U.S. patent application number 12/396370 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-10 for lid assembly and method for use thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to HALO CUPS, INC.. Invention is credited to Tony V. BOUIE.
Application Number | 20090223969 12/396370 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41052546 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090223969 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BOUIE; Tony V. |
September 10, 2009 |
LID ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF
Abstract
A cup and lid combination that includes a cup having a side
wall, a closed bottom and an open top and a lid assembly. The lid
assembly includes a band secured on the top of the cup, a lid
secured on the band, and a tether having first and second ends. The
first end of the tether is connected to the band and the second end
of the tether is connected to the lid.
Inventors: |
BOUIE; Tony V.; (Anthem,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JEFFER, MANGELS, BUTLER & MARMARO, LLP
1900 AVENUE OF THE STARS, 7TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
HALO CUPS, INC.
Anthem
AZ
|
Family ID: |
41052546 |
Appl. No.: |
12/396370 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11929582 |
Oct 30, 2007 |
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12396370 |
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11544268 |
Oct 6, 2006 |
7419067 |
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11929582 |
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11442020 |
May 25, 2006 |
7398893 |
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11544268 |
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11297959 |
Dec 8, 2005 |
7398892 |
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11442020 |
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10763520 |
Jan 23, 2004 |
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11297959 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/375 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
B65D 2231/022 20130101; B65D 43/169 20130101; B65D 1/265 20130101;
B65D 55/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/375 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
B65D 55/16 20060101
B65D055/16 |
Claims
1. A cup and lid combination comprising: a. a cup having a side
wall, a closed bottom and an open top, and b. a lid assembly,
wherein the lid assembly includes i. a band secured on the top of
the cup, ii. a lid secured on the band, and ii. a tether having
first and second ends, wherein the first end of the tether is
connected to the band and the second end of the tether is connected
to the lid.
2. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 wherein the cup includes
a lip adjacent the top thereof, and wherein the band is secured
around the lip.
3. The cup and lid combination of claim 2 wherein the lid is
separable from the band by tearing the tether.
4. The cup and lid combination of claim 2 wherein the band includes
a channel defined therein, and wherein at least a portion of the
lip of the cup is received in the channel.
5. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 wherein the lip has a top
surface, and wherein the band contacts the top surface.
6. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 wherein the cup has an
outer surface and an inner surface and the band does not contact
the inner surface of the cup, such that another cup can be nested
within the cup.
7. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 wherein the band includes
an upper portion and a downwardly depending skirt that cooperate to
define a channel for receiving a lip of the cup.
8. A method of placing a lid on a cup, the method comprising the
steps of: a. providing a stack of nestable cups, b. removing a cup
from the stack, wherein the cup includes a lid assembly secured
thereto, wherein the lid assembly includes i. a band secured to the
top of the cup, ii. a lid configured to close the open top of the
cup, and ii. a tether having first and second ends, wherein the
first end of the tether is connected to the band and the second end
of the tether is connected to the lid. c. pivoting the lid
upwardly, and d. securing the lid over the band.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the method includes the step of
snap fitting the band onto a lip of the cup before step (a).
10. The method of claim 8 wherein each of the cups in the stack
includes a band therearound, and wherein each of the bands have a
lid connected thereto by a tether.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of pivoting the lid
upwardly also includes twisting the lid and the tether.
12. The method of claim 8 wherein the band includes an upper
portion and a downwardly depending skirt that cooperate to define a
channel for receiving a lip of the cup.
13. A stack of cups comprising, at least two cups each having a
side wall, a closed bottom, an open top and a lip extending around
the open top, wherein the cups are oriented in a stacked
configuration, wherein each cup includes a band secured to its lip,
wherein the band does not contact the inner surface of the cup, a
tether having first and second ends, and a lid, wherein the first
end of the tether is connected to the band and the second end of
the tether is connected to the lid, and wherein the lid is adapted
to be secured on the band such that it closes the open top of the
cup.
14. The stack of cups of claim 12 wherein the lid and the band each
include a downwardly depending skirt, wherein the downwardly
depending skirt of the lid contacts the downwardly depending skirt
of the band when the lid is secured on the band.
15. The stack of cups of claim 13 wherein the band includes an
upper portion and a downwardly depending skirt that cooperate to
define a channel for receiving a lip of the cup.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 11/929,582, filed Oct. 30, 2007, which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/544,268, filed Oct.
6, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,419,067, which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/442,020, filed on
May 25, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,398,893, which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/297,959, filed on
Dec. 8, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,398,892, which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/763,520, filed on
Jan. 23, 2004, now abandoned, the entireties of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention is concerned with a lid assembly for a cup,
and more particularly to a lid assembly that includes a band with a
lid attached thereto by a tether.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is customary to configure disposable soft drink cups so
that each cup can be nested in a like cup beneath it in a stack.
This greatly reduces the storage space for multiple cups. Such cups
are rarely supplied with lids in place on the open mouth of the
cups because this would preclude the cups being nested. Hence, the
lids are usually supplied and stored in a container separate from
the container for the cups. And, thus, the cups and lids must be
handled separately and brought together for use.
[0004] There continues to be a need for a way to provide a cup and
lid together so that cups can be stored in a nested condition.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a cup and lid combination that includes a cup
having a side wall, a closed bottom and an open top and a lid
assembly. The lid assembly includes a band secured on the top of
the cup, a lid secured on the band, and a tether having first and
second ends. The first end of the tether is connected to the band
and the second end of the tether is connected to the lid. In a
preferred embodiment, the cup has an outer surface and an inner
surface and the band has an outer surface and an inner surface, and
the inner surface of the band contacts the outer surface of the cup
and the band does not contact the inner surface of the cup.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of placing a lid on a cup. The method
includes the steps of providing a stack of nestable cups and
removing a cup from the stack. The cup includes a lid assembly
secured thereto. The lid assembly includes a band secured to the
top of the cup, a lid configured to close the open top of the cup,
and a tether having a first end of connected to the band and a
second end connected to the lid. The method also includes pivoting
the lid upwardly, and securing the lid over the band.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a stack of cups that includes at least two cups
each having a side wall, a closed bottom, an open top and a lip
extending around the open top. The cups are oriented in a stacked
configuration. Each cup includes a band secured to its lip. The
band does not contact the inner surface of the cup. Each cup also
includes a tether having first and second ends, and a lid. The
first end of the tether is connected to the band and the second end
of the tether is connected to the lid. The lid is adapted to be
secured on the band such that it closes the open top of the
cup.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter by
reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a first embodiment of a
cup/lid combination incorporating this invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the cup/lid combination
of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the cup/lid
combination of FIG. 1 taken generally as indicated by line 3-3 in
FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second preferred
embodiment of a cup/lid combination;
[0013] FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the cup/lid
combination of FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of two of the cups of FIG.
4 showing that they are nestable;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention showing the top and lid without the cup;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cup
showing the top and lid of FIG. 7 secured on the lip of a cup;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cup/lid combination of
FIG. 4, showing the lid retained in a slot portion on the side of
the cup;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the cup of FIG. 4
showing the slot portion without a lid therein;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cup and lid with a T-bar
connection in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cup and lid of FIG. 11
with the lid exploded from the cup;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the cup and lid of
FIG. 11;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of the T-bar recess
of the cup of FIG. 11;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a detailed perspective view of the T-bar
connector in the T-bar recess of the cup of FIG. 11;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 11;
[0025] FIG. 16a is a detailed perspective view of the T-bar
connector of the lid of FIG. 11;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cup and lid with a snap
fit connection in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the cup and lid of FIG. 17
with the lid exploded from the cup;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a detailed perspective view of the snap fit
connection of the lid and cup of FIG. 17;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a detailed perspective view of the cup and lid of
FIG. 17 with the lid exploded from the cup;
[0030] FIG. 21 is another detailed perspective view of the snap fit
connection of the lid and cup of FIG. 17;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a detailed perspective view of the snap fit
recess of the cup of FIG. 17;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a detailed perspective view of the snap fit
member of the lid of FIG. 17;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a top plan view of a lid assembly in accordance
with another embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a side elevation sectional view of the lid
assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A of FIG. 24;
[0035] FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the lid assembly of
FIG. 24;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG.
