Plug With Beveled Undercut Sealing Groove For Beverage Lids

Abstract

An apparatus including a base portion having a first surface and an opposing second surface; and a protrusion extending from the second surface, the protrusion including a first portion including a sidewall extending from the second surface at an angle less than 90.degree., and a second portion extending from the first portion, the protrusion having dimensions to fit within a consuming opening of a lid of a transportable beverage container. Also an apparatus including a base portion and a protrusion extending from the surface including a sidewall portion that is beveled at an angle less than 90.degree.. Also a method including inhibiting liquid in a beverage container from escaping through a consuming opening in a lid of the container utilizing a beveled protrusion extending from a base of an apparatus.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 10/790,954, filed Mar. 1, 2004.

FIELD

[0002] Beverage lid plugs

BACKGROUND

[0003] Beverages, particularly transportable and/or disposable hot beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc.), are generally packaged in cups having a detachable lid (e.g., a plastic lid). The cups generally come in a variety of sizes (small (eight to 10 ounces (oz.)), medium (12 oz.) and large (16 oz. or greater). Thus, lids also come in a variety of sizes and each lid has its own shape and sized opening from which a person may consume the beverage.

[0004] Typically, a transportable and/or disposable beverage container is a paper or foamed polymer cup having a generally conical shape. Rigid or hard polymer materials are also used as transportable beverage containers that are generally intended to be reusable. A typical lid is generally a hard plastic material having a base including a radius suitable to surround and fit snugly on a lip of the container. Alternatively, particularly in the case of rigid polymer material beverage containers, a typical lid may have a radius to fit within a superior radius of a conical-shaped container. A typical lid has a superior surface (generally cylindrical) having an opening through a body of the lid and through which the contents of the beverage container may be consumed. Representatively, a consuming opening may have a generally elliptical (e.g., oval) shape with a major axis on the order of 0.3 inches to 0.5 inches.

[0005] A superior surface of a lid may also include a second opening separate from a consuming opening. The second opening is, for example, suitable to allow air into the beverage container (for example, while the beverage is being consumed) and may be as small as a pin hole or similar sized opening. With this in mind, the second opening is almost always smaller than the consuming opening, and is usually considerably smaller than the consuming opening.

[0006] Many times while transporting (e.g., walking, driving, etc.) the cup (container and lid) containing the beverage moves in a manner which causes its contents to spill through the consuming opening in the lid. This situation causes consumers a great deal of discomfort and aggravation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Various embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of an apparatus suitable for blocking (e.g., sealing) an opening in a lid of a beverage container.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a projection view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 filling the opening in the lid of a cup during storage and use.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows a plurality of stackable lids including another embodiment of an apparatus for blocking (e.g., sealing) an opening in a lid of a beverage container.

[0013] FIG. 6 shows the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 attached to a key chain.

[0014] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 attached to a key chain.

[0015] FIG. 8 shows a bottom side view of an apparatus suitable for blocking (e.g., sealing) and opening in a lid of a beverage container.

[0016] FIG. 9 shows a bottom, side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.

[0017] FIG. 10 shows a first side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.

[0018] FIG. 11 shows a second side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.

[0019] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8 disposed above a lid of a beverage container.

[0020] FIG. 13 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8 superimposed over a top view of a lid of a beverage container.

[0021] FIG. 14 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8 with a distal portion of a protrusion of the apparatus advanced through a consuming opening of a lid of a beverage container.

[0022] FIG. 15 shows the apparatus of FIG. 8 with advancement of the protrusion further into the consuming opening.

[0023] FIG. 16 shows the apparatus of FIG. 8 advanced further into a consuming opening of a lid of a beverage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of an apparatus suitable for blocking (e.g., sealing) an opening in a lid of a beverage container. FIG. 2 shows a side view of apparatus 100. In one embodiment, apparatus 100 includes base 110. Base 110 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is an elliptical piece of material. In other embodiments, base 110 may be any shape (e.g., rectangular, including a square, circular, triangular, etc.).

