U.S. patent application number 11/542855 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for reusable container with flavor chamber in lid.
Invention is credited to Harlan Stokes.
Application Number | 20070075081 11/542855 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46326244 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070075081 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stokes; Harlan |
April 5, 2007 |
Reusable container with flavor chamber in lid
Abstract
A lid for a cup having at least one flavor chamber, a beverage
spout, and at least one sip hole. The beverage spout has a first
opening and defines a passage through which a liquid from the cup
can flow therethrough. The at least one sip hole has a first
opening and defines a passage through which a flavoring from the at
least one flavor chamber can flow therethrough.
Inventors: |
Stokes; Harlan; (Lakeville,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VIDAS, ARRETT & STEINKRAUS, P.A.
6109 BLUE CIRCLE DRIVE
SUITE 2000
MINNETONKA
MN
55343-9185
US
|
Family ID: |
46326244 |
Appl. No.: |
11/542855 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11453393 |
Jun 15, 2006 |
|
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11542855 |
Oct 4, 2006 |
|
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60723689 |
Oct 5, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/212 ;
220/367.1; 220/521; 220/713; 220/780; 229/404; 229/906.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/06 20130101;
A47G 2019/122 20130101; B65D 81/3216 20130101; B65D 81/3205
20130101; B65D 2231/022 20130101; A47G 19/22 20130101; A47G 21/18
20130101; A47G 2019/125 20130101; B65D 51/2807 20130101; Y02W 30/80
20150501 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/212 ;
220/521; 220/780; 220/367.1; 220/713; 229/404; 229/906.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/00 20060101
B65D051/00; A47G 19/22 20060101 A47G019/22; B65D 1/24 20060101
B65D001/24; B65D 51/16 20060101 B65D051/16 |
Claims
1. A flavor retention device comprising: a container having at
least one flavor chamber, at least on beverage chamber, and at
least one sip hole in communication with said at least one flavor
chamber, said at least one flavor chamber comprising at least one
liquid.
2. The flavor retention device of claim 1, the at least one liquid
comprising at least one flavor, said at least one flavor
constructed and arranged for passage through said at least one sip
hole.
3. The flavor retention device of claim 1, the container further
comprising a straw hole.
4. The flavor retention device of claim 3, wherein the straw hole
is in communication within the flavor chamber.
5. The flavor retention device of claim 1, the flavor chamber
further comprising a flavor vent.
6. The flavor retention device of claim 5, further comprising at
least one seal removably engaged to said vent.
7. The flavor retention device of claim 4, the straw hole
comprising a valve.
8. The flavor retention device of claim 1, further comprising at
least one valve engaged to said at least one sip hole.
9. The flavor retention device of claim 1, wherein the container is
a bottle.
10. The flavor retention device of claim 9, wherein said bottle is
reusable.
11. The flavor retention device of claim 1, wherein said container
is a cup.
12. The flavor retention device of claim 11, wherein said cup is
reusable.
13. The flavor retention device of claim 1, said at least one
flavor chamber comprising at least one valve engaged to said at
least one flavor chamber.
14. The flavor retention device of claim 13, wherein the at least
one valve is disposed proximate to a side of said at least one
flavor chamber.
15. A container comprising: a beverage chamber, said beverage
chamber constructed and arranged to hold a primary beverage; a
flavor chamber, at least a portion of said flavor chamber being
disposed below said beverage chamber; and a straw hole passage,
said straw hole passage being in communication with said flavor
chamber.
16. The container of claim 15, further comprising a bottom, said
bottom being removably engaged to said container.
17. The container of claim 15, wherein said flavor chamber is
constructed and arranged to be removably engaged to said
container.
18. The container of claim 17, the straw hole passage comprising a
valve.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of application
Ser. No. 11/453,393 filed Jun. 15, 2006, which claims priority to
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/723,699, filed Oct. 5, 2005,
the entire content all of which are incorporated herein in their
entireties.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In some embodiments this invention relates to lids or caps,
for cups, bottles and cans, where the lid includes a flavor chamber
that stores one or more different flavors which are to be mixed
with the primary liquid contained within the cup, bottle or can, in
the mouth of the person drinking from the cup, bottle or can.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In the prior art, most of the conventional bottles and cans
circulated and sold in markets each contain only a single kind of
material, such as a drink or a liquid medicine. When a user wants
to add another flavor of liquid or powder to a cup, bottle or can,
so as to prepare a mixture prior to drinking or using the mixture,
the user must add the substance from a separate container to the
liquid contained in the cup, bottle or can, after removing the lid
or cap. It is frequently difficult and inconvenient for the user to
add a desired amount of the substance, from a separate container,
to the primary liquid contained in the cup, bottle or can. This may
result in an undesirable change in the taste, and/or quality of the
mixed beverage. Furthermore, for "to-go" applications, once the
flavor is mixed with the beverage, the opportunities for beverage
variety and interactivity with a consumer are negligible.
[0005] No beverage lid or cap is known which provides to a user
active control over a type and/or amount of flavor to be added to a
primary liquid. No beverage lid or cap is known which enables a
user to regulate the concentration of a combined primary liquid and
flavor additive within an individual's mouth prior to consumption
by the individual. Also, no beverage lid or cap is known which
provides to a user active control over the flow of supplemental
flavor for combination with a primary beverage through the use of
an individual's tongue.
[0006] A need therefore exists for a lid or cap for a beverage
container which offers interactivity, variety, and control, over
the mixing of one or more supplemental flavors with a primary
beverage. A need exists for a lid or cap which enables a user to
choose from an almost infinite number of beverage versus flavor
sips, and the control of the beverage sips with a user's tongue. A
need exists for lid or cap which permits a user to regulate the
inclusion of a precise serving dose of flavor for addition to a
primary beverage, thereby providing a highly differentiated
beverage flavor system. A need also exists for a lid or cap for a
beverage container which allows virtually unlimited combinations of
primary beverage and flavor combinations, interactively chosen by a
beverage consumer.
[0007] The art referred to and/or described above is not intended
to constitute an admission that any patent, publication or other
information referred to herein is "prior art" with respect to this
invention. In addition, this section should not be construed to
mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent
information as defined in 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.56(a) exists.
[0008] All U.S. patents and applications and all other published
documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0009] Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary
of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth
below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the
invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be
found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a
lid for a cup. In one embodiment the lid is reusable. In another
embodiment, the lid is disposable. The lid includes at least one
flavor chamber, a beverage spout, and at least one sip hole. The
beverage spout has a first opening and defines a passage through
which a primary liquid from the cup can flow therethrough. The at
least one sip hole has a first opening and defines a passage
through which a flavoring from the at least one flavor chamber can
flow therethrough. In at least one embodiment of the reusable lid,
the at least one flavor chamber may have at least one seal
removably engaged to the flavor chamber, so that at least one
flavor may be added to the at least one flavor chamber.
[0011] In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a
straw comprising a first shaft, a second shaft and a connector
engaging the first shaft to the second shaft. The first and second
shafts each have a defined length. The length of the first shaft is
greater than the length of the second shaft.
[0012] In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a
cap for a bottle. The cap has a beverage spout, at least one sip
hole and at least one flavor chamber. The beverage spout defines a
passage through which a liquid from the bottle can flow
therethrough, and may have threads or a snap-on ridge by which the
cap may engage the bottle. The at least one sip hole defines a
passage through which flavoring from the at least one flavor
chamber can flow therethrough.
[0013] In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a
cap for a can, the can having a side. The cap comprising a beverage
spout, at least one sip hole and at least one flavor chamber. The
cap is constructed and arranged to engage the can with the at least
one flavor chamber extending along the side of the can.
[0014] In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a
container comprising a beverage chamber, a flavor chamber and a
built-in straw constructed and arranged to allow flavoring to flow
therethrough. In one embodiment, the flavor chamber is removably
engaged to the container. In one embodiment, the flavor chamber is
fixedly engaged to the container.
[0015] The embodiments described herein offer interactivity,
variety, and control to a user of the flavored container lid
because the consumer chooses and varies beverage versus flavor
sips, alternatively and interactively. The embodiments described
herein allow virtually unlimited combinations of beverage and
flavor where the consumer controls the flow of flavor and beverage
with an individual's tongue. When a precise serving or dosage is
added, this method becomes a highly differentiated beverage flavor
delivery system.
[0016] These and other embodiments which characterize the invention
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and
forming a part hereof. However, for further understanding of the
invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use,
reference may be made to the drawings which form a further part
hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is
illustrated and described an embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] A detailed description of the invention is hereafter
described with specific reference being made to the drawings.
[0018] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a lid
for disposable cups.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a vertical detail cross-section side view of the
lid and cup in FIG. 1 taken at line 2-2.
