U.S. patent application number 16/027095 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-03 for lid for a container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Harl-Bella Holdings, LLC. Invention is credited to Samuel Lincoln Brannock.
Application Number | 20190002171 16/027095 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64734639 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190002171 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brannock; Samuel Lincoln |
January 3, 2019 |
LID FOR A CONTAINER
Abstract
A lid that enhances the olfactory experience of a user while
providing safeguards against accidental spills and splashes is
contemplated. The lid comprises a projection having at least one
slit. The projection can extend above a valley of the lid in a
first configuration, and extend below the valley in a second
configuration. It is contemplated that at least one slit of the
projection widens in the second configuration to create a larger
opening for aroma to be received by the user.
Inventors: |
Brannock; Samuel Lincoln;
(San Juan Capistrano, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Harl-Bella Holdings, LLC |
San Juan Capistrano |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64734639 |
Appl. No.: |
16/027095 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62528323 |
Jul 3, 2017 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00046
20130101; B65D 47/10 20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D
43/0214 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 51/1611 20130101;
B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D 43/0212 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/16 20060101
B65D051/16; B65D 43/02 20060101 B65D043/02; B65D 47/10 20060101
B65D047/10 |
Claims
1. A lid for a container, comprising: a ridge that at least
partially surrounds a valley; a projection disposed on the valley
and that extends above the valley in a first configuration; and
wherein the projection comprises a first slit having first and
second endpoints disposed on the projection.
2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the projection is deformable to
reversibly transition between the first configuration and a second
configuration in which the projection extends below the valley.
3. The lid of claim 2, wherein two opposing surfaces of the first
slit extend away from each other to widen the first slit in the
second configuration.
4. The lid of claim 2, wherein the first slit extends between a top
surface of the projection and the valley.
5. The lid of claim 4, wherein the top surface is flat.
6. The lid of claim 2, wherein the projection comprises a second
slit, and wherein the first and second slits extend vertically.
7. The lid of claim 6, wherein the first and second slits widen
horizontally in the second configuration.
8. The lid of claim 1, wherein the projection comprises a spherical
body with a flat top surface.
9. The lid of claim 1, wherein the projection is deformable to
irreversibly transition from the first configuration to a second
configuration in which the projection extends below the valley.
10. The lid of claim 9, wherein two opposing surfaces of the first
slit extend away from each other to widen the first slit in the
second configuration.
11. The lid of claim 9, wherein the projection comprises a second
slit, and wherein the first and second slits extend vertically.
12. The lid of claim 11, wherein the first and second slits widen
horizontally in the second configuration.
13. A lid for a container, comprising: a valley; a projection that
extends (i) above the valley in a first configuration and (ii)
below the valley in a second configuration; first and second
surfaces on the projection that define a slit; and wherein the
first and second surfaces extend away from one another as the
projection transitions from the first configuration to the second
configuration to widen the slit in the second configuration.
14. The lid of claim 13, wherein the projection is deformable to
reversibly transition between the first and second
configurations.
15. The lid of claim 13, wherein the projection is deformable to
irreversibly transition from the first configuration to the second
configuration.
16. The lid of claim 13, wherein the slit extends between a top
surface of the projection and the valley.
17. The lid of claim 13, wherein the first and second surfaces
extend vertically.
18. The lid of claim 17, wherein the first and second surfaces
extend away from each other in a horizontal direction to widen the
slit in the second configuration.
19. The lid of claim 13, wherein the projection comprises a
spherical body with a flat top surface.
20. The lid of claim 13, wherein the valley comprises an opening
suitable for drinking a beverage from the container, and wherein
the projection is positioned on the valley to allow aroma of the
beverage to escape through the slit to a user's nose when drinking
the beverage.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/528,323, filed Jul. 3, 2017. All extrinsic
materials identified herein are incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention is improved lids for
containers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The background description includes information that may be
useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an
admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art
or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any
publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0004] These and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are
incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or
use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or
contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the
definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition
of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0005] The olfactory perception of consumers is an important factor
to consider when developing a certain beverage and/or food product.