[0025] Base 110, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, has a longitudinal length, L, approximately equivalent to a diameter of a lid of a transportable beverage container. Where a lid is attached to a lip of a beverage container and a top surface of the lid defines a top surface of a collective cup (container and lid), base 110 may have a length greater than or less than a diameter of a lid. Where a lid fits within a superior radius of a container, for example, base 110 may have a diameter less than a diameter of a lid. Representatively, in one embodiment, base 110 has a length on the order of about two inches. Other embodiments of base 110 have a length in the range of about one half inch to about four inches. In addition, base 110 may be shorter than one half inch and longer than four inches in other embodiments.

[0026] Base 110, in one embodiment has a lateral width, W, sufficient, at least at one portion, to accommodate a protrusion having dimensions suitable to fit within a consuming opening of a lid. A suitable lateral width may be constant or fluctuate along a longitudinal length, L. Representatively, in one embodiment, base 110 has a lateral width, W, of about one inch. In other embodiments, base 110 has a width in the range of about one half inch to about two inches. It is contemplated that base 110 has any width capable of containing a protrusion sufficient to block (e.g., plug) an opening in the lid of a beverage container.

[0027] In one embodiment, base 110 is formed of plastic. Other suitable materials include, but are not limited to, paper, cardstock or cardboard. Base 110 has a sufficient rigidity to render it suitable to be placed on a lid of a beverage container and to be retained on the lid without an application of an external force. In one embodiment, a sufficient rigidity is defined, in part, by a thickness, T, of a material for base 110. Representatively, a suitable thickness, T, is on the order of 0.25 inches. Other thickness, perhaps much greater than 0.25 inches are also suitable. Collectively, the dimensions (e.g., 0.0625 inches or greater) of base 110 are such that, in one embodiment, it is grippable by a consumer of a beverage container and may be gripped by, for example, two fingers and placed on or removed from a lid of a beverage container.

[0028] In one embodiment, apparatus 100 includes protrusion 120 extending from a surface of base 110. Protrusion 120, in one embodiment has dimensions (e.g., a length, l, and a width, w) suitable to fit within at least a portion of a consuming opening of a lid. Representatively, protrusion 120 has a dimension that is approximately the same as or less than a dimension of a consuming opening (e.g., a length, l, and a width, w, that is equal to or less than a length and a width of a consuming opening).

[0029] In one embodiment, protrusion 120 has a thickness, t, suitable to extend from a surface of apparatus 100 into a consuming opening of a beverage container lid when apparatus is placed on or rests on the lid. Protrusion 120 may have a thickness, t, equivalent to a thickness of a lid or much less (e.g., just enough to extend into the opening).

[0030] Protrusion 120, in one embodiment, has a thickness, t, sufficient so that when base 110 lies on a surface of a lid of a beverage container, protrusion 120 protrudes or extends a distance from a surface of the lid sufficient to protrude or extend into a consuming opening in a lid of a beverage container to block (e.g., plug) the opening. In one embodiment, a suitable protrusion distance or thickness, t, is about one eighth inch. In other embodiments, protrusion 120 has a thickness, t, in the range of about one sixteenth inch to about one half inch. In addition, protrusion 120 may be any thickness, t, that is sufficient to adequately fill an opening in the lid of a beverage container.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, protrusion 120 extends, in one embodiment, in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to side 210 of base 110. In other embodiments, protrusion 120 may form other angles with respect to side 210.

[0032] Protrusion 120, in one embodiment, is formed of a deformable material. Representatively, if protrusion 120 is larger or has a different shape than an opening in a lid of a beverage container, the deformable material is capable of contracting to a size and shape to allow protrusion 120 to fit snuggly within the opening. In one embodiment, the deformable material is a sponge material (e.g., open cell sponge or closed cell sponge). Other suitable materials include, but are not limited to, plastic (foamed or non-foamed polymers, synthetic rubber etc.) or any other material capable of being compressed and expanding thereafter.