[0020] FIG. 3 is the lid and cup of FIG. 2 at an angle to show the
dispensing of the flavoring from the flavor chamber and the liquid
within the cup.
[0021] FIG. 4 is detail isometric view of an alternative embodiment
of a lid for disposable cups.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a detail vertical cross-section side view of the
lid in FIG. 4 taken at line 6-6 of FIG. 4.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the lid
in FIG. 4 taken at line 6-6.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a detail cross-section side view of an alternative
embodiment of a lid for disposable cups with an elevated flavor
vent.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a
lid with a plurality of flavor chambers.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of a dual straw.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a
dual straw.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a
dual straw.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a detail cross-section side view of a dual straw
in an embodiment of the lid.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a detail isometric view of a lid with a flavor
packet attached to the underside of the lid.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a view of the flavor packet in FIG. 13.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a top view of an embodiment of a bottle cap for
bottles.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a detail cross-section side view of the
embodiment of FIG. 15 taken at line 16-16.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a detail cross-section side view of an
alternative embodiment of a bottle cap.
[0035] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a lid as engaged to a
disposable can.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a detail cross-section side view of the lid of
FIG. 18 taken at line 19-19.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a view of a first embodiment of a reusable lid
with a flavor chamber to be used with a reusable container.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a detail cross-section side view of the lid of
FIG. 20 taken at line 21-21.
[0039] FIG. 21a is an alternative isometric detail view of a
disposable flavor chamber for insertion with a lid.
[0040] FIG. 22 is an alternative detail cross-section side view of
a reusable container with a flavor chamber positioned at the bottom
of the reusable container.
[0041] FIG. 22a is an alternative detail view of a reusable
container with a flavor chamber disposed below the reusable
container.
[0042] FIG. 22b is an alternative detail view of a disposable
flavor chamber.
[0043] FIG. 23 is a detail cross-section side view of an embodiment
of a reusable container with a flavor chamber positioned at the
bottom of the reusable container.
[0044] FIG. 24 is an alternative detail cross-section side view of
an embodiment of a reusable container with a flavor chamber
positioned at the bottom of the reusable container.
[0045] FIG. 25 is an alternative detail cross-section side view of
an embodiment of a reusable container having a built-in flavor
chamber.
[0046] FIG. 26 is an alternative detail cross-section side view of
another embodiment of a reusable container with a built-in flavor
chamber.
[0047] FIG. 26a is an alternative cross-sectional side view of
another embodiment of a reusable container with a built-in flavor
chamber.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] While this invention may be embodied in many different
forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of
the invention. This description is an exemplification of the
principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.
[0049] For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals
in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise
indicated.
[0050] The invention is directed towards lids 10 and caps 10 having
flavor storage and flavor delivery properties. These lids and caps
10 may be used with beverage containers 12 such as disposable cups,
disposable bottles, disposable cans, reusable bottles and reusable
cups. Disposable cups include, but are not limited to, plastic,
polystyrene, foam, or paper cups for personal use, vended beverages
and to-go applications. Disposable bottles include, but are not
limited to, plastic and glass bottles for personal use, such as
water bottles or sports bottles, vended beverages and to-go
applications. Disposable cans include, but are not limited to,
aluminum and steel cans for personal use, vended beverages and
to-go applications. Reusable cups include, but are not limited to,
lidded or open top cups, including those for children's sippy cups
and collectible cups, as well as travel mugs and cups sometimes
associated with refills at branded and retail beverage
locations.
[0051] In at least one embodiment, flavoring may be stored in a
flavor chamber 80 or a flavor packet 140 for mixture with a primary
beverage. The flavor chamber 80 or flavor packet 140 may be
integral or attached to a lid 10 to be used with cups. In general,
the invention is also directed to a cap 10 with a flavor chamber 80
to be used with bottles. The cap 10 with a flavor chamber 80 may
alternatively be used with cans. Materials used to construct the
flavor chamber 80 include, but are not limited to, plastics or
aluminum. The cap 10 with a flavor packet 140 may also be used with
bottles. Alternatively, the cap 10 with a flavor packet 140 may be
used with cans. Materials used to make the flavor packet 140
include, but are not limited to, aluminum or plastic.
[0052] In at least one embodiment, packets 140 of liquid flavor may
be inserted or positioned within a paper, foil, or plastic flavor
chamber 80. Alternatively, the paper flavor chamber 80 may be lined
with a fluid barrier membrane. The lid 10 may also be either
disposable or reusable. During use, the lid 10 is designed so that
multiple lids 10 can be stacked on top of one another, for
retrieval for use with a cup, bottle, or can.
[0053] In some embodiments, the flavoring stored within the flavor
chamber 80 or flavor packet 140 may be in liquid or powder form,
for example, flavored syrups (including, but not limited to,
chocolate, strawberry, banana, pineapple, cherry), juices,
alcoholic beverages, liquid or powdered creamer, liquid or powdered
medicines, liquid or powdered dietary supplements, and any
combination thereof.
[0054] In at least one embodiment, the cap and lid 10 may have at
least one sip hole 50. It is within the scope of the invention for
the cap or lid 10 to have one, two, three, four, five, six or more
sip holes 50. The sip hole 50 is generally an orifice by which the
user consumes the flavoring stored within the flavor chamber 80.
The sip hole 50 is an opening to the flavor chamber 80, through
which the flavoring flows to an individual's mouth, where the
volume of flavoring to be mixed with a primary beverage is actively
regulated by a users tongue.
[0055] In some embodiments, the flow rate of the flavoring through
the sip holes 50 depends upon several factors, for example, the
thickness of the flavoring, the viscosity of the flavoring, the
number of sip holes 50 and the diameter(s) of the sip holes 50.
During use of the cap or lid 10 a user may control the amount of
flavoring that exits a cap or lid 10 by covering at least one of
the sip holes 50 with their tongue to block and regulate the flow
rate of the flavoring into an individual's mouth. In alternative
embodiments, there are at least two sip holes 50, and if the user
desires a reduced amount of flavoring the individual's tongue may
be used to cover as many sip holes 50 as are needed to achieve the
desired flow rate. Simultaneously with the passage of flavoring,
the primary beverage or liquid within the cup, bottle, can, etc.
will enter the user's mouth for mixing and drinking through a
beverage spout 20 and/or beverage spout passage 22.
[0056] In some embodiments, the flow rate of the flavoring may also
be regulated by the diameter of the sip hole 50. A flavoring that
is thick or viscous, e.g. chocolate syrup, requires a larger
diameter sip hole 50 in order to flow at the same rate as a
flavoring that is thin, e.g. concentrated or unconcentrated liquid
flavors such as juice or milk. The cap or lid 10 may include a
plurality of sip holes 50, each sip hole 50 having a progressively
larger diameter. Each sip hole 50 may be covered with a sip hole
cover 54 formed of individual segments of film, or foil, which may
be individually, sequentially, or collectively peeled or removed
from the cap or lid 10. Thus, the user may uncover one or more sip
holes 50 by peeling off segments of the sip hole cover 54, one
orifice at a time, until the desired flow rate of flavoring to an
individual's mouth is achieved.
[0057] In some embodiments, the sip hole 50 may be a C-shaped flap
within the lid 10, which performs in a manner similar to a valve.
The C-shaped flap may partially or completely cover the sip hole
50. The flap preferably has a resilient quality to block, partially
block, or restrict, liquid flow. The resiliency of the flap may be
overcome by sucking upon a sip hole 50 which may be in
communication with a one way check valve, to inhibit liquid from
cup flowing upstream into the flavor chamber 80.
[0058] In some embodiments, the sip hole 50 may be opened by the
user when the user pierces the sip hole cover 54 with a sharp
instrument. Materials used as the sip hole cover 54 include, but
are not limited to, aluminum foil, plastic or paper. In some
embodiments, the sip hole cover 54 may be segmented for individual
and/or successive removal or penetration to enable flow of flavor.
The sip hole cover 54 may be an individual segment for each sip
hole 50. In at least one embodiment, the sip hole cover 54 is
non-segmented.
[0059] In some embodiments, the sip hole 50 is constructed and
arranged to restrict spillage of the flavoring, and requires
suction to withdraw the flavoring through the sip hole 50.
Alternatively a plurality of sip holes 50 may be included in the
lid 10 where each sip hole 50 has a diameter that restricts
spillage of the flavoring. The sip hole 50 may include a slot or
baffle which restricts the spillage or flow of the flavoring into
an individuals mouth. The sip hole 50 may also be a silicon sippy
valve that restricts the flow of flavoring except when suction is
applied.