Through the sense of smell, consumers can gauge the freshness of a
product and can sometimes determine whether they will like the
product prior to consuming the product. As such, a pleasant aroma
can induce consumers into trying the product, and the overall
experience while consuming the product can be enhanced by the
addition of a pleasant smell. Unfortunately, many consumers on the
go are deprived of this olfactory experience because a majority of
containers (e.g., beverage containers, soup containers, etc.) have
lids that fail to provide an adequate means of smelling the aroma
of the beverage.
[0006] Some have recognized this flaw and have attempted to remedy
the problem. For example, Bailey (U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2011/0114655)
provides a lid that has a scent aperture positioned near the user's
nose to allow aroma from the beverage to reach the user.
Unfortunately, this approach appears to increase the risk of
spilling by having a scent aperture.
[0007] Other lids that are designed to improve the olfactory
experience of users are contemplated by Brannock (U.S. Pat. No.
8,881,938).
[0008] Other problems with lid designs have led to additional lid
designs. For example, Herbst (U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,299) discloses a
lid having a raised element disposed on a valley of the lid. A
downward force can be applied to the raised element to thereby
create slits. Herbst contemplates that the downward force causes
corners of the raised element to fracture and create slits. Once
the slits are formed, the contents of the container can be
discharged. In another example, Sherlock (U.S. Pat. No. 3,003,668)
discloses a closure for a container that has a protrusion extending
outwardly from a portion of the closure. The protrusion is
six-sided and extends from the center of the closure. Depending on
the force, the protrusion can be pressed to extend below the
surface on which it originally extended. Such motion causes a
rupture of the material adjacent to corners of the protrusion.
[0009] Although many existing lid designs have provided some
improvements, there is still a need in the art for lids that
enhance the olfactory experience of drinking an aromatic beverage
while providing better comfort and protection when drinking
beverages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems,
and methods in which a lid for a container can enhance the
olfactory experience of a user while providing safeguards against
accidental spills and splashes. One contemplated lid comprises a
ridge that at least partially surrounds a valley. A projection is
disposed on the valley, and the projection comprises a first slit
having endpoints disposed on the projection. Typically, the
projection extends above the valley to prevent splashing or
spilling of the beverage through first slit. Additionally, or
alternatively, the first slit can form narrow opening when the
projection extends above the valley, and can widen as two opposing
surfaces of the first slit extend away from one another when the
projection is depressed below the valley to form a wider opening to
release the aroma of the substance (e.g., beverage, food, etc.)
within the container.
[0011] It is contemplated that the projection can comprise a top
surface that is flat. The flat top surface can be provided as an
area for a user to push in order to depress the projection and
cause two opposing surfaces of a first slit to extend away from one
another to widen the slit. Typically, once depressed, the
projection extends below valley and the first slit is widened to
form a wider opening that releases the aroma of the beverage and
allows additional air to enter the container.
[0012] In contemplated aspects, the projection is deformable to
reversibly transition between a first configuration in which the
projection extends above the valley, and a second configuration in
which the projection extends below the valley. As explained above,
two opposing surfaces of the first slit can extend away from each
other to widen the first slit in the second configuration.
Additionally, or alternatively, the projection can comprise a
second slit. The first and second slits can extend vertically along
the projection, and widen horizontally in the second
configuration.
[0013] In contemplated aspects, the projection is deformable to
irreversibly transition from the first configuration in which the
projection extends above the valley to a second configuration in
which the projection extends below the valley. Two opposing
surfaces of the first slit can extend away from each other to widen
the first slit in the second configuration. Additionally, or
alternatively, the projection can comprise a second slit. The first
and second slits can extend vertically along the projection, and
widen horizontally in the second configuration.
[0014] Regardless of reversible or irreversible transitions between
first and second configurations, it is contemplated that the
projection can comprise a spherical body with a flat top surface.
Additionally, or alternatively, the first slit can be formed
closed, and then ruptured opened to create an opening when the
projection is depressed.