[0033] Protrusion 120, in another embodiment is formed of plastic. Other materials suitable for forming protrusion 120 include, but are not limited to, paper, cardstock or cardboard.

[0034] In one embodiment, protrusion 120 is formed of the same material as base 110. Representatively, base 110 and protrusion 120 are formed in a single mold to form apparatus 100. In another embodiment, base 110 and protrusion 120 are formed in separate molds or as otherwise separate structures and connected together using an adhesion material. In another embodiment, a heat process is used to melt base 110 to protrusion 120.

[0035] Base 110 and protrusion 120, in one embodiment, are formed of different materials. For example, base 110 may be formed of cardboard while protrusion 120 is formed of plastic. Other embodiments include any combination of the materials discussed above for base 110 and protrusion 120.

[0036] In addition, apparatus 100 may be any color or combination of colors. In one embodiment, apparatus 100 is a single color. In another embodiment, apparatus 100 is multi-colored. In another embodiment, base 110 is a different color than protrusion 120.

[0037] It is contemplated that protrusion 120 may be oriented any where on base 110. For example, as shown, protrusion 120 is oriented toward one side of base 110, however, protrusion 120 may be oriented in the middle of base 110 or any other place on base 110, including, but not limited to, a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter side extending laterally as represented by T in FIG. 2.

[0038] Apparatus 100, in one embodiment, includes aperture 130. In FIG. 1, aperture 130 is formed in base 110. Representatively, aperture 130 is of a size capable of having an attachment member (e.g., a key chain) placed through aperture 130. FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of apparatus 100, including aperture 130. Aperture 130, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, is circular and suitable for attaching apparatus 100 to another object (e.g., a key ring). Representatively, aperture 130 may be circular with a diameter of about one tenth inch. In other embodiments, aperture 130 has a diameter of about one sixteenth inch to about 1.75 inches. Aperture 130, in other embodiments, may be any shape, for example, rectangular, including square, triangular, oval, etc., and may be any size suitable to attach to another object, but while still being within the confines of apparatus 100.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows apparatus 100 placed on a lid of a beverage container, for example, for ease in stacking the lid during storage and/or shipping. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, recessed area 140 at one end of base 110 is shaped to mirror the shape of a rim of the lid with which apparatus 100 is attached. In another embodiment, apparatus 100 may be oriented in the opposite direction such that base 110 would essentially extend over the lid of the beverage container rather than extending beyond an edge of the beverage container as shown.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, base 110 extends beyond the lip of the lid. Positioned in this manner allows a person to grab base 110 and pull upward for removal of protrusion 120 (not shown) from a consuming opening in the lid during use. Also, this embodiment of apparatus 100, as a cantilevered structure, allows a person to grip base 110 for replacing protrusion 120 into the consuming opening (e.g., gripping with two fingers at a point on base 110 (perhaps opposite sides) adjacent to or at an end opposite protrusion 120).

[0041] By filling the consuming opening of the lid of a beverage container, embodiments of apparatus 100 are capable of blocking (e.g., sealing) the opening such that liquid contained within the container does not spill out of the container through the consuming opening or any spillage is minimized. In addition, by filling the opening in the lid, embodiments of apparatus 100 aid in keeping a hot beverage hot by preventing heat from escaping through the opening in the lid.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a plurality of lids capable of being stacked on each other and each including another embodiment of apparatus 500. Lids 510, 520 and 530 each have a conical shape with apex 535 (as viewed) having a diameter less than a diameter of base 540 of the lid. In one embodiment, base 540 fits over the lip of a beverage container and seals the lid to the container. Base 540 defines an opening into the lid. Apex 535 of each lid is defined by a superior surface. The superior surface has a cavity extending into one or more quadrants defining conical, circumferential body 550 of the lid having the consuming opening formed therein (not shown). Body 550 has front lip 554 extending toward base portion 540 of the lid defining an external perimeter plane 558 of the lid. Also, body 550 has rear lip 564 extending toward base portion 540 of the lid defining interior plane 568 of the lid.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, this embodiment of apparatus 500 (three shown) includes an angled base 510. Base 510, in the embodiment shown, is angled such that base portion 512 is angled to conform to the conical shape defined by the different diameter of apex 535 and base 540 (plane 558) of front lip 554 of body 550 of beverage container lids 510, 520 and 530 to allow for stacking of lids 510, 520 and 530 while protrusion 520 is blocking (plugging) the consuming opening of lids 510, 520 and 530. In addition, base portion 512 may form any angle which would allow other lid to be stack upon a lid containing apparatus 500. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and similar embodiments may either be disposable or reusable and may be formed of any of the materials discussed above.