24;
[0037] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 24
with the lid detached from the band;
[0038] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 24
secured to the top of a cup;
[0039] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 24 on a cup
with a recess;
[0040] FIG. 31 is a detailed cross-sectional view taken along line
31 of FIG. 29 showing the band snap fit on the bottom of the
lip;
[0041] FIG. 32a is a top perspective view of a lid assembly in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 32b is a bottom perspective view of a lid assembly in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 33 is a detailed cross-sectional elevational view of
the lid assemblies of FIGS. 32a and 32b showing the band on the lip
of the cup and the lid secured over the band;
[0044] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a plurality of stacked cups
with the lid assembly of FIG. 32b thereon;
[0045] FIG. 35 is exploded view of the lid assembly of FIG. 32b
after the tether has been torn;
[0046] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a cup after the lid has
been secured over the band, with a portion of the cup cut away to
show the band;
[0047] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG.
32b showing the lid being twisted before being secured on the
band;
[0048] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG.
32b after the lid has been twisted and secured on the band;
[0049] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a cup having the lid
assembly of FIG. 32a thereon;
[0050] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a cup having the lid
assembly of FIG. 32a thereon after the lid has been pivoted and
secured over the band; and
[0051] FIG. 41 is a detailed cross-sectional elevational view
showing a band that is secured tightly to the lip of the cup.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the numeral 11 designates generally
the cup and numeral 12 designates generally the lid for the
cup.
[0053] For exemplary purposes only, described hereinbelow is a
preferred embodiment wherein the cups described are of a nestable
variety. However, this is not a limitation on the present
invention. It will be understood that the cup/lid combinations
taught herein can by used with any type of cup or vessel that
includes a lid. Other uses for the cup/lid combinations described
herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant
art.
[0054] It will be appreciated that terms such as "top," "bottom,"
"side," "upwardly" and other such descriptive terms used
hereinbelow are merely for ease of description and refer to the
orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be
understood that any orientation of the cup/lid combinations
described herein is within the scope of the present invention.
[0055] Cup 11 is a nestable variety, meaning that it can be stacked
with a cup nesting inside a cup therebeneath in a stack. To this
end cup 11 has a frustoconical wall 13 with a closed bottom 14 and
an open top 15. The cup preferably has a thickened or rolled lip 16
at the open top 15.
[0056] The wall 13 of cup 11 has a circular recess 17 therein for
receiving the lid 12. In the view of the recess 17 there are
provided one or more pairs of oppositely disposed nubs 18 which are
adapted to overlie and retain the periphery 19 of the lid 12 when
it is positioned within recess 17. (Only one such nub 18 is shown
in the drawings at FIG. 2 and in enlarged section in FIG. 3.)
[0057] Both the cup 11 and the lid 12 are preferably formed of thin
wall flexible plastic materials thus enabling the lid 12 to be bent
and flexed in placing it in recess 17 beneath cup nubs 18 and to
likewise flex when the lid 12 is snapped out of the recess 17 for
use in covering the open top 15 of the cup.
[0058] If desired a tab 20 may be affixed to or be integral with
the lid 12 to facilitate removing the lid from the cup wall recess
17.
[0059] Also, if desired the combination may include a flexible
tether 21 providing a connection between the lid and the cup. The
tether 21 prevents the lid from flying free when it is pulled from
the recess 17 in the cup wall 13.
[0060] From the foregoing it should be apparent that with the cup
lid 12 nestled within the recess 17 of the cup wall 13 the cup and
lid can be nested within another like cup/lid combination for
stacked storage and dispensing.
[0061] In another embodiment, the recess 17 can include a lip,
similar to lip 16 for retaining the lid 12. In this embodiment,
instead of being nestled within recess 17, the lid 12 is snap fit
onto the lip within recess 17, just as it is typically snap fit
onto lip 16 when in use. In this embodiment, the cups are still
nestable because the lip is located within recess 17. In use, the
lid 12 is removed from the lip in recess 17 and is then placed on
lip 16. In yet another embodiment, recess 17 can be omitted, and a
lip for retaining lid 12 can be formed on the side wall 13 of cup
11.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, a second embodiment of a cup/lid
combination is shown. Cup 40 is similar to cup 11, but has recess
17 omitted. Cup 40 is preferably a nestable variety. To this end
cup 40 has a frustroconical wall 13 with a closed bottom 14 and an
open top 15. The cup preferably has a thickened or rolled lip 16 at
the open top 15.
[0063] In a preferred embodiment, cup 40 includes flexible tether
42 and band 44. The band 44 extends around the cup 40 preferably
just under lip 16. The band 44, tether 42 and lid 12 together form
a top for the cup 40. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tether 42 is
connected at one end to the band 44 and at its opposite end to the
lid 12. In an alternative embodiment, the tether 42 can be attached
to or formed with the cup 40 itself, thus eliminating the need for
band 44.
