U.S. patent application number 10/803028 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for tear-back drink-through lid for a beverage container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fort James Corporation. Invention is credited to Brown, Wayne A., Rush, Jonathan E., Schmidtner, Alois A., Tran, Trung.
Application Number | 20040195239 10/803028 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33101429 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040195239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rush, Jonathan E. ; et
al. |
October 7, 2004 |
Tear-back drink-through lid for a beverage container
Abstract
The present invention is a tear-back, drink-through lid for a
beverage container. The lid includes a tear-back portion. A raised
protrusion extends from an upper surface of the tear-back portion
and has two opposite side walls that each includes a first latching
member. A first recess is formed in a top wall of the lid radially
inward from the tear-back portion and has two opposing side walls
that each includes a second latching member. To retain the
tear-back portion of the lid in an open position, the raised
protrusion is inserted within the first recess so that the first
latching members are pushed past the second latching members to
engage the second latching members.
Inventors: |
Rush, Jonathan E.; (Easton,
PA) ; Schmidtner, Alois A.; (Hellertown, PA) ;
Brown, Wayne A.; (Upper Black Eddy, PA) ; Tran,
Trung; (Toronto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow,
Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P.
1300 I Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20005-3315
US
|
Assignee: |
Fort James Corporation
|
Family ID: |
33101429 |
Appl. No.: |
10/803028 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60460324 |
Apr 3, 2003 |
|
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|
60466150 |
Apr 28, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.3 ;
220/270; 220/712; 220/832 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00092
20130101; B65D 2543/00416 20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D
43/0256 20130101; B65D 2251/1008 20130101; B65D 2543/00796
20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/00731 20130101; B65D
2543/00046 20130101; B65D 2543/00555 20130101; B65D 2543/00509
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.3 ;
220/270; 220/712; 220/832 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lid for use on a drinking container, wherein the lid is
capable of being releasably, sealably engaged with a top end of the
container, comprising: a tear-back portion; a raised protrusion
extending from an upper surface of the tear-back portion, wherein
at least two opposite side walls of the raised protrusion each
includes a first latching member; and a first recess formed in a
top wall of the lid radially inward from the tear-back portion,
wherein at least two opposing side walls of the recess each
includes a second latching member; wherein the tear-back portion is
capable of being latched in an open position by inserting the
raised protrusion within the first recess so that the first
latching members are pushed past the second latching members to
engage the second latching members.
2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the raised protrusion includes a
flexural region.
3. The lid of claim 2, wherein the flexural region is provided by
an indentation formed in the raised protrusion.
4. A lid for use on a drinking container, wherein the lid is
capable of being releasably, sealably engaged with a top end of the
container, comprising: a top wall; an annular mounting portion
surrounding a periphery of the top wall for sealably engaging the
beverage container, the mounting portion including a downwardly
extending annular skirt; a tear-back portion extending from a lower
edge of the annular skirt to a hinge formed in a medial portion of
the lid; a raised protrusion extending from an upper surface of the
tear-back portion, wherein at least two opposite side walls of the
raised protrusion each includes a first latching member; a first
recess formed in the top wall radially inward from the hinge,
wherein at least two opposing side walls of the recess each
includes a second latching member; wherein the tear-back portion
may be displaced from the lid and pivoted about the hinge to form
an opening in the lid, wherein the tear-back portion may be
displaced until the raised protrusion is received within the first
recess; and wherein the first latching members are pushed past the
second latching members to engage the second latching members to
retain the tear-back portion of the lid in an open position.
5. The lid of claim 4, wherein the raised protrusion includes a
flexural region.
6. The lid of claim 5, wherein the flexural region is provided by
an indentation formed in the raised protrusion.
7. The lid of claim 4, further comprising: an indented rim, wherein
the top wall includes the indented rim radially inward of the
mounting portion and formed around at least a portion of a
circumference of the lid; and at least one drain groove; wherein
liquid is capable of draining from the indented rim through the at
least one drain groove through the formed opening into the
container.