[0060] In at least one embodiment, the sip hole 50 has a sip hole
cover or seal 54 which seals the flavoring within the flavor
chamber 80 of the lid 10. The sip hole cover 54 is a seal which may
be peeled to open the sip hole 50. Alternatively, the sip hole
cover 54 may be pierced by a sharp object by the user, to obtain
access to the flavoring within the flavor chamber 80. The sip hole
cover 54 may alternatively be a plastic flap that may be hinged
away from the sip hole 50, to access the flavoring. The sip hole
cover 54 may also be a plastic plug which may be removed from the
sip hole 50 to access the flavoring.
[0061] In some embodiments, the cap or lid 10 includes at least one
beverage spout or hole 20. The beverage spout 20 may be described
as an opening or orifice in the top of the lid or cap 10 to a
beverage spout passage 22, through which the primary liquid or
beverage contained within the cup, bottle or can is dispensed to
the user. It is within the scope of the invention for the beverage
spout 20 to have any geometric shape, including, but not limited to
a circle, cylinder, cone, square, a rectangle, an octagon, or an
oval. The beverage spout passage 22 may include a lower opening 21
in the bottom of the lid 10. The beverage spout passage 22 is
defined by at least one beverage spout wall 26. The at least one
beverage spout passage 22 may be of any size or volume desired.
Because the at least one beverage spout wall 26 forms a passageway
through the lid 10, it may also form a passageway proximate to or
through the flavor chamber 80. Thus, the beverage spout wall 26 may
separate the flavoring from the primary liquid or beverage in the
cup.
[0062] In at least one embodiment, the beverage spout 20 is sealed
with a beverage spout hole cover 24. Materials used to form the
beverage spout hole cover 24 include, but are not limited to
aluminum, plastic and paper. In some embodiments, the beverage
spout hole cover 24 may be a foil seal. Alternatively, a dual cover
may snap into place and cover both the sip hole 50 and the beverage
spout hole 20. The beverage spout 20 may include a beverage spout
lip 28, which may extend inward from the beverage spout wall 26,
thereby forming a smaller orifice than the beverage spout passage
22, as illustrated in FIG. 5 for example.
[0063] In at least one embodiment, the lid or cap 10 also has at
least one vent. The lid 10 may additionally include a beverage vent
60. In other embodiments, the lid or cap 10 may also include a
flavor vent 70. Alternatively, lid 10 may include a flavor vent 70
and a beverage vent 60. The beverage vent 60 is an opening for a
beverage vent passage 62, a passageway through the lid 10 that
provides pressure equalization within the cup due to the inflow of
air.
[0064] In some embodiments, the flavor vent 70 is an opening in the
flavor chamber ceiling 82 that provides pressure equalization
within the flavor chamber 80. The flavor vent 70 may be covered by
a flavor vent cover made of foil or other materials as identified
herein, which may be removed to open the flavor vent 70 for
pressure equalization. The removal of the flavor vent cover from
the flavor vent 70 may increase the flow rate of the flavoring
through the sip hole(s) 50 into a user's mouth. The flavor vent 70
may alternatively be occluded by a flavor vent cover, which must be
pierced to open the flavor vent 70 for pressure equalization. In
some embodiments, a valve which is hinged may be used as the flavor
vent cover for the flavor vent 70. Alternatively, a plug may be
used as the flavor vent cover to close the flavor vent 70, and the
flavor vent 70 may be opened by removing the plug.
[0065] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a lid
10 adapted to be used with a container 12. The container 12 in FIG.
1 is a cup. The lid 10 is constructed and arranged to engage the
top of the cup. In this embodiment, the lid 10 is constructed and
arranged to engage the top of the cup by means of a snap on ridge
132, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0066] The lid 10 may be manufactured from a thermoformed plastic,
for example. Alternatively, the lid 10 may be manufactured from
polystyrene or PETE. Other materials that may be used to
manufacture the lid 10 include, but are not limited to, clear
plastics, colored plastics, aluminum, paper and any combination
thereof.
[0067] In addition to the at least one sip hole 50 described above,
the lid 10 may include a plurality of passageway openings, e.g. a
beverage spout 20, a straw hole 30, a mix hole 40, a beverage vent
60 and a flavor vent 70. (FIG. 12) FIG. 2 is a cross section of the
lid 10 in FIG. 1 taken at line 2-2 and illustrates the different
passageway openings, e.g. the beverage spout 20, and compartments,
e.g. the flavor chamber 80.
[0068] In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the lid 10 has five elevations 90-98 defined by ridge lines
100-108. All the elevations 90-98 in this embodiment are
substantially horizontal. The lid 10 has a first elevation 90 on
which the beverage spout 20 and the straw hole 30 are preferably
located. The first elevation 90 may be the highest level of the lid
10 and circle the entire lid 10. The first elevation 90 may be
defined by a portion of the flavor chamber ceiling 82, as shown in
FIG. 2.
[0069] In some embodiments, the second elevation 92 of the lid 10
is lower than the first elevation 90 and positioned substantially
in the center of the lid 10. The first ridge 100 defines the
beginning of the drop in elevation between the first elevation 90
and the second elevation 92. The second elevation 92, in this
embodiment, is defined by a portion of the flavor chamber ceiling
82 and a beverage vent lip 68 which defines the beverage vent 60,
which is located on the second elevation 92.
[0070] In at least one embodiment, the lid 10 also has a third
elevation 94, which is lower than the first elevation 90 but higher
than the second elevation 92. The third elevation 94 may be
positioned on half of the lid 10, and the sip holes 50 may be
located on the third elevation 94. A second ridge 102 defines the
beginning of the drop in elevation between the first elevation 90
and the third elevation 94. At the ends of the second ridge 102,
the transition from the first elevation 90 to the third elevation
94 is gradual. Thus, the downward slope from the second ridge 102
to the third elevation is more acute by the sip holes 50.
[0071] In some embodiments, below the third elevation 94 is a
fourth elevation 96 which circles the entire lid 10. A third ridge
104 defines the beginning of a portion of the drop in elevation
between the first elevation 90 and the fourth elevation 96, and a
portion of the drop in elevation between the third elevation 94 and
the fourth elevation 96. The fourth elevation 96 is lower than the
first elevation 90, the second elevation 92, and the third
elevation 94.
[0072] In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the
bottom or underside of the lid 10 is at the fourth elevation 96.
The bottom of the lid 10 has several components, the flavor chamber
floor 84, the opening of the beverage spout passage 22 to the cup
below, through the opening 21, and the beverage vent passage 62.
The lid 10 also has a fifth elevation 98, the lowest elevation,
which circles the entire lid 10. The fourth elevation 96 of the lid
10 down to the fifth elevation 98 of the lid 10 defines the snap on
ridge 132 by which the lid 10 is engaged to the rim of the cup. The
design of the snap on ridge 132 in FIG. 2 is one method by which
the lid 10 can be engaged to the cup. The invention also includes
other types of snap on ridge 132 designs, as well as other methods
of attaching the lid 10 to the cup. FIG. 5 illustrates a different
snap on ridge 132 design.
[0073] In some embodiments, the flavor chamber 80 is incorporated
into the lid 10 and is an enclosed area defined by a flavor chamber
floor 84, a flavor chamber ceiling 82 and at least one flavor
chamber wall 86. The flavor chamber wall 86 may form the outermost
wall of the lid 10. The flavor chamber 80 may be made of plastic or
other types of material as discussed herein. The flavor chamber
floor 84 may include a printed foil seal engaged to the lid 10. The
flavor chamber 80 may be integral or engaged to either the outside
of the top of the lid 10, or below the surface of the underside of
the lid 10. The flavor chamber floor 84 may additionally include a
downward sloping funnel or angle so that flavoring may be released
from the flavor chamber 80 through the mix hole 40 into the cup
below, as is described in more detail below.
[0074] In at least one embodiment, the volume of the enclosed area
of the flavor chamber 80 may be varied by adjusting or altering the
shape of the flavor chamber 80. For example, the lid 10 in FIG. 2
has a larger flavor chamber 80 than the lid 10 in FIG. 7 because
the beverage vent passage 62 in FIG. 7 is larger or has a greater
volume. In other embodiments, the flavor chamber 80 may be altered
by changing the angles of the flavor chamber ceiling 82, flavor
chamber floor 84 or the flavor chamber wall 86, or by adjusting the
distance between the flavor chamber ceiling 82 and the flavor
chamber floor 84. Altering the number of flavor chambers 80 that
are contained within a lid 10 will also affect the size or volume
of the individual flavor chambers 80. It is within the scope of the
invention for the lid 10 to have one, two, three, four or more
flavor chambers 80 of any desired geometric or other shape.
[0075] In at least one embodiment, the lid 10 has at least two
flavor chambers 80. In some embodiments, the at least two flavor
chambers 80 form a flavor chamber insert (not illustrated). The
flavor chamber insert may be engaged to, and located between, the
lid 10 top and the lid 10 bottom, to form the complete lid 10. The
lid 10 may be formed of three or more components, the lid 10 top,
the flavor chamber insert and the lid 10 bottom. It is within the
scope of the invention for the flavor chamber insert to have one,
two, three, four or more flavor chambers 80.