[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the band 44 is seated in a
shallow channel that is formed in the side wall 13 of the cup 40.
In a preferred embodiment, the channel can be omitted.
[0065] As is best shown in FIG. 4, in a preferred embodiment, the
top 15 of cup 40 has a convex/concave shape. In other words, when
viewed from one side (as shown in FIG. 6), the top 15 has a concave
shape. When the cup 40 is turned 90 degrees from the position shown
in FIG. 6 the top 15 has a convex shape. This configuration is
referred to herein as a convex/concave shape and will be readily
understood by those skilled in the art. After being stored for a
period of time, lid 12 takes on a shape similar to that shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5. This is because in storage, lid 12 points upwardly,
as shown in FIG. 6. When the stack of cups 40 is placed in a
sleeve, the lid 12 of a lower cup 40 typically contacts some of the
cups 40 above it in the stack. Because the cups 40 are round and
the cups 40 and lids 12 are secured in a sleeve, the lids 12 tend
to mirror the shape of the cups, thus giving the lids 12 a
convex/concave shape.
[0066] This convex/concave shape substantially corresponds to that
of top 15 of cup 40 Therefore, the top 15 of cup 40 and lip 16 are
preferably shaped in a non-flat or convex/concave shaped manner to
accommodate the shape of lid 12 after storage. In an alternative
embodiment, the lid 12 can have a convex/concave shape when
manufactured. In this embodiment, the lid 12 and top 15 of cup 40
are both shaped so as to fit one another before the lid 12 is
placed in the storage position (as described below).
[0067] In use, lid 12 is moved between a storage position 60 and a
use position 62. As shown in FIG. 6, the lid 12 starts in the
storage position 60. A user first removes the cup 40 from the
stack. However, the tether 42 keeps the lid 12 attached to the lid
12, so that it does not drop to the floor, counter, etc. The user
then fills the cup 40 with a beverage and places the lid 12 on the
cup, which is referred to herein as the use position 62.
[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the band 44 is disposable. In
this embodiment, after removing cup 40 from the stack, the user
tears the tether 42, thereby separating the band 44 from the lid 12
and then places the lid 12 on the cup 40 in the use position 62.
After the lid 12 is separated from the band 44, the band 44 can
then be disposed of.
[0069] In yet another embodiment, the lid 12 can be stored inside
cup 40. In use, the lid 12 is moved between a storage position, a
filling position and a use position. It will be understood that the
filling position is any position where the lid 12 is out of the cup
40 and not in the way when the cup 40 is being filled.
[0070] Preferably, the lid 12, band 44 and tether 42 are formed of
a unitary piece of material. In an alternative embodiment, the lid
12, band 44 and tether 42 are formed of separate pieces that are
attached to one another. Furthermore, the lid 12, band 44 and the
tether 42 are preferably formed of thin wall flexible plastic
materials thus enabling the lid 12 and tether to be bent and flexed
when the lid is moved from the storage position to the use
position. Also, the thin wall flexible plastic material allows for
easy tearing of the tether in the embodiment where the band 44 is
disposable. In another embodiment, where the band 44 is omitted,
the lid 12, tether 42 and cup 40 are formed of a unitary piece of
material.
[0071] A third preferred embodiment of the present invention is
shown in FIGS. 7-8. In this embodiment, a top 70 includes a band 44
that is fitted around the lip 16, and a lid 12 that is connected to
the band 44 by a tether 42. The band 44 includes a channel 72 for
receiving the lip 16 of the cup 40. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the
lip 16 of the cup 40 is received in the channel 72. The top 70 is
preferably made of an elastomeric material, such as plastic or the
like. Accordingly, the top 70 can be snap fit on the top 15 of the
cup 40 by mating the channel 72 and the lip 16 of the cup 40.
Preferably, the band 44 also includes a lip 74. In use, the lid 12,
which is secured to the bottom portion 44a of the band 44 is snap
fit onto the lip 74 of the band. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the
channel 72 is defined in the bottom portion 44a of the band 44 and
extends upwardly into the lip 74. In an alternative embodiment, the
channel 72 can be defined only in the bottom portion 44a of the
band 44. In this embodiment, the top 70 can be used on a cup
without a lip and can therefore provide a lip for the cup and the
capability of securing a lid thereon.