[0044] In addition, FIG. 5 shows base portion 514 of base 510. Base 514, in one embodiment, is angled to conform to the conical shape defined by the different diameter of apex 535 and base 540 (plane 568) of rear lip 564 of body 550 of the beverage container lid to assist in keeping apparatus 500 in place while engaged with a consuming opening of the lid. It is contemplated that base portion 514 may form any angle with respect to rear lip 564, even if base portion 514 functions in a non-securing manner.

[0045] In one embodiment, apparatus 500 only includes base portion 512. In another embodiment, apparatus 500 only includes base portion 514. It is contemplated that apparatus 500 may contain neither base portion 512 or base portion 514 but only protrusion 520 mounted on base 510 of such a size to lie directly over body 550 of the lid without any portion of base 510 protruding over the raised edge of the lid. In addition, base portions 512 and 514, in some embodiments, may not be angled, but instead extend parallel and/or perpendicular (e.g., similar to the plane of a straw protruding from the consuming opening) to apex plane 538 of the lid.

[0046] FIG. 6 shows apparatus 100 connected to a key chain. Once a key chain or key chain is inserted through aperture 130, apparatus 100 is capable of being transported. In addition, apparatus 100, in one embodiment, is durable and capable of being used a plurality of times. Moreover, it is contemplated that any material and/or device may be inserted through aperture 130 for transport of apparatus 100. Also, in one embodiment, aperture 130 is of a sufficient size and shape that apparatus 100 may be directly connected to another object for transportation.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a plug attached to a key chain. This embodiment includes ring 720 with which apparatus 700 may be attached to another object. In FIG. 7, ring 720 is connected to a clasp of a key chain for easy removal from the key chain. In addition, it is contemplated that any method suitable for connecting apparatus 700 to another object may be used. For example, base 710 may form a clasp shape or any shape that may be clasped by a clasping or attaching mechanism.

[0048] FIGS. 8-11 show another embodiment of an apparatus suitable for blocking (e.g., sealing) an opening in a lid of a beverage container to inhibit the escape of liquid from the container through the lid. In the embodiment shown, apparatus 600 includes base 610 having a linear or planar profile including surface 615 and opposing surface 625. In this embodiment, base 610 has a circular shape. It is appreciated that other shapes e.g., rectangular, including a square, triangular, elliptical, etc., may be suitable. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-11, base 610 as a circle has a diameter on the order of one to two inches although shorter or longer diameters may be suitable. Base 610, in one embodiment, has a diameter sufficient to accommodate a protrusion having dimensions suitable to fit within a consuming opening of a lid of a beverage container. The diameter may be of a sufficient size such that it is grippable by a consumer of a beverage container and may be gripped, for example, between a finger and thumb to be removed or placed on a lid of beverage container.

[0049] Apparatus 600 shown in FIGS. 8-11 includes protrusion 620 having a core extending in a perpendicular direction from a surface of base 610 (in this embodiment, surface 615 of base 610). Protrusion 620, in one embodiment, has dimensions, e.g., a length and a width, suitable to fit within at least a portion of a consuming opening of a lid. Referring to FIGS. 9-11, protrusion 620 includes first portion 630 and second portion 635 each meeting at junction 638. Protrusion 620 protrudes from surface 615 of base 610. Protrusion 620, in one embodiment, has a thickness, T, including portion 630 and portion 635, sufficient so that when base 610 lies on a surface of a lid of a beverage container, protrusion 620 protrudes or extends a distance from a surface of the lid sufficient to protrude or extend into a consuming opening in a lid to block (e.g., plug) the opening. A suitable protrusion distance or thickness, T, is approximately 0.12 inches or greater. In one embodiment, where a superior surface of a lid of a beverage container has a consuming opening defined therein, a protrusion distance or thickness, T is approximately 0.5 inches with portion 630 having a thickness of 0.125 inches and portion 635 having a thickness of 0.375 inches.

