U.S. patent application number 10/065722 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-15 for recloseable lid with closure plug.
Invention is credited to Atkins, Todd, Dart, Robert C., Gingras, Ryan P..
Application Number | 20030089714 10/065722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27407960 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030089714 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dart, Robert C. ; et
al. |
May 15, 2003 |
Recloseable lid with closure plug
Abstract
The invention is a recloseable lid for a drinking cup comprising
a cap with a dispensing aperture through which liquid can pass. A
plug is movably mounted to the cap and is sized to seal the
dispensing aperture when a portion of the plug is inserted into the
dispensing aperture.
Inventors: |
Dart, Robert C.;
(Georgetown, KY) ; Gingras, Ryan P.; (Grass Lake,
MI) ; Atkins, Todd; (Dansville, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGARRY BAIR PC
171 MONROE AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 600
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49503
US
|
Family ID: |
27407960 |
Appl. No.: |
10/065722 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60350706 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
|
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60350875 |
Jan 22, 2002 |
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60410380 |
Sep 13, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.3 ;
220/254.1; 220/375; 220/711; 220/713 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/089 20130101;
B65D 2543/00046 20130101; B65D 2543/00351 20130101; B65D 2543/00509
20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D 2543/00796 20130101; B65D
2543/00555 20130101; B65D 2251/1041 20130101; B65D 2543/00537
20130101; B65D 43/0212 20130101; B65D 2543/00731 20130101; B65D
2231/02 20130101; B65D 47/141 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101;
B65D 47/088 20130101; B65D 2251/1091 20130101; B65D 2251/1008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.3 ;
220/254.1; 220/713; 220/711; 220/375 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/22 |
Claims
1. A disposable, recloseable lid comprising: a cap sized to overlie
and substantially cover the open top of a cup and having a drink
opening formed therein; a mounting ring connected to the cap for
mounting the cap to a cup; and a tab closure comprising a stem and
a drink plug, the stem extending from one of the mounting ring and
cap and having a length sufficient to permit the drink plug to
overlie the drink opening, and the drink plug sized to be received
within the drink opening to close the drink opening; wherein the
user can open and close the lid by removing or inserting the drink
plug from the drink opening and the cap, mounting ring, and tab are
formed from a plastic sheet.
2. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein the
cap, mounting ring, and tab are formed from the same plastic
sheet.
3. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein the
drink plug has a portion with a dimension greater than or equal to
the drink opening such that the drink plug snap-fits within the
drink opening.
4. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein the
drink opening comprises a well and the drink plug is received
within the well when the lid is closed.
5. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 4 wherein the
well and the drink plug are sized such that the drink plug is
press-fit within the well.
6. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 5 wherein the
well comprises a peripheral wall extending interiorly from the
drink opening, and the drink plug has a peripheral wall that is
complementary to the well peripheral wall such that at least a
portion of the well and drink plug peripheral walls contact when
the drink plug is inserted in the well for the press-fit
connection.
7. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 6 wherein the
well further comprises a bottom wall extending from the peripheral
wall and in which is formed a lower opening, and the drink plug has
a complementary bottom wall from which the drink plug peripheral
wall extends, and the well and drink plug bottom walls cooperate to
limit the insertion of the drink plug into the well.
8. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 1 and further
comprising a drink plug holder for holding the drink plug in a
stored position when the lid is in the open position.
9. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 8 wherein the
drink plug holder comprises at least one finger extending from one
of the cap and mounting ring and overlying a portion of the tab
closure to hold the drink plug in a stored position.
10. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 8 wherein
the drink plug holder comprises a recess in the cap and sized to
receive the drink plug and hold the drink plug in a stored
position.
11. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 8 wherein
the drink plug holder comprises a projection on one of the cap and
tab closure and a complementary recess on the other of the cap and
tab closure such that the projection is received within the recess
and hold the drink plug in a stored position.
12. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein
the tab closure is integrally formed with one of the cap and
mounting ring.
13. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 12 wherein a
tear guide is formed in the lid at an interface between the tab
closure and the one of the cap and mounting ring, wherein the tab
closure can be separated from the one of cap and mounting ring by
pulling on the tab closure to tear the lid along the tear
guide.
14. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 13 wherein
the tear guide extends along only a portion of the interface
between the tab closure and the one of the cap and mounting ring
such that the tab closure is not completely separated from the one
of the cap and mounting ring.
15. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 14 wherein
the tear guide terminates in a tear stop.
16. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 13 wherein
the tear guide comprises a series of alternating ridges and
valleys.
17. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 13 wherein
the tear guide comprises a series of spaced slits.
18. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 17 wherein
the tear guide comprises a reduced thickness portion.
19. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 18 wherein
the reduced thickness portion is discontinuous.
20. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 18 wherein
the reduced thickness portion is a score line.
21. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 1 wherein
the tab closure is mechanically coupled to the cap.
22. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 21 wherein
the tab is removably coupled to the cap.
23. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 21 wherein
one of the cap and tab closure has a recess and the other of the
cap and tab closure has a projection sized to be received within
the recess to mechanically couple the tab closure to the cap.
24. The disposable, recloseable lid according, to claim 23 wherein
the projection is received within the recess in a press-fit
relationship.
25. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 24 wherein
recess comprises a peripheral rim defining an open top for the
recess, and the projection has a portion with a dimension greater
than or equal to the open top to form the press-fit relationship
when the projection is received within the open top.
26. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 25 wherein
the projection has a peripheral wall and the recess has a
peripheral wall, wherein at least a portion of the peripheral walls
abut when the projection is received within the recess to form the
press-fit relationship.
27. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 26 wherein
each of the peripheral walls has a negative draft.
28. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 27 wherein
the peripheral walls have the same draft.
29. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 28 wherein
the peripheral walls have different drafts.
30. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 26 wherein
the drink plug has a portion with a dimension greater than or equal
to the drink opening such that the drink plug snap-fits within the
drink opening.
31. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 26 wherein
the drink opening comprises a well and the drink plug is received
within the well when the lid is closed.
32. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 31 wherein
the well and the drink plug are sized such that the drink plug is
press-fit within the well.
33. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 32 wherein
the well comprises a peripheral wall extending interiorly from the
drink opening, and the drink plug has a peripheral wall that is
complementary to the well peripheral wall such that at least a
portion of the well and drink plug peripheral walls contact when
the drink plug is inserted in the well for the press-fit
connection.
34. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 23 wherein
the projection is a mounting plug sized to be press-fit within the
recess.
35. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 34 wherein
the stem connects the drink plug to the mounting plug.
36. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 34 wherein
the tab closure further comprises a hinge connecting the mounting
plug to the stem.
37. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 34 wherein
the drink plug includes a lift tab for aid in the removal of the
drink plug from the drink opening.
38. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 34 wherein
the periphery of the mounting plug is greater than or equal to the
periphery of the recess such that the mounting plug is snap-fit
within the recess.
39. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 34 wherein
the recess is located on the cap and the mounting plug is located
on the tab closure.
40. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 39 wherein
the recess has a bottom wall and the mounting plug has a bottom
wall, which is spaced above the recess bottom wall when the
mounting plug is received within the recess to define a chamber
therebetween.
41. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 40 and
further comprising a vent opening formed in the recess bottom wall
and fluidly connected to the chamber.
42. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 41 wherein
the mounting plug has a vent opening fluidly connected to the
chamber.
43. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 42 wherein
the mounting plug vent opening is sized such that liquid cannot
span the opening through the inherent surface tension of the
liquid.
44. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 39 wherein
the recess and mounting plug have corresponding inset portions and
the stem connects to the mounting plug at the inset portion.
45. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 44 and
further comprising a hinge connecting the stem to the mounting
plug.
46. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 44 wherein
the recess and mounting plug have complementary peripheral walls
that abut each other when the mounting plug is received within the
recess.
47. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 46 wherein
the mounting plug comprises a peripheral lip, the recess comprises
a complementary peripheral ledge, and the lip rests on the ledge
when the mounting plug is received within the recess.
48. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 39 wherein
the cap is dome-shaped and comprises an upper surface located above
the mounting ring and in which the recess is formed.
49. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 48 wherein
the cap further compress a wall at least partially encircling the
upper surface and terminating in a top edge in which the drink
opening is located.
50. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 49 wherein
the drink opening is at a higher elevation than the recess.
51. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 49 wherein
the width of the wall is reduced at the opposite ends of the drink
opening.
52. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 49 wherein
the cap further comprises a drink plug holder for holding the drink
plug in a stored position when the lid is in the open position.
53. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 52 wherein
the drink plug holder comprises a recess in the cap that is sized
to receive the drink plug and hold the drink plug in a stored
position.
54. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 53 wherein
the drink plug holder further comprises at least one finger
extending into the drink plug holder recess and overlying a portion
of the tab closure to hold the drink plug in a stored position.
55. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 49 wherein
the stem connects the drink plug to the mounting plug.
56. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 55 wherein
the tab closure further comprises a hinge connecting the mounting
plug to the stem.
57. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 56 wherein
the drink plug includes a lift tab for aid in the removal of the
drink plug from the drink opening.
58. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 57 wherein
the periphery of the mounting plug is greater than or equal to the
periphery of the recess such that the mounting plug is snap-fit
within the recess.
59. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 58 wherein
the recess is located on the cap and the mounting plug is located
on the tab closure.
60. A disposable, recloseable lid comprising: a cap sized to
overlie and substantially cover the open top of a cup and having a
drink opening and a mounting recess formed therein; a mounting ring
connected to the cap for mounting the cap to a cup; and a tab
closure comprising a mounting plug and a drink plug connected by a
stem, the mounting plug sized to be received within the mounting
recess, and the drink plug sized to be received within the drink
opening wherein the user can open and close the lid by removing or
inserting the drink plug from the drink opening.
61. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein
the cap is dome-shaped and comprises an upper surface located above
the mounting ring and in which the recess is formed.
62. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 61 wherein
the cap further comprises a wall at least partially encircling the
upper surface and terminating in a top edge in which the drink
opening is located.
63. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 62 wherein
the drink opening is at a higher elevation than the recess.
64. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 62 wherein
the width of the wall is reduced at the opposite ends of the drink
opening.
65. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 62 wherein
the cap further comprises a drink plug holder for holding the drink
plug in a stored position when the lid is in the open position.
66. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 65 wherein
the drink plug holder comprises a recess in the cap that is sized
to receive the drink plug and hold the drink plug in a stored
position.
67. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 66 wherein
the drink plug holder further comprises at least one finger
extending into the drink plug holder recess and overlying a portion
of the tab closure to hold the drink plug in a stored position.
68. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein
the tab closure further comprises a hinge connecting the mounting
plug to the stem.
69. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein
the drink plug includes a lift tab for aid in the removal of the
drink plug from the drink opening.
70. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein
the periphery of the mounting plug is greater than or equal to the
periphery of the recess such that the mounting plug is snap-fit
within the recess.
71. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein
the recess has a bottom wall and the mounting plug has a bottom
wall, which is spaced above the recess bottom wall when the
mounting plug is received within the recess to define a chamber
therebetween.
72. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 71 and
further comprising a vent opening formed in the recess bottom wall
and fluidly connected to the chamber.
73. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 72 wherein
the mounting plug has a vent opening fluidly connected to the
chamber.
74. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 73 wherein
the mounting plug vent opening is sized such that liquid cannot
span the opening through the inherent surface tension of the
liquid.
75. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein
the recess and mounting plug have corresponding inset portions and
the stem connects to the mounting plug at the inset portion.
76. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein
the cap, mounting ring, and tab are formed from a plastic sheet and
have a substantially uniform thickness.
77. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein
the drink plug has a portion with a dimension greater than or equal
to the drink opening such that the drink plug snap-fits within the
drink opening.
78. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein
the drink opening comprises a well and the drink plug is received
within the well when the lid is closed.
79. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein
the well and the drink plug are sized such that the drink plug is
press-fit within the well.
80. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein
the tab is removably coupled to the cap.
81. The disposable, recloseable lid according to claim 60 wherein
the mounting ring defines a peripheral channel sized to receive the
rim of a cup.
82. The disposable, 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. 60/350,706 filed Nov. 13, 2001, U.S.
provisional patent application Serial No. 60/350,875 filed Jan. 22,
2002, and U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/410,380
filed Sep. 13, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF 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 recloseable
lid with a removable plug assembly which is 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 spilling. In another aspect, the recloseable lid assembly is
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 inhibit spilling 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 minimizes but does not
eliminate spillage 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 is secured in
an open position to provide a drinking aperture. The lid can be
re-closed by reattaching the flap to the rim of the cup. However,
while these cups have the benefit of being disposable and
relatively spill-proof during consumption, these lids are not
resealable and liquid can be spilled when the consumer is not
drinking from the cup.
[0006] There are non-disposable, recloseable lids that can be used
with non-disposable cups that can inhibit spilling such as during
the normal operation of a motor vehicle. One such recloseable lid
comprises a well that is sized to be received within the opening of
the cup. Multiple o-rings are disposed about a peripheral wall of
the well and contact the cup to form a fluid-seal therebetween. A
bottom wall of the well has a through opening permitting the
passage of fluids 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 recloseable well structure is advantageous in that the
lid can be closed to inhibit spilling and to the extent fluid is
spilled 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, which requires the use of
injection molding techniques.
[0008] Another group of non-disposable lids are injection molded
lids with a drink opening in combination with an attached plug or
cap for closing the drink opening. In some cases, the plug is
separately molded and mechanically fixed to the lid by a
cooperating projection molded into the lid. In other cases, the
plug has a rivet-like projection that extends through an opening
molded in the lid.
[0009] The nature of the injection molding process makes these lids
unsuitable for disposable use because of the relatively high cost.
Disposable lids are typically fabricated from thermoforming 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.
[0010] However, 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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 shape 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 does 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 is that the thermoforming
process has much higher production rates.
[0013] There is a desire for a recloseable lid that is easy and
inexpensive to manufacture, preferably by using the thermoforming
process, while still being able to maintain a seal after multiple
cycles between the open and closed positions. Preferably, the
recloseable lid would have a removable closure device and be
suitable for disposable use in the fast-food or take-out food
market. Previously, only injection molded lids could obtain this
functionality. However, they were too expensive for high volume
disposable use.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0014] The invention is a recloseable lid suitable for disposable
use and comprises a cap with a drink opening that is sealed by a
drink plug. In one embodiment, the lid comprises a cap sized to
overlie and substantially cover the open top of a cup and having a
drink opening and a mounting recess formed therein. A mounting ring
connects the cap to a cup by the receipt of the cup rim in a
peripheral channel formed by the mounting ring. The lid further
comprises a tab closure comprising a mounting plug and a drink plug
connected by a stem. The mounting plug is sized to be received
within the mounting recess, and the drink plug is sized to be
received within the drink opening wherein the user can open and
close the lid by removing or inserting the drink plug from the
drink opening.
[0015] In another embodiment the invention relates to a disposable,
recloseable lid comprising a cap sized to overlie and substantially
cover the open top of a cup and having a drink opening formed
therein. The lid further comprises a mounting ring connected to the
cap and defining a peripheral channel sized to receive the rim of a
cup for mounting the cap to a cup. A tab closure is provided and
comprises a stem and a drink plug, the stem extending from one of
the mounting ring and cap and having a length sufficient to permit
the drink plug to overlie the drink opening. The drink plug is
sized to be received within the drink opening to close the drink
opening. The user can open and close the lid by removing or
inserting the drink plug from the drink opening, and the cap,
mounting ring, and tab are formed from a plastic sheet and have a
substantially uniform thickness.
[0016] The tab closure can be fixedly or removably mounted to the
mounting ring or cap. The lid can also include a tab closure holder
for holding the tab closure in the open position so it is out of
the way of a user drinking from the lid.
[0017] The cap can have a variety of shapes. It can be generally
flat or have a dome-shape configuration. In the dome-shape
configuration, a wall is provided that extends above an upper
surface. The drink opening is formed in the wall and the recess is
formed in the upper surface. The width of the wall adjacent the
ends of the drink opening can have a reduced width.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] In the drawings:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention comprising a cap with a
removable tab closure shown in a closed position.
[0020] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of the first embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention shown with the removable
tab closure in a partially open position.
[0021] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of the first embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention shown with the removable
tab closure in a fully open position.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention with the removable tab
closure separated from the cap.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the first embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention with the removable tab
closure separated from the cap.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the removable tab closure of
the first embodiment recloseable lid according to the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the first embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention shown in FIG. 5 taken
along line 6-6.
[0027] FIG. 6A is a close-up view of a portion of the sectional
view shown in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment recloseable lid
according to the invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention comprising a cap with a
removable tab closure according to the invention shown in the
closed position.
[0029] FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of the removable tab
closure of the second embodiment recloseable lid according to the
invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the second embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention shown in the open
position.
[0031] FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of the second embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention with the removable tab
closure removed from the cap.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a close-up view of a portion of the second
embodiment recloseable lid according to the invention showing an
attachment of the removable tab closure to the cap.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment
recloseable lid with a tab closure according to the invention shown
in the closed position.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the third embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention shown in the open
position.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention shown in the closed
position.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the fourth embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention shown in the open
position.
[0037] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention shown in the open
position.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the fifth embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention shown in the closed
position.
[0039] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the fifth embodiment
recloseable lid according to the invention shown in the stored
position.
[0040] FIG. 17 is a top view of the fifth embodiment recloseable
lid and illustrating a first alternative tear-away plug tab
design.
[0041] FIG. 18 is a top view similar to FIG. 17 and illustrating
the first alternative tear-away plug tab design in a separated
condition.
[0042] FIG. 19 is a side view of a tear-guide structure as shown
along line 10-10 in FIG. 18.
[0043] FIG. 20 is a top view of the fifth embodiment recloseable
lid and illustrating a second alternative tear-away plug tab
design.
[0044] FIG. 21 is a top view of the fifth embodiment recloseable
lid and illustrating a third alternative tear-away plug tab
design.
[0045] FIG. 22 is a top view of the fifth embodiment recloseable
lid and illustrating a third alternative tear-away plug tab
design.
[0046] FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG.
22.
[0047] FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of a sixth embodiment
recloseable lid incorporating the snap-on plug tab of the third and
fourth embodiments with a tear-away plug tab of the fifth
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17-19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a recloseable lid 10 comprises a
cap 12 and a plug assembly 14. In the preferred embodiment, the
recloseable lid 10 is fabricated of a flexible, thin-walled plastic
by a conventional thermoforming process. The recloseable lid 10 is
adapted for removable attachment to a disposable container (not
shown), such as a foam cup. The recloseable lid 10 is attached to
the container by a conventional cup mount 20 well-known in the
industry. As shown in FIG. 1, the cup mount 20 comprises an annular
skirt 22 depending exteriorly from an annular top wall 26. An
annular inner wall 24 depends from the top wall 26 in spaced-apart
juxtaposition from the annular skirt 22 for insertion over the rim
of the disposable container. An annular rib 28 extends inwardly of
the annular skirt 22 for gripping the rim of the disposable
container. Extending further inwardly from the annular inner wall
24 is an annular floor 30.
[0049] The cap 12 comprises a planar dome floor 40, a drink opening
42 extending upwardly from the floor 40 and transitioning on either
side to a buttress 44. Extending below the plane of the dome floor
40 is a reservoir 46, which, in the preferred embodiment, is
wing-shaped. However, other reservoir shapes can be used. Located
diametrically opposite the drink opening 42 is a plug retainer 48.
The plug assembly 14 comprises a generally wing-shaped mounting
plug 50, a strap 52, and a dispensing aperture plug 54. Although
the mounting plug 50 in the preferred embodiment is wing-shaped,
other shapes can be used for the mounting plug 50 compatible with
the shape of the reservoir 46. The planar dome floor 40 is provided
with a hinge trough 60 adjacent the reservoir 46 intermediate the
reservoir 46 and the drink opening 42.
[0050] The reservoir 46 in the preferred embodiment is a generally
wing-shaped cavity comprising a reservoir wall 62 depending from
the dome floor 40. As shown in FIG. 6A, the reservoir wall 62 is
inclined somewhat outwardly from the dome floor 40. Preferably, the
angle of inclination of the reservoir wall 62 from a line normal to
the dome floor 40 is negative 4.degree., and the height of the
reservoir wall 62 is preferably 0.100 inches. The reservoir wall 62
terminates in a reservoir floor 64 in generally parallel,
spaced-apart juxtaposition with the dome floor 40. A reservoir vent
66, shown in FIGS. 2-4 as a generally circular aperture, extends
through the reservoir floor 64 for venting of the interior of the
disposable container when the recloseable lid 10 is mounted
thereto. The preferred location of the vent 66 is described
hereinafter.
[0051] The plug retainer 48 is a somewhat rectilinear cavity in
diametric juxtaposition with the drink opening 42, which comprises
a plug retainer inner wall 70 depending generally orthogonally from
the dome floor 40 and terminating in a plug retainer floor 74. The
plug retainer 48 is also provided with a pair of plug retainer side
walls 72 in spaced-apart, generally parallel juxtaposition joining
the plug retainer inner wall 70 and the plug retainer floor 74. The
plug retainer side walls 72 are provided with a pair of
inwardly-extending bosses 76 which define a pair of notches 78
intermediate the bosses 76 and the plug retainer floor 74.
[0052] The drink opening 42 is a thin-walled hollow structure
extending upwardly from the planar dome floor 40 at the
circumference thereof, which comprises a drink opening inner wall
90 in spaced-apart juxtaposition from a drink opening peripheral
wall 92. The drink opening inner wall 90 and the drink opening
peripheral wall 92 terminate in a drink opening top wall 94 having
a dispensing aperture 96 extending therethrough, shown in FIG. 4 as
having a generally oval shape. The dispensing aperture 96 is
defined by an opening peripheral wall 98 depending generally
negative 4.degree. from the drink opening top wall 94 to terminate
in the dispensing aperture 96. The drink opening peripheral wall 92
has a planar section 100 having a generally arcuate perimeter
extending downwardly from the drink opening top wall 94. The drink
opening 42 transitions to a pair of juxtaposed buttresses 44
through a pair of inclined walls 104 extending inwardly from the
drink opening peripheral wall 92 along opposing inclined edges
102.
[0053] The inclined walls 104 terminate at buttress peripheral
walls 112 extending away from the drink opening 42
circumferentially along the planar dome floor 40. The buttresses 44
also comprise a pair of buttress inner walls 110 in spaced-apart
juxtaposition to the buttress peripheral walls 112. Both the
buttress peripheral walls 112 and the buttress inner walls 110
gradually decrease in height from the drink opening 42 to terminate
at the planar dome floor 40 adjacent to the plug retainer 48.
Extending between the buttress inner walls 110 and the buttress
peripheral walls 112 are buttress top walls 114 inclined generally
downwardly to intersect the dome floor 40 adjacent to the plug
retainer 48. The buttress peripheral wall 112 transitions at a
transition line 118 to a relief surface 116 extending on either
side of the drink opening 42. The buttress inner walls 110
transition to the drink opening inner Wall 90 along a pair of
arcuate-shaped flared portions 120.
[0054] The preferred embodiment of the mounting plug 50 comprises a
generally flattened, wing-shaped structure comprising a mounting
plug bottom wall 130 transitioning to an orthogonally
upwardly-extending mounting plug peripheral wall 132 adapted to be
received in the reservoir 46. As shown in FIG. 5, the wing-like
shape of the mounting plug 50 defines a pair of spaced-apart
primary tips 133 extending toward the dispensing aperture plug 54
and a pair of spaced-apart secondary tips 135 extending away from
the dispensing aperture plug 54. As shown in FIG. 6A, the
peripheral wall 132 is somewhat outwardly inclined for snap-fit
communication with the outwardly inclined reservoir wall 62.
Preferably, the angle of inclination of the peripheral wall 132
from a line normal to the bottom wall 130 is negative 4.degree..
The mounting plug peripheral wall 132 terminates in a peripheral
flange 134 extending orthogonally thereto and adapted for contact
with the planar dome floor 40. Extending orthogonally upwardly from
the mounting plug bottom wall 130 is a generally wing-shaped
mounting plug inner wall 136 terminating in a mounting plug top
wall 138 in generally parallel, spaced-apart juxtaposition to the
mounting plug bottom wall 130. The mounting plug peripheral wall
132, the mounting plug bottom wall 132, and the mounting plug inner
wall 136 define a channel 137 extending along the perimeter of the
mounting plug 50. A portion of the mounting plug top wall 138 is
adapted to form a vent flap 140 attached to the mounting plug top
wall 138 along a living hinge 142 to form a flapped vent 144.
Preferably, the height of the mounting plug peripheral wall 132 is
0.085 inches so that the difference in height of the peripheral
wall 132 and the reservoir wall 62 is 0.015 inches.
[0055] Extending longitudinally away from the mounting plug 50
intermediate the primary tips 133 is a strap 52 comprising a strap
hinge 146 which hingedly connects the strap 52 to the mounting plug
50. The strap 52 terminates at an upwardly extending connecting
portion 148 which terminates in a plug portion 150 which, in turn,
terminates in a pull tab 152. The plug portion 150 comprises the
dispensing aperture plug 54 comprising a circumferential,
downwardly-extending plug wall 154 terminating in a plug floor 156.
Preferably, the plug wall 154, like the reservoir wall, also has a
negative 4.degree. draft. The plug 54 is adapted for frictional
communication with the dispensing aperture 96. The plug portion 150
terminates along a lateral portion in a pair of juxtaposed strap
edges 158.
[0056] It should be noted that while the preferred draft angle is
negative 4.degree. , it is within the scope of the invention for
other draft angles to be used. In most cases, draft angles from
0.degree. to -10.degree. are suitable. The surfaces or walls having
the draft also need not have a straight profile or cross section as
illustrated. For example, the cross section could be saw-toothed or
could be a peripheral rib. Referring now to FIGS. 1, 1A, 6 and 6A,
the plug assembly 14 is attached to the cap 12 by inserting the
mounting plug 50 in the reservoir 46 in a snap-fit engagement. The
strap hinge 146 will be received within the hinge trough 60, and
the mounting plug 50 will frictionally communicate with the
dispensing aperture 96. As can be seen in FIG. 6A, the mounting
plug bottom wall 130 will be spaced 0.015 inches above the
reservoir floor 64 due to the difference in height between the
mounting plug peripheral wall 132 and the reservoir wall 62. As
previously described, the reservoir vent 66 extends through the
reservoir floor 64. Preferably, the reservoir vent 66 is located in
the reservoir floor 64 immediately beneath the plug bottom wall
130. The 0.015-inch gap between the bottom wall 130 and the floor
64 will draw liquid in the reservoir 46 under the channel 137
through capillary action where it will be drained through the vent
66 to the container. The mounting plug top wall 138 will form an
enclosed reservoir to prevent further spillage of liquid retained
in the reservoir 46.
[0057] The reservoir 46 collects liquid that seeps directly from
the vent opening 66 or from condensation from vapor escaping
through the vent opening 66. Unlike prior lids, the reservoir helps
in keeping the top surface of the lid free from liquid. The volume
of the reservoir is partly determined by the difference in height
between the plug wall height, preferably 0.085 inches, and the
reservoir wall height, preferably 0.100 inches, which results in
0.015 gap therebetween. Other dimensional configurations are within
the scope of the invention if a different volume is needed or
desired.
[0058] A different gap height may also be desired based on
additional functional determinations. For example, to the extent
that it is desired to located the vent opening below the channel
137 to use capillary action to drain the liquid from the reservoir
back into the cup, the dimensions between the plug and the
reservoir can be any dimension that accomplishes the capillary
action. Thus, the gap size can be increased/decreased as needed to
control the capillary action.
[0059] It is also not necessary to locate the vent opening beneath
the channel 137. The vent opening can be located anywhere within
the reservoir 46. Further, multiple vent openings could be used if
desired, with, for example, one located in the reservoir 46 and
another located in the planar dome floor 40. The type of vent
opening can also vary. For convenience, it is preferred that the
vent opening 66 be a flap formed from the cap 12 and folded back.
The flap normally has a triangular shape. However, other types of
vent openings could be used.
[0060] The large vent opening 144 solves a problem associated with
the use of the reservoir to hold the liquid that would otherwise
reside on the upper surface of the lid when a standard vent opening
is used. As liquid collects in the reservoir, there is a tendency
for a film to form across a standard vent opening in the plug,
blocking the escape of vapor from the reservoir through the
standard vent opening. As more vapor enters the reservoir through
the vent opening 66, a bubble can form and extend through the vent
opening. When the bubble bursts, it will leave liquid on the
exterior of the lid, which is undesireable. The larger vent opening
144 is of a size such that the liquid cannot span the opening or
span the gap between the flap 140 and the edge forming the opening
144, eliminating the likelihood that a film can be formed across
the vent opening.
[0061] A standard vent opening, such as a triangular flap, can be
used in place of the vent flap 140. However, such a substitution
will result in the loss of the functionality associated with the
larger vent opening. Therefore, it is preferred to use the vent
flap 140.
[0062] The plug 50 can be removed from the dispensing aperture 96
by lifting up on the pull tab 152. The plug assembly 14 can be
folded back along the strap hinge 146 so that the plug portion 150
is received in the plug retainer 48. The plug assembly 14 will be
retained in the plug retainer 48 by snap fitting the strap edges
158 in the notches 78 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A. The plug assembly
14 can be removed from the plug retainer 48 by lifting up on the
pull tab 152 to release of the strap edges 158 from the notches 78
to return the plug 50 to the dispensing aperture 96.
[0063] The primary tips 133 and the secondary tips 135 prevent
removal of the mounting plug 50 from the reservoir 46 when a
lifting tension is applied to the strap 52. As the strap 52 is
pulled upwardly, such as during removal of the dispensing aperture
plug 54 from the dispensing aperture 96, tension in the strap 52
will be transmitted to the center of the mounting plug 50 adjacent
the connection of the strap 52 to the mounting plug 50. This will
tend to urge the center of the mounting plug 50 upward. The greater
the tension, the greater the tendency of the center of the mounting
plug 50 to deflect upward. However, this tensile stress will be
dissipated through the mounting plug 50 so that the tips 133, 135
will "feel" little or no stress tending to dislodge the tips 133,
135 from their position in the reservoir 46 which will minimize the
tendency of the mounting plug 50 to be removed from the reservoir
46. The location of the tips 133, 135 relatively far in front of
and behind the point of force application through the strap 52
increases the leverage required to dislodge the tips from the
reservoir. Consequently, the mounting plug 50 will remain "locked"
into the reservoir 46.
[0064] A second embodiment of a recloseable lid 160 is shown in
FIGS. 7-9. The recloseable lid 160 comprises some of the same
elements of the recloseable lid 10 and, thus, like numbers are used
to identify like elements.
[0065] The recloseable lid 160 comprises a cap 162 and a plug
assembly 164. The cap 162 comprises a planar dome floor 170 having
a hinge trough 172 and a generally D-shaped reservoir 174 formed
therein. A dispensing aperture 176 is formed at a peripheral
portion of the planar dome floor 170. An inclined floor 178 extends
in a downwardly inclined direction from the dome floor 170 to the
dispensing aperture 176. The reservoir 174 comprises a reservoir
wall 180 depending generally orthogonally downwardly from the dome
floor 170 to terminate in a reservoir floor 182 in generally
parallel, spaced apart juxtaposition to the dome floor 170. A
reservoir vent 184, shown as a generally circular aperture, extends
through the reservoir floor 182 in fluid communication with the
interior of the recloseable lid 160 and the disposable container
(not shown) to which it is attached.
[0066] A plug retainer 186 is formed in the cap 162 diametrically
opposite the dispensing aperture 176. The plug retainer 186
comprises a plug retainer inner wall 190 inclined downwardly from
the dome floor 170 to terminate in a plug retainer floor 194. A
pair of generally parallel, spaced-apart plug retainer side walls
192 depend downwardly from the dome floor 170 to join the plug
retainer inner wall 190 and the plug retainer floor 194. The plug
retainer side walls 192 are provided with a pair of
inwardly-extending bosses 196 which define a pair of notches 198
intermediate the bosses 196 and the plug retainer floor 194.
[0067] Extending circumferentially above the dual floor 170 on
either side of the dispensing aperture 176 is an arcuate peripheral
rim 200 comprising an inner wall 202 and an outer wall 204 joining
in an arcuate ridge 206. The ridge 206 extends along the periphery
of the dome floor 170 away from the dispensing aperture 176 in a
downwardly-inclined fashion to terminate on either side of the plug
retainer 186.
[0068] The plug assembly 164 comprises a generally D-shaped
mounting plug 210 attached to a dispensing aperture plug 214
through an intermediate strap 212. The dispensing aperture plug 214
terminates in a lift tab 216. Adjacent the mounting plug 210 is a
living hinge 218 intermediate the mounting plug 210 and the
dispensing aperture plug 214. The mounting plug 210 is adapted for
snap-fit communication with the reservoir 174 and comprises a
downwardly-depending peripheral side wall 220 terminating in a
floor 222 having a plug vent 224, shown as a generally circular
aperture therethrough. The reservoir wall 180 is inclined somewhat
outwardly. The side wall 220 is similarly inclined somewhat
outwardly for snap fit communication with the reservoir wall 180.
When the mounting plug 210 is inserted into the reservoir 174, the
floor 222 is spaced somewhat above the reservoir floor 182 to form
a vented reservoir therebetween, and the living hinge 218 will be
received in the hinge trough 172.
[0069] The dispensing aperture plug 214 is adapted for frictional
communication with the dispensing aperture 176 and comprises a
downwardly-depending plug wall 228 terminating in a plug floor 230.
A downwardly-inclined inclined portion 226 extends from the strap
212 to the dispensing aperture plug 214. The edges of the strap
adjacent to the inclined portion 226 define a pair of spaced-apart
strap edges 232.
[0070] The plug assembly 164 is mounted to the cap 162 by snap fit
insertion of the plug retainer 186 in the reservoir 174, so that
the dispensing aperture plug 214 can be frictionally inserted into
the dispensing aperture 176. The dispensing aperture plug 214 can
be removed from the dispensing aperture 176 by pulling up on the
lift tab 216, and the plug assembly 164 can be folded back along
the living hinge 218 so that the strap edges 232 are snap fit in
the notches 198. The dispensing aperture plug 214 can be reinserted
into the dispensing aperture 176 by pulling up on the lift tab 216
to disengage the strap edges 232 from the notches 198 and
reinserting the dispensing aperture plug 214 into the dispensing
aperture 176.
[0071] The novel recloseable lid disclosed herein provides a
disposable dome-shaped lid having a drink opening sealable with a
closure plug connected by a pivotable strap having an attached
mounting plug which engages a mounting receptacle in the lid for
removably attaching the closure plug to the lid. The recloseable
lid can be thermo-formed, thereby minimizing cost and maximizing
product output. The frictional engagement of the closure plug in
the drink opening provides a positive liquid-tight closure which
seals the container against spillage while readily enabling the
container to be opened for dispensing of the liquid. The
configuration of the drink opening facilitates a positive seal with
the user's mouth, thereby minimizing spillage during drinking. The
strap can be folded away from the drink opening and retained in the
open position by frictional engagement of the strap with a slot
formed in the lid. The mounting plug and mounting receptacle are of
different heights to form a reservoir therebetween having vents
therethrough for equalizing the pressure on both sides of the lid,
which is particularly important since the drink opening
configuration will tend to encourage the user to apply a slight
suction to the container while drinking.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the third embodiment
recloseable lid 310 comprises a cap 312 connected to a cup mount
314 in such a manner as to define a channel 316 therebetween. The
cup mount 314 secures the cap 312 to an upper edge or rim of a cup
(not shown) to close the open top of the cup.
[0073] The cup mount 314 comprises spaced annular interior and
exterior walls 318 and 320, which are connected along their upper
edges by an annular top wall 322 to define a bottom-opening
interior channel (not shown) disposed between the interior and
exterior walls 318, 320. The interior wall 318 is generally
vertical although it will typically have a slight taper to aid in
removal from a mold during the preferred thermoforming process. The
exterior wall 320 has an inwardly extending annular rib 323, which
forms a reduced cross-sectional area portion of the interior
channel, which typically has a width less than the thickness of the
cup upper edge or rim such that when the cup upper edge or rim is
pressed into the interior channel, the exterior wall is deflected
radially outwardly and the inherent resiliency of the exterior wall
applies a compressive force to the upper edge or rim of the cup to
mount the recloseable lid to the cup.
[0074] The cap 312 comprises a generally planar top wall 330, which
lies slightly below the cup mount top wall 322. Multiple, spaced
protrusions 332, 334 extend upwardly from the top wall 330 and form
part of a stacking feature with their radial periphery. That is,
the effective radial periphery defined by the spaced protrusions
332, 334 is typically of such a size that they are received within
the bottom of another cup placed on top of the top wall 330.
[0075] A vent 336 is formed in a central portion of the top wall
330 and comprises a cylindrical projection forming a chimney 338.
The bottom of the chimney 338 is received in a recess 340 formed in
the top wall 330. Support ribs 342 are located within the recess
and extend radially outwardly from the chimney 338, through the
recess 340, where they transition into the top wall 330. An annular
recess 343 is formed in the chimney below the top of the chimney. A
vent opening 344 is formed in the top of the chimney 338.
Variations of the vent 336 are described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,953,743, whose disclosure is incorporated by reference.
[0076] A dispensing opening 350 is formed in the top wall 330 near
the cup mount 314. The dispensing opening 350 comprises a recess or
well 352 comprising a peripheral sidewall 354 that transitions into
a planar bottom wall 356. A through opening 358 is formed in the
bottom wall 356. Preferably, the dispensing opening 350 has an oval
shape. Many other shapes are suitable for the dispensing opening
and the shape of the dispensing opening 350 is not limiting to the
invention.
[0077] A series of radially extending recesses 360 are formed on
opposite sides along the dispensing opening 350 and extend radially
inwardly from the cup mount 314 toward the centrally located vent
336. Each series 360 comprises multiple recesses 362, each of which
are separated by a rib 364. The size of the recesses 362 generally
decreases as they extend from the cup mount toward the vent 336.
The recesses 362 preferably have a trapezoidal shape, except for
the most radially inward recess, which has a circular shape.
[0078] The recloseable lid 310 further comprises a plug tab 370
that has a generally planar portion 372 terminating at one end in a
hinge 374 and transitioning at an opposing end into a lift tab 376.
The hinge 374 can be formed by any suitable means. Preferably, the
hinge is formed as part of the mounting of the plug tab 370 to the
lid 310. For example, the end of the plug tab 370 can be taped or
sonically welded to the top wall 330 which also forms the hinge.
The hinge permits the plug tab 370 to be moved into and out of an
overlying relationship with the dispensing opening 350 for closing
and opening the dispensing opening.
[0079] The generally planar portion 372 comprises a plug 378 sized
to be received within the dispensing opening 350 to seal the
dispensing opening 350 when the plug tab 370 overlies the
dispensing opening 350 to place the recloseable lid in the closed
position. The plug 378 is preferably a closed recess formed by a
peripheral wall 380 that transitions into a bottom wall 382. In the
third embodiment, the peripheral wall 380 bears against the
peripheral sidewall 354 of the dispensing opening to form a seal
between the plug tab 370 and the top wall 330.
[0080] The planar portion further comprises a series of spaced
projections 384 disposed on opposite sides of the plug 378 and
extending away from a lower surface of the planar portion 372. Each
series of spaced projections 384 comprises multiple projections 386
that are arranged on the planar portion 372 such that they
correspond to and cooperate with the recesses 362 formed in the top
wall 330. Preferably, the projections 386 are sized and shaped such
that they can be snap-fit within the corresponding recesses 362.
The snap-fit receipt of the projections 386 within the
corresponding recesses 362 effectively locks the plug tab 370 in
the closed position.
[0081] The lift tab 376 extends beyond the peripheral area of the
cup mount 314 and includes one portion 390 that conforms to the
shape of the cup mount 314 and a tab 392 that extends radially away
from the cup mount 314 for easy grasp by the user.
[0082] In operation, the plug tab 370 can be moved between the
closed and opened positions as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11,
respectively, by the user. To place the plug tab 370 in the closed
position, the user grasps the plug tab 370, preferably by the tab
392, and pivots the plug tab 370 about the hinge 374. The user then
presses the plug 378 into the dispensing opening 350 where the
peripheral wall 380 of the plug 378 bears against the peripheral
wall 352 of the dispensing opening 350 to form a seal
therebetween.
[0083] Preferably, the peripheral wall 380 is sized and shaped such
that it is snugly and compressively received within the dispensing
opening 350. The peripheral wall 380 can be formed with a slight
draft to enhance the ease of insertion of the plug 378 into the
dispensing opening 350 and to improve the seal. Typically, the
peripheral wall 380 will form a seal with the dispensing opening
350 at the junction of the top wall 330 with the peripheral wall
352. Therefore, the seal can be further enhanced by providing this
junction with a draft or angled surface against which the sidewall
380 will contact.
[0084] The user can lock the plug tab 370 in the closed position by
pressing the projections 386 into the corresponding recesses
362.
[0085] To move the lid 310 into the open position, the user merely
lifts on the tab 392 to remove the plug 378 from the recess opening
and the projections 386 from the corresponding recesses 362 and
rotate the plug tab 370 about the hinge 374. The plug tab 370 can
be locked in the opened position as illustrated in FIG. 11 by
pressing the plug 378 onto the chimney 338. To remove the plug tab
370 from the opened and locked position, the user pulls on the tab
392.
[0086] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the fourth embodiment
recloseable lid 410 will be described. The fourth embodiment
recloseable lid 410 is similar in construction to the third
embodiment 310. Namely, the recloseable lid 410 is identical to the
closable lid 310 except for the construction of the plug tab and
the manner of mounting the plug tab. Therefore, elements in the lid
410 that are similar between the third and fourth embodiment will
be identified with like numerals and it will be understood that the
description in the third embodiment applies to the second
embodiment. Additionally, the description of the fourth embodiment
recloseable lid 410 will be limited to the plug tab 470.
[0087] The plug tab 470 comprises a planar portion 472 and a plug
474. One end of the planar portion 472 is movably mounted to the
top wall 330, preferably by a snap recess 476 formed in the planar
portion 472 and which is sized to receive the chimney 338 in a
snap-fit relationship to snap-fit the planar portion to the chimney
338 in such a manner to permit the rotation of the planar portion
472 relative to the top wall 330. It is worth noting that the third
embodiment can also be made with the snap recess and be snap fit to
the chimney 338 instead of using tape or sonic welding.
[0088] The plug 474, like the plug 378, also comprises a well-type
or recess formed by a peripheral wall 480 that transitions into a
planar wall 482. The peripheral wall 480 forms a seal against the
dispensing opening peripheral wall 352 in the same manner as
described for the third embodiment.
[0089] The plug 474 also includes multiple arcuate segments 484
that circumscribe the peripheral wall 480. The arcuate segments 484
define a circular opening 486 and are preferably triangular in
cross-section such that the diameter of the circular opening 486
decreases in a direction toward the peripheral wall 480.
[0090] A hinge 490 connects the plug 474 to the planar portion 472.
The hinge can be thought of as being either a portion of the planar
portion 472 or a portion of the plug 474. The hinge 490 permits the
plug 474 to be rotated about the hinge 490 such that the snap
recess 476 is received within the opening 486 and the continued
pressing of the plug 474 onto the snap recess will retain the plug
474 on the snap recess 476.
[0091] In operation, the plug 474 is moved between the closed and
opened positions as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 by rotating the plug
tab 470 about the axis of the snap recess 476. The plug 474 is
pressed into the dispensing opening 350 in the same manner as
described for the third embodiment to seal the dispensing opening
350. To remove the plug from the dispensing opening 350, the user
need only grasp the sides of the plug and lift upwardly. The plug
474 can be provided with a lift tab to aid in the lifting of the
plug if desired.
[0092] The plug 474 can also be moved into a stored position by
rotating the plug 474 about the hinge 490 and pressing the plug 474
onto the snap recess 476.
[0093] The unique structure of the plug tab 470 according to the
fourth embodiment enables the plug 474 to be used for not only
opening and closing the dispensing opening 350, but also permits
the plug 474 to be stored in a position that does not interfere
with drinking from the dispensing opening 350.
[0094] A fifth embodiment recloseable lid 510 is disclosed in FIGS.
14-16. The fifth embodiment recloseable lid comprises a cap 512
connected to a cup mount 514 in such a manner as to define a
channel 516 therebetween.
[0095] The cup mount 514 is substantially identical to the cup
mount 314 in that it comprises interior and exterior walls 518 and
520, connected by top wall 522, all of which collectively form a
bottom-opening interior channel. The outer wall further comprises
an inwardly extending annular rib 523.
[0096] The cap 512 of the fifth embodiment comprises a top wall 530
that is spaced above the cup mount 514 and connected thereto by an
annular wall 531. Therefore, the cap 512 of the fifth embodiment
provides substantial interior volume, unlike the first and fourth
embodiment. Because of the extra interior volume, the fifth
embodiment recloseable lid 510 is highly suited for drinks having a
foam or froth, such as cappuccino.
[0097] A dispensing opening 550 is formed in the top wall 530. The
dispensing opening 550 is similar in structure to the prior
dispensing opening 350 in that it comprises a peripheral sidewall
552 that transitions into a bottom wall 554 in which is formed an
opening 556. Preferably, the peripheral wall 552 has a slight draft
and the bottom wall 554 is generally planar.
[0098] A storing recess 560 is also formed in the top wall 530. The
storing recess 560 comprises a peripheral sidewall 562 that
transitions into a bottom wall 564. Like the dispensing opening
550, the peripheral sidewall 562 preferably has a slight draft and
the bottom wall 564 is generally planar. It is preferred that the
storing recess 560 have substantially the same physical
characteristics as the dispensing opening 550, except for the
opening 556.
[0099] A plug tab 570 extends from the cup mount 514 and comprises
a planar portion 572, a lift tab 576, and a plug 578. The planar
portion 572 effectively connects the plug 578 in the lift tab to
the cup mount 514. It is preferred that the planar portion 572 be
sufficient to permit the plug 578 to be moved into an overlying
relationship with respect to the dispensing opening 550 so that the
plug 578 can be inserted into and close the dispensing opening
550.
[0100] In a lid with a circular form as illustrated in FIGS. 14-16,
it is preferred that the planar portion 572 connect with the cup
mount 514 in a location that is approximately 90 degrees away from
the location of the dispensing opening 550. It is also preferred
that the planar portion 572 have a length that effectively places
the plug 578 in a radial position that is diametrically opposed
relative to the dispensing opening 550. Such a configuration
provides the user with a sufficient length of planar portion to
easily move the plug 578 into an overlying relationship with the
dispensing opening 550 and the storing opening 560.
[0101] It is important to note that the location and length of the
planar portion 572 as illustrated and described is preferred, but
is not the only possible location and length. The invention only
requires that the location and length of the planar portion 572 be
sufficient to permit the plug 578 to be placed in an overlying
relationship with respect to the dispensing opening 550.
[0102] The plug 578, as with the other plug, is preferably shaped
to conform with the dispensing opening 552. Therefore, the plug 578
comprises a peripheral wall 580 that transitions into a bottom wall
582. The peripheral wall 580 preferably has a draft to permit the
easy insertion of the plug 578 into the dispensing opening 550
along with permitting the peripheral sidewall 580 to bear against
and form a seal with the peripheral sidewall 552. Since the storing
opening 560 is preferably the same shape as the dispensing opening
550, the plug 578 can also be received and retained within the
storing opening 560 in the same manner.
[0103] The lift tab 576 can include a series of projections 590 to
aid the user in grasping and holding onto the lift tab 576.
[0104] In operation, the user can insert the plug 578 into the
dispensing opening 550 to close the recloseable lid 510 as
illustrated in FIG. 15. In the closed position, the peripheral
sidewall 580 of the plug 578 bears against the peripheral sidewall
552 of the dispensing opening 550 to effect the seal therebetween.
When the user desires to take a drink, the user merely lifts the
lift tab 576 to remove the plug 578 from the dispensing opening
550. The user has the option of leaving the plug 578 to rest freely
in its natural position or store the plug 578 by inserting the plug
578 into the storing opening 560 as illustrated in FIG. 16.
[0105] FIGS. 17-23 illustrate alternative tear-away plug tab
designs in the context of the fifth embodiment recloseable lid. The
main difference between the recloseable lid as illustrated in FIGS.
17-23 and that of the fifth embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 14-16 is
that a tear-guide structure connects the plug tab to the cup mount
of the recloseable lid until the plug tab is partially separated
from the recloseable lid by the consumer or end user. The
tear-guide structure is beneficial in that the plug tab is
maintained as a part of the recloseable lid up until the time the
plug tab is used, which reduces the likelihood that the plug tab
will be damaged or completely separated from the recloseable lid
before distribution to the consumer.
[0106] Since the general structure of the recloseable lid
illustrated in FIGS. 17-23 is substantially identical to that
structure of the fifth embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 14-16, like
parts will be identified by like numerals, with it being understood
that the description operation of the like parts in FIGS. 14-16
applies to the similarly numbered parts in FIGS. 17-23.
[0107] FIGS. 17-19 illustrate the recloseable lid 510 with a tear
guide 600, connecting the plug tab 570 to the recloseable lid 510,
preferably at the lower edge of the cup mount 514. The tear guide
600 comprises a series of alternating ridges 602 and valleys 604,
which began near the junction 606 of the plug portion of the plug
tab 570 and the cup mount 514 and terminate in a well 608 located
near the end of the planar portion 572 opposite the plug portion.
Preferably, the alternating ridges 602 and valleys 604 follow the
periphery of the cup mount 514 to form an arcuate path.
[0108] As best seen in FIG. 19, the alternating ridges 602 and
valleys 604 preferably have a saw-tooth cross-section comprising a
generally vertical wall 610 and a corresponding angled wall 612.
The angled wall 612 extends between adjacent vertical walls 610.
The intersection of the angled wall 612 with the upper end of one
of the adjacent vertical walls 610 forms the peak for the ridges
602. The intersection of the angled wall 612 with the lower end of
the other of the adjacent vertical walls 610 forms the low point of
the valley 604.
[0109] The well 608 is preferably a cylindrical depression formed
in the planar portion 572 of the plug tab 570 and terminates in a
concave shape.
[0110] The ridges 602, valleys 604, and well 608 are preferably
formed during the thermoforming of the lid using traditional
thermoforming techniques. For example, the portion of the mold
forming the upper surface of the plug tab 570 will include a
structure that is complementary in shape to the ridges 602, valleys
604, and well 608 to thereby form the ridges 602, valleys 604, and
well 608 when the mold is brought into contact with the material
used to form the recloseable lid 510.
[0111] The junction 606 is preferably shaped such that it induces
the initiation of a tear in the plug tab 570 in a direction toward
the tear guide 600 when the user began separating the plug tab 570
from the cup mount 514, preferably by grasping the plug 578 and/or
lift tab 576 and pulling the plug tab away from the cup mount 514.
The shaping of the junction 606 can include making the junction 606
terminate in a relatively sharp point such that any tear will began
at the point. The point is located adjacent the tear guide to
ensure the tear reaches the guide. Additionally, a small slit can
also be formed in the junction 606. It is also possible that the
ridges 602 and valleys 604 extend entirely up to the junction
606.
[0112] Once the tear in the plug tab 570 reaches the tear guide
600, the plug tab 570 will naturally separate along the tear guide
600 in response to the continued pulling by the user. The tear
guide, as best seen in FIG. 19, generally has an overall thickness
that is less than the rest of the plug tab 570. The reduced
thickness aids in controlling the direction of the tear and
limiting the tear to a path as defined by the tear guide 600.
Additionally, the shape of the ridges 602 and valleys 604 are such
that the material will naturally tear in a direction that is
orthogonal to the general orientation of the ridges 602 and valleys
604, which further aids in the separation following the tear guide
600.
[0113] The well 608 resists the continued tearing along the tear
guide 600 defined by the ridges 602 and valleys 604 because the
inner surface of the well is sharply angled (orthogonal as
illustrated) relative to the plane of the tear guide. The sharp
change in the surface along the path of the tear causes the force
created by the user pulling up on the plug tab to change from an
orthogonal shearing force to a coplanar tensile force as the tear
moves from the plug tab upper surface to the inner surface of the
well 608. The coplanar tensile force is much less likely to
continue the tearing of the material as well as providing the user
with a tactile "stop" as the tear reaches the well.
[0114] FIG. 18 illustrates the plug tab 570 after it has been
separated or torn away from the cup mount 514. Once the plug tab
570 is torn from the cup mount 514, the plug 578 can be used to
seal the dispensing opening 550 or be stored in the stored opening
560 as previously described.
[0115] A second alternative tear guide 620 is illustrated in FIG.
20. The tear guide 620 comprises a series of alternating valleys
622 and ridges 624. The valleys 622 are preferably slits formed in
the plug tab 570. The portions of the plug tab 570 interposed
between the adjacent slits form the ridges 624. These interposed
portions are often referred to as "ticks". While the slits
preferably extend entirely through the plug tab 570, a reduced
thickness portion can be used in place of the slits. The slits tend
to better control the direction of the tear since the material is
already completely separated along the slit.
[0116] The number of slits and ticks can vary as required. While
multiple corresponding pairs of slits and ticks are illustrated, it
is within the scope of the invention for there to be a single slit
and a single tick. In such a configuration, it is preferred that
the tick be located near the junction 606 and the slit extend away
from the tick toward the end of the plug tab 570 opposite the plug
578.
[0117] An opening 626 is preferably located at the end of the last
slit to inhibit the tearing of the material and thereby prevent the
complete separation of the plug tab 570 from the cup mount 514.
Alternatively, a well, similar to the well 608, could be used in
place of the opening 626.
[0118] The slits and opening are formed in the plug tab 570 by one
of many well known methods. For example, the mold used during the
thermoforming process can include suitable structures to form the
slits in the opening. Alternatively, the slits and the opening can
be formed in the recloseable lid 510 after the thermoforming
process is completed. Since multiple lids are typically
thermoformed from a large sheet and must be cut from the sheet, the
forming of the slits in the opening can be accomplished prior to or
as part of the cutting of the lids from the sheet.
[0119] FIG. 21 illustrates a third alternative tear guide 630
comprising a series of alternating valleys 632 and ridges 634. The
valleys preferably comprise multiple, spaced holes formed in the
plug tab 570. The material of the plug tab 570 between the spaced
holes form the ridges. In essence, the third alternative tear guide
630 comprises a series of ticks and holes. The holes are
illustrated as having an oval shape. However, any desired shape can
be used.
[0120] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a fourth alternative tear guide
640 comprising a reduced thickness portion located in the plug tab
570 that effectively forms a channel 642. The channel 642 follows
an arcuate path that substantially conforms to the periphery of the
cup mount 514. The channel 642 preferably begins at the junction
606 and terminates at a well 608. The well 608 can also be replaced
by an opening 626.
[0121] FIG. 24 illustrates a sixth embodiment lid that comprises a
removable, snap-on plug tab by combining the features of the third
embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 with the tear guide shown in
FIGS. 17-19. Since the sixth embodiment contains similar elements
to those previously described in the respective embodiments,
similar elements will be identified with like numerals along with a
prime ' superscript, with it being understood that the previous
description applies generally to the corresponding element.
[0122] The snap-on plug tab 470' is integrally formed with the lid
410' for subsequent removal and snap-on mounting by the user. The
plug tab 470' comprises generally planar portion 472', plug 474',
snap 476' and hinge 490'.
[0123] The snap-on formed plug tab 470' is integrally formed with
the lid 410' and includes a tear guide 600'. The tear guide 600'
differs from the tear guide 600 in that there is no structure to
stop the tear since it is desired to completely remove the snap-on
plug tab 470' from the lid and use it in the same manner as the
snap-on plug tab 470. Thus, the ridges 602' and valleys 604'
preferably extend entirely across the material connecting the plug
tab 470' to the lid and there is no well at the end of the ridges
602' and valleys 604'.
[0124] Although the tear guide 600' is illustrated, any tear guides
shown in FIGS. 17-23 can be used. Also, the plug 370 could be
secured to the lid 310 with a tear guide.
[0125] The benefit of integrally forming the snap-on plug tab 570'
with the lid 310' is that there is no need to assemble the plug-tab
to the lid prior to shipping the lid to the customer. This saves
assembly cost and will provide for better stacking of the lids.
[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. For example, the plug
578 of the third embodiment as shown is connected to the lid by a
planar portion 572 that connects only one side of the plug 578 to
the lid. It is within the scope of the invention for there to be a
second planar portion connecting the opposite side of the plug 578
to the opposite side of the lid. This configuration would provide a
planar portion that spans approximately half-way around the lid and
forming a pail-handle like structure.
* * * * *