[0076] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the lid 10 has
three flavor chambers, 80A, 80B, and 80C. Each flavor chamber 80A,
80B, 80C has a sip hole 50 B, C, D. The flavoring within each
flavor chamber 80A, 80B, and/or 80C may be different.
Alternatively, the flavoring within each flavor chamber 80A, 80B,
and/or 80C may be the same. In some embodiments, the first flavor
chamber 80A may include banana flavoring, the second flavor chamber
80B may have strawberry flavoring and the third flavor chamber 80C
may include pineapple flavoring. When a lid 10 with the three
flavor chambers 80A-80C embodiment is used with chocolate milk
beverage in the cup, the resulting mixture of the chocolate milk
with the flavorings within the user's mouth would taste like a
banana split.
[0077] In some embodiments, a flavor chamber 80A may include powder
flavoring, and flavor chamber 80B may include a liquid flavoring.
In this embodiment, the relative size of each sip hole 50 in
communication with the flavor chamber 80A, and 80B may vary in size
to facilitate a desired access rate. In this alternative
embodiment, the powder flavoring in flavor chamber 80A, the liquid
flavoring for the flavor chamber 80B, and the primary liquid from
the container 12 are mixed within an individual's mouth.
[0078] In an alternative embodiment of the lid 10, at least two of
the flavor chambers 80A and 80B may be in communication with a
common passage, where the mixing of the two identical or distinct
flavors may occur in the common passage prior to the exit from a
sip hole 50. In this alternative embodiment, the two or more flavor
combinations and the primary liquid from the container 12 may be
mixed within an individual's mouth.
[0079] In some embodiments, at least two of the flavor chambers 80A
and 80B may be in communication with a common flavor chamber 80C
where mixing of the two identical or distinct flavors from the
flavor chambers 80A and 80B may occur. In this embodiment, the sip
hole 50 may be in communication with the common or flavor mixing
chamber 80C for mixing with a primary liquid from the container 12
within an individual's mouth.
[0080] In at least one embodiment, the lid 10 has a sip ridge which
is constructed and arranged to provide a comfortable fit to the
lips, tongue and nose of the user. The sip ridge is an area of the
lid 10 that includes the beverage spout 20, the sip hole(s) 50 and
the straw hole 30. The exterior of the sip ridge may incorporate
artistic markings or trademarks in the form of advertising for a
particular business user for resale to consumers.
[0081] In some embodiments, the user of the lid 10 may drink the
liquid within the cup through the beverage spout 20, and may access
the flavoring of the flavor chamber 80 through the sip holes 50, as
illustrated in FIG. 3. As depicted in FIG. 2 the beverage spout 20
is preferably located at the highest elevation of the sip ridge. In
FIG. 1, the first elevation 90 is the highest elevation of the sip
ridge. Alternatively, the beverage spout 20 may be disposed within
a depression in the lid 10, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, and include a
rim such that the liquid from the cup may be tipped into the user's
mouth. The beverage spout 20 may be circular in shape.
Alternatively, the beverage spout 20 may have a non-circular
shape.
[0082] In at least one embodiment, the lid 10 has a straw hole 30.
The straw hole 30 may be an opening in the flavor chamber ceiling
82 providing access into the flavor chamber 80, through which the
flavoring contained within the flavor chamber 80 may be dispensed
to the user. The flavor chamber floor 84 may have an opening, a mix
hole 40, positioned directly below the straw hole 30. Both the
straw hole 30 and the mix hole 40 preferably include covers namely,
a straw hole cover and a mix hole cover 44. The lid 10 is not
required to include a straw hole 30.
[0083] Three different embodiments of a dual straw 120, are
illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. Dual straw 120 may be used with a lid 10
comprising a flavor straw hole 30 and a beverage spout 20. In at
least one embodiment, the dual straw 120 has a beverage straw 124
and a flavor straw 122 engaged to each other by a connector 126. As
illustrated in FIG. 12, the beverage straw 124 extends through the
beverage spout 20 into the cup in order to dispense the primary
liquid within the cup. The flavoring may be withdrawn through the
flavor straw 122 following penetration through the straw hole cover
of the flavor straw hole 30, following insertion of the flavor
straw 122 into the flavor chamber 80. As suction is applied to the
dual straw 120, the primary liquid from the cup and flavoring from
the flavor chamber 80 are drawn out through the dual straw 120 into
the user's mouth.
[0084] In at least one embodiment, the beverage straw 124 may be
used to pierce the straw hole cover of the straw hole 30 on the lid
10. As downward pressure is placed on the beverage straw 124, the
beverage straw 124 will penetrate through the flavor chamber 80
until rupture of the mix hole 40 occurs. When the beverage straw
124 is then removed, the flavoring from the flavor chamber 80 will
flow from the flavor chamber 80 through the mix hole 40 into the
cup below. This allows the flavoring to be mixed directly into the
beverage in the cup prior to consumption by an individual.
[0085] In some embodiments, the dual straw 120 has a connector 126
which is constructed such that it may be broken to separate the
beverage straw 124 from the flavor straw 122. The dual straw 120
may include a straight beverage straw 124 and a straight flavor
straw 122, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the dual straw
120 may have at least one bend 128 in the at least one beverage
straw 124 and the flavor straw 122. The dual straw 120 may include
a straight beverage straw 124 and a flavor straw 122 having at
least two bends 128, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The dual straw 120
may alternatively have a beverage straw 124 with at least two bends
128 and a flavor straw 122 having at least two bends 128, as
illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0086] In at least one embodiment, the beverage straw 124 may have
at least one area along the length of the straw 42 which is scored
to provide a separation area. The beverage straw 124 may be snapped
proximate to the separation area to yield a straw 124 having a
shorter length. Both the beverage straw 124 and the flavor straw
122 may have at least one area along the lengths of the straws
122,124 which includes a scored separation area so that the lengths
of the straws 122,124 may be adjusted.
[0087] In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
lid 10 has four sip holes 50, which are located proximate to the
beverage spout 20. The position of the sip holes 50 proximal to the
beverage spout 20 enables a person's mouth to comfortably surround
both the beverage spout 20 and the sip holes 50. Alternatively, the
sip holes 50 and the beverage spout 20 may be positioned side by
side in the lid 10. Alternatively, the sip holes 50 and the
beverage spout 20 are preferably arranged such that when the user
is drinking from a disposable cup the sip holes 50 initially have a
higher elevation, i.e. are above, the beverage spout 20 on the sip
ridge.
[0088] In some embodiments, the flavor vent 70 is positioned on the
lid 10 opposite from the sip hole(s) 50 and may be covered by a
flavor vent seal that may be peeled off to open a pressure
equalization conduit. The flavor vent seal may be made from foil or
other materials as identified herein. The elevation of the flavor
vent 70, as illustrated in the cross-section of FIG. 2, is raised
above the flavor chamber 80. This prevents the flavoring in the
flavor chamber 80 from leaking through the flavor vent 70. The
sizes of the flavor vent 70 and the beverage vent 60 may vary. As
shown in the cross-section of FIG. 7, the beverage vent 60 may have
a larger volume or size than the beverage vent 60 of FIG. 1. Also,
the flavor vent 70 of FIG. 7 may have a different volume or size
than the flavor vent 70 of FIG. 1.
[0089] In some embodiments, the beverage vent 60 is positioned on
the lid 10 opposite from the beverage spout 20. The beverage vent
60 may have an elevation less than the flavor vent 70 and the
beverage spout 20, but equal to the top of the flavor chamber 80,
as illustrated in the cross-section of FIG. 2. Alternatively, the
lid 10 as illustrated in FIG. 7, may have a beverage vent 60
located at an elevation slightly higher than the flavor chamber 80.
The lid top and lid bottom may include a more proficient seal for
the beverage vent 60, in order to enhance the performance of the
air pressure equalization passage to the cup without leaking
flavoring from the flavor chamber 80. It should be noted that, the
lid 10 is not required to have a flavor vent 70.
[0090] FIG. 4 is an illustration of another embodiment of a lid 10
for a cup. FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the lid 10 in FIG. 4 taken
at line 5-5 and FIG. 6 is a top view of the lid 10 in FIG. 4 taken
at line 6-6. This embodiment has a sip hole 50, a beverage spout
20, a flavor chamber 80, a beverage vent 60. The beverage spout 20
may have a geometric shape similar in appearance to a section of a
circle. One sip hole 50 as depicted in FIG. 4 may have a larger
diameter opening as compared to the four sip holes 50 with smaller
diameter opening, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the sip
hole 50 may have a sip hole cover 54. A flavor vent 70 may also be
provided, as shown in FIG. 6. In addition, the snap-on ridge 132 of
the lid 10 in FIG. 5 may have a different configuration as compared
to the snap on ridge 132 of the lid 10 in FIG. 1. The specific
geometry of the snap on ridge 132 depends upon the rim
configuration of the cup as well as the material used to make the
cup.