[0050] Base 610 and protrusion 620 of apparatus 600 may each be of a plastic material with base 610 of sufficient rigidity to render it suitable to be placed on a lid of a beverage container. A sufficient rigidity may be defined, in part, by a thickness of a material for the base (as measured between surface 615 and surface 625). A representative thickness is on the order of 0.25 inches. Base 610 and protrusion 620, may be formed as a single integral unit of a plastic material by, for example, molding techniques.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, portion 630 and portion 635 of protrusion 620 are defined by sidewall portions that are angled differently with respect to surface 615 of base 610. Sidewalls of portion 630 extend from surface 615 at an angle less than 90.degree., while sidewalls of portion 635 extends from surface 615 or a projection drawn through surface 615 at an angle, .beta., of 90.degree. or greater. In one embodiment, portion 630 of protrusion 620 is defined by beveled sidewalls having an angle, .alpha., of 60.degree. to 85.degree. relative to surface 615. Portion 635, on the other hand, includes sidewall portions defined by an angle, .beta., of 90.degree. or more, preferably, beveled relative to the surface at an angle, .beta., of 95.degree.-120.degree..

[0052] In the embodiment described where portion 630 of protrusion 620 includes sidewalls angled (beveled) at angle, .alpha., less than 90.degree., junction 638 has a perimeter at least equivalent to, but preferably greater than a perimeter of a consuming opening of a lid of a beverage container. In one embodiment, apparatus 600 has protrusion 620 sufficient such that portion 635 and portion 630 extend into the consuming opening. In other words, when inserted into a consuming opening of a lid of a beverage container, portion 635 of protrusion 620 extends completely through the consuming opening as does junction 638 while portion 630 extends through the consuming opening as far as such point of when surface 615 contacts a surface of the lid of the beverage container.

[0053] For a typical lid of a beverage container made out of a thin plastic material and having a consuming opening formed within the plastic material, protrusion 620 may be inserted through the consuming opening with portion 635 having a perimeter less than a perimeter of the consuming opening (defined by sidewalls having an angle, .beta., less than 90.degree.). Protrusion 620 will fit through the consuming opening until portion 638 having a perimeter greater than a perimeter of the consuming opening. At such point, the consuming opening may be expanded by the continued force of advancing protrusion 620 into the consuming opening. Thus, in one embodiment, protrusion 638 is made of a material sufficiently rigid enough to deform material defining a consuming opening of a beverage container when forced into the opening.

[0054] Once junction 638 is through the consuming opening, the sidewalls of protrusion 620 taper inward defined by portion 630 having an angle, .alpha., less than 90.degree.. In this manner, the plastic material may relax and approach a pre-deformed shape (deformed by junction 638). In one embodiment, the sidewalls defining portion 630 tapers from a perimeter near junction 638 that is greater than the consuming opening to a perimeter near surface 615 that is less than or equal to a perimeter of the consuming opening. Thus, as the material of the lid that defines the consuming opening relaxes, it relaxes against the sidewalls of portion 630 of protrusion 620.

[0055] FIG. 12 shows a side view of apparatus 600 above a lid of a beverage container (lid 710). In this embodiment, surface 615 of base 610 faces a superior surface (as viewed) of lid 710. Lid 710, in one embodiment, is detachable from a beverage container (e.g., a disposable beverage container) and has a conical shape with apex 735 (as viewed) having a diameter less than a diameter of base 740 of lid 710. In one embodiment, base 740 fits over a lip of a beverage container and seals the lid to the container. Base 740 defines an opening into the lid. Apex 735 of lid 710 is defined by a superior surface. The superior surface has a cavity extending into one or more quandrants defining conical, circumferential body 750 of lid 710 having consuming opening 754 formed therein.