[0072] As can be seen in FIG. 7, in a preferred embodiment, the top
70 has a non-flat or convex/concave shape similar to that described
above with respect to the second embodiment of the present
invention. However, the top 70 can also have a flat configuration,
as is shown in FIG. 8. It will be understood by those skilled in
the art, that in this embodiment, the cup 40 can simply be a prior
art cup that has the top 70 secured thereon.
[0073] In this embodiment, the tether 42 can be tearable or not.
However, in the event that the tether 42 is torn, because the band
44 is secured around the lip 16, the tether 42 is not disposable as
it is in the embodiment described above.
[0074] In use, the cups 40 come in a stack with the top 70 secured
to the lip 16 of the cup. The lid 12 is in the open or storage
position, so that the cups 40 can all fit in one another. A user
pulls a cup 40 from the stack, fills the cup 40 and closes the lid
12, thus placing the lid 12 in the use position. This method is
advantageous for both the user and the establishment selling the
cup and/or drink. The user does not have to take a cup from one
stack and a lid from a separate stack. Moreover, because the lid is
already attached to the cup, there is little chance of lids being
wasted. In other words, the user will not pull two lids
accidentally from a stack and drop one on the floor. The user saves
time and the establishment saves money and inventory.
[0075] FIGS. 9-10 show the cup 40 as shown in FIGS. 4-6, but
without the tether 42 on the lid 12. As shown in FIGS. 4-6 and
9-10, instead of including a circular recess for retaining the lid
12, as is shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 1-3, the side wall 13 of
the cup 40 has a slot portion 80 defined therein into which the lid
12 is slid so that it can be retained in the recess 17 in the side
of cup 40. It will be understood that recess 17 is part of slot
portion 80. As shown in FIG. 9, cup 40 includes a raised portion 82
and an indented portion 84 that cooperate to define the slot
portion 80. The slot portion 80 includes a closed top 86 and an
open bottom or mouth 88 into which the lid 12 is inserted and is
then slid up into place in recess 17.
[0076] As is best shown in FIG. 10, the side wall, and in
particular the raised portion 82 includes a flange 90 that extends
into and partially defines the slot portion 80. This flange 90 is
adapted to overlie and retain the periphery 19 of lid 12 when it is
inserted through mouth 88, slid into slot portion 80 and secured in
place against closed top 86, as is shown in FIG. 9. Similar to the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the slot portion 80 and/or recess 17
can also include one or more nubs which are adapted to overlie and
retain the periphery 19 of the lid 12 when it is positioned within
slot portion 80 and/or recess 17.
[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the flange 90 extends from raised
portion 82 in such a manner that it is flush with the outer surface
of raised portion 82. Such an arrangement allows for multiple cups
40 to be stacked with the lid 12 disposed in the slot portion 80,
if so desired.
[0078] To store the lid 12, the lid 12 is flexed appropriately (so
that it mimics the shape of the outer surface of side wall 13), and
then inserted through mouth 88 under flange 90 and is slid into
position in slot portion 80 and recess 17.
[0079] In use, the cups can come stacked with the lid 12 attached
to a tether 42 and band 44 or in a stack with the lid 12 disposed
in slot portion 80. If the lid 12 is attached to the tether, a user
pulls a cup 40 from the stack, takes the band 44 off of the cup 44,
tears the tether 42, discards the band 44, and then can either
place the lid 12 on top of the cup 44 or can slide the lid 12 into
the slot portion 80 for storage while filling or drinking from the
cup. If the lid is already stored in the slot portion 80, the user
pulls a cup 40 from the stack, slides the lid 12 out of slot
portion 80 (through mouth 88), fills the cup 40 (these steps can be
reversed) and places the lid on the lip 16 of the cup. This method
is advantageous for both the user and the establishment selling the
cup and/or drink. The user does not have to take a cup from one
stack and a lid from a separate stack. Moreover, because the lid is
already disposed in the slot portion of the cup, there is little
chance of lids being wasted. In other words, the user will not pull
two lids accidentally from a stack and drop one on the floor. The
user saves time and the establishment saves money and
inventory.