[0091] In some embodiments, the lid 10 in FIGS. 4-6 has fewer
elevations than the lid 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. One of the elevations
of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4-6 has a downward sloping
angle instead of being horizontal as depicted with respect to FIGS.
1 and 2. In both embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and
4-6, the highest elevation of the lid 10 is the first elevation 90.
The sip hole 50 is preferably located at elevation 90. FIG. 6
indicates a possible location of a flavor vent 70 as opposite to
the sip hole 50. The flavor chamber ceiling 82 and the sip hole lip
58 define the first elevation 90. The second highest elevation is
the second elevation 92. The second elevation 92 has two regions
92A, 92B. The first ridge 100 defines the transition from the first
elevation 90 to the first region 92A of the second elevation 92.
The beverage spout 20 is located at the first region 92A and the
first region 92A surrounds the beverage spout 20. This embodiment
does not have a beverage spout passage 22 or a bottom opening 21.
Instead the beverage spout lip 28 of the beverage spout 20 is
positioned at the bottom of the lid 10, not at the top of the lid
as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The lid 10 may include an
additional small plastic insert that is placed within the first
region 92 and forms an beverage spout 20 and beverage spout passage
22. The second ridge 102 defines the transition from the first
elevation 90 to the second region 92B of the second elevation 92,
which circles the lid 10. The second region 92B rests on the lip of
the cup therefore, at a minimum the width of the second region 92B
is equal to the width of the cup lip. The second region 92B may
have any configuration so long as the lid 10 is engaged to the cup.
One portion of the second region 92B has a greater width, so that a
beverage vent 60 may be located distal from the beverage spout 20.
The third ridge 104 defines the transition from the second region
92 to the third elevation 94 which circles the entire lid 10. The
third elevation 94 is not substantially horizontal as earlier
disclosed, but rather has a slight downward angle.
[0092] Although the embodiments described above have a flavor
chamber 80, in some embodiments, the flavoring may be retained
within a flavor packet 140. FIG. 14 illustrates a flavor packet
140. In at least one embodiment, the flavor packet 140 is
constructed from foil. Alternatively, the flavor packet 140 may be
constructed from plastic. The flavor packet 140 may be engaged to
either the exterior of the top of the lid 10, or to the underside
of the lid or cap 10 by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the
flavor packet 140 is manufactured separately from the lid 10 and is
engaged to the lid 10 prior to use with a cup or other container.
FIG. 14 illustrates the flavor packet 140 engaged to the underside
of the lid 10.
[0093] In at least one embodiment, flavoring is accessed by
piercing through the flavor packet 140 with a straw. Following
piercing of the flavor packet 140, the flavoring mixes with the
liquid in the container. Flavoring from the flavor packet 140 may
flow through the sip hole 50 and into the consumer's mouth. The
flavoring in the flavor packet 140 may be accessed by removing a
seal which occludes the sip hole 50.
[0094] In some embodiments the cap or lid 10 may be used with a
bottle as depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16. The materials used to make
the cap 10 for a bottle include, but are not limited to, molded
plastic, thermoformed plastic, clear plastic, colored plastic,
aluminum, paper and any combination thereof. The cap 10 may be
attached to the bottle by means of threads 130, much like a
threaded seal which originally closed the bottle. The threads 130
are protrusions extending from the beverage spout wall 26. The cap
10 has a sip ridge which is constructed and arranged to provide a
comfortable fit to the lips, tongue and nose of the user. The sip
ridge is an area of the cap 10 that includes the beverage spout 20
and the sip hole(s) 50. In at least one embodiment, the sip ridge
may incorporate markings or advertisements for a specific beverage
manufacturer. In an alternative embodiment, the cap 10 may be
snapped onto a bottle which does not include threading and may be
attached to a bottle in a manner similar to the attachment of a
bottle-cap. In this embodiment, the threads 130 may be replaced
with a pressure ridge constructed to engage a fastening protrusion
as integral and proximate to a bottle opening.
[0095] In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 15, the sip
ridge of the cap 10 has a beverage spout 20 and three sip holes 50.
The beverage spout 20 may be disposed within a depression in the
cap 10, and may have a shape similar to the natural shape of a
bottle spout, so that the liquid within the bottle may be tipped
into a consumer's mouth without interfering with the consumer's
nose. The beverage spout 20 is preferably of sufficient size to
allow pressure equalization of the beverage in the bottle. The
beverage spout 20 is defined by a beverage spout lip 28 which
extends inward from the beverage spout wall 26. The beverage spout
20 may include a resealable cap or plug which may be engaged onto
the cap 10 in the depression to seal or close the beverage spout
20.
[0096] A cross section side view of at least one embodiment of the
cap 10 is shown in FIG. 16 as taken at line 16-16 of FIG. 15. The
flavor chamber floor 84 in this embodiment extends along the side
of the bottle and the flavor chamber wall 86 is a distance away
from the flavor chamber floor 84 and the side of the bottle. In an
alternative embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 17, the flavor
chamber floor 84 is horizontal and extends away from the bottle,
and does not descend or follow the contour of the exterior of the
side of the bottle. The alternative embodiment of the cap 10 in
FIG. 17 may also be used as a lid for a cup if modified to have the
snap on ridge 132 of FIG. 1. In both embodiments of FIGS. 16 and
17, the flavoring within the flavor chamber 80 flows out via the
sip hole(s) 50 when the bottle is held at an angle. The flavor
chamber floor 84 may be formed by affixing a printed foil top to a
plastic bottle top package. FIG. 16 also illustrates where a flavor
vent 70 may be placed in the cap 10. In at least one embodiment,
the cap 10 has a flavor vent 70. In at least one embodiment, the
cap 10 does not have a flavor vent 70.
[0097] In at least one embodiment as depicted in FIG. 18 a cap 10
may be used with a can. FIG. 19 shows a cross-section of FIG. 18
taken at line 19-19. Materials used to make the cap 10 include, but
are not limited to, molded plastic, thermoformed plastic, clear
plastic, colored plastic, aluminum, paper and any combination
thereof. The cap 10 engages the top or lid of the can by means of a
snap on ridge 132. The cap 10 has a sip ridge which is constructed
and arranged to provide a comfortable fit to the lips, tongue and
nose of the user. In at least one embodiment, the beverage spout 20
is the can orifice, and the-sip hole(s) 50 are positioned in the
cap 10 so that a person's lips can surround both the beverage spout
20 and the sip hole(s) 50. The sip ridge may incorporate markings
or advertising as desired by a retailer.
[0098] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the beverage
spout 20 is positioned immediately adjacent to the sip ridge. The
beverage spout 20 exposes the top of the can through the cap 10 and
incorporates the rim of the can, so that the liquid within the can
is tipped into the consumer's mouth when the can is held at an
angle. The cap 10 is placed onto the can so that the sip hole(s) 50
are in front of the opening of the can. A straw may be placed
through the beverage spout 20 to access the liquid within the can.
As shown in FIG. 19, the flavor chamber 80 is positioned opposite
from the sip hole(s) 50. The flavor chamber floor 84 in this
embodiment extends along the side of the can and the flavor chamber
wall 86 is a distance away from the flavor chamber floor 84 and the
side of the can. The flavor chamber 80 may be formed by affixing a
printed foil top to a plastic can top package. The position of the
optional flavor vent 70 is illustrated in FIG. 19.
[0099] In some embodiments, the lid(s) 10 may be stacked and
shipped at ambient temperature. The provision of at least two
flavor chambers 80A and 80B may minimize shipping expense in
situations where a flavoring as contained within flavor chamber
80A, if mixed with a flavoring as contained within flavor chamber
80B, would then require refrigeration to prolong shelf life to
avoid waste. Alternatively, lid(s) 10 may be stacked and shipped in
bulk, in a refrigerated compartment, to prolong shelf life and
usefulness of the lid(s) 10.
[0100] In at least one embodiment, individual lid(s) 10 may be
formed of a material which may be exposed to microwave energy, to
facilitate heating of liquid transported in flavor chambers 80.
Heated liquid as contained within flavor chamber(s) 80 may then be
combined with primary liquid within container 12 to facilitate
mixing within an individual's mouth.
[0101] The alternative lid 10 embodiment, illustrated in FIGS.
20-21a may include a reusable flavor chamber 80. In this embodiment
lid 10 may be used with a reusable container 12 such as a cup or
bottle. FIG. 21 depicts a cross-section detail side view of the lid
10 of FIG. 20 taken at line 21-21. The lid 10 may be engaged to the
container 12 by threads 130, and may have features similar to those
described in the lid of the earlier embodiments depicted in FIGS.
