligned, which occurs when the lid
assembly 10 is midway between the open and closed positions (FIGS.
12-15). Thus, in the midway position, the frictional resistance, if
any, between the inner walls 40, 68 is minimized. As the lid
assembly 10 is moved from the midway position to either the open or
closed position, the major axis C of the cap receptacle 66 will
rotate relative to the major axis B of the base receptacle 38,
resulting in the vertices of the cap receptacle 66 moving towards
the minor axis of the base receptacle 38. The contact pressure
between the ends of the cap receptacle 66 and the base inner wall
40 will increase as the cap 18 is rotated relative to the base 16
from the midway point to either the open or closed position since
the end of the cap is continuously pressed against the base inner
wall 40 whose radius of curvature decreases from the major to the
minor axis. Since the inner walls 40, 68 are inclined, the
continued rotation of the cap 18 relative to the base 16 results in
the inner wall 68 moving downward relative to the inner wall 40
urging the cap 18 toward the base 16 and thereby converting the
rotational movement of the cap 18 into vertical translation
movement of the cap 18 toward the base 16, much like a screw. The
depth of the receptacle 38 is preferably, but not necessary,
greater than the depth of the receptacle 66 to permit the cap 18 to
be drawn toward the base 16 a sufficient amount just prior to or in
the absence of contact between the receptacle floors 39, 67.
[0076] The conversion of the rotational movement to the
translational movement is best illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 15. FIG.
13 shows the relationship between the cap and base in the midway
position where there is a gap between the bottom walls 39, 67. FIG.
15 shows the cap and the base in the closed position where the gap
has substantially disappeared because of the translational movement
resulting from the rotation of the cap. The translational movement
of the cap 18 relative to the base 16 can be thought of as the cap
18 applying a compressive force to the base 16. The compressive
force effectively forces the inclined walls 73 of the cap detent 70
and cap aperture detent 72 against the rounded faces 47 of the base
aperture detent 46 and the detents 42, 44 as the case may be
depending on whether the lid assembly 10-is in the open or closed
position. The compressive force enhances and improves the seal
between the inclined walls 73 and the rounded faces 47.
[0077] The sip grooves 82 and the sip groove recess 54 further
enhance the translational movement of the cap 18 toward the base
16. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 6A, the upper edge of the sip
groove recess 54 has a slight arcuate shape with the apex of the
upper edge located between the aperture detent 46 and the detent
44. Preferably, the sip grooves 82 are of varying height with the
shorter sip grooves being located at the sides and the taller sip
grooves located in the middle to provide the sip groove ledge 83
with an arcuate profile. When the cap 18 is midway between the open
and closed positions, the sip grooves 82 are centered on the apex.
As the cap 18 is moved to either the open or closed position, the
sip grooves 82 are correspondingly moved. The ledge 83 formed by
the upper edges of the sip grooves 82 (FIG. 6A) will ultimately
contact the downwardly curving upper edge of the sip groove recess
54 which will also draw the cap 18 toward the base 16.
[0078] It is not necessary to rely upon both the elliptical shape
of the receptacles 38, 66 in combination with the inclined inner
walls 40, 68 and the sip grooves 82 in combination with the sip
groove recess 54 to obtain the translation of the cap 18 toward the
base 16. One of the structures is sufficient for the proper
function of the invention. However, when combined, the resulting
seal is more effective because the compressive force is applied on
opposite sides of the detents.
[0079] The projections 50 will further enhance the frictional
resistance between the elliptical end (corresponding to the major
axis C) of the receptacle 66. Preferably, the projections 50 are
located near the rotational limit for the open and closed positions
so that the elliptical end contacts the projections 50 just as it
reaches either the open or closed positions. Again, it should be
noted that the projections 50 are not necessary but do enhance the
seal.