[0056] FIG. 13 shows a side view of apparatus 600 and a top view of a portion of lid 710. Lid 710 includes consuming opening 754 defined in body 750. In the embodiment shown, consuming opening 754 has an oval or stadium shape of a width, W1, on the order of one half inch. In this embodiment, apparatus 600 includes protrusion 620 also having an oval or stadium cross-sectional shape (see FIG. 8). As seen in FIG. 13, portion 635 of protrusion 620, in this embodiment, has a distal end having sidewalls defined by a perimeter less than a perimeter of consuming opening 754 in lid 710. The angled sidewalls of portion 635 in this embodiment decrease the perimeter of protrusion 620 between a proximal and a distal end of portion 635. Thus, while a distal end of portion 635 may have a perimeter that is less than a perimeter of consuming opening 754, portion 635 will have a perimeter equivalent to the perimeter of contact opening 754 towards its proximal end.

[0057] A proximal end of portion 635 and a distal end of portion 630 define junction 638. As shown in FIG. 13, junction 638 has sidewalls that define a perimeter greater than a perimeter of consuming opening 754. FIG. 13 demonstrates this by showing protrusion 620 at junction 638 having a width, W2, greater than W1. For example, where a width, W1 of consuming opening 754 is 0.5 inches width, W2 of protrusion 620 at junction 638 may be 0.56 inches to 0.62 inches.

[0058] Portion 630 of protrusion 620 is defined by a proximal end at a surface of base 615 and a distal end at junction 638. Portion 630 has a perimeter that increases from one that is less than a perimeter of consuming opening 754 to one that is greater than consuming opening 754 (at junction 638).

[0059] FIGS. 14-16 show side views illustrating the placement of apparatus 600 within consuming opening 754 of lid 710. As shown in FIG. 14, protrusion 620 of apparatus 600 is aligned over consuming opening 754 and a distal end of portion 635 of protrusion 620 is placed within consuming opening. FIG. 14 shows that a distal end of portion 635 has a perimeter less than a perimeter of consuming opening 754 (illustrated by width, W1). FIG. 15 shows further advancement of protrusion 620 into consuming opening 754 of lid 710. As shown in FIG. 15, protrusion 620 is advanced into consuming opening 754 such that junction 638 is at a point corresponding to consuming opening 754. Junction 638 has a perimeter (defined by width, W2) greater than a perimeter of consuming opening 754. To advance junction 638 of protrusion 620 through consuming opening 754 where junction 638 has a perimeter greater than a perimeter of consuming opening 754, the consuming opening must expand by deforming a material of lid 710. FIG. 15 shows lip 775 of a material of lid 710 being deformed (pushed downward as viewed) to expand the perimeter of consuming opening 754 to that of junction 638 of protrusion 620. In one embodiment, lid 710 is formed of a thin plastic material that gives lip 775 a perceived memory to spring or return to its original configuration once a force (e.g., a downward force of protrusion 620 at junction 638) is removed.

[0060] FIG. 16 shows the further advancement of protrusion 620 into consuming opening 754. As illustrated in FIG. 16, portion 630 of protrusion 620 is advanced through consuming opening 754. The angled sidewalls of portion 630 define a perimeter (illustrated by width, W3) that is less than a perimeter at junction 638. The smaller perimeter allows lip 775 defining consuming opening 754 to relax and consuming opening 754 to return to a smaller perimeter. FIG. 16 shows lip 775 defining consuming opening 754 approaching a horizontal profile compared to the curved profile in FIG. 16. The advancement of protrusion 620 through consuming opening 754 may continue until surface 615 lies on a surface of lid 710, essentially inserting an entire portion of portion 630 of protrusion 620 into consuming opening 754. It is appreciated, that the advancement need not proceed such that an entire portion of portion 630 is in consuming opening 754. Regardless, the angle of tapered diameter of portion 630 to a perimeter that is less than a perimeter at junction 638 secures apparatus 600 to lid 710. In an embodiment where a perimeter of portion 630 about its length is greater than a perimeter of consuming opening 754, lip 775 defining consuming opening 754 will not be able to completely relax and approach its original planar (e.g., horizontal) form. Thus, lip 775 will contact portion 630 of protrusion 620 and potential spillage of contents of a cup to which lid 710 is affixed through consuming opening 754 will be minimized or eliminated. In other words, apparatus 600 may effectively seal consuming opening to minimize or eliminate spillage through the consuming opening.