[0015] In another aspect, a method of expanding at least one slit
on a lid is contemplated. The lid comprises a ridge that at least
partially surrounds a valley, and a projection that extends above
the valley. The projection comprises at least one slit. The method
comprises a step of pushing down on a surface of the projection to
thereby push the projection below the valley and cause two opposing
surfaces of each of the at least one slit to extend away from one
another to thereby expand each of the at least one slit. In some
embodiments, a further step of pulling up the projection to thereby
pull the projection above the valley and contract each of the at
least one slit is contemplated.
[0016] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with
the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent
like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
lid.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1 having
a projection that is depressed.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1
having a projection that is depressed.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 1 having
a projection that is depressed.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a top view of an embodiment of a lid.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the lid of FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a top view of the lid of FIG. 7 having a
projection that is depressed.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the lid of FIG. 7
having a projection that is depressed.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the lid of FIG. 7
having a projection that is depressed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following discussion provides example embodiments of the
inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a
single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject
matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the
disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B,
and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the
inventive subject matter is also considered to include other
remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly
disclosed.
[0029] Also, as used herein, and unless the context dictates
otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct
coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other
contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one
additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore,
the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used
synonymously.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a lid 100 that can be coupled
to a container. The container can be sized and dimensioned to hold
at least one of a beverage and food. Typically, lid 100 has an
outer rim 103 that is configured to removably couple a lip of a
container. It is contemplated that lid 100 can be removably coupled
to a container storing a beverage, such as water, juice, soda, tea,
coffee, or hot cocoa. In some embodiments, lid 100 and the
container can be removably coupled using threaded engagements, snap
fittings, male-female engagements, or any other fastener suitable
for sealing a beverage within the container. However, in other
embodiments, lid 100 can be permanently coupled to the container.
For example, lid 100 and the container could be manufactured as one
integral structure and a beverage could be placed inside the
container prior to completion of the manufacturing process.
[0031] Lid 100 comprises a ridge 105 that surrounds a valley 107.
In other embodiments, ridge 105 can partially surround valley 107.
A projection 109 extends above valley 107 as better shown in FIG.
2. Projection 109 is located near the center of valley 107, but can
be located on other portions of valley 107 or on a portion of ridge
105. Typically, projection 109 is disposed on valley 107 in a
position that optimizes the delivery of aroma to a consumer. An
aperture 111 is also disposed on valley 107 to provide a drinking
opening. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that lid 100 can
comprise tear lines that can be ruptured to create a drinking
opening or tear lines that extend a drinking opening as discussed
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/948,031, which is hereby
incorporated by reference. In yet other embodiments, it is
contemplated that aperture 111 can be replaced with a
projection.
[0032] Ridge 105 typically has an outward-facing wall and an
inward-facing wall. The height of ridge 105 can vary across the
length of lid 100 as shown in FIG. 3. However, it is contemplated
that the height of ridge 105 can be constant across the length of
lid 100 in other embodiments. Ridge 105 can form a pentagonal shape
when viewed from the top. It should be appreciated that the shape
of ridge 105 can help a user identify a drinking portion of lid 100
without the need to look down at lid 100 (i.e., by touching ridge
105 to distinguish the wider drinking portion from the narrower
aroma portion). It is contemplated that the design of ridge 105 can
be the same as that discussed in the lid designs of U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 14/948,031 and 15/232,751, which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0033] Projection 109 typically comprises slits 113 that extend
between a top surface 115 and the intersection of projection 109
and valley 107. Slits 113 can extend vertically as shown in FIG. 3.
However, it is contemplated that slits 113 can extend in other
directions (e.g., horizontal, angled, etc.). Additionally, or
alternatively, it is contemplated that slits 113 can extend in the
same direction or different directions. It should be noted that
slits 113 form narrow channels that allow some aroma to escape
while minimizing leakage/splashing of beverage though slits 113. In
some embodiments, slits 113 can each comprise two surfaces (e.g., a
first surface 106 and a second surface 108) that contact one
another, such that the distance between the two surfaces increases
when projection 109 is depressed to thereby enlarge slits 113. It
is contemplated that a partial vacuum can be formed by slits 113
(especially when two opposing surfaces (e.g., first surface 106 and
second surface 108) contact each other) to thereby substantially
reduce the amount of spilling that occurs through a drinking
opening if the container is accidently tipped over.
[0034] It should be noted that many suitable structures are
contemplated for slits 113 including at least one of perforations,
incisions, indentations, and solid tear lines. Perforations
comprise a row of holes punched in lid 100 that allows a user to
rupture the lid along the perforations. An incision comprises a cut
through lid 100. An indentation comprises a notch on lid 100 that
does not penetrate through the surface of lid 100 but creates a
weak point so that a user can rupture lid 100 along the
indentation. A solid tear line comprises a material property (e.g.,
weaker material than surrounding area, thinner cross-section than
surrounding area, etc.) that creates a weak point on lid 100 so
that a user can rupture lid 100 along the solid tear line. It is
contemplated that perforations, indentations, and/or solid tear
lines can be ruptured by pushing down on projection 109.
[0035] Projection 109 can have top surface 115 that is flat and
horizontal and a spherical body as shown in FIG. 3. Typically, a
user pushes down on top surface 115 of projection 109 to thereby
open or widen slits 113 and form larger channels for releasing
additional aroma from the beverage inside a container. Projection
109 can comprise a deformable material that can be permanently
(i.e., irreversible transition from first to second configuration
or second configuration to first configuration) or temporarily
deformed (i.e., reversible transition between first and second
configurations). Projection 109 can be the same or a different
material from lid 100. For example, contemplated materials for lid
100 and/or projection 109 are high-density polyethylene (HDPE),
polystyrene, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
silicone material, bio-plastics, fiber-based materials, metal
alloys, ceramics, composites, and any combination thereof.
[0036] It should be noted that lid 100 can be used in two distinct
configurations. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, projection 109 extends
upwardly from valley 107 in a first configuration, which allows a
limited amount of aroma to be released through slits 113 while
preventing splashing/leakage. By having projection 109 extend above
valley 107, the risk of a beverage splashing onto valley 107 via
slits 113 is reduced as compared to a projection disposed on the
same level or below valley 107. Furthermore, slits 113 form narrow
channels that allow some aroma to be released, while minimizing the
amount of leakage/splashing through the slits 113 if the beverage
splashes on the interior surface of projection 109. Thus, lid 100
in the first configuration provides a reduced risk of
leakage/splashing, which is beneficial to those users on the go
(e.g., consumers in their car, walking, or performing any other
physical activity, etc.) and those users preparing a beverage for
users (e.g., a barista preparing a hot beverage for a drive-thru
consumer, etc.).
[0037] Slits 113 can be widened to create larger channels to
release additional aroma from a container by pushing down on
projection 109 to depress projection 109 below valley 107 into a
second configuration shown in FIG. 4. It is contemplated that first
surface 106 and second surface 108 of a first slit of slits 113 can
extend away from one another as projection 109 transitions from a
first configuration in which projection 109 is above valley 107 to
a second configuration in which projection 109 is below valley
107.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows a side perspective view of lid 100 showing
aperture 111 and projection 109. It should be appreciated that any
splashed or leaked beverage that is disposed on valley 107 can be
returned to the container through aperture 111 and/or projection
109. Additionally, although projection 109 comprises widened slits
114 when depressed, it should be appreciated that the concave
structure of projection 109 minimizes the risk of splashing and/or
leakage of the beverage. When compared to similar slits or an
aperture on a flat valley surface, it is contemplated that much
less splashing and/or leakage occurs with projection 109 having
widened slits 114 due at least in part to its concavity. Thus,
projection 109 allows additional aroma to be released through
widened slits 114 without significantly increasing the risk of
splashing and/or leakage of the beverage stored in the
container.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows projection 109 having widened slits 114 that
allow aroma to escape a container. Projection 109 extends below
valley 107 in this second configuration. Although projection 109
comprises widened slits 114 that may increase the risk of
leakage/splashing as compared to the first configuration, it should
be appreciated that the U-shaped cavity formed by projection 109 in
the second configuration can collect and return any beverage that
leaks or splashes onto valley 107. It is contemplated that widened
slits 114 can be sized and dimensioned to receive a stirring rod.
For example, a stirring rod can be inserted through one of widened
slits 114 to thereby hold the stirring rod. Additionally, or
alternatively, the U-shaped cavity of projection 109 can be sized
and dimensioned to provide an interference or friction fit with a
portion of the stirring rod to thereby provide additional support
for holding the stirring rod. For example, the U-shaped cavity of
projection 109 can receive a portion of the stirring rod (e.g., a
portion of a Coffee Stix provided by StixToGo.RTM., a body portion
of a plug as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,216,846 and hereby
incorporated by reference, and a portion of other conventional
stirring rods) so as to plug or seal widened slits 114 and/or
projection 109. It should be appreciated that a partial vacuum can
be formed when the U-shaped cavity of projection 109 receives the
stirring rod to thereby substantially reduce the amount of spilling
that occurs through aperture 111 if the container is accidently
tipped over.
[0040] Projection 109 can be manufactured in many suitable shapes.
For example, projection 109 can form an inverted U-shaped
projection when in the first configuration (e.g., projection 109
shown in FIGS. 1-3), which can be depressed to form a U-shaped
cavity (e.g., projection 109 shown in FIGS. 4-6). It should be
appreciated that projection 109 is rounded or curved below top
surface 115 (i.e., projection does not have corners for creating
new slits). However, in other embodiments, projection 109 can be a
structure having corners (e.g., a rectangular shape, a triangular
shape, etc.). In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the
corners can create additional slits when projection 109 is
depressed into a second configuration. Although projection 109 is
shown with pre-formed slits 113, it is contemplated that projection
109 can be manufactured without pre-formed slits 113.
[0041] Slits 113 are typically disposed on projection 109 between
top surface 115 and the intersection of projection 109 and valley
107 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. When projection 109 is depressed into a
second configuration, widened slits 114 can also be disposed
between top surface 115 and the intersection of projection 109 and
valley 107 as shown in FIGS. 4-6. As discussed above, it is
contemplated that slits 113 are widened to form widened slits 114.
For example, slits 113 can be widened to increase the area at least
one of the narrow channels of slits 113 by at least one of 10%,
25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 200%, 500%, and even greater. Additionally, or
alternatively, the length of slits 113 can also be increased when
widened slits 114 are formed. For example, the length of at least
one slits 113 can be increased by at least one of 10%, 25%, 50%,
75%, 100%, 200%, 500%, and even greater.
[0042] It is contemplated that projection 109 can transitioned from
the second configuration to the first configuration (i.e.,
reversibly transition). For example, the projection 109 can be
pulled by a user to contract widened slits 114 and thereby form
slits 113 forming narrower channels. Additionally, the projection
109 can then be transitioned back to the second configuration by
depressing projection 109 to thereby widen slits 113 to widened
slits 114. It should be appreciated that in these transitions two
opposing surfaces of slits 113 (e.g., first surface 106 and second
surface 108 of a first slit) are either extending away or towards
each other to widen or contract slits 113. In some embodiments, a
stirring rod and/or a straw can be used to pull up projection 109
from the second to the first configurations. Additionally, or
alternatively, a pull tab can extend upwardly from top surface 115
to assist in pulling projection 109 upwardly from the second
configuration to the first configuration.
[0043] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a lid 200 that can couple
to a container. Lid 200 comprises an outer rim 203 and a ridge 205
that surround a valley 207. Similar to lid 100, lid 200 comprises a
projection 209 having slits 213 and a top surface 215. Preferably,
slits 213 are disposed on projection 209 between top surface 215
and the intersection between projection 209 and valley 207. An
aperture 211 can be disposed on ridge 205 for a user to drink a
beverage. Preferably, outer rim 203 removably couples a
container.
[0044] Projection 209 can extend upwardly from valley 207 in a
first configuration as shown in FIG. 8. Projection 209 can be
disposed on center of valley 207, or in other locations on valley
207 or ridge 205. Preferably, projection 209 is disposed on a
location on valley 207 that enhances the delivery of aroma of a
beverage in the container once projection 209 is depressed.
[0045] Similar to lid 100, projection 209 can comprise slits 213
that extend vertically. However, it is contemplated that slits 213
can extend in other directions (e.g., horizontal, angled, etc.) or
in a combination of different directions. It should be noted that
slits 213 form narrow channels that allow some aroma to escape
while minimizing leakage/splashing of beverage through slits
213.
[0046] It is contemplated that slits 213 can be many suitable
structures. For example, slits 213 can comprise at least one of
perforations, incisions, indentations, and solid tear lines.
Perforations comprise a row of holes punched in lid 200 that allows
a user to rupture lid 200 along the perforations. An incision
comprises a cut through lid 200. An indentation comprises a notch
on lid 200 that does not penetrate through the surface of lid 200
but creates a weak point so that a user can rupture lid 200 along
the indentation. A solid tear line comprises a material property
(e.g., weaker material than surrounding area, thinner cross-section
than surrounding area, etc.) that creates a weak point on lid 200
so that a user can rupture lid 200 along the solid tear line. It is
contemplated that perforations, indentations, and/or solid tear
lines can be ruptured by pushing down on projection 209. Typically,
slits 213 are a plurality of incisions that can be opened or
widened when projection 209 is depressed into a second
configuration.
[0047] Projection 209 can have top surface 215 that is flat and
horizontal and a spherical body as shown in FIG. 8. It is
contemplated the flat and horizontal nature of top surface 215
provides a surface of projection 209 whereby a user can depress
projection 209 and thereby widen slits 213. Projection 209 can
comprise a deformable material that can be permanently (i.e.,
irreversible transition from first to second configuration or
second configuration to first configuration) or temporarily
deformed (i.e., reversible transition between first and second
configurations). Projection 209 can optionally be the same material
as the rest of lid 200. For example, contemplated materials for lid
200 and/or projection 209 are high-density polyethylene (HDPE),
polystyrene, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
silicone material, bio-plastics, fiber-based materials, metal
alloys, ceramics, composites, and any combination thereof.
[0048] Similar to lid 100, it should be noted that lid 200 can be
used in two distinct configurations. For example, projection 209
can extend upwardly from valley 207 in a first configuration (e.g.,
FIGS. 7-8). A limited amount of aroma is allowed through the narrow
channels of slits 213 in first configuration. It should be noted
that the narrow channels of slits 213 prevent or substantially
reduce the likelihood of leakage or spillage of beverage from the
container. Projection 209 can be depressed into a second
configuration shown in FIG. 9 to enlarge slits 213 and release
additional aroma. As shown, projection 209 comprises widened slits
214 forming larger channels for additional aroma release.
[0049] Projection 209 extends below valley 207 as shown in FIGS. 10
and 11. Typically, widened slits 214 extend vertically between top
surface 215 and the intersection of valley 207 and projection 209.
As shown in FIGS. 10-11, widened slits 214 are below a top surface
of valley 207 and are disposed in a cavity formed by projection
209. Thus, even though widened slits 214 form larger channels that
can potentially allow beverage to spill or leak, such widened slits
214 are disposed in the cavity formed by projection, which
facilitates return of any spilled or leaked beverage back into the
container. It is contemplated that the slits 213 are expanded by
two opposing surfaces of a slit extending away from one another as
projection 209 is depressed (see, e.g., first surface 106 and
second surface 108).
[0050] It is contemplated that widened slits 214 can be sized and
dimensioned to receive a stirring rod or other utensil. In some
embodiments, projection 209 can form a cavity in the second
configuration having a shape that receives a portion of a stirring
rod in an interference or friction fit. For example, projection 209
can form a cavity that receives a portion of a stirring rod to plug
or seal widened slits 214 and/or projection 209. Similar to
projection 109, projection 209 can be manufactured in the form of
many suitable shapes.
[0051] As discussed above, slits 213 have narrow channels that are
opened or enlarged to form widened slits 214 having larger
channels. It is contemplated that slits 213 can be widened to
increase the area of at least one of the narrow channels of slits
213 by at least one of 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 200%, 500%, and
even greater. Additionally, or alternatively, the length of slits
213 can also be increased when widened slits 214 are formed. For
example, the length of at least one of slits 213 can be increased
by at least one of 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 200%, 500%, and even
greater.