[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 16-18, an alternative embodiment of
the base 16 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the base 16 is
provided with a recess 90 extending generally from the receptacle
floor 39 to the inner wall 22. The recess 90 functions as a sump or
drain for collecting spilled liquids retained within the overflow
channel 29. The recess 90 is effectively a notch in the crown wall
32 and comprises a pair of side walls 92 (only one shown), an inner
wall 94, a front wall 96, and a floor 98. The side walls 92 extend
generally vertically from the inner wall 22 to the rim 36. The
floor 98 preferably has a slight downward and inward slope. A drain
aperture 100 is provided in the floor 98. Liquid flowing into the
overflow channel 29, such as during drinking or due to spillage,
will flow beneath the cap wall 60 into the recess 90 where it will
be drained through the drain aperture 100 into the cup 12. A
plurality of recesses 90 can be spaced about the periphery of the
base 16 in any number suitable for the anticipated drainage
needs.
[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 19-23, a second embodiment 110 of the
reclosable lid assembly is illustrated. Referring specifically to
FIGS. 19 and 20, the second embodiment lid assembly 110 comprises a
base 112 and a cap 114. The base 112 comprises a cup mount 20 and a
crown 30. The cup mount 20 is similar to the cup mount described in
the first embodiment. The base 112 also comprises a crown 30 and a
top wall 34 with a pedestal 116 projecting above the top wall 34.
The pedestal 116 comprises a top surface 134 parallel to the top
wall 34 with an aperture 136 therethrough, a front wall 146, a back
wall 148, and inclined side walls 172, 174. The base 112 is
provided with grip recesses 118 in the crown wall 32 spaced on
opposite sides of the pedestal 134 and diametrically opposite the
pedestal 134.
[0082] The pedestal front wall 146 is provided with an outer groove
130 extending between the side walls 172, 174. The outer groove 130
has a generally arcuate cross section as viewed in FIGS. 22 and 23
and defines an outer lip 138 where the outer groove 130 intersects
the front wall 146. The back wall 148 is provided with an inner
groove 132 extending between the side walls 172, 174 (FIGS. 20,
23). The inner groove 132 has a generally arcuate cross section as
viewed in FIGS. 22 and 23, and defines an inner lip 140 where the
inner groove 132 intersects the back wall 148. The top wall 34 is
provided with a nose recess 120 extending below the plane of the
top wall 34 and having a generally triangular profile.
[0083] Side slots 122 are formed in the crown wall 32 extending
generally parallel to the top wall 34. The side slots 122 have a
generally arcuate cross section and are provided with end walls
124.
[0084] Referring specifically to FIGS. 19, 20 and 23, the cap 114
is provided with a top wall 62 and a mouthpiece 150 projecting
above the top wall 62. The mouthpiece 150 comprises a top surface
162 parallel to the top wall 62, with an aperture 164 therethrough,
a front wall 176, a back wall 178, and inclined side walls 180,
182. The top surface 162 defines a mouthpiece inner surface 159 on
the reverse side thereof.
[0085] The front wall 176 is provided with a slot defining an outer
mouthpiece rib 156 projecting into the interior of the mouthpiece
150. The outer mouthpiece rib 156 is adapted to be received within
the outer groove 130 of the pedestal 116. The back wall 178 is
provided with an arcuate slot defining an inner mouthpiece rib 158
projecting into the interior of the mouthpiece 150. The outer
mouthpiece rib 156 is adapted to be received within the inner
groove 132 of the pedestal 134.
[0086] The cap wall 60 is provided with arcuate slots defining side
ribs 160 projecting into the interior of the cap 114 and extending
generally parallel to the top wall 62. The side ribs 160 are
adapted to be slidably received in the side slots 122 and are
provided with end walls 161. The cap 114 is additionally provided
with grips 152 spaced circumferentially at locations corresponding
to the grip recesses 118 of the base 112. The grips 152 comprise
indentations in the cap wall 60 and are adapted to be received
within the grip recesses 118 when the cap 114 is mounted to the
base 112.