[0061] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of embodiments of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a base portion having a first surface and an opposing second surface; and a protrusion extending from the second surface, the protrusion comprising a first portion comprising a sidewall extending from the second surface at an angle less than 90.degree., and a second portion extending from the first portion, the protrusion having dimensions to fit within a consuming opening of a lid of a transportable beverage container such that when the second surface of the base portion lies on a surface of the lid, the first portion of the protrusion and the second portion of the protrusion extend into the consuming opening.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portion is separable from the lid and has a dimension such that it is grippable by a consumer of the beverage container.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a junction of the first portion of the protrusion and the second portion of the protrusion has a perimeter greater than a perimeter of the consuming opening.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the junction has an oval shape.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the protrusion comprises a sidewall extending from the first portion of the protrusion at an angle greater than 90.degree. relative to the second surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is formed of a material similar or comparable with a material of the base portion.

7. An apparatus comprising: a base portion having a surface; and a protrusion extending from the surface, the protrusion comprising a first portion comprising a sidewall beveled relative to the surface at an angle less than 90.degree., and a second portion extending from the first portion, the protrusion having dimensions to fit within a consuming opening of a detachable conical-shaped lid of a transportable beverage container such that when the surface of the base portion lies on a surface of the the lid, the first portion of the protrusion and the second portion of the protrusion extend into the consuming opening.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second portion of the protrusion comprises a sidewall beveled at an angle greater than 90.degree. relative to the surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a junction of the first portion of the protrusion and the second portion of the protrusion has a perimeter greater than a perimeter of the consuming opening.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the junction has an oval shape.

11. A method comprising: inhibiting liquid in a beverage container from escaping through a consuming opening in a lid of a beverage container utilizing a protrusion coupled to and extending from a base portion of an apparatus, wherein the protrusion comprises a first portion comprising a sidewall extending from a surface of the base portion at an angle less than 90.degree., and a second portion extending from the first portion.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the lid is a conical shaped lid that extends above a lip of the beverage container.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein inhibiting the liquid in a beverage container from escaping through a consuming opening in a lid comprises placing the protrusion in the consuming opening of the lid so that both the first portion and the second portion extend through the consuming opening.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein a perimeter of at least a portion of the first portion of the protrusion is greater than a perimeter of the consuming opening.

15. A method comprising: placing an apparatus on a detachable lid of a disposable beverage container, the apparatus comprising a base portion having a surface and a protrusion coupled to and extending from the surface, the protrusion comprising a first portion comprising a sidewall extending from the surface at an angle less than 90.degree., and a second portion extending from the first portion, and placing comprises placing a portion of the protrusion into a consuming opening of the lid of the container.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein placing the apparatus on the detachable lid comprises placing the protrusion in the consuming opening of the lid so that both the first portion and the second portion extend through the consuming opening.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein a junction between the first portion of the protrusion and the second portion of the protrusion has a perimeter greater than a perimeter of the consuming opening and a perimeter of a cross-section of the first portion of the protrusion is less than the perimeter of the consuming opening.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein placing comprises placing a portion of the protrusion into the consuming opening such that the surface of the base portion lies on a surface of the lid.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein a perimeter of at least a portion of the first portion of the protrusion is greater than a perimeter of the consuming opening.