[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the slot portion can be
defined in the side wall on the inside of cup. In another
embodiment the slot portion can extend from the bottom of the cup
to the top of the cup, thereby providing the capability of sliding
the lid in from the top or the bottom. In another embodiment, the
slot portion can extend horizontally. In another embodiment the
mouth of the slot portion can be at the top of the cup. In another
embodiment, the flange can extend over the slot portion, thereby
covering the lid when it is in its storage position.
[0081] A fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is
shown in FIGS. 11-16. In this embodiment, the lid 12 and a cup 100
include a T-bar connection 102. The T-bar connection 102 comprises
a connector 104 that extends from the lid 12 and a recess 106 in
the cup 100. The connector 104 is removably received in the recess
106.
[0082] As is best shown in FIGS. 16 and 16a, connector 104 includes
an extension 108 that extends from lid 12, and a pair of pegs 110
that extend outwardly extension 108. In a preferred embodiment,
extension 108 includes a bend 108a therein. However, this is not a
limitation on the present invention. As is best shown in FIG. 14,
recess 106 includes a wide portion 112 and a pair of knobs 114.
[0083] With reference to FIGS. 11, 12 and 15, to establish the
T-bar connection, the pegs 110 are inserted into the wide portion
112 of recess 106 and then the extension 108 is snapped past the
knobs 114 an into place, as is shown in FIG. 15. It will be
understood that the distance between the knobs 114 is less than the
width of the extension 108. Because the extension 108 is made of a
pliable material, it deforms as it is pressed past the knobs 104.
To remove the connector 104 from the recess 106, the extension 108
is pulled back past the knobs 104. As is shown in FIG. 11, the bend
108a in extension 108 in combination with the location of the knobs
104 and the pegs 110 allows the lid 12 to rest in a downwardly
extending position. This position is advantageous for stacking and
dispensing of the cup 100 and lid 12 together.
[0084] As can be seen FIGS. 11-12, in a preferred embodiment, the
cup 100 has a non-flat or convex/concave shape similar to that
described above with respect to the second embodiment of the
present invention. However, the top of cup 100 can also have a flat
configuration. It will be understood by those skilled in the art,
that in this embodiment, the cup 100 and lid 12 can simply be a
prior art cup and lid that include the components of the T-bar
connection 102. In this embodiment, the connector 104 can be
tearable from lid 12 or not.
[0085] In an alternative embodiment, the knobs 104 can be omitted
and the wide portion 112 can include knobs or the like into which
the pegs 110 can be snap fit.
[0086] A fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is
shown in FIGS. 17-23. In this embodiment, the lid 12 and a cup 120
include a snap fit connection 122. The snap fit connection 122
comprises a connector 124 that extends from the lid 12 and a recess
126 in the cup 120. The connector 124 is removably received in the
recess 126.
[0087] As is best shown in FIGS. 19-23, connector 124 includes an
extension 128 that extends from lid 12, and a U-shaped member 130
that extends outwardly from extension 128. The U-shaped member 130
includes two elongated ridges 130a on an inside surface thereof. In
a preferred embodiment, extension 128 includes a bend 128a therein.
However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. As is
best shown in FIG. 14, recess 126 includes a protrusion 132 that
has a pair of indentations 134 defined therein.
[0088] With reference to FIGS. 19-22, to establish the snap fit
connection, the U-shaped member 130 is pressed over the protrusion
132. Due to the material of the U-shaped member, the elongated
ridges 130a cause the U-shaped member to spread until the elongated
ridges 130a snap into place in the indentations 134. It will be
understood that the distance between the elongated ridges 130a is
less than the width of the protrusion 132. To remove the connector
124 from the recess 126, the extension U-shaped member 130 is
pulled backwards so that the elongated ridges 130a come out of the
indentations 134 and U-shaped member 130 comes off of protrusion
132. In a preferred embodiment, protrusion 132 also includes a
blocker 136 for preventing the connector 104, and specifically
U-shaped member 130 from being pulled downwardly and sliding off of
protrusion 132 and out of recess 126.
[0089] As is shown in FIG. 17, the bend 128a in extension 128
allows the lid 12 to rest in a downwardly extending position. This
position is advantageous for stacking and dispensing of the cup 120
and lid 12 together.