[0087] The top wall 62 is provided with a nose recess 154 extending
below the plane of the top wall 62. The nose recess 154 has a
generally triangular shape and is adapted to receive a user's nose.
The nose recess 154 is adapted on the cap 114 so that its apex is
diametrically opposite the mouthpiece 150.
[0088] The assembly and function of the second embodiment is
substantially similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, only the
pertinent distinctions will be described in detail. To assemble the
second embodiment lid assembly, the cap 114 is aligned with the
base 112 such that the grips 152 correspond with the grip recesses
118. The cap 114 and base 112 are then nested such that the cap 114
is snapped onto the base 112 by pressing the cap 114 onto the base
112 until the outer mouthpiece rib 156 is received in the outer
groove 130, the inner mouthpiece rib 158 is received in the inner
groove 132, and the side ribs 160 are received in the side slots
122. The grips 152 will be received within the grip recesses 118
and the nose recess 154 will be received within the nose recess
120. Advantageously, the nose recesses 120, 154 aid in aligning the
cap 114 and the base 112.
[0089] When the cap 114 and the base 112 are snapped together, the
inner surface 159 of the mouthpiece 150 will be in slidable contact
with the top surface 134 of the pedestal 116. The outer mouthpiece
rib 156 is adapted to bear against the outer lip 138, and the inner
mouthpiece rib 158 is adapted to bear against the inner lip 140
when the cap 114 is snapped onto the base 112, thereby urging the
inner surface 159 into contact with the top surface 134. With the
base 112 attached to the cup 12, the cap 114 can be rotated
relative to the base 112 by grasping the grips 152 and turning the
cap 114. The cap 14 can be rotated between a first position in
which the apertures 136, 164 are aligned and a second position in
which the apertures 136, 164 are offset. Rotation of the cap 114
relative to the base 112 will be limited by contact of the end
walls 161 of the inwardly projecting side ribs 160 with the end
walls 124 of the side slots 122.
[0090] Although the base grooves 130, 132 and the corresponding cap
ribs 156, 158 are illustrated as having a generally straight
profile, at least one of the grooves and ribs can have an arcuate
profile so that as the cap 114 is turned relative to the base 112,
the cap 114 is drawn onto the base 116 to improve the seal between
the apertures 136, 164 similar to the interaction of the ledge 83
and the sip groove recess 54 of the first embodiment.
[0091] Furthermore, the apertures 136, 164 can be made in the same
manner as the detent apertures and detents of the first embodiment
such that the apertures 136, 164 have abutting surfaces that
perform a sealing function and/or a locking or holding function
similar to the first embodiment.
[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 24-30, a third embodiment of the
reclosable lid assembly 190 is shown. As shown in FIGS. 24-26, the
reclosable lid assembly 190 comprises a generally circular base 192
and a generally circular cap 194. The base 192 comprises a cup
mount 196 and a crown 214 extending upwardly therefrom. The cup
mount 196 comprises a circumferential skirt 198 depending from an
annular lip 208. Intermediate the annular lip 208 and the
circumferential skirt 198 is an annular rib extending radially
inwardly from the skirt 198.
[0093] Extending inwardly of the annular lip 208 is a
circumferential inner wall 210 depending therefrom and
transitioning to an annular floor 212 (FIGS. 27-28). The
circumferential inner wall 210 and the annular lip 208 define a cup
channel 206 to matingly engage the rim 14 of the cup 12 as
previously described with respect to the previous embodiments.
[0094] The crown 214 comprises a circumferential crown wall 216 of
variable height extending upwardly from the floor 212 and an
irregularly shaped top wall 218. The crown wall 216 transitions
into the top wall 218, which defines a plane that is orthogonal to
an axial centerline of the base 192. The top wall 218 is provided
with a base receptacle 224 extending below the plane of the top
wall 218.