1-19. The lid 10 may be removably engaged to the container 12 by
any means, including but not necessarily limited to, a snap on
ridge as illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0102] The alternative embodiment depicted in FIGS. 20-21a include
a sip hole 50, a sip hole passage 52, a sip hole lip 58, a beverage
spout 20 shown with a beverage spout hole cover 24, a beverage
spout passage 22, and a flavor chamber 80. The lid 10 may also have
a flavor vent 70, and a beverage vent 60 as earlier described. The
positioning considerations for the sip hole 50, sip hole passage
52, sip hole lip 58, beverage spout 20, spout hole cover 24,
beverage spout passage 22, flavor chamber 80, flavor vent 70, and
beverage vent 60 are substantially identical for the lid 10 as
described in the earlier embodiments disclosed herein.
[0103] Some embodiments of the reusable container 12 include a
flavor vent 70 and/or sip hole 50 where each of the flavor vent 70
and/or sip hole 50 may have either a silicone valve or plug 144
which may be removable/replaceable. A valve or plug 144 in the
flavor vent 70 preferably prevents flavoring from exiting the
flavor vent 70 when flavoring is added to the flavor chamber 80. A
valve 144 as used in a flavor vent 70 or sip hole 50 may be formed
of silicone having a central depression and/or aperture which is
closed and blocks liquid or air passage therethrough. The valve 144
is preferably constructed to receive the insertion of a straw 32,
30a, 30b, or other penetrating member through the central
depression and/or aperture. The silicone walls of the valve 144
preferably stretch and deform to mold to the exterior surface of
the straw 32, 30a, 30b, to establish a liquid impervious seal
therebetween. The insertion of the straw 32, 30a, 30b, or other
penetrating member thereby opens the valve 144 for liquid or air
passage therethrough. It is contemplated that any pliable material
may be used to form the valve 144, including but not necessarily
limited to, rubber, and plastic as well as the silicone disclosed
herein.
[0104] Similar to the lids 10 as earlier described, the lid 10
illustrated in FIGS. 20-21a has a first elevation 90 and a second
elevation 92, with the second elevation 92 being lower than the
first elevation 90. The sip hole 50 is preferably positioned on the
first elevation 90 and the beverage spout 20 is positioned on the
second elevation 92. The first elevation 90 may encircle the entire
lid 10. A first ridge 100 defines the beginning of the drop in
elevation between the first elevation 90 and the second elevation
92. The second elevation 92 may be either substantially horizontal
or have a slight incline from the beverage spout 20 towards the
first elevation 90 opposite from the beverage spout 20, as
illustrated in FIG. 21. The second ridge 102 may include the entire
lid 10 and defines the beginning of the side of the lid 10.
[0105] In at least one embodiment of either the disposable or
reusable container 12, the flavor chamber floor 84 may be a
removable cover or plug which allows the consumer to remove the
flavor chamber floor 84 in order to add more flavoring to the
flavor chamber 80. (FIG. 21) Although in this embodiment, the
removable cover or plug forms the entire flavor chamber floor 84,
it is within the scope of the invention for the removable cover or
plug to have any size or shape, provided the same may be removed,
and flavoring added to the flavor chamber 80. The removable feature
of the flavor chamber floor 84 allows the flavor chamber 80 to be
reusable, unlike the single use flavor chamber 80 embodiments. An
O-ring 148 may be disposed about the flavor chamber floor 84 to
facilitate the sealing engagement between the flavor chamber floor
84 and the flavor chamber walls 86 and flavor chamber 80.
[0106] In an alternative embodiment as depicted in FIG. 21a, the
flavor chamber 80 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. Liquid
flavor is preferably disposed within the interior of the flavor
chamber 80 for upward insertion into the lid 10. The liquid flavor
is preferably sealed within the flavor chamber 80 by a removable
cover 132 which may be formed of foil. In this embodiment, the
flavor chamber 80 may be disposable. In this embodiment, even
though the flavor chamber 80 may be disposable, the lid 10 and/or
cup may be reusable. An O-ring 148 may be disposed about the flavor
chamber floor 84 to facilitate the sealing engagement between the
flavor chamber floor 84 and the flavor chamber walls 86 and flavor
chamber 80.
[0107] In at least one embodiment, the flavor chamber 80 is
preferably adapted for placement upon the flavor chamber floor 84,
for upward insertion into the interior of the reusable lid 10. The
open top of the flavor chamber 80 enables flavor to communicate
with the sip hole passage 52 and sip hole 50 for mixing within a
consumers mouth. The coupling of the flavor chamber floor 84 to the
lid 10 preferably seals the flavor chamber 80 and flavor within the
interior of the lid 10 for consumption by a consumer. In this
embodiment the flavor chamber 80, lid 10 and container 12 may be
either reusable or disposable. An O-ring 148 may be used between
the flavor chamber floor 84, flavor chamber walls 86, and flavor
chamber 80 as earlier described.
[0108] The reusable or disposable flavor chamber 80 may be embodied
in any configuration as described herewith in reference to FIGS.
1-19. The reusable or disposable flavor chamber 80 may be located
above, below, in surrounding relationship to, disposed within,
adjacent to, integral with, or releasably engaged to container 12
which may be a cup, bottle, or other vessel for retaining
consumable liquids.
[0109] In at least one alternative embodiment, the lid 10 of FIG.
21 is reusable. In this embodiment, the sip hole passage 52 may be
obstructed through the use of a valve, plug, and/or seal 144,
whereupon the lid 10 may manipulated approximately 180.degree., so
that the flavor chamber 80 is disposed upwardly. In this
embodiment, the lid 10 may also include a flavor vent 70 which may
also be obstructed through the use of a plug, stop, valve, and/or
seal 144. The manipulation of the lid 10 to dispose the flavor
chamber 80 upwardly enables the chamber floor 84 to be separated
from the flavor chamber wall 86 for filling of the flavor chamber
80 with flavor. Following the introduction of a desired volume or
amount of flavor, the flavor chamber floor 84 may be returned into
a covering/sealing relationship relative to the flavor chamber 80.
The entire lid 10 may then be manipulated approximately
180.degree., for insertion into the open top of a vessel having a
beverage chamber 16 filled with a primary beverage. The threads 130
of the side wall 86 of the lid 10 preferably seal the lid 10
relative to the vessel or container 12 to prevent leakage
therebetween. An O-ring 148 may be used to facilitate the seal
between the flavor chamber floor 84 and the flavor chamber 80 as
earlier described. The plug, stop, valve, or seal 144 may then be
opened through the use of a straw, or removed from the sip hole 50,
and/or the flavor vent 70, for use of the lid 10 having flavor
chamber 80 during consumption of a primary beverage.
[0110] In at least one alternative disposable embodiment, the
chamber floor 84 is not required to be releasably separable from
the flavor chamber 80. In at least one embodiment, the chamber
floor 84 includes a fill hole passage 146 which may be releasably
obstructed by the use of a plug, stop, and/or valve 144. In this
embodiment, a plug, stop, and/or valve 144 may be inserted into
obstructive positioning relative to the sip hole 50 and/or flavor
vent 70, whereupon the lid 10 may be manipulated approximately
180.degree., so that the fill hole passage 146 is disposed
upwardly. The seal, stop, plug, and/or valve 144 within the sip
hole passage 146 may then be penetrated or removed, where filling
of the flavor chamber 80 with flavor may occur through the fill
hole passage 146. Once a desired volume or amount of flavor has
been added into the flavor chamber 80 through the fill hole passage
146, the fill hole passage 146 may be closed by the withdraw of a
straw which closed the valve 144 or by the insertion of the plug,
stop, and/or seal. The entire lid 10 may then be manipulated
approximately 180.degree. for insertion into the open top of a
vessel or container 12 having a beverage chamber 16 filled with a
primary beverage. An individual may then open any valve 144, or
withdraw any stop, seal, or plug within the sip hole 50 and/or
flavor chamber 70 for use of the lid 10 having flavor chamber 80.
It should be noted that the flavor fill hole passage 146 may be
located in any wall, flavor chamber wall 86, bottom 150, cover 132,
top or sides of flavor chamber 80, and is not restricted to
positioning within a bottom 150 or base.
[0111] FIGS. 22-24 illustrate alternative embodiments of a reusable
or disposable container 12 having a flavor chamber 80 insert, where
the flavor chamber 80 is located at the bottom of the reusable
container 12. Although the container 12 in FIGS. 22-24 is tapered,
the container 12 may have any shape. In these embodiments, the
reusable and/or disposable container 12 preferably has a beverage
chamber 16 into which a primary liquid is confined. The beverage
chamber 16 may be open at the top, as illustrated. Alternatively, a
lid 10 having a beverage spout 20 may be engaged to the reusable
and/or disposable container 12, thereby forming a ceiling for the
beverage chamber 16. Additionally, the reusable container 12 may
include a built-in straw hole passage 32 which may form a portion
of the side of the reusable container 12. In alternative
embodiments, the straw hole passage 32 may be integral with the
wall of the container 12 or may be permanently or releasably
attached thereto at any location relative to the container 12.