[0090] As can be seen FIGS. 17-18, in a preferred embodiment, the
cup 120 has a non-flat or convex/concave shape similar to that
described above with respect to the second embodiment of the
present invention. However, the top of cup 120 can also have a flat
configuration. It will be understood by those skilled in the art,
that in this embodiment, the cup 120 and lid 12 can simply be a
prior art cup and lid that include the components of the snap fit
connection 122. In this embodiment, the connector 124 can be
tearable from lid 12 or not.
[0091] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
other temporary connections between the cup and lid are within the
scope of the present invention. Any connection that includes a
connector extending from the lid and a recess in the cup or vice
versa is within the scope of the invention. For example,
VELCRO.TM., buttons, other snap fit connections or the like are
possible.
[0092] FIGS. 24-31 show another embodiment of the invention wherein
a lid assembly 140 is secured on the cup 40. Similar to the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-8, lid assembly 140 includes a lid 12
and a band 144 that are connected by a tether 142. The band 144 is
formed such that it can be secured on the lip 16 of a cup 40. In
other words, the band 144 is snap fit on the top of a cup 40 in the
same manner that the lid 12 is. The band 144 includes a channel 146
that receives the lip 16 of the cup 40. As shown in the figures,
the tether 142 is connected at one end to the band 144 and at its
opposite end to the lid 12. In an alternative embodiment, the band
can be formed so as to fit onto a cup with a non-flat top. For
example, it could fit on a convex/concave shaped top.
[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the band 144 is snap fit onto the
cup 10 from the bottom. This works particularly well with paper or
plastic cups that have a rolled lip 16, such as that shown in FIGS.
29 and 31. As is best shown in FIGS. 25 and 31, the band 144
includes an upper portion 144a that has a greater circumference
than a lower portion 144b. The upper and lower portions 144a and
144b partially define the channel 146. The upper portion 144a fits
snugly on the lip 16 and the lower portion 144b fits snugly against
the outer surface of the cup. To put the lid assembly 140 on the
cup 40, the hoop is slid up the cup 40 from the bottom and the
upper portion 144a is snap fit onto the bottom of the lip 16 such
that the lip 16 is received in channel 146.
[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the band 144 is disposable. In
use, the cups 40 come in a stack with the lid assembly 140 secured
to the lip 16 of the cups 10. The lid 12 extends outwardly, as
shown in FIG. 29, so that the cups 40 can all fit in one another in
a nested fashion. A user pulls a cup 40 from the stack and then
tears the tether 142 (preferably along score marks 148), thereby
separating the lid 12 from the band 144. The band 144 is then
removed from the top of the cup 40 and can then be disposed of. In
a preferred embodiment, the band 144 extends high enough above the
top of cup 40 that a user can push the band 144 downwardly thereby
separating the lip 16 from the channel 146 and causing the band to
drop downwardly for disposal thereof. After disposal of the band
144, the user fills the cup 40 and places the lid 12 on the top 15
thereof.
[0095] FIG. 7 shows the lid 12 on a cup 40 with a recess 126 that
is used for a lid with a connector, such as the connectors
described above.
[0096] Preferably, the lid 12, band 144 and tether 142 are formed
of a unitary piece of material. In an alternative embodiment, the
lid 12, band 144 and tether 142 are formed of separate pieces that
are attached to one another. Furthermore, the lid 12, band 144 and
the tether 142 are preferably formed of thin wall flexible plastic
materials thus enabling the lid 12 and tether to be bent and
flexed. Also, the thin wall flexible plastic material allows for
easy tearing of the tether.
[0097] FIGS. 32-41 show another embodiment of the invention wherein
another lid assembly 240 is secured on the cup 40. Similar to the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 24-31, lid assembly 240 includes a lid 12
and a band 244 that are connected by a tether 242. The band 244 is
formed such that it can be secured on the lip 16 of a cup 40. In
other words, the band 244 is snap fit on the top of a cup 40 in the
same manner that the lid 12 is. As shown in FIG. 33, the lip 16 has
a top surface 16a, and a portion of the band 244 contacts the top
surface 16a. And, when on the cup, the inner surface of the lid 12
contacts the outer surface of the band 244. Also, the lid 12 and
the band 244 each include a downwardly depending skirt 12a and
244b. The downwardly depending skirt 12a of the lid 12 contacts the
downwardly depending skirt 244b of the band 244 when the lid 12 is
secured on the band 244. In some embodiments, the bottom of the
skirts can be in alignment (e.g., FIG. 33) and in other
embodiments, they can be out of alignment (e.g., FIG. 38).