[0095] The base receptacle 224 has a generally arcuate longitudinal
profile and extends diametrically from a line of intersection 215
with the top wall 218 to smoothly transition to an aperture floor
226. The aperture floor 226 defines a plane which is parallel to
the plane of the top wall 218 and the plane of the floor 212, and
intermediate thereof. The base receptacle 224 also comprises
receptacle walls 230, 232, which intersect the top wall 218 along
generally arcuate lines.
[0096] The aperture floor 226 extends from the base receptacle 224
to the crown wall 216, and is provided with a generally circular
drink aperture 228 defined by a drink aperture periphery 229.
[0097] The base 192 is also provided with a detent slot 234 and a
detent receptacle 236. The detent slot 234 comprises a generally
arcuate indentation in the base 192 comprising a floor 235 defining
a plane which is parallel to the plane of the aperture floor 226
and the floor 212, and intermediate thereof. The floor 235
intersects the crown wall 216 along one edge thereof. The floor 235
transitions to the top wall 218 through an upwardly extending upper
slot wall 238 at a distal end of the detent slot 234. The floor 235
transitions to the aperture floor 226 through an upwardly extending
lower slot wall 240 at a proximal end of the detent slot 234. The
upper slot wall 238 transitions to the lower slot wall 240 along an
inner edge of the detent slot 234 and the receptacle wall 232 to
define a generally upwardly extending wall of progressively
decreasing height relative to the floor 235 for receipt of a throat
portion 250 of the cap 194 during rotation of the cap 194 relative
to the base 192.
[0098] The detent receptacle 236 comprises a generally D-shaped
indentation in the base 192 comprising a floor 237 defining a plane
which is parallel to the plane of the aperture floor 226 and the
floor 212, and intermediate thereof. The floor 237 intersects the
crown wall 216 along one edge thereof. The floor 237 transitions to
the top wall 218 through an upwardly extending upper detent wall
242 at a distal end of the detent receptacle 236. The floor 237
transitions to the aperture floor 226 through an upwardly extending
lower detent wall 244 at a proximal end of the detent receptacle
236. The upper detent wall 242 transitions to the lower detent wall
244 along an inner edge of the detent receptacle 236 to define a
generally upwardly extending wall of progressively decreasing
height relative to the floor 235.
[0099] The cap 194 comprises a generally circular top wall 222
defining a plane which is orthogonal to the axial centerline of the
cap 194 and a circumferential cap wall 220 depending therefrom and
terminating in a cap annular skirt 200. Intermediate the cap wall
220 and the cap annular skirt 200 is an annular rib 204 (FIGS.
27-28) extending radially inwardly from the skirt 200 and the wall
220. The diameter of the circle defined by the cap annular rib 204
is generally equal to the diameter of the circle defined by the
base annular rib 202 so that the cap annular rib 204 can be
snap-fit onto the base annular rib 202 for nesting of the cap 194
over the base 192.
[0100] The top wall 222 is provided with a cap receptacle
246-extending below the plane of the top wall 222. The cap
receptacle 246 has a generally circular shape. Extending radially
outwardly from the cap receptacle 246 is a throat portion 250
opening into a detent in the form of a funnel 252. The cap
receptacle 246 in combination with the throat 250 forms a condiment
channel that will direct a condiment, such as cream, into the drink
funnel 252 when poured into the cap receptacle 246. The cap
receptacle 246 is provided with a plurality of upwardly extending
ribs 248 which define flow channels to direct liquid from the cap
receptacle 246 through the throat portion 250 and into the drink
funnel 252.
[0101] The drink funnel 252 is a generally irregularly shaped
indentation in the cap 194 comprising an outer wall 254 and
sidewalls 256, 258. The outer wall 254 is a generally arcuate
surface extending downwardly from the top wall 222 adjacent and
radially inwardly of the cap wall 220. The sidewalls 256, 258 are
generally arcuate surfaces extending downwardly from the top wall
222 and smoothly transition from the outer wall 254 to the throat
portion 250. The lower portion of the drink funnel 252 comprises a
generally truncated cone shaped funnel wall 259 terminating in a
truncated spherical portion 261 which, in turn, terminates in a
funnel floor 260. The funnel floor 260 is provided with a funnel
aperture 262 extending therethrough. The outer wall 254 and the
sidewalls 256, 258 are adapted to transition smoothly into the
funnel wall 259, and the funnel wall 259 is adapted to transition
smoothly into the spherical portion 261.
[0102] On either side of the drink funnel 252 are detents 264, 270.
The detent 264 is an indentation having the shape of a generally
truncated cone. The detent 264 comprises a detent perimeter wall
268 terminating in a truncated spherical portion 269 which, in
turn, terminates in a detent floor 266. The detent 270 is similar
in shape to the detent 264 and has a generally truncated cone
shape. The detent 270 comprises a detent perimeter wall 274
terminating in a truncated spherical portion 275 which, in turn,
terminates in a detent floor 272.
[0103] The edge formed by the intersection of the top wall 222 with
the cap wall 220 is provided with a plurality of grip serrations
278 along a substantial portion thereof to facilitate the rotation
of the cap 194 relative to the base 192. Proximate the drink funnel
252 a plurality of sip grooves 276 are formed in the cap wall 220
along a portion thereof extending vertically downwardly from the
top wall 222.
[0104] To assemble the reclosable lid assembly 190, the cap 194 is
brought into alignment with the base 192 preferably so that the
detent 264 is aligned with the detent receptacle 236, which is
adapted to receive the detent 264 so that the detent receptacle
floor 237 lies somewhat below the detent floor 266 when the cap 194
is nested on the base 192. At the same time, the detent 270 is
aligned with the proximal end of the detent slot 234. The detent
slot 234 is adapted to receive the detent 270 so that the detent
slot floor 235 lies somewhat below the detent floor 272 when the
cap 194 is nested on the base 192. The drink funnel aperture 262
will be in axial alignment with the drink aperture 228.
[0105] The cap 194 is urged into nested communication with the base
192 so that the cap annular rib 204 snaps into the base annular rib
202 to retain the cap 194 on the base 192 while enabling rotation
of the cap 194 relative to the base 192. It should be noted that
the cap 194 can be snap-fit to the base in any rotational position
where the detents 264, 270 and the drink funnel 252 lie between the
upper slot wall 238 and the upper detent wall 242. For purposes of
this description, it is presumed that the detent 264 is aligned
with the detent receptacle 236.
[0106] The drink funnel 252 and the drink aperture 228 are adapted
so that when the cap 194 is nested with the base 192, the drink
funnel floor 260 will extend through the drink aperture 228 and
below the aperture floor 226, and the drink funnel 252 will be
urged downwardly into the drink aperture 228 with the sidewall of
the drink funnel 260 bearing against the peripheral edge 229 to
form a seal therebetween.
[0107] The cap 194 can be rotated relative to the base 192 between
an open and a closed position. FIGS. 27 and 28 show the lid
assembly 190 in an open position. FIGS. 29 and 30 show the lid
assembly 190 in a closed position. In the open position, the detent
264 is received within the detent receptacle 236, and the detent
270 is received within the detent slot 234. The lower portion of
the drink funnel 252 is received within the drink aperture 228 so
that the truncated spherical portion 261 is in sealing
communication with the periphery 229 of the drink aperture 228 due
to the engagement of the cap annular rib 204 with the base annular
rib 202. The truncated spherical portion 261 will be urged into
sealing communication with the periphery 229 similar to a ball
bearing being retained in a circular seat.
[0108] To close the lid assembly 190, the cap 194 is rotated in a
clockwise direction relative to the base 192 to translate the drink
funnel 252 from communication with the drink aperture 228 to the
detent slot 234. At the same time, the detent 264 is translated
from the detent receptacle 236 to the drink aperture 228 so that
the truncated spherical portion 269 is in sealing communication
with the periphery 229, and the detent 270 is translated along the
detent slot 234 from the proximal end adjacent to the lower slot
wall 240 to the distal end adjacent to the upper slot wall 238. The
truncated spherical portion 261 facilitates the translation of the
drink funnel 252 out of the drink aperture 228, along the aperture
floor 226, and into the detent slot 234. The truncated spherical
portion 269 facilitates the translation of the detent 264 out of
the detent receptacle 236, along the aperture floor 226, and into
the drink aperture 228. Further rotation of the cap 194 relative to
the base 192 is prevented by contact of the detent 270 with the
upper slot wall 238.
[0109] The snap-fit of the cap annular rib 204 with the base
annular rib 202 maintains the detent truncated spherical portion
269 in sealing communication with the drink aperture 228 by
preventing the cap from pulling away from the base upon rotation.
However, the shape of the cap does permit the top wall 222 to
deflect upwardly in response to the bottom of the drink funnel 252
or detent 264 riding up and onto the aperture platform 226. The
upward deflection of the top wall 222 places the top wall under
tension which tends to bias the drink funnel 252 or the detent 264
against the aperture platform. Thus, when either the drink funnel
252 or detent 264 aligns with the drink opening 228, the drink
funnel truncated spherical portion 261 or the detent truncated
spherical portion 269 is biased into and against the periphery 229
of the drink aperture 228, thus sealing the drink aperture 228 and
preventing spillage of the contents of the cup 12 through the drink
aperture 228.
[0110] To open the lid assembly 190, the cap 194 is rotated in a
counterclockwise direction relative to the base 192 so that the
drink funnel truncated spherical portion 261 is translated from the
detent slot 234 to the drink aperture 228, the detent truncated
spherical portion 269 is translated from the drink aperture 228 to
the detent receptacle 236, and the detent 270 is translated along
the detent slot 234 from the distal end adjacent to the upper slot
wall 238 to the proximal end adjacent to the lower slot wall
240.
[0111] FIGS. 31-35 illustrate a fourth embodiment lid assembly 310
comprising a base 316 and a complementary cap 318. The base 316 and
cap 318 are mounted such that they rotate relative to each
other.
[0112] The base 316 comprises a cup mount 320 that transitions into
a crown 330. The cup mount 320 is substantially identical to the
previously described cup mounts and comprises a
downwardly-depending annular skirt 321 in which is provided an
indentation forming an inwardly-extending annular rib 328. The
upper end of the skirt 321 terminates in an annular lip 326.
Depending from the lip 326 is an annular inner wall 322 in opposed
relationship to the skirt 321. The skirt 321, the inner wall 322,
and the lip 326 define a cup channel (not shown) adapted to receive
the rim 14 of the cup 12 in a press-fit relationship.
[0113] The crown 330 transitions into a top wall 334 comprising an
annular rim 336 which defines the opening to a well or receptacle
338. The receptacle 338 has a floor 339 and an annular inner wall
340, which generally slopes upwardly and outward from the floor 339
to the rim 336. An annular undercut in the form of groove 342 is
formed in the inner wall 340.
[0114] Preferably, the undercut is adjacent the floor 339 and forms
the junction of the inner wall 340 with the floor 339. The groove
342 can be formed by sloping a portion 340a of the wall 340
inwardly and upwardly from the floor as compared to the remaining
portion of the wall 340b. The intersection of the two portions 340a
and 340b forms a rib 340c, which defines the upper boundary of the
groove 342.
[0115] The base 316 also includes spacers 350 extending upwardly
from the floor 339 and spaced thereabout. A key 352, taller than
the spacers, also extends upwardly from the floor 339.
[0116] A drink opening 354 is formed in the floor 339. The drink
opening 354 is bounded by a raised rim 356 extending upwardly from
the floor 339. The height of the rim 356 is preferably
approximately the same height as the spacers 350. A depending
peripheral wall 358 extends from the rim 356 and terminates in a
bottom wall 360 in which is formed an opening 362. With this
structure, the drink opening 354 effectively forms a well. It is
within the scope of the invention for the drink opening 354 to be
just an opening in the floor 339 without the well.
[0117] A guide channel 364 is formed in the inner wall 340 adjacent
the drink opening 354. The guide channel 364 helps guide liquid
from the drink opening 354 to the user's mouth.
[0118] The cap 318 comprises a generally planar disk 370 having a
circular periphery that is interrupted by an arcuate notch 372. The
notch 372 is preferably sized such that it defines an open area
larger than the drink opening 354, but the edge of the notch will
rest on the rim 356 when the cap 318 is assembled to the base 316
and the lid is in the open position.
[0119] The cap 318 also includes a grip 374 for assisting the user
in rotating the cap 318. The grip 374 can take many forms but is
preferably three elongated projections 376, 378, 380 extending
radially from a cylindrical projection 382, much like a spoke and
hub configuration. The elongated projections 376, 378 are slightly
curved when viewed from above. The elongated projection 380 is
generally straight. Each of the elongated projections increase in
height as they extend away from the cylindrical projection 382,
until they reach a peak, which is quickly tapered to the disk 370.
Each of the elongated projections has a U-shaped transverse cross
section along the portion from the cylindrical projection to the
peak. The cylindrical projection 382 can have a vent opening formed
in its top, wherein the cylindrical projection 382 functions like a
chimney.
[0120] A rotation stop 384 also extends from the disk 370. The
rotation stop 384 is generally arcuate in plan form and has a
trapezoidal transverse cross section. The rotation stop defines an
interior channel that is sized to receive the key 352 when the cap
318 is mounted to the base 316. Thus, as the user rotates the cap
318 by grasping the grip 374, the rotation will be stopped when the
ends of the rotation stop 384 encounter the key 352.
[0121] The rotation stop 384 can be used to index the rotation of
the cap 318 relative to the base 316 to operate the lid between the
open and closed positions. When the key 352 bears against one of
the ends of the rotation stop 384, the notch 372 will not overlie
the drink opening 354, and the lid will be in the closed position.
When the key 352 bears against the other end of the rotation stop
384, the notch 372 will overlie the drink opening 354, and the lid
will be in the open position.
[0122] The cap 318 is rotatably mounted to the base 316 by pressing
the cap 318 into the well until the outer periphery of the disk 370
is received within the groove 342. The outer diameter of the disk
370 is greater than the rib 340c. Thus, the disk 370 must be
temporarily deflected for the disk 370 to be received within the
grooves.
[0123] Preferably, the spacers 350 are of such a height that they
keep the height of the disk 370 relative to the floor 339 such that
the outer periphery of the disk 370 is urged up against the wall
portion 340a of the groove, which tends to form a partial seal
between the edge of the disk 370 and the base 316. The urging of
the periphery of the disk 370 against the wall portion 340a creates
a resistance that retards the rotation of the cap 318 relative to
the base 316, which helps to hold the cap 318 in the selected
rotational position.
[0124] The fifth embodiment lid shown is FIGS. 31-35 is
advantageous over the other lids in its simplicity, while still
providing a recloseable lid.
[0125] In the past, multi-piece recloseable lids have typically
been made using injection molding because of the design complexity
and the intended reuse of the lids. The lids according to the
invention can be made by injection molding. However, injection
molding is not preferred. It is preferred that the lids according
to the invention be made using a thermoforming or vacuum forming
process, which will greatly enhance their suitability for
disposable use. In fact, their structure, makes them ideal for
manufacture by thermoforming or vacuum forming since they do not
require different thicknesses for structural integrity or complex
shapes for assembly or operation, which would eliminate
thermoforming and vacuuming forming as an option.
[0126] While the invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not of
limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible
within the scope of the forgoing description and drawings without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
* * * * *