[0112] Two different configurations of the straw hole passage 32
are illustrated in FIGS. 22-24, however, any straw hole passage 32
configuration is contemplated as being within the scope of the
invention. The straw hole passage 32 has an upper straw hole 30a
and a lower straw hole 30b.
[0113] If a consumer desires flavoring from the flavor chamber 80
to be mixed with the primary liquid from the beverage container 16,
the consumer places their mouth over the upper straw hole 30a and
drinks from the reusable container 12. The upward tipping of the
container 12 enables flavoring to flow from the flavor chamber 80,
through the lower straw hole 30b, through the straw hole passage 32
and out of the upper straw hole 30a into the consumer's mouth,
where it mixes with the liquid from the beverage chamber 16.
[0114] In some embodiments of the reusable and/or disposable
container 12 with a flavor chamber 80, the flavor chamber 80 is
incorporated into the bottom of the container 12 in a different
manner. For the embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 22-23, the flavor
chamber 80 may be inserted into a space below the beverage chamber
16, so that a portion of the container 12 separates the bottom of
the beverage chamber 16 from the ceiling 82 of the flavor chamber
80. In contrast, the embodiment in FIG. 24 does not have a portion
of the container 12 separating the beverage chamber 16 and the
flavor chamber 80, since the flavor chamber 80 is inserted into the
interior of the beverage chamber 16 proximate to the bottom.
[0115] It is within the scope of the invention for the flavor
chamber 80 in these embodiments, to be either disposable or
reusable. In some embodiments, the container 12 has a reusable
flavor chamber 80, where the straw hole passage 32 has a valve 144.
The valve 144 retains the flavoring within the flavor chamber 80,
until a straw is inserted into the straw hole passage 32, which
traverses the valve 144 to access the flavoring.
[0116] In FIG. 22, the flavor chamber 80 may be snapped onto the
bottom of the reusable container 12 so that the bottom portion 30b
of the built-in straw hole passage 32 penetrates the valve 144 for
passing into the flavor chamber 80. In an alternative disposable
embodiment, the flavor chamber ceiling 82 may include at least one
section of foil 142, so that the bottom portion 30b of the built-in
straw hole passage 32 pierces the foil for insertion into flavor
chamber 80. In another disposable flavor chamber 80 embodiment, the
flavor chamber ceiling 82 has an opening sized to receive the straw
hole passage 32. When the flavor chamber 80 is attached to the
bottom of the reusable container 12, the opening in the flavor
chamber ceiling 82, and the straw hole passage 32, may be aligned
so that the straw hole passage 32 is inserted into the opening
through the flavor chamber ceiling 82. As seen in FIG. 22b,
alignment between the lower straw hole 30b and the aperture 136 may
be accomplished through the use of a key 154 as slidably received
in a key groove 156. The key 154 and key groove 156 may be placed
between an adjacent flavor chamber 80 and beverage chamber wall 18.
In an alternative embodiment, the area proximate to, and
immediately above, the aperture 136 may include a funnel structure,
which may be used as a guide to slidably position the lower straw
hole 30b within the aperture 136.
[0117] In an alternative disposable embodiment as may be seen if
FIG. 22a, flavor chamber 80 may be substantially cylindrical in
shape having integral floor 84 or base. In this embodiment, flavor
chamber 80 preferably includes a cylindrical chamber wall 86 and a
top 134 encloses flavor chamber 80. Top 134 may include an aperture
136 which may be sealed with foil 142 for piercing by lower straw
hole 30b during engagement of the flavor chamber 80 to the
container 12. In an alternative reusable embodiment, the aperture
136 may be adapted to receive a valve 144 which may be traversed
during insertion of lower straw hole 30b into the interior of the
flavor chamber 80. As earlier described a sealing relationship
exists between the valve 144 and lower straw hole 30b following
insertion of the lower straw hole 30b into the flavor chamber 80.
In some embodiments, the valve or plug 144 may be used to provide
access to the interior of the flavor chamber 80, to fill and/or
refill the flavor chamber 80 with flavor. The flavor chamber 80 may
therefore be disposable and/or reusable at the preference of an
individual.
[0118] In an alternative embodiment as depicted in FIG. 22b a
reusable base 138 is shown having floor 84. Base 138 preferably has
an open interior 140 which may be substantially cylindrical or any
other shape as desired. The base 138 preferably includes a key
guide 154. The base 138 is preferably adapted to receive a flavor
chamber 80 having a chamber wall 86, key groove 156, and aperture
136. In some embodiments, the flavor chamber 80 is adapted for
deposit within open interior 140 for mating with container 12 and
insertion of lower straw hole 30b into aperture 136. As earlier
described, aperture 136 may be sealed with foil 142 in a disposable
embodiment. In some embodiments, the flavor chamber 80, as depicted
in FIG. 22b, may include a valve 144 in aperture 136 facilitating
ease of use of a reusable container 12.
[0119] In at least one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 23, the
flavor chamber 80 is positioned in the bottom of the reusable
container 12, and may be held in place by a screw-on bottom 150.
The screw-on bottom 150 has threads 130 which mate with grooves on
the inside of the wall of the reusable container 12. In some
disposable embodiments, a disposable flavor chamber 80 may include
a flavor chamber ceiling 82 having one or more sections of foil 142
to enable the bottom portion 30b of the built-in straw hole passage
32 to pierce the foil sections. The lower straw hole 30b may be
angled to facilitate piercing of the foil 142, however, it is
within the scope of the invention for the lower straw hole 30b to
be parallel to the bottom of the reusable container 12. In at least
one alternative disposable flavor chamber 80 embodiment, the flavor
chamber ceiling 82 includes an arcuate opening sized to receive the
straw hole passage 32. During the attachment of the flavor chamber
80 to the bottom of the container 12, the arcuate opening in the
flavor chamber ceiling 82, and the straw hole passage 32 may be
aligned, as earlier described, so that the lower straw hole 30b may
be inserted into the arcuate opening through the flavor chamber
ceiling 82. In the reusable embodiment, it is contemplated that
flavor chamber 80 having screw on bottom 150 would include an open
top to permit rotation of the lower straw hole 30b
therebetween.
[0120] The features as disclosed relative to the alternative
embodiments for FIGS. 22b are equally applicable with respect to
screw-on bottom 150 embodiment of FIG. 23. In addition, the flavor
chamber 80 of FIG. 22a may be modified to separate the chamber
floor 84 from the flavor chamber 80 for replacement of the chamber
floor 84 by the screw-on bottom 150. This configuration provides
alignment of the aperture 136 with the lower straw hole 30b. In
some embodiments, the shape of the flavor chamber 80 is not
required to be cylindrical and may be square or cubical, triangular
or prism shaped, oval, and/or any other shape as desired. In any of
the embodiments disclosed herein relative to FIGS. 20-26a, the
bottom 150 may be screw-on, snap-on, or affixed to the container 12
in any desired manner.
[0121] In at least one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 23, during
use of a reusable flavor chamber 80, a flavor vent 70, with
associated vent in the bottom 150, or side of the flavor chamber
pocket, may be provided. A valve, stop, or plug 144 may be disposed
in flavor vent 70 for transition into an open configuration, in
order to facilitate the passage of flavor within the flavor chamber
80 through the straw hole passage 32. In same embodiments, the
aperture 136 may additionally function as a fill hole for the
flavor chamber 80.
[0122] In at least one disposable or reusable embodiment, as
depicted in FIG. 23, it is contemplated that a flavor chamber 80
will be inserted into a flavor chamber pocket disposed below a
beverage chamber 16. The screw-on bottom 150 may then be attached
to a vessel 12 whereupon primary liquid may be placed within the
beverage chamber 16.
[0123] FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative embodiment by which a
flavor chamber 80 may be inserted into the interior and bottom of a
container 12. In some alternative embodiments of the flavor chamber
80, the consumer may insert the flavor chamber 80 into the interior
of the container 12 for positioning proximate to the bottom, by
holding a flavor chamber handle 81, and causing the lower straw
hole 30b of the straw hole passage 32 to pierce a foil barrier 142
or valve 144, which is a portion of the wall 86 of the flavor
chamber 80. A lower straw hole 30b that is angled may facilitate
the piercing of the foil 142, but it is within the scope of the
invention for the lower straw hole 30b to be parallel to the bottom
of the reusable container 12. In at least one alternative
embodiment, the flavor chamber handle 81 is an extension of the
flavor chamber wall 86 opposite to the portion of the flavor
chamber wall 86 comprising the foil 142 portion. In at least one
alternative disposable flavor chamber 80 embodiment, the flavor
chamber handle 81 is engaged to the outer surface of the flavor
chamber ceiling 82. Since the container 12 may have any shape or
configuration, the flavor chamber 80 similarly may have any shape
or configuration, so long as it may be easily inserted into the
interior of the container 12 proximate to the bottom 84.
[0124] As may be seen in FIG. 24, the flavor chamber 80 having
handle 81 is placed into container 12 before a primary liquid is
added to the beverage chamber 16. The handle 81 is used to lower
the flavor chamber 80 to the bottom of the container 12 for
positioning of the foil seal 142 proximate to the lower straw hole
30b. The handle 81 may then be rotated downwardly for sliding of
the lower back comer or edge of the flavor chamber 80 against the
interior wall of the container 12 to facilitate the insertion of
the lower straw hole 30b through the foil or seal 142, and the
positioning of the flavor chamber 80 proximate to the chamber floor
84 of the container 12. Primary liquid may then be added to the
beverage chamber 16. A lid or cover 10 may alternatively be engaged
to the container 12 following the inclusion of the primary
liquid.
[0125] Although not shown, the container 12 with a built-in straw
hole passage 32 may utilize a flavor chamber 80 having a flavor
vent 70 as earlier described. The flavor vent 70 may have a peal
off seal or a removable or replaceable plug.
[0126] In a reusable flavor chamber 80 embodiment, the flavor
chamber 80 may also have a fill hole passage 146 (FIG. 21) through
which the consumer adds flavoring to the flavor chamber 80. The
fill hole passage 146 may be located in the flavor chamber floor
84, the flavor chamber walls 86, or the flavor chamber ceiling 82
in this embodiment or in any embodiment disclosed related to FIGS.
20-26a. The fill hole passage 146 preferably includes a plug or
cover which may be temporarily removed in order to add flavoring to
the flavor chamber 80, and re-inserted to close the fill hole 146.
In at least one reusable embodiment, the upper straw hole 30a
includes a valve 144 and the flavor chamber includes a valve 144 in
replacement of the foil seal 142.
[0127] In an alternative embodiment, instead of inserting a flavor
chamber 80 into the bottom of the container 12, the reusable
container 12 may have a flavor chamber 80 below a beverage chamber
16, along with a built-in straw hole passage 32, which extends
along the side of the reusable container 12. (FIGS. 25-26a)
Although the container 12 in FIGS. 25-26a is tapered, the container
12 may have any shape. Alternatively, the built-in flavor chamber
80 may encircle the beverage chamber 16. (FIG. 26) The beverage
chamber 16 may include an open top, as illustrated, or a lid 10
with a beverage spout 20 may be engaged to the reusable container
12, thereby forming a ceiling for the beverage chamber 16. The
beverage chamber 16 preferably includes at least one beverage
chamber wall 18 that forms one of the flavor chamber walls. The
bottom of the flavor chamber 80 may include a screw-on bottom 150
which may also form the bottom of the reusable container 12. The
screw-on bottom 150 preferably includes threads 130 that mate with
grooves on the reusable container 12. Alternative affixation
methods for coupling of the bottom 150 to the container 12 may be
used at the discretion of an individual.
[0128] In an alternative reusable embodiment as depicted in FIGS.
25 and 26, the screw-in bottom 150 may be removed from the empty
reusable container 12 to expose the flavor chamber 80. The reusable
container 12 may then be rotated approximately 180.degree., so that
the beverage chamber 16 is disposed downwardly and the flavor
chamber 80 is disposed upwardly. The flavor chamber 80 may then be
filled with a desired volume or amount of flavor whereupon the
screw-in bottom 150 may be engaged to the threads 130 to close
and/or seal the flavor chamber 80. In this embodiment, the upper
straw hole 30a may include a plug, valve, and/or seal 144, to
prevent leakage or loss of flavor during addition of the flavor
within the flavor chamber 80. Upon closure of the screw-in bottom
150 relative to the container 12, the container 12 may be rotated
approximately 180.degree., to position the beverage chamber 16
upwardly for receipt of the primary liquid beverage. The plug
within the upper straw hole 30a may then be withdrawn, or the valve
144 in the upper straw hole 30a may be traversed, to provide access
to the flavor through the straw hole passage 32.
[0129] In an alternative embodiment where the container as depicted
in FIGS. 25-26a is disposable, a foil 142 or other type of seal may
be disposed in sealing and covering relationship over the upper
straw hole 30a. In the alternative disposable embodiment of FIGS.
25-26a, the use of a threaded or screw-in bottom 150 is not
required. In this disposable alternative embodiment, the bottom or
base may be integral to the exterior beverage chamber walls 18, and
may include a fill hole 146 which may be sealed or plugged
following the addition of flavor within the flavor chamber 80. In
the disposable embodiment of FIGS. 26-26a, the container 12 before
use is preferably rotated to an upside down configuration to
provide access to the fill hole/fill hole passage 146. A plug
within the fill hole 146 may be removed or a valve 144 within the
fill hole 146 may be traversed/opened by a hollow element such as a
straw passage. A foil seal 142 preferably blocks both the upper
straw hole 30a and the flavor vent 70. Once a desired volume or
amount of flavor is added to flavor chamber 80 the plug may be
reinserted into the fill hole 146 or the straw withdrawn from the
valve 144. The container 12 may then be returned to an upright
position where a primary beverage may be added to the beverage
chamber 16. The foil seals 142 covering the upper straw hole 30a
and flavor vent 70 may then be removed for consumption of the
flavor and primary liquid by an individual.
[0130] In at least one embodiment, the flavor chamber 80, as
depicted in FIGS. 25-26a, is not required to be completely filled
with flavor and may be partially filled prior to use with a primary
beverage as disposed within the beverage chamber 16.
[0131] In all of the embodiments as described herein in reference
to FIGS. 1-26a, the sip hole 50 may include one or more of a
variety of valves, which may be opened to provide access through,
or closed to obstruct passage of flavor and/or primary beverage
through the sip hole 50.
[0132] In one or more embodiments as described herein related to
FIGS. 1-26a, the flavor chamber 80 may include flavor vents 70 to
facilitate the withdrawal of flavor from the flavor chamber 80.
[0133] The flavor vents 70 may have a removable or replaceable plug
or silicone valve 144. The flavor chamber 80 may also include a
fill hole 146 through which the consumer adds flavoring to the
flavor chamber 80. The fill hole 146 may be disposed through the
flavor chamber floor 84. The fill hole 146 may receive a plug or
valve 144 which is removed or traversed in order to add flavoring
to the flavor chamber 80. A plug or cover may be reinserted to
close the fill hole 146 as desired.
[0134] In general the reusable embodiments as described relative to
FIGS. 20-26a, preferably include valves 144. In addition, the
disposable embodiments as described herein relative to FIGS. 20-26a
preferably include foil 142 sealing members.
[0135] The reusable and/or disposable containers 12 as related to
FIGS. 20-26a disclosed herein, may each include any combination of
reusable or disposable lids 10, containers 12, and/or flavor
chambers 80. An individual is not required to exclusively utilize
reusable elements within a reusable container embodiment 12. For
example, in a reusable embodiment, an individual may elect to
utilize a reusable container 12, and a reusable bottom 150 in
conjunction with a disposable flavor chamber 80. Alternatively, an
individual may elect to utilize a disposable container 12,
disposable lid 10, reusable bottom 150 and reusable flavor chamber
80. Any combination of reusable and disposable elements for the
reusable/disposable container 12, having lid 10 and flavor chamber
80, may be used by an individual herein.
[0136] The flavor chamber 80 as disclosed herein related to FIGS.
20-26a may alternatively include more than one, or multiple flavor
chambers as earlier described relative to FIGS. 1-19. The multiple
independent flavor compartments forming the composite flavor
chamber 80 may be provided in a disposable and/or reusable form. In
the multiple independent flavor compartment embodiments, any
desired number of fill hole passages 146 may be provided along with
any desired number of lower straw holes 30b for coupling with
valves 144 or foil 142 as disposed within apertures 136.
[0137] The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not
exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and
alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. The various
elements shown in the individual figures and described above may be
combined or modified for combination as desired. All these
alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the
scope of the claims where the term "comprising" means "including,
but not limited to".
[0138] Further, the particular features presented in the dependent
claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the
scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized
as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other
possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For
instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim
which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a
multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all
antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple
dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction
(e.g. each claim depending directly from claim I should be
alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In
jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are
restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also
taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim
format which creates a dependency from a prior
antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in
such dependent claim below.
[0139] This completes the description of the invention. Those
skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific
embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be
encompassed by the claims attached hereto.
* * * * *