[0098] The band 244 preferably includes a channel 246 that receives
the lip 16 of the cup 40. However, this is not a limitation on the
present invention. Channel 246 is similar to the channel on a
typical plastic lid that is sold in convenient and fast food
stores. When the lid 12 is placed on the band 244, the channel on
the lid 12 contacts or corresponds to the channel 246 on the band.
As shown in the figures, the tether 242 is connected at one end to
the band 244 and at its opposite end to the lid 12. In an
alternative embodiment, the band can be formed so as to fit onto a
cup with a non-flat top. For example, it could fit on a
convex/concave shaped top.
[0099] The difference between this embodiment and that described
above and shown in FIGS. 24-31 is that the band 244 is designed so
that it fits onto the lip 16 from the top (as opposed to the
bottom) so that the lid 12 can be secured over the band 242 while
the band 242 is still secured on the lip 16.
[0100] As is shown in FIGS. 32a and 32b, the lid 12 can be
connected to the tether 242 so that it is oriented upwardly or
downwardly. As is best shown in FIG. 33, the band 244 includes an
upper portion 244a that contacts the top of the lip 16 and a lower
portion or downwardly depending skirt 244b. The upper and lower
portions 244a and 244b partially define the channel 246. To secure
the band 244 on the lip 16, the band 244 is pressed downwardly
until it is snap fit onto the cup and the lip is received by the
channel. This is similar to a typical lid being secured on the top
of a cup in a convenient store and the like. Essentially, the band
244 is a lid with the center removed so that another cup can fit
therethrough and be nested within.
[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the band 244 remains on the cup
after the lid 12 has been placed "on the cup" and someone takes a
drink. In use, the cups 40 come in a stack with the lid assembly
240 secured to the lip 16 of the cups 40. The lid 12 extends
outwardly, as shown in FIG. 34, so that the cups 40 can all fit in
one another in a nested fashion. In one embodiment, a user pulls a
cup 40 from the stack and then tears the tether 242 (preferably
along score marks), thereby separating the lid 12 from the band 244
(as shown in FIG. 35). The user then fills the cup 40 and places
the lid 12 over the band 244, which is still on the lip 16 of the
cup 40 (as shown in FIG. 36).
[0102] In another embodiment where the lid assembly 240 has the
orientation shown in FIG. 32b, instead of tearing the tether 242,
the tether 242 and lid are pivoted and twisted (as shown in FIG.
37) and the lid 12 is placed over the band 244 and snap fit onto
the lip 16 of the cup 40 (as shown in FIG. 38).
[0103] In yet another embodiment where the lid assembly 240 has the
orientation shown in FIGS. 32a and 39, instead of tearing the
tether 242, the lid 12 is pivoted and the lid 12 is placed over the
band 244 and snap fit onto the lip 16 of the cup 40 (as shown in
FIG. 40).
[0104] Leaving the band 244 on the cup in use prevents waste by
having to discard the band. Preferably the band 244 does not
contact the inside surface of the cup. However, in another body, a
portion of the band can contact the inside surface of the cup,
provided another cup can still nest in the cup. Generally, the
bands must be able to fit over the lips of each cup so that a
plurality of cups can be stacked, as shown in FIG. 34. Any
orientation of the band and attached lid is within the scope of the
present invention as long as the above goal is met.
[0105] In these embodiments, it is anticipated that the typical
user will place the lid 12 over the band 244 and onto the cup 40
and will use a straw to drink the liquid therein. FIG. 41 shows
another embodiment, where the band 344 is secured tightly to the
lip 16, e.g., by vacuum sealing or the like, so that a user could
drink out of the cup without a lid and not have any of the liquid
spill because of a loose fit between the band and the lip.
[0106] In each of the above described embodiments, the lid 12, band
244 or 344 and the tether 242 are preferably formed of thin wall
flexible plastic materials thus enabling the lid 12 and tether 242
to be bent and flexed. Also, the thin wall flexible plastic
material allows for easy tearing of the tether. However, the
material of which the lid assembly is made is not a limitation on
the present invention.
[0107] The embodiments described above are exemplary embodiments of
the present invention. Those skilled in the art may now make
numerous uses of, and departures from, the above-described
embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed
herein. Accordingly, the present invention is to be defined solely
by the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *