U.S. patent application number 15/393960 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-10 for cup lid with reclosable cap.
The applicant listed for this patent is LBP Manufacturing LLC. Invention is credited to Weston Koennecke, Stephen A. Smith.
Application Number | 20180127161 15/393960 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61258071 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180127161 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Stephen A. ; et
al. |
May 10, 2018 |
CUP LID WITH RECLOSABLE CAP
Abstract
A cup lid assembly includes a cover and a cap. The cover
includes an annular mounting portion that secures the cover to the
cup rim, an outer annular side wall, an annular upper ridge, an
annular inner sidewall, and an interior portion. The annular upper
ridge has a drink opening, and the annular inner sidewall slopes
downward and inward from the annular upper ridge toward the
interior portion. The cap is removably attachable to the cover and
includes a main body arranged to be positioned over the interior
portion of the cover and a hinged flap extending from the main
body. The hinged flap includes a plug adapted to seal the drink
opening. The annular inner sidewall has printed text provided on
the sloped surface of the annular inner sidewall opposite the drink
opening.
Inventors: |
Smith; Stephen A.;
(Naperville, IL) ; Koennecke; Weston; (Oak Park,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LBP Manufacturing LLC |
Cicero |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61258071 |
Appl. No.: |
15/393960 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62419306 |
Nov 8, 2016 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00268
20130101; B65D 2251/0021 20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D
51/18 20130101; B65D 2543/00509 20130101; B65D 2543/00555 20130101;
B65D 43/0204 20130101; B65D 2543/00731 20130101; B65D 43/16
20130101; B65D 2543/00046 20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D
2543/00796 20130101; B65D 43/0212 20130101; B65D 2203/02 20130101;
B65D 2251/0028 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2251/0081
20130101; A47G 19/2272 20130101; B65D 2251/009 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/16 20060101
B65D043/16; B65D 43/02 20060101 B65D043/02; B65D 51/18 20060101
B65D051/18; A47G 19/22 20060101 A47G019/22 |
Claims
1. A lid assembly comprising: a cover configured to attach to a top
rim of a cup surrounding a cup opening, the cover including: an
annular mounting portion configured to receive the top rim of the
cup and secure the cover thereto; an annular upper ridge defined
between an inner peripheral edge and outer peripheral edge, the
annular upper ridge having a drink opening; an annular outer
sidewall extending upward from the mounting portion to the outer
peripheral edge of the annular upper ridge; an interior portion
having an outer periphery; and an annular inner sidewall having a
surface that slopes downward and inward from the inner peripheral
edge of the annular upper ridge to the outer periphery of the
interior portion; and a cap removably attachable to the cover, the
cap comprising: a main body configured to attach to and cover at
least part of the interior portion of the cover; and a flap
extending from the main body, the flap including a plug at an end
of the flap, the plug configured to pivot between open and closed
positions, and to be inserted into and seal the drink opening in
the closed position, wherein the annular inner sidewall comprises
readable indicia on the sloped surface, the readable indicia
extending along a portion of the annular inner sidewall that is
opposite the drink opening.
2. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein a slope angle of the
portion of the annular inner sidewall comprising readable indicia
differs from a slope angle of the annular inner sidewall adjacent
the drink opening, wherein the slope angle is defined by the angle
between an axis tangent to the annular inner sidewall and a
horizontal axis of the cover.
3. The lid assembly of claim 2, wherein the slope angle of the
portion of the annular inner sidewall that comprises the readable
indicia is between about 10.degree. and about 25.degree..
4. The lid assembly of claim 3, wherein the slope angle of the
annular inner sidewall portion adjacent the drink opening is
between about 30.degree. and about 45.degree..
5. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the readable indicia is
formed by a deformation in the cover.
6. The lid assembly of claim 5, wherein the readable indicia forms
at least one of an embossed or a raised marking, and is formed by
at least one of a molding, engraving, or stamping process.
7. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the flap is configured so
that it does not obscure the readable indicia in when the flap is
in either the open position or the closed position.
8. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein interior portion of the
cover comprises a first post and the main body of the cap comprises
a second post that defines a cavity on an underside of the cap,
wherein the first post is configured to fit within the cavity to
facilitate securing the cap to the cover, and wherein the second
post is configured to form a securable connection with the plug at
the end of the flap.
9. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein the main body of the cap
comprises readable indicia between the second post and an edge of
the cap opposite the flap.
10. The lid assembly of claim 8, wherein, the flap in the open
position is configured to be secured to the second post without
covering any of the readable indicia on the cap.
11. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the annular upper ridge
includes an inclined surface between the inner and outer peripheral
edges thereof that extends transversely with respect to a
horizontal plane defined by the cup opening, such that the distance
between the inclined surface of the annular upper ridge and the
annular mounting portion at the drink opening is greater than the
distance between the inclined surface of the annular upper ridge
and the annular mounting portion adjacent the portion of the
annular inner sidewall comprising the readable indicia.
12. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the annular upper ridge
has a width between the inner and outer peripheral edges that is
greater at the drink opening than along the portion of the annular
upper ridge opposite the drink opening.
13. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the main body of the cap
is defined by an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter defining a
shape that corresponds with that of the outer periphery of the
interior portion of the cover such that the cap covers
substantially the entire interior portion of the cover when the cap
is attached to the cover.
14. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the interior portion of
the cover includes a cap mounting groove and a recessed well
portion, wherein the cap mounting groove extends around the outer
periphery of the interior portion and terminates adjacent opposite
sidewalls of the recessed well portion, and wherein the main body
of the cap includes a corresponding projection and a well portion
that complement the cap mounting groove and recessed well portion
of the interior portion of the cover so that the main body nests
over the interior portion of the cover when the cap is mounted to
the cover with the projection received within the cap mounting
groove.
15. The lid assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover and the cap are
formed from materials having different thicknesses.
16. A lid assembly comprising: a cover configured to attach to a
top rim of a cup surrounding a cup opening, the cover including: an
annular mounting portion configured to receive the top rim of the
cup to secure the cover thereto; an annular upper ridge defined
between an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, the
annular upper ridge having a drink opening; an annular outer
sidewall extending upward from the mounting portion to the outer
peripheral edge of the annular upper ridge; an interior portion
having an outer periphery; and an annular inner sidewall
circumscribing the interior portion, the annular inner sidewall
sloping downward and inward between inner peripheral edge of the
annular upper ridge and the outer periphery of the interior
portion; and a cap removably attachable to the cover comprising: a
main body configured to attach to and cover at least part of the
interior portion of the cover; and a flap pivotally extending from
the main body, the flap including a plug at an end of the flap, the
plug configured to be inserted into and seal the drink opening,
wherein interior portion of the cover comprises a first post and
the main body of the cap comprises a second post that defines a
cavity on an underside of the cap, wherein the first post is
configured to fit within the cavity when the cap is secured to the
cover, and wherein the second post is configured to form a
securable connection with the plug at the end of the flap for
holding the flap in an open position away from the drink
opening.
17. The lid assembly of claim 16, wherein the first post is
positioned in a centralized location of the cover.
18. The lid assembly of claim 16, wherein the first post is
positioned at the center of the cover.
19. The lid assembly of claim 16, wherein the main body of the cap
comprises readable indicia between the second post and a peripheral
edge of the cap side opposite the flap.
20. The lid assembly of claim 19, wherein the flap is configured to
secure to the second post without covering the readable indicia on
the cap.
21. The lid assembly of claim 16, wherein the main body of the cap
is defined by an outer perimeter, the outer perimeter defining a
shape that corresponds with that of the outer periphery of the
interior portion of the cover such that the cap covers
substantially the entire interior portion of the cover when the cap
is attached to the cover.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
provisional application No. 62/419,306, filed Nov. 8, 2016, titled
"Cup Lid With Reclosable Cap," the contents of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cup lids can be used to seal the top opening of a beverage
container. For example, vendors often provide disposable cup lids
with cups or other containers that contain drinks such as coffee,
tea, soda, etc. Such cup lids include an annular mounting portion
that allows the lid to attach and/or seal with the cup. The lids
have an opening or spout that allows users to drink or otherwise
pour fluid from the cup or container while the lid is in place.
[0003] Some cup lids have an integrated closure member that
facilitates closing or covering of the opening or spout. The
closure members can help inhibit spillage or undesired leaking
through the opening when the opening is not in use. For example,
some lids have an arm with a tab at a distal end that extends from
the periphery of the lid. A user may flex the arm to insert the tab
into the drink opening of the lid, thereby closing or plugging the
opening.
[0004] Some cup lids have printed text that displays promotional,
warning, or other types of information. For example, some cup lids
will include printed text that warns consumers about the
temperature of the contents of the cup, or that provides branding
information in the form of logos or product names associated with
the beverage. Some cup lids will also include other information
relating to the size of the cup, or whether or not the lid is
recyclable. Users may find this printed text difficult to read for
various reasons. For example, the printed text may be formed via a
deformation in the lid itself, and thus have the same color as the
surrounding portion of the lid. As a result, the text may not be
readily discernable in certain light or at certain viewing angles.
Further, the arm or sealing mechanisms may lie over the text,
thereby obscuring, hiding, or otherwise making the text difficult
to read.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one form according to the present invention, this
application discloses and describes a lid assembly that includes a
cover and a cap. The cover is configured to attach to a cup
opening. The cover includes an annular mounting portion that
secures and/or seals the cover to a top rim of the cup. The cover
also has an annular upper ridge with a drink opening that allows
fluid contents of the cup to be poured from the cup. An annular
outer sidewall extends upward from the mounting portion to an outer
peripheral edge of the annular upper ridge. The cover also has an
annular inner sidewall circumscribing an interior portion. The
annular inner sidewall has a surface that slopes downward and
inward from the annular upper ridge to the interior portion. The
cap is attachable to the cover and includes a main body and a flap
that pivotally extends from the main body. The flap has a hinge and
a plug at an end of the flap. The plug can be inserted into the
drink opening to form a seal that inhibits fluid within the
container from leaking out of the drink opening. In some aspects,
the cover has printed text on the sloped surface of the annular
inner sidewall. The printed text extends across a location of the
annular inner sidewall that is opposite the drink opening. In
additional and/or alternative aspects, the interior portion of the
cover includes a first post and the main body of the cap includes a
corresponding second post defining a cavity on the underside of the
cap. The first post is configured to fit within the second post
with a friction fit to help secure the cap to the cover. The second
post is also configured to form a securable connection with a
cavity defined on an underside of the plug. In this way, the flap
can be pulled back to the second post and secured in place when it
is not sealing the drink opening.
[0006] In another aspect, a lid assembly for covering an opening of
a cup includes a cover configured to cover the opening of the cup
and a cap configured to be selectably attached to the cover. The
cover includes an annular mounting portion configured to secure the
cover to a top rim of the cup, an annular sidewall that extends
upwardly from the mounting portion to an outer periphery of an
upper ridge of the cover, and a drink opening defined in the upper
ridge. A tapered sidewall extends around an interior portion of the
cover. The tapered sidewall includes one or more regions at which
the tapered sidewall tapers gradually downward from an inner
periphery of the ridge towards respective one or more inner
vertical surfaces of the interior portion. An interior surface of
the cover extends between respective lower edges of the vertical
surfaces to cover substantially the area of the interior portion of
the cover. The cap includes a main body configured to be positioned
over and to cover the interior surface of the interior portion of
the cover. The cap also includes a flap that is pivotally connected
to the main body. The cap includes a plug at an end opposite a
hinge or pivot end configured to be inserted within the drink
opening and to seal the drink opening.
[0007] Other features and advantages will be, or will become,
apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the
following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all
such additional features and advantages included within this
description be within the scope of the invention as defined by the
following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the design. Moreover, in the figures, like-referenced numerals
designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lid assembly for covering
a drink cup in a closed configuration in accordance with examples
described in this application.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover of the lid assembly
of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cap of the lid assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lid assembly of FIG. 1
in an open configuration.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another lid assembly in
accordance with other examples described herein.
[0014] FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively, are top views of a cover and
a cap of the lid assembly of FIG. 5.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lid assembly of FIG.
5 in both a disassembled and assembled state.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lid assembly with printed
text and a flap in an open configuration in accordance with
examples described herein.
[0017] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the lid assembly
of FIG. 8.
[0018] FIG. 10 is an exploded side view of the lid assembly of FIG.
8.
[0019] FIG. 11 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the lid
assembly of FIG. 8.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cover component of the
lid assembly of FIG. 8.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a top view of the cover component of FIG. 12.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a top view of a cap component of the lid assembly
of FIG. 8.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cap component of
FIG. 14.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the cover component of
FIGS. 12 and 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] This application describes various examples of a lid
assembly for a drinking cup. The lid assembly is arranged to form a
securable attachment to the opening of the cup, such that the lid
remains in place on the cup when the cup is tipped to dispense
fluids. The lid assembly may form a tight seal that inhibits fluid
from within the cup from leaking from any undesirable locations,
namely, from any locations other than through the drink
opening.
[0026] The lid assembly generally comprises a cover component and a
cap component that are separably attachable to one another. The
cover component generally covers the top of a cup, and includes a
drink opening through which a user may drink or otherwise pour out
the cup's contents. The cap component attaches to the cover
component and allows the drink opening to be closed or sealed. More
specifically, the cap component includes a flap and a plug that is
pivotable between open and closed positions so that the drink
opening can be closed and/or sealed to inhibit unwanted dripping,
leaking, or spilling of the cup's contents through the drink
opening, and to help improve the thermal insulation properties of
the lid assembly. The cap may be an optional member. The cap may be
configured to be secured to or released from the cover by a user,
such as a consumer.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a
lid assembly 100 for covering a drink cup. The lid assembly 100
includes a cover 105 that is configured to attach to the cup and
may be used to substantially seal the contents therein within the
cup. The lid assembly 100 also includes a cap 205 that may be
separately attached to the cover 105.
[0028] The cover 105 includes an annular mounting portion 110
configured to secure the cover 105 to a top rim of the cup. In some
forms, the annular mounting 110 portion forms a seal that inhibits
fluid from within the cup from spilling or otherwise leaking from
the cup around the top rim. An annular sidewall 115 extends
upwardly from the mounting portion 110 to an outer periphery of an
upper ridge 120 of the cover 105. A drink opening 122 is defined in
the upper ridge 120 as shown in FIG. 2.
[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a tapered sidewall 125 extends
around the interior portion of the cover 105. The sidewall 125
includes a first set of regions where the sidewall 125 tapers
gradually downward from the inner periphery of the ridge 120
towards a first set of vertical surfaces 130. That is, each region
tapers towards a different vertical surface 130. In some
implementations, the sidewall 125 also includes a set of ledge
regions 127 where the sidewall continues to taper past the first
set of vertical surfaces 130 to a second set of vertical surfaces
131.
[0030] An interior surface 135 of the interior portion extends
between lower edges of the first set of vertical surfaces 130 to
thereby substantially cover the entire area of the interior
portion. In implementations that include the ledge regions 127,
lower edges of the second set of vertical surfaces 131 may be
separated from the interior surface 135 by a distance to thereby
define a gap or undercut 132 between lower surfaces of the ledge
regions 127 and the interior surface 135. The gap 132 width may be
slightly larger than the thickness of the cap 205 to facilitate
insertion of edge portions of the cap 205 into the gaps 132 below
the ledge regions 127. For example, the gap width may be about
0.100''.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, the cap includes a main body 210, and a
flap 220 that is pivotally connected to the main body 210. The main
body 210 is configured to be positioned over and to substantially
cover the interior surface 135 of the interior portion of the cover
105. While a solid surface is illustrated, it is understood that
the main body 210 does not generally play a role in sealing the
contents within the cup. Therefore, one or more openings for
decorative purposes, to reduce material usage, etc., may be
provided in the main body 210.
[0032] In some implementations, the main body 210 of the cap 205
may define a protruded surface 215. In this regard, the interior
surface 135 of the cover 105 may define a complementary indented
surface 140 configured to receive the protruded surface 215. The
protruded surface 215 and the indented surface 140 cooperate to
control alignment of the cap 205 within the interior portion of the
cover 105.
[0033] The flap 220 is pivotally connected to the main body 210. In
some implementations, the flap 220 is connected via a resilient
portion or hinge 230. The resilient portion 230 may have a
generally curved cross-section and may be sized to facilitate
opening and closing of the flap 220 for a repeated number of times
without breaking. In this regard, the resilient portion 230 may be
configured to extend somewhat below a plane within which the main
body 210 lies. The distance by which the resilient portion 230 is
below the main body 210 may be related to the radius of the curved
section. To facilitate flush mounting of the main body 210 within
the interior portion of the cover 105, the interior surface 135 of
the cover 105 may define an indentation 145 with a depth that at
least matches the distance by which the resilient portion 230
extends below the main body 210 to prevent substantial interference
between the interior surface 135 of the cover 105 and the resilient
portion 230 of the flap 220.
[0034] At the opposite end of the flap 220 from the pivot end, the
flap 220 includes a plug 225 configured to be inserted within the
drink opening 122 and to seal the drink opening 122 when the flap
220 is placed in the closed configuration, as illustrated in FIG.
1. The flap 220 may also include a handle or tab portion 230
arranged above the plug 225. The handle 230 may be pinched between
a user's thumb and forefinger to facilitate removal of the plug 225
from the drink opening 122.
[0035] In one implementation, the gripping portion or handle 243 is
also arranged relative to the protrusion 215 in the main body 210,
such that when the flap 220 is placed in the fully open position
(see FIG. 4), the handle 230 enters the cavity defined by the
protrusion 215 and engages an inside edge of the protrusion 215 to
thereby retain the flap 220 in the open configuration. Other
methods known in the art may be utilized to secure the flap 220 in
the open configuration.
[0036] The cover 105 and cap 205 may come pre-assembled or may be
provided separately. When provided separately, a user may insert
the cap 205 into the interior of the cover 105. In implementations
without the ledge regions 127, the disk may be sized to provide a
friction fit against the inner vertical surfaces 130 at which the
first set of regions of the tapered sidewall 125 terminate to
thereby secure the cap 205 within the interior portion of the cover
105.
[0037] In implementations that include the ledge regions 127, the
diameter of the main body may be sized so that the edges of the
main body 210 of the cap 205 resiliently snap into the gap 132
between the lower surfaces of the ledge regions 127 and the
interior surface 210 of the cover 105 when the cap 205 is attached
to the cover. The angle at which the tapered sidewall 125 tapers
may be adjusted to allow the disk portion 210 to slide more easily
into the fully sealed position.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second lid
assembly 500 embodiment for covering an opening of a drink cup. The
lid assembly 500 includes a cover 505 that is configured to attach
to the top rim of the cup and to substantially seal the contents
therein within the cup. The lid assembly 500 also includes a cap
507 that may be separably attached to the cover 505. The lid
assembly 500 and related components are similar in structure to the
lid assembly 800 and related component shown in FIGS. 8-16,
however, the lid assembly 500 does not include printed text, such
as a warning label, trademark, or logo. It should be appreciated
that the various features and structural components of the lid
assembly 500 and the lid assembly 800, including the printed text,
are interchangeable with one another. For instance, the embodiments
of the lid assembly 500 shown and described with respect to FIGS.
5-7 could be modified to include printed text, as with the
embodiments shown and described in FIGS. 8-15.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the lid assembly generally
includes many of the features described above with reference to the
first lid assembly 100 embodiment. For example, the cover 505 of
the lid assembly 500 includes an annular mounting portion 110, an
annular sidewall 115 that extends upwardly from the mounting
portion 110 to an outer periphery of an upper ridge 120 of the
cover 105, and a drink opening 122 that is defined in the upper
ridge 120. A tapered sidewall 525 (shown in FIG. 5) extends between
the upper ridge 120 and an interior portion 635.
[0040] The cap 507 includes a main body 650 that fits over the
interior portion 635 of the cover 505. A flap 220 is pivotally
connected to the main body 650 via a hinge 642. A plug 225 is
arranged at an end of the flap 220 and is sized and configured to
be received within the drink opening 122 of the cover 505 with a
friction fit.
[0041] The interior portion 635 of the cover 505 extends within the
area defined by the interior edges 551 of the tapered sidewalls
525. The interior portion 635 includes an upper surface 602, a
groove 605a, a recessed well 610a, and a recessed surface 629. The
cap 507 is configured to fit snuggly over the interior portion 635
of the cover and has many of the same features so that the cap 507
nests over the interior portion 635. For example, the cap 507
includes an upper surface 670 that generally covers the interior
portion 635 of the cover 507, a groove 605b which forms a
protrusion extending from a bottom side of the cap 507 configured
to nest within the groove 605a in the cover 505, and a well 610b
configured to nest within the well 610a of the cover 505.
[0042] The grooves 605ab (i.e. 605a and 605b) generally extend
around the periphery of the interior portion 635 of the cover 505
and the cap 507, respectively, and terminate at or adjacent
opposite sidewalls of the respective wells 610ab. The groove 605a
in the cover 505 has a depth of about 1/8'', relative to the upper
surface 602, and an interior shape configured to complement the
corresponding outside shape of the groove 605b of the cap 507. The
depth of the grooves is merely exemplary and may be adjusted as
necessary. More specifically, when viewed from below, the groove
605a corresponds to a protrusion 606 (see the cross section of FIG.
7) or ridge that extends below the cap 507. The interior sidewalls
of the groove 605a of the cover 505 may have a negative draft angle
of about 3 to 7 degrees that match corresponding positive draft
angles of the protrusion 606. Other draft angles may be suitable.
While the illustrated grooves 605ab extend around most of the
respective peripheries, it is understood that the grooves 605ab may
extend to a lesser amount or that the grooves 605ab may not extend
by the same amount. For example, the groove 605a in the cover 505
may extend around the periphery as illustrated, while the groove
605b in the cap 507 may extend around the cap 507 to a lesser
degree, or be formed of segmented sections that fit within the
groove 605a of the cover 505. Other configurations are
contemplated.
[0043] The respective wells 610ab have a width and depth sized to
receive the flap 220 of the cover 507. A protrusion or post 615b
having a racetrack shape extends upwardly from the bottom surface
of the well 610b defined in the cap 507. The protrusion 615b is
configured to fit within a recess 226 formed in the backside of the
plug 225 disposed at the end of the flap 220 to secure the flap 220
in an open position. In some implementations, the arrangement may
be reversed such that the cover 505 may define a corresponding
recess configured to receive a protrusion extending from the bottom
side of the cap 507.
[0044] A small opening 617a is defined in the interior portion 635
of the cover 505 to facilitate equalization of pressure within the
drink cup when the lid assembly 500 is attached to the cup. A
corresponding opening 617b may be provided in the cap 507. The
respective openings 617ab may be aligned to provide an unobstructed
passage between the space within the cup and the atmosphere outside
of the cup.
[0045] In some implementations, a recessed surface 620 may be
defined in the interior portion 635 of the cover 505. The opening
617a may be defined within the recessed surface 620. The recessed
surface 620 may be recessed below the upper surface 602 of the
interior portion of the cover 505 by a depth of about 1/16'' of a
different depth.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 7, this results in the formation of a
cavity 705 between cap 507 and the cover 505 when the two are
assembled. The cavity 705 facilitates relaxation of the alignment
requirements between the respective openings 617ab by providing a
conduit between the openings 617ab. Moreover, the openings 617ab
may be spaced laterally apart from one another to minimize fluid
leakage through the openings 617ab that may otherwise occur when
the two openings 617ab are aligned.
[0047] While the lid 100 has been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope. For example, in the
first lid assembly embodiment, in implementations that do not
include the ledge regions 127, the set of regions that terminate at
the first set of vertical sidewalls 130 may form one continuous
region and the first set of vertical sidewalls 130 may be one
continuous sidewall that generally extends around the interior
portion of the cover. In implementations that include the ledge
regions 127, the main body may not be sized to provide a friction
fit against the first set of vertical surfaces 130. That is, the
main body 210 may be held in place via the gap/undercut 132 below
the ledge portions 127 alone. Of course, in the alternative, the
main body 210 may also be sized to provide a friction fit against
the first set of vertical surfaces 130.
[0048] The resilient portion of the flap 220 may be arranged above
the main body 210 which may facilitate elimination of the
indentation 145 in the interior surface 135 of the cover 105.
[0049] The lid may be made from a variety of materials including
polystyrene, polypropylene, paper, and may include fillers such as
talc or calcium. Paper materials may include paper from tree,
sugarcane bagasse, fiber, etc. Other materials known to those
skilled in the art, such as biodegradable and/or compostable
materials, may also be utilized. In some implementations, the cover
105 and cap 205 may be made from different materials and have the
same or different thickness. For example, the cap and cover may
have a thickness of about 0.015''. Alternatively, one of the cap
and cover may have a thickness of about 0.012'', and the other may
have a thickness of about 0.015''. The cover 105 and cap 205 may be
manufactured via thermoforming, injection molded, pulp molded,
etc.
[0050] Other alignment features (i.e., protrusions in the cap and
indentations in the cover, or vise-versa) may be provided.
Alternatively, the shape of the main body and the sidewall at which
the tapered sidewall of the cover terminates may be keyed to align
the main body within the interior portion of the cover.
[0051] In some implementations, the cap may be secured to the cover
via an adhesive, friction welding, etc. In this regard, the main
body 210 may have a diameter smaller than that of the tapered
sidewall 125 at an inner edge thereof.
[0052] In yet other implementations, the main body 210 may include
a retention protrusion configured to maintain the flap in the open
configuration.
[0053] Some examples of lid assemblies described herein can be used
to improve the manner that readable indicia, or printed text, is
displayed on the lid assembly. That is, some of the lids are
configured and arranged so that the printed text is easier for a
user to identify, recognize, and read. Throughout this application,
the terms "readable indicia" or "printed text" refer to text
provided on the lid or its components in a recognizable format. The
"printed text" or "readable indicia" can be printed with ink or
paint, or it can be formed as a deformation in the lid material,
for example, by being stamped, etched, engraved, embossed, or
molded into the material that forms the lid or its components. The
printed text or readable indicia may include letters, numbers and
punctuation, but it can also include other graphics such as logos,
symbols, shapes, designs, patterns, images, bar codes, Braille
patterns, and the like. The terms "printed text" and "readable
indicia" as used throughout this application are meant to be
interchangeable with one another.
[0054] The printed text can be arranged in a manner so that a user
drinking from the cup can readily recognize and read the printed
text on the lid assembly. For example, the printed text is arranged
on a sloped surface that is angled toward a location that generally
corresponds with an eye level of a user holding or drinking from
the cup. Providing the printed text on a sloped surface can help
improve the visibility of the printed text by providing a more
direct line of sight with a cup-holder's eyes, and by mitigating
reflections of light off the surface of the lid. In some aspects,
the printed text is provided as a deformation in the lid material,
meaning that the text itself is merely a contoured texture and does
not necessarily stand out by way of contrasting colors or shading.
In these aspects, reflections, viewing angles, and other factors
can diminish a user's ability to read or recognize the printed
text. By providing the printed text on a sloped or angled surface,
the printed text may be closer to perpendicular with a cup user's
line of sight. Not only can this help make the printed text easier
to read, it can also make the printed text stand out more and draw
the attention of a cup user.
[0055] Further, providing the printed text on a sloped surface can
also help improve the clarity of the printed text itself. For
instance, where printed text is formed by a stamping or molding
process, producing the printed text on a sloped surface can
mitigate, inhibit, or reduce undesirable ghosting effects or other
issues that can result from the molding or stamping processes,
which can make the printed text blurrier or otherwise more
difficult to read.
[0056] Some implementations provide the printed text in a manner so
that the printed text is not covered or obstructed by other
objects, such as a flap or a sealing mechanism. This can be
accomplished by arranging a flap or sealing mechanism so that it
leaves a portion of the lid assembly uncovered, or unobstructed in
both an open or closed position. For example, a lid may provide for
unobstructed text by arranging a securing post in or near the
center of the lid assembly, so that the flap secures to the
centralized post without covering or resting over at least a
portion of the lid assembly on an opposite side of the post. The
text on the lid assembly opposite the flap will therefore remain
uncovered and readable at all times, regardless of whether the flap
is in an open or closed position.
[0057] In some examples of the described lid assemblies, the shape
of the cover and cap components are configured to provide a more
aesthetic appearance. For example, some examples configure the
shape of the cap, or the shape of the outer periphery of the cap so
that it corresponds with the shape of certain components or
portions of the cover. In particular, the shape of the outer
perimeter of the cap may be designed to correspond with the outer
periphery of an interior portion of the cover, so that the
peripheral edge of the cap generally aligns with the outer
periphery of the interior portion when installed on the lid
assembly. Matching these shapes can align two edges so that they
appear as a single edge to a cup user, and give the impression that
the lid assembly is a single piece, rather than two separate
pieces. This single edge look may appear less busy, sleeker, and
otherwise more visually appealing to consumers. Matching the shape
of the cap and interior portion of the cover also provides a
relatively large area on the cap in which printed text may be
provided, such as a trademark, logo, or other information, as
described in more detail below.
[0058] Some features described herein also allow for an improved
connection between the separate cap and cover components of the lid
assembly. For instance, some examples utilize a centralized post in
the cover, and a corresponding cavity in the cap that is designed
to form a tight, friction fit with the centralized post. This post
can improve the securement of the cap to the cover, and inhibit
unwanted lifting or separation that can result from repeated
lifting and movement of the flap between the open and closed
positions. In some aspects, the arrangement of the centralized post
allows for more freedom in the arrangement between the grooves of
the cover and cap, such that the cap can take on different shapes
or attach to the cover in different ways while still maintaining a
firm fit onto the cover 505. Further, in some aspects, the
arrangement of the centralized post can replace the groove
configuration altogether, such that the post is the only friction
connection holding the cap to the cover.
[0059] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 8-16 present examples of a
lid assembly that utilizes many of the features described above.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a lid
assembly 800 comprising a cover 805 and a cap 807 with printed text
on the cover 805 and the cap 807. The lid assembly 800 in FIG. 8 is
shown in an assembled state, namely, with the cap 807 secured to
the cover 805. FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 show exploded top perspective,
side, and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the lid
assembly 800, that is, with the cap 807 removed from the cover 805.
The cap 807 in FIGS. 8-11 is shown with a flap 840 that is in an
open position, namely, the flap 840 is away from, and not closing
off the drink opening 822. As shown in FIGS. 8-11, the flap 840 is
held in the open position by securing the plug 845 (shown in FIG.
14) to the post 915b. FIGS. 12 and 13 show a perspective and top
view, respectively, of the cover 805 component by itself, removed
from the cap 807. FIG. 14 shows a top view of the cap 807 by
itself, removed from the cover 805. The cap 807 of FIG. 14 is shown
in a closed state, that is, with the flap 840 extending away from
the main body 850 of the cap 805, such that the plug 845 on the end
of the flap 840 could be inserted into and seal the drink opening
822. FIGS. 15 and 16 show side, cross-sectional views of the cap
807 in an open configuration, and the cover 805, respectively.
[0060] The lid assembly 800 of FIGS. 8-16 may be similar or even
the same as the lid assembly 500 shown and described with respect
to FIGS. 5-7, with the exception that lid assembly 800 includes
printed text 852 formed into the cover 805 and cap 807 components.
The printed text 852 is shown as a deformation in the material that
forms the cover 805 or cap 807. That is, the printed text 852 is
imprinted into the material by way of an indentation or engraving.
This can be formed via a variety of different techniques,
including, for example, by molding, stamping, thermosetting, or
other techniques. The printed text 852 includes warning text 852a
that informs users of potential hazards associated with the cup or
the contents therein. The printed text 852 also includes branding
information 852b that identifies or promotes products or brands,
such as that of the lid manufacturer, the cup manufacturer, or the
provider of the contents within the cup (e.g., a particular
restaurant or coffee shop). The branding information 852b can
include trade names or other non-alphanumeric graphics such as
logos, symbols, or other images. The printed text 852 also includes
informative text 852c that provides useful information relating to
the lid, cup, or contents. For instance, the informative text 852c
can be used to identify the size or volume of the cup, instructions
on how to assemble or manipulate the lid or components, information
about the contents served in the cup, the material that the cup or
lid is formed from, whether the cup and/or the lid is recyclable,
production or batch information associated with the lid or the cup,
or patent or other intellectual property markings, to name but a
few examples.
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the lid assembly 800 generally
includes many of the features described above with reference to lid
assembly 100 and lid assembly 500. For example, the cover 805 of
the lid assembly 800 includes an annular mounting portion 810, an
annular outer sidewall 815 that extends upwardly from the mounting
portion 810 to an outer peripheral edge 823 of the annular upper
ridge 820 of the cover 805, and a drink opening 822 that is defined
in the upper ridge 820. An annular inner sidewall 825 extends
between the inner peripheral edge 824 of the upper ridge 820 and
the interior portion 835, and intersects the interior portion 835
at an outer periphery 951, which at least partially defines the
shape of the interior portion 835. The annular inner sidewall 825
is sloped downward and inward between the annular upper ridge 820
and the interior portion 835.
[0062] The annular inner sidewall 825 includes printed text 852
along the sloped surface on a side 860 of the lid opposite the
drink opening 822. Providing the printed text 852 in this location
and on a sloped surface allows the printed text to be displayed in
a manner that is recognizable and readable to a user as a user
holds and/or drinks from the cup. The angle of the sloped surface
can vary depending on a variety of factors including, but not
limited to, the size of the cup and/or lid, the size of the printed
text, and the radius of curvature of the annular inner sidewall
825.
[0063] The slope, or angle of the annular inner sidewall 825 can
vary among locations about the periphery of the cover 805. For
instance, the slope angle of the portion of the annular inner
sidewall comprising printed text 860 may differ from the slope
angle of the annular inner sidewall adjacent the drink opening 862,
which can be seen from the cross-sectional view of the cover 805 of
FIG. 16. The slope angle .theta. at a particular point is defined
by the angle formed between an axis tangent to the annular inner
sidewall at the particular point and the horizontal axis of the
cover, which corresponds to the horizontal cup opening. The slope
angle .theta..sub.1 is measured as the angle between a line D-D,
which is tangent with the slope of the annular inner sidewall 825
at the location 860 opposite the drink opening 822 (i.e., the
location comprising the printed text 852), and a line H-H that is
parallel with a horizontal axis of the cover 805. The slope angle
.theta..sub.2 is measured as the angle between a line C-C, which is
tangent with the slope of the annular inner sidewall 825 at the
location 862 adjacent the drink opening 822, the line H-H that is
parallel with the horizontal. As shown, slope angle .theta..sub.1
is less than the slope angle .theta..sub.2. In some examples, the
slope angle .theta..sub.1 of the portion comprising the printed
text 852 may be between about 10.degree. and about 25.degree.. In
some examples, the slope angle may be between about 15.degree. and
about 20.degree., for example, about 16.degree. or about
17.degree.. On the opposite side of the cover 805, the slope angle
.theta..sub.2 is greater than 01, such that the descent from the
inner peripheral edge 824 of the annular upper ridge 820 is steeper
than that on the opposing side of the cover 805. In some examples,
the slope angle .theta..sub.2 may be between about 30.degree. and
about 45.degree.. In some examples, the slope angle may be between
about 38.degree. and about 43.degree., for example, about
40.degree. or about 41.degree.. It is believed that this
configuration of a slope angle .theta..sub.2 provides improved
drinkability out of the drink hole. That is, the slope angle
.theta..sub.2 of the annular inner sidewall 825 adjacent the drink
opening 822 provides a less obstructed flow path as the cup is
tipped to pour fluid, which in turn allows for a smoother, less
turbulent flow of fluid toward the drink opening 822. This can
provide a smoother, and more satisfactory sip for a user, and be
less likely to result in an unexpected rush of fluid from the drink
opening 822, or undesired leaking or dribbling from the lid
assembly 805.
[0064] The drink opening 822 is formed in the annular upper ridge
820 of the cover, and can be formed as a slot or hole, and be
configured to allow contents within a cup to be poured through the
lid assembly 805. As shown in the side view of FIG. 10 and the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 16 of the cover, the drink opening 822
is positioned in a higher location relative to the mounting portion
810 as compared to the opposing side of the cover 805. This is a
result of the annular upper ridge 820 forming an angled surface
that extends along an axis B-B (FIG. 10) that is angled with
respect to the axis A-A of the annular mounting portion 810, such
that the annular upper ridge 820 slopes downward from the drink
opening 822 toward the opposing side 860. That is, the distance
between the annular upper ridge 822 and the annular mounting
portion 810 at the drink opening 822 is greater than the distance
between the annular upper ridge 820 and the annular mounting
portion 810 along the opposing portion 860 of the annular upper
ridge 820. Additionally, as seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the width of
the annular upper ridge 820 (i.e., the distance between the outer
peripheral edge 823 and the inner peripheral edge 824) is greater
at the drink opening 822 as compared to the location 860 opposite
the drink opening. This sloped upper ridge 820 configuration may
provide an aesthetic appearance, and it may also allow the annular
inner sidewall 825 to achieve a desired slope or angle at which to
present the printed text 852.
[0065] The cap 807 includes a main body 850 that fits within the
interior portion 835 of the cover 805. The cap 807 has an outer
perimeter 851 with a shape that corresponds with the shape of the
outer periphery 951 of the interior portion 835 of the cover. In
this way, when the cap 807 is attached to the cover 805, the outer
periphery 951 of the cover and the outer perimeter 851 of the cap
form a single visible line, as opposed to two separate lines,
thereby offering a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing
appearance. This is shown, for example, in the assembled lid
assembly 800 of FIG. 8.
[0066] In some formats, the cap 807 and the cover 805 can be formed
from a common sheet of material, and will thus have a common
thickness. However, in other formats, the cap 807 and cover 805 can
be formed from different sheets of material, and may be formed from
different materials altogether. This will allow the cap 807 and the
cover 805 to have different thicknesses, as necessary to achieve
different objectives. For instance, in some situations, it may be
beneficial to provide a cover 805 that is formed from a thicker
base material so as to provide greater structural stability,
whereas the cap 807 can be formed from a thinner material to allow
for greater flexibility or movement of the flap 840, for example.
In other situations, the opposite may be more valuable. For
instance, it may be useful in some situations to provide a cover of
a thinner material, to allow the cover greater flexibility to
attach or connect to a particular cup. Forming the two components
from separate sheets of material allows for flexibility in the
design of both components.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 14, the flap 840 is pivotally connected to
the main body 850 of the cap 807 at a hinge 842. The flap 840
pivots between the open and closed positions about the hinge 842. A
plug 845 is arranged at an end of the flap 840 and is configured to
fit within the drink opening 822 of the cover 805 in a closed
position, thereby closing and/or sealing the drink opening. The
flap 840 may also include a tab 843 extending from a distal end of
the flap 840 to facilitate gripping of the flap. When the flap 840
is in the closed position, the tab 843 may extend beyond the outer
peripheral edge 823 of the upper ridge 820 of the cover 805. The
tab 843 provides a gripping surface that helps a user to grasp or
flick the flap 840 and move it between open and closed
positions.
[0068] The cap 807 includes a main body 850 that fits within the
interior portion 835 of the cover 805. The cap 807 has an outer
perimeter 851 that has a shape that corresponds with the shape of
the outer periphery 951 of the interior portion 835 of the cover.
In this way, when the cap 807 is attached to the cover 805, the
outer periphery 951 of the cover and the outer perimeter 851 of the
cap form a single visible line, as opposed to two separate lines,
thereby offering a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing
appearance.
[0069] The interior portion 835 of the cover 805 covers the area
defined within the tapered sidewalls 825. The interior portion 835
defines an upper surface 902, a groove 905a, and a well 910a. The
cap 807 is configured to fit snugly over the interior portion 835
of the cover and has many of the same features of the interior
portion 835 of the cover 805 so that the cap 807 nests over the
interior portion 835. For example, the cap 807 includes an upper
surface 870 that generally covers the interior portion 835 of the
cover 807. In some configurations, the main body 850 of the cap 807
is defined by an outer periphery 851 that corresponds with the
shape of the outer periphery 951 of the interior surface 835 of the
cover 805. The cap 807 also includes a corresponding groove 805b
that is configured to nest within the groove 805a in the cover 805,
and a well 910b configured to nest within the well 910a of the
cover 805.
[0070] The grooves 905ab generally extend around the periphery of
the interior portion 835 of the cover 805 and the cap 807,
respectively, and terminate at opposite sidewalls of the respective
wells 910ab. The groove 905a in the cover 805 may have a depth of
about 1/8'' relative to the upper surface 902, and an interior
shape configured to complement the corresponding outside shape of
the groove 905b of the cap 807. The depth of the groove is merely
exemplary and may be adjusted as necessary. More specifically, when
viewed from below (see FIG. 11), the groove 905a corresponds to a
ridge or protrusion 906 that extends below the cap 807. The
interior sidewalls of the groove 905a of the cover 805 may have a
negative draft angle of about 3 to 7 degrees that match
corresponding positive draft angles of the ridge. Other draft
angles may be suitable. While the illustrated grooves 905ab extend
around most of the respective peripheries, it is understood that
the grooves 905ab may extend to a lesser amount or that the grooves
905ab may not extend by the same amount. For example, the groove
905a in the cover 805 may extend around the periphery as
illustrated, while the groove 905b in the cap 807 may extend around
the cap 807 to a lesser degree, or be formed of segmented sections
that fit within the groove 805a of the cover 805. Other
configurations are contemplated.
[0071] The respective wells 910ab have a width and depth sized to
receive the flap 840 of the cover 807. A second post 915b extends
upwardly from the bottom surface of the well 910b defined in the
cap 807. When viewed from the bottom (see FIG. 11), the inner side
of the second post 915b forms a cavity 916 that is configured to
receive and form a friction fit with the first post 915a on the
cover 805. The second post 915b is also configured to fit within a
cavity defined the backside of the plug 845 (see FIG. 14) disposed
at the end of the flap 840 to secure the flap 840 in an open
position. In some implementations, the cover 805 may define a
corresponding protrusion 915a configured to nest within the
protrusion 915b of the cap 807. The centralized location of the
post 915a on the cover and the corresponding second post 915b on
the cap helps secure the cap 807 to the cover 805, as it adds
another friction fitting that holds and secures the cap 807 on the
cover 805. This added frictional support can inhibit the cap 807
from detaching from the cover 805 as a result of tension forces
applied from the flap 804 to the cap 807 after periodic movement of
the flap 840 between open and closed positions.
[0072] The interior portion 835 of the cover 505 also includes a
small opening 917a to facilitate equalization of pressure within
the drink cup when the lid assembly 800 is attached to the cup. A
corresponding opening 917b may be provided in the cap 807. The
respective openings 917ab may be aligned to provide an unobstructed
passage between the space within the cup and the atmosphere outside
of the cup. In other configurations, the respective openings 917ab
may be offset from one another (e.g., on opposing sides of the lid
assembly 800 as shown in FIG. 9), to provide an impeded flow path
between the openings 917ab to inhibit the unwanted leakage of fluid
from the cup through the openings 917ab.
[0073] As seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, and 14, the cap 807 includes
printed text 852 on an upper surface 870 of the cap. The printed
text 852 includes branding text 852b and informational text 852c
that identifies the particular cup size that the lid assembly 800
is designed to cooperate with (e.g., 20 or 24 ounce cups). Like the
warning text 852a on the cover, the printed text portions 852bc on
the cap 807 are formed as deformations in the material forming the
cap 805. Because the posts 915ab are positioned in a centralized
location (e.g., positioned in a middle area of the lid assembly,
positioned on or about the center) with respect to the lid
assembly, the flap 840 will operate between open and closed
positions essentially within one half (i.e., the drinking half) of
the lid assembly 800. This allows for the printed text 852 on the
side of the cap opposite the drink opening 822 to remain generally
uncovered and unobstructed from view in both the open and closed
configuration of the flap 840. Further, providing the centralized
post 915ab in a central location (e.g., at the center of the lid
assembly itself), allows for a flap that is relatively short, in
particular, with respect to lids that place a post away from the
center, in a location on the lid opposite the drink opening. Users
may find that a shorter flap 840 is easier to toggle between the
open and closed positions because the distance between the two
positions is relatively short. For example, a user may be able to
move the flap 840 with a simple flick of a finger on a hand that is
holding the cup. That is, the user may be able to move the flap 840
without having to either let go of the cup, and without involving
the use of a second hand. This can be particularly useful to users
that do not have a second hand available (e.g., users drinking a
beverage while driving, or holding other objects, etc.). Moreover,
the shorter flap will be less likely to interfere with a user
during the drinking process. That is, a longer flap, if left
unsecured may flop down on top of a user's nose as a user tilts the
cup to drink a beverage, which can be annoying and distracting to
the user. The shorter flap 840, on the other hand, even if left
unsecured, may be too short to significantly interfere with a
user's face, even if the flap 840 is unsecured.
[0074] In some implementations, the lid assemblies described in
this application are stackable with other similar lid assemblies.
For example, lid assembly 800 may nest with other similar lid
assemblies 800 such that multiple lid assemblies 800 nested
together occupy less space than the individual un-nested lid
assemblies 800 would occupy collectively. This can be particularly
useful for packaging, shipping, and presenting the lid assemblies
prior to installation on a cup. In some formats, the tab 843
extending from the flap 840 of the cap 807 can affect the
stackability of the lid assemblies 800. That is, if the tab 843
extends too far out from the annular upper ridge 820 of the cup,
the outer annular sidewall 815 of another stacked lid may inhibit
the ability of the lid assemblies 800 to nest with one another,
thereby resulting in a nested stack of lid assemblies 800 that
occupies more space than necessary. To help improve stackability,
the outer annular sidewall 815 of the lid assembly at the drink
opening 822 includes a rounded, or parabolic shaped configuration,
as shown in the cross-sectional view of the cover 805 in FIG. 16.
This rounded configuration allows a tab 843 of the flap 840 that
extends a distance from the outer peripheral edge 823 of the upper
ridge 820 to bend downward and tuck between the outer annular
sidewalls 815 of two nested lid assemblies without significantly
affecting stackability.
[0075] Many other modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings without departing from its
scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present method and system
not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the
method and system include all embodiments falling within the scope
of the appended claims.
[0076] The present disclosure describes preferred embodiments and
examples of lid assemblies. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations
can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without
departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the
claims, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations
are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive
concept. In addition, it should also be understood that features of
one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments
to provide yet other embodiments as desired. All references cited
in the present disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
* * * * *