8. The lid of claim 4, further comprising: at least one plurality
of corrugations formed in the top wall spaced from at least one
side of the raised protrusion; an indented rim, wherein the top
wall includes the indented rim radially inward of the mounting
portion and formed around at least a portion of a circumference of
the lid; and at least one drain groove, wherein a first end of the
drain groove is connected with the indented rim and a second end of
the drain groove is connected with at least one corrugation of the
at least one plurality of corrugations; wherein liquid is capable
of draining from the indented rim through the drain groove through
the at least one corrugation through the formed opening into the
container.
9. The lid of claim 8, further comprising: a second plurality of
corrugations formed in the top wall, wherein the second plurality
of corrugations is spaced from a side of the raised protrusion
opposite than the at least one plurality of corrugations; and a
second drain groove, wherein a first end of the second drain groove
is connected with the indented rim and a second end of the second
drain groove is connected with at least one corrugation of the
second plurality of corrugations; wherein liquid is capable of
draining from the indented rim through each drain groove through
its respective at least one corrugation through the formed opening
into the container.
10. The lid of claim 4, further comprising a flange extending from
the lower edge of the skirt away from the container on the
tear-back portion to provide a gripping surface for a user to grasp
and pull in order to tear open the tear-back portion.
11. The lid of claim 10, further comprising a pair of cuts formed
in the skirt on both sides of the flange.
12. The lid of claim 11, wherein the pair of cuts are each at least
one of notches and score lines.
13. The lid of claim 4, further comprising a second recess formed
in the top wall radially inward from the first recess, wherein the
second recess is capable of receiving the mounting portion when the
tear-back portion is in the open position.
14. A lid for use on a drinking container, wherein the lid is
capable of being releasably, sealably engaged with a top end of the
container, comprising: a top wall; a mounting portion surrounding a
periphery of the top wall, wherein the mounting portion is capable
of releasably, sealably engaging the container and wherein the
mounting portion includes a downwardly extending annular skirt; a
tear-back portion formed of a portion of the top wall and of the
mounting portion, wherein the tear-back portion extends from a
lower edge of the annular skirt to a hinge and has side edges,
wherein the tear-back portion includes a raised protrusion
extending upward from its top surface, wherein the raised
protrusion has at least two opposite side walls, and wherein each
of these side walls includes a first latching member; and a first
recess positioned in the top wall radially inward from the
tear-back portion, wherein the first recess has at least two
opposing side walls, and wherein each of these side walls includes
a second latching member; wherein the tear-back portion is capable
of being torn along its side edges to pivot about the hinge to open
the tear-back portion to form an opening in the lid through which a
user may drink; and wherein the tear-back portion is capable of
being latched in the open position by inserting the raised
protrusion within the first recess so that the first latching
members are pushed past the second latching members to engage the
second latching members.
15. The lid of claim 14, wherein the raised protrusion includes a
flexural region.
16. The lid of claim 15, wherein the flexural region is provided by
an indentation formed in the raised protrusion.
17. The lid of claim 14, further comprising: an indented rim,
wherein the top wall includes the indented rim radially inward of
the mounting portion and formed around at least a portion of a
circumference of the lid; and at least one drain groove; wherein
liquid is capable of draining from the indented rim through the
drain groove through the formed opening into the container.
18. The lid of claim 14, further comprising: at least one plurality
of corrugations formed in the top wall spaced from at least one
side of the raised protrusion; an indented rim, wherein the top
wall includes the indented rim radially inward of the mounting
portion and formed around at least a portion of a circumference of
the lid; and at least one drain groove, wherein a first end of the
drain groove is connected with the indented rim and a second end of
the drain groove is connected with at least one corrugation of the
at least one plurality of corrugations; wherein liquid is capable
of draining from the indented rim through the drain groove through
the at least one corrugation through the formed opening into the
container.
19. The lid of claim 18, further comprising: a second plurality of
corrugations formed in the top wall, wherein the second plurality
of corrugations is spaced from a side of the raised protrusion
opposite than the at least one plurality of corrugations; and a
second drain groove, wherein a first end of the second drain groove
is connected with the indented rim and a second end of the second
drain groove is connected with at least one corrugation of the
second plurality of corrugations; wherein liquid is capable of
draining from the indented rim through each drain groove through
its respective at least one corrugation through the formed opening
into the container.
20. The lid of claim 14, further comprising a flange extending from
the lower edge of the skirt away from the container on the
tear-back portion to provide a gripping surface for a user to grasp
and pull in order to tear open the tear-back portion.
21. The lid of claim 20, further comprising a pair of cuts formed
in the skirt on both sides of the flange.
22. The lid of claim 21, wherein the pair of cuts are each at least
one of notches and score lines.
23. The lid of claim 14, further comprising a second recess formed
in the top wall radially inward from the first recess, wherein the
second recess is capable of receiving the mounting portion when the
tear-back portion is in the open position.
24. A lid for use on a drinking container, wherein the lid is
capable of being releasably, sealably engaged with a top end of the
container, comprising: a top wall; an annular mounting portion
surrounding a periphery of the top wall for sealably engaging the
beverage container, the mounting portion including a downwardly
extending annular skirt; a tear-back portion extending from a lower
edge of the annular skirt to a hinge formed in a medial portion of
the lid; at least one plurality of corrugations formed in the top
wall spaced from at least one side of the raised protrusion; a
raised protrusion extending from an upper surface of the tear-back
portion, wherein at least two opposite side walls of the raised
protrusion each includes a first latching member; a first recess
formed in the top wall radially inward from the hinge, wherein at
least two opposing side walls of the first recess each includes a
second latching member; wherein the tear-back portion may be
displaced from the lid and pivoted about the hinge to form an
opening in the lid, wherein the tear-back portion may be displaced
until the raised protrusion is received within the first recess;
and wherein the first latching members are pushed past the second
latching members to engage the second latching members to retain
the tear-back portion of the lid in an open position.
25. The lid of claim 24, wherein the raised protrusion includes a
flexural region.
26. The lid of claim 25, wherein the flexural region is provided by
an indentation formed in the raised protrusion.
27. The lid of claim 24, further comprising: an indented rim,
wherein the top wall includes the indented rim radially inward of
the mounting portion and formed around at least a portion of a
circumference of the lid; and at least one drain groove; wherein
liquid is capable of draining from the indented rim through the at
least one drain groove through the formed opening into the
container.
28. The lid of claim 24, further comprising: an indented rim,
wherein the top wall includes the indented rim radially inward from
the mounting portion and formed around at least a portion of a
circumference of the lid; and at least one drain groove, wherein a
first end of the drain groove is connected with the indented rim
and the second end of the drain groove is connected with at least
one corrugation of the at least one plurality of corrugations;
wherein liquid is capable of draining from the indented rim through
the drain groove through the at least one corrugation through the
formed opening into the container.
29. The lid of claim 24, further comprising: a second plurality of
corrugations formed in the top wall, wherein the second plurality
of corrugations is spaced from a side of the raised protrusion
opposite than the at least one plurality of corrugations; an
indented rim, wherein the top wall includes the indented rim
radially inward from the mounting portion and formed around at
least a portion of a circumference of the lid; and a pair of drain
grooves, wherein a first end of each drain groove is connected with
the indented rim and a second end of each drain groove is connected
with at least one corrugation of each plurality of corrugations;
wherein liquid is capable of draining from the indented rim through
each drain groove through its respective at least one corrugation
through the formed opening into the container.
30. The lid of claim 24, further comprising a flange extending from
the lower edge of the skirt away from the container on the
tear-back portion to provide a gripping surface for a user to grasp
and pull in order to tear open the tear-back portion.
31. The lid of claim 30, further comprising a pair of cuts formed
in the skirt on both sides of the flange.
32. The lid of claim 31, wherein the pair of cuts are each at least
one of notches and score lines.
33. The lid of claim 24, further comprising a second recess formed
in the top wall radially inward from the first recess, wherein the
second recess is capable of receiving the mounting portion when the
tear-back portion is in the open position.
34. A lid for use on a drinking container, wherein the lid is
capable of being releasably, sealably engaged with a top end of the
container, comprising: a top wall; an annular mounting portion
surrounding a periphery of the top wall for sealably engaging the
beverage container, the mounting portion including a downwardly
extending annular skirt; an indented rim, wherein the top wall
includes the indented rim radially inward from the mounting portion
and formed around at least a portion of a circumference of the lid;
a tear-back portion extending from a lower edge of the annular
skirt to a hinge formed in a medial portion of the lid, wherein the
tear-back portion may be displaced from the lid and pivoted about
the hinge to form an opening in the lid; and at least one drain
groove; wherein liquid is capable of draining from the indented rim
through the drain groove through the formed opening into the
container.
35. The lid of claim 34, further comprising: at least one plurality
of corrugations formed in the top wall spaced from at least one
side of the raised protrusion; and wherein a first end of the at
least one drain groove is connected with the indented rim and a
second end of the at least one drain groove is connected with at
least one corrugation of the at least one plurality of
corrugations; and wherein liquid is capable of draining from the
indented rim through the at least one drain groove through the at
least one corrugation through the formed opening into the
container.
36. The lid of claim 35, further comprising: a second plurality of
corrugations formed in the top wall, wherein the second plurality
of corrugations is spaced from a side of the raised protrusion
opposite than the at least one plurality of corrugations; a second
drain groove; wherein a first end of the second drain groove is
connected with the indented rim and a second end of the second
drain groove is connected with at least one corrugation of the
second plurality of corrugations; and wherein liquid is capable of
draining from the indented rim through each drain groove through
its respective at least one corrugation through the formed opening
into the container.
37. A method of retaining a tear-back portion of a lid in an open
position, wherein the lid is capable of being releasably, sealably
engaged with a top end of the container, wherein the lid includes a
tear-back portion capable of pivoting about a hinge formed in a
medial portion of the lid; a raised protrusion extending from an
upper surface of the tear-back portion, wherein at least two
opposite side walls of the raised protrusion each includes a first
latching member; and a first recess formed in a top wall of the lid
radially inward from the hinge, wherein at least two opposing side
walls of the first recess each includes a second latching member;
comprising: tearing the tear-back portion along side edges of the
tear-back portion to pivot the tear-back portion about the hinge to
open the tear-back portion to form an opening in the lid; inserting
the raised protrusion within the first recess; and retaining the
tear-back portion of the lid in the open position by pushing the
first latching members past the second latching members to engage
the second latching members.
38. A method of draining liquid from an indented rim of a lid into
a container, wherein the lid is capable of being releasably,
sealably engaged with a top end of the container, wherein the lid
includes a top wall; an annular mounting portion surrounding a
periphery of the top wall for sealably engaging the beverage
container; the indented rim, wherein the top wall includes the
indented rim radially inward from the mounting portion and formed
around at least a portion of a circumference of the lid; a
tear-back portion, wherein the tear-back portion may be displaced
from the lid to form an opening in the lid; and at least one drain
groove; comprising: draining the liquid from the indented rim
through the at least one drain groove through the formed opening
into the container.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein the lid includes a second drain
groove, further comprising draining the liquid from the indented
rim through at least one of the drain grooves.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Applicants claim the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
based on U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/460,324, filed
Apr. 3, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.
60/466,150, filed Apr. 28, 2003, in the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office, the contents of both of which are relied upon and
incorporated herein by reference.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a tear-back
drink-through lid for a beverage container, such as a cup. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a lid that includes
a tear-back portion that is capable of being opened and pivoted
about a hinge. The tear-back portion may be latched into the opened
position by using a locking or latch mechanism including a raised
protrusion that engages with a recess. Side walls of both the
raised protrusion and the recess include latching members that
engage with each other to latch the tear-back portion in the open
position. The raised protrusion may include a flexural region to
aid in latching the tear-back portion in the open position. The lid
may also include a drain groove to allow liquid collected in an
indented rim around the periphery of the lid to drain back through
the opening formed in the lid into the container. The tear-back
portion may be unlatched and re-closed. Once closed, the tear-back
portion prevents the contents of the beverage container from being
spilled.
[0003] A large number of prior attempts have been made to produce
lids for disposable beverage containers, as would be used for
beverages such as coffee and soft drinks. Such drinks are
frequently purchased at fast food establishments, convenience
stores, or gas stations, and are often consumed in an
automobile.
[0004] The present invention is directed to a lid for use on a
drinking container. The lid is capable of being releasably,
sealably engaged with a top end of the container. The lid includes
a tear-back portion. The lid includes a raised protrusion extending
from an upper surface of the tear-back portion. At least two
opposite side walls of the raised protrusion each includes a first
latching member. The lid includes a first recess formed in a top
wall of the lid radially inward from the tear-back portion. At
least two opposing side walls of the recess each includes a second
latching member. The tear-back portion is capable of being latched
in an open position by inserting the raised protrusion within the
first recess so that the first latching members are pushed past the
second latching members to engage the second latching members.
[0005] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a lid
having a top wall and an annular mounting portion surrounding a
periphery of the top wall for sealably engaging the beverage
container. The mounting portion includes a downwardly extending
annular skirt. The lid includes a tear-back portion extending from
a lower edge of the annular skirt to a hinge formed in a medial
portion of the lid. A raised protrusion extends from an upper
surface of the tear-back portion. At least two opposite side walls
of the raised protrusion each includes a first latching member. A
first recess is formed in the top wall of the lid radially inward
from the hinge. At least two opposing side walls of the recess each
includes a second latching member.
[0006] The tear-back portion may be displaced from the lid and
pivoted about the hinge to form an opening in the lid so that the
raised protrusion is received within the first recess. The first
latching members are pushed past the second latching members to
engage the second latching members to retain the tear-back portion
of the lid in an open position.
[0007] In one embodiment, the raised protrusion includes a flexural
region. In one embodiment, the flexural region is provided by an
indentation formed in the raised protrusion.
[0008] In another embodiment, the lid includes an indented rim. The
top wall includes the indented rim radially inward of the mounting
portion and formed around at least a portion of a circumference of
the lid. The lid also includes at least one drain groove. Liquid is
capable of draining from the indented rim through the at least one
drain groove through the opening formed in the lid into the
container.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, the lid includes at least one
plurality of corrugations formed in the top wall spaced from at
least one side of the raised protrusion, an indented rim, and at
least one drain groove. A first end of the drain groove is
connected with the indented rim and a second end of the drain
groove is connected with at least one corrugation of the at least
one plurality of corrugations. Liquid is capable of draining from
the indented rim through the drain groove through the at least one
corrugation through the opening formed in the lid into the
container.
[0010] In another embodiment, the lid includes a second plurality
of corrugations formed in the top wall, wherein each plurality of
corrugations are spaced from opposite sides of the raised
protrusion. The lid also includes an indented rim and a second
drain groove. A first end of the second drain groove is connected
with the indented rim and a second end of the second drain groove
is connected with at least one corrugation of the second plurality
of corrugations. Liquid is capable of draining from the indented
rim through each drain groove through its respective at least one
corrugation through the opening formed in the lid into the
container.
[0011] In one embodiment, the lid includes a flange extending from
the lower edge of the skirt away from the container on the
tear-back portion to provide a gripping surface for a user to grasp
and pull in order to tear open the tear-back portion. In another
embodiment, the lid includes a pair of cuts formed in the skirt on
both sides of the flange. The pair of cuts may comprise notches or
score lines.
[0012] In another embodiment, the lid includes a second recess
formed in the top wall radially inward from the first recess. The
second recess is capable of receiving the mounting portion when the
tear-back portion is in the open position.
[0013] The present invention is also directed to a lid having a top
wall, an annular mounting portion, an indented rim, a tear-back
portion, and at least one drain groove. The mounting portion
surrounds a periphery of the top wall for sealably engaging the
beverage container and includes a downwardly extending annular
skirt. The top wall includes the indented rim radially inward from
the mounting portion and formed around at least a portion of a
circumference of the lid. The tear-back portion extends from a
lower edge of the annular skirt to a hinge formed in a medial
portion of the lid. The tear-back portion may be displaced from the
lid and pivoted about the hinge to form an opening in the lid.
Liquid is capable of draining from the indented rim through the
drain groove through the formed opening into the container.
[0014] The present invention is also directed to a method of
retaining a tear-back portion of a lid in an open position. The lid
is capable of being releasably, sealably engaged with a top end of
the container. The lid includes a tear-back portion capable of
pivoting about a hinge formed in a medial portion of the lid. The
lid includes a raised protrusion extending from an upper surface of
the tear-back portion. At least two opposite side walls of the
raised protrusion each includes a first latching member. The lid
includes a first recess formed in a top wall of the lid radially
inward from the hinge. At least two opposing side walls of the
first recess each includes a second latching member.
[0015] The method comprises tearing the tear-back portion along
side edges of the tear-back portion to pivot the tear-back portion
about the hinge to open the tear-back portion to form an opening in
the lid. The method further comprises inserting the raised
protrusion within the first recess. The method further comprises
retaining the tear-back portion of the lid in the open position by
pushing the first latching members past the second latching members
to engage the second latching members.
[0016] The present invention is also directed to a method of
draining liquid from an indented rim of a lid into a container. The
lid includes a top wall; an annular mounting portion surrounding a
periphery of the top wall for sealably engaging the beverage
container; the indented rim, wherein the top wall includes the
indented rim radially inward from the mounting portion and formed
around at least a portion of a circumference of the lid; a
tear-back portion, wherein the tear-back portion may be displaced
from the lid to form an opening in the lid; and at least a one
drain groove. The method comprises draining the liquid from the
indented rim through the at least one drain groove through the
opening formed in the lid into the container.
[0017] In one embodiment, the lid includes a second drain groove,
and the method further comprises draining the liquid from the
indented rim through at least one of the drain grooves.
[0018] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several
embodiments of the invention and together with the description,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lid of
the present invention, positioned on a beverage container;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1,
positioned on a beverage container, when a tear-back portion is in
an open position;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a top view of the lid of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a side view of the lid of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial side view of a portion of the
lid of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 6 is another enlarged partial side view of a portion of
the lid of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a sectional view along the line VII-VII in FIG.
3;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a sectional view along the line VIII-VIII in FIG.
3;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a view of the engagement of a raised protrusion
and a recess of the lid of FIG. 1; and
[0029] FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial view of the lid of FIG. 3,
illustrating a drain groove.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts. Applicants incorporate U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,947,323 and
6,505,753, both issued to Freek et al., herein by reference.
[0031] FIGS. 1-10 illustrate one embodiment of a lid of the present
invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention may be
utilized with a cylindrical beverage container 10. The container 10
includes an open top end 12, a closed bottom end 14, and a
surrounding side wall 16 therebetween. The open top end 12 is
defined by an annular rim or lip 18 (see FIG. 2) of the container
10. The container 10 used may be made in a variety of shapes and
sizes which may correspond to different shapes and sizes of lids of
the present invention. More particularly, the annular rim 18
generally has a predetermined dimension or diameter that is
coordinated with the dimension or diameter of the lid 20, as
described below. The beverage container 10 may be comprised of a
variety of materials, including, but not limited to, a plastic
material, Styrofoam, or a paper material.
[0032] The lid 20 is adapted for releasably sealably engaging with
the top end 12 of the beverage container 10. Referring to FIGS.
1-3, the illustrated lid 20 is generally circular in shape. The lid
20 may be comprised of any shape that corresponds to the top end 12
of the container 10. Similar to the container 10, the lid 20 may be
made in a variety of sizes to accommodate a variety of differently
sized containers 10. The lid 20 may also be designed to be used
with different styles of containers 10. The lid 20 may be comprised
of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, plastic
or composite material.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the lid 20 includes at least a top
wall 24 and an annular mounting portion 30 that surrounds a
periphery of the top wall 24. The lid 20 is secured in place on the
container 10 by the mounting portion 30 engaging the annular rim 18
of the container 10. The mounting portion 30 includes an annular,
downwardly extending side wall or skirt 28 that forms the outer
peripheral circumference of the lid 20, and an inner wall 29. The
mounting portion 30 and its walls 28, 29 may include curved and/or
planar areas, and/or may be smooth, as long as the mounting portion
30 is capable of engaging the annular rim 18 of the container
10.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a portion 40 of the lid 20 may be
torn back (hereafter "the tear-back portion 40") to provide an
opening 34 (see FIG. 2) in the lid 20 to enable drinking from the
container 10 without removal of the lid 20. The tear-back portion
40 comprises a portion of the top wall 24 and a portion of the
mounting portion 30 of the lid 20. Of the top wall 24, the
tear-back portion 40 may comprise a portion of a recessed portion
25 of the top wall 24. The tear-back portion 40 includes a
plurality of side edges 42 and 44. The tear-back portion 40 also
extends from a lower edge of the side wall 28 through an arcuate
section of the mounting portion 30 to a trough or hinge 48 formed
in a medial portion of the lid 20. The hinge 48 serves as a pivotal
hinge axis for the tear-back portion 40 so that as the tear-back
portion 40 is torn away from the remaining portion of the lid 20,
the tear-back portion 40 will rotate away from the rim of the
container 10 while pivoting about the hinge 48. The tear-back
portion 40 may comprise any art recognized shape.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, a flange 50 may extend from the lower
edge of the skirt 28 away from the container 10 on the tear-back
portion 40 of the lid 20 to providing a gripping surface for a
consumer to grasp and pull in order to tear open the tear-back
portion 40. In order to facilitate tearing, a pair of cuts or
notches 31 may be formed in the skirt 28 on either side of the
flange 50 to provide a starting point for tearing open the
tear-back portion 40. In another embodiment, a pair of score lines
(not shown) may be formed in the skirt 28 on either side of the
flange 50 to provide a starting point for tearing open the
tear-back portion 40.
[0036] As well known in the art, each side edge 42, 44 of the
tear-back portion may be scored or slit, formed in a line that
aligns with the direction of extrusion of the plastic material
forming the lid, and/or formed of a weakened line of material. In
one embodiment, each side edge 42, 44 is formed within a weakened
area of the plastic material forming the lid, which is designated
as a plurality of corrugations 54. The corrugations 54 may be
formed in the top wall 24 spaced from one or both sides of a raised
protrusion 60 (discussed below). While four corrugations are shown
in each plurality of corrugations 54 in these FIGS., one of
ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that the number of
corrugations may comprise any number of corrugations. The
corrugations 54 may be provided to direct the tearing of the
tear-back portion 40 in a predetermined manner and prevent
accidental and random tear directions. As the tear-back portion 40
is torn open, portions of the side edges 42, 44 are formed within
the corrugations 54, often just within the corrugations 54 relative
to the juncture of the corrugations 54 and the smooth material area
between the corrugations 54 and the raised protrusion 60. In one
embodiment, the corrugations 54 are tilted toward each other so
that the side edges 42, 44 of the tear-back portion 40 converge
inwardly when formed.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 7-9, after the tear-back portion
40 has been opened relative to the container 10, the lid 20
includes structure to enable the tear-back portion 40 to be locked
or latched in an open position. The lid 20 includes a raised
protrusion 60 extending from a top surface 41 of the tear-back
portion 40. The lid 20 also includes a recess 70 positioned
radially inward from the tear-back portion 40. The raised
protrusion 60 is shaped such that when the tear-back portion 40 of
the lid 20 is opened and pivoted about the hinge 48, the raised
protrusion 60 is received within the recess 70 to retain the
tear-back portion 40 in the open position.
[0038] More particularly, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 7-9, the
tear-back portion 40 may be latched in the open position by
inserting the raised protrusion 60 into the recess 70 so that first
latching members 62, 64 (see FIG. 8) formed in opposite side walls
of the raised protrusion 60 engage with second latching members 72,
74 (see FIG. 7) formed in opposing side walls of the recess 70. In
use, as shown in FIG. 9, the lid 20 is somewhat flexible so that,
when the raised protrusion 60 is inserted into the recess 70, the
latching members 62, 64 are pushed past the corresponding latching
members 74, 72. The tear-back portion 40 is then latched in the
open position because each first latching member 62, 64 engages its
respective second latching members 74, 72. To "unlatch" the
tear-back portion 40, one exerts an upward force on the tear-back
portion 40 (for example, by pulling upward on the flange 50) to
enable the latching members 62, 64 to disengage the latching
members 72, 74.
[0039] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a flexural
region 61 is formed in an upper portion of the raised protrusion
60. As used herein, the term "flexural region" comprises a region
of the upper portion of the raised protrusion 60 that has
flexibility to allow the raised protrusion 60 to flex at its upper
portion when pressure is applied to the raised protrusion 60. The
flexural region 61 may be formed of any art recognized shape or
structure that is capable of providing flexibility to the upper
portion of the raised protrusion 60. For example, the flexural
region 61 may be provided by an indentation in the upper portion of
the raised protrusion 60 or a protrusion from the upper portion of
the raised protrusion 60. The flexural region 61 may comprise an
indentation having, for example, a notch shape, a V-shape, or a
U-shape. As shown in FIG. 8, the flexural region 61 is provided by
an indentation 66 having a notch or V-shape.
[0040] More particularly, the flexural region 61 allows the raised
protrusion 60 to flex, thereby allowing the latching members 62, 64
to be more easily pushed past the latching members 72, 74 to latch
the tear-back portion 40 in the open position. Also, after the
tear-back portion 40 is latched, the flexural region 61 provides
resistance so that the latching members 62, 64 are resisted from
disengaging the latching members 72, 74. Upon unlatching of the
tear-back portion 40, the flexural region 61 also allows the raised
protrusion 60 and, in particular, its upper portion, to return
substantially to its original configuration.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a second recess 80 is also formed in
the lid 20 radially inward from the recess 70. The second recess 80
is formed for receiving the mounting portion 30 of the lid 20 when
the tear-back portion 40 is retained in its open position.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 10, in one embodiment, the lid 20
includes at least one drain groove 82 or a pair of drain grooves
82. The top wall 24 of the lid 20 may include an indented rim or
plug 32 (see also FIGS. 4 and 6). The indented rim 32 is positioned
radially inward from the mounting portion 30. The indented rim 32
may be formed around a portion of the circumference of the lid 20.
The indented rim 32 serves as a primary seal to engage the inside
surface of container 10 and is capable of collecting liquid to
avoid spillage thereof. Each drain groove 82 may be provided so
that any liquid that collects in the indented rim 32 may drain
through the opening 34 formed in the lid 20 into the container 10.
The drain groove 82 may comprise any structure or shape that is
capable of allowing liquid to drain from the indented rim 32 back
through the opening 34 into the container 10.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 10, at least one drain groove 82
connects with one or more corrugations of at least one plurality of
corrugations 54 to drain liquid from the indented rim 32 through
the opening 34 into the container 10. In one embodiment having a
pair of drain grooves 82, each drain groove 82 connects with one or
more corrugations of each plurality of corrugations 54. A first end
84 of each drain groove 82 connects with the indented rim 32, while
a second end 86 of each drain groove 82 connects with at least one
corrugation 58 of each plurality of corrugations 54. In use, liquid
may drain from the indented rim 32 through each drain groove 82
through its at least one corrugation 58 through the opening 34
formed in the lid 20 into the container 10.
[0044] In use, after a beverage is poured into the beverage
container 10, the lid 20 is snapped into place onto the container
10 to releasably, sealably engage the container 10 and the lid 20
by engaging the mounting portion 30 with the rim of the container
10. To drink from the container 10, the user grasps the flange 50
and then pulls to tear the lid material to form the tear-back
portion 40. The side edges 42, 44 of the tear-back portion 40 are
then formed through each pair of corrugations 54. The tear-back
portion 40 is torn until the hinge 48 is reached. The tear-back
portion 40 then pivots about the hinge 48.
[0045] The tear-back portion 40 is pivoted so that its top surface
41 is folded over the top surface of the top wall 24 of the lid 20.
The raised protrusion 60 of the tear-back portion 40 is then
inserted into the recess 70 for latching engagement of the
tear-back portion 40 in the open position. In particular, the
tear-back portion 40 is latched in the open position by first
latching members 62, 64 of the raised protrusion 60 being first
pushed past and then engaging second latching members 72, 74 of the
recess 70. As shown, first latching member 62 is pushed past and
then engages second latching member 74, while first latching member
64 is pushed past and then engages second latching member 72. Once
the tear-back portion 40 is opened and, preferably when latched in
the open position, the user drinks the beverage from the container
10 through the opening 34 formed in the lid 20.
[0046] In one embodiment, the lid 20 includes a straw slot opening
(not shown) that functions as a means for facilitating the
insertion of a drinking straw (not shown) into the container 10 for
withdrawing liquid by suction.
[0047] At places where a user would buy a beverage in a cup, such
as fast food establishments, gas stations, or convenience stores,
the cups and lids may be stacked with a lid on each cup
("cup-on-lid stacking"), or by stacking a plurality of cups
together and also stacking a plurality of lids together
("lid-on-lid stacking").
[0048] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
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