[0052] It should be appreciated that contemplated projections can
comprise a structure having at least one corner that is suitable to
create a slit. For example, a projection can have a rectangular
shape that extends upwardly from the valley in a first
configuration. The rectangular shape can comprise four corners that
form creases between at least a portion of a top surface of the
projection and the intersection between the projection and the
valley. In some embodiments, the projection can comprise slits
disposed between at least one set of creases. Additionally, or
alternatively, the projection and/or the valley can comprise slits
disposed adjacent at least one crease. It should be appreciated
that the projection can be depressed into a second configuration to
thereby create slits along and/or proximate to the creases. When a
pre-formed slit is disposed near at least one crease in a first
configuration, it is contemplated that the pre-formed slit can
extend or connect with a created slit when the projection is
depressed into a second configuration. Although a rectangular shape
is discussed as an example, other shapes having corners can also be
used (e.g., pentagon, hexagon, triangle, etc.).
[0053] Furthermore, it is contemplated that a projection can be
disposed on a lid to thereby create a drinking opening. For
example, apertures 111 and 211 can be replaced with a projection as
described in the above embodiments. The projection can have a first
configuration whereby the projection extends upwardly with slits,
and a second configuration whereby the projection extends
downwardly with widened slits. It is contemplated that all the
features (e.g., shapes of projection, slit structures, projection
locations, reversibility, etc.) described in the projection
embodiments above can be incorporated in a projection that replaces
a drinking opening. It is further contemplated that at least one
tear line can be disposed near the projection to further enlarge
the drinking opening created by the projection (e.g., tear lines
that extend a drinking opening as discussed in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/948,031).
[0054] It should be appreciated that the lid embodiments described
above can comprise a second projection comprising at least one
slit. The second projection can be disposed on the valley or ridge
of the lid, and extend upwardly from the valley or the ridge in a
first configuration. It is contemplated that the second projection
comprises a deformable material such that a pre-determined amount
of force applied to a top surface of the second projection will
transition the second projection below the valley or ridge into a
second configuration. Additionally or alternatively, a
pre-determined amount of force can be used to pull the projection
upwardly from the second configuration to extend above the valley
or ridge in the first configuration.
[0055] In further aspects, a method of expanding at least one slit
on a lid is contemplated. The lid can comprise any of the
embodiments described above. For example, the lid can comprise a
ridge that at least partially surrounds a valley, and a projection
that extends above the valley in a first configuration. The
projection can comprise at least one slit. The method comprises a
step of pushing down on a surface of the projection to thereby push
the projection below the valley and expand the at least one slit in
a second configuration. It is contemplated that the at least one
slit is expanded by two opposing surfaces of a slit that extend
away from one another as the projection is depressed (see, e.g.,
first surface 106 and second surface 108).
[0056] Additionally, or alternatively, a step of pulling up on the
projection to thereby pull the projection above the valley and
contract the at least one slit is contemplated. At least one of a
stirring rod and a straw can be inserted through at least one slit
in at least one of the first and second configurations. It should
be appreciated that the at least one of the stirring rod and the
straw can be used to pull the projection above the valley to the
second configuration to contract the at least one slit.
Additionally, or alternatively, the projection comprises a tab that
can be pulled to transition the projection above the valley and
contract the at least one slit.
[0057] The lid can further comprise a second projection disposed on
the valley or the ridge. In such embodiments, a step of pushing
down on a surface of the second projection to thereby push the
second projection below the valley or the ridge and expand at least
one slit of the second projection to thereby produce a drinking
opening is further contemplated. The at least one slit can be
expanded by two opposing surfaces of a slit that extend away from
one another as the projection is depressed (see, e.g., first
surface 106 and second surface 108). Once depressed, the second
projection can be pulled above the valley or the ridge and contract
the at least one slit of the second projection.
[0058] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims
that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural
reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as
used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in"
and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0059] It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art
that many more modifications besides those already described are
possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The
inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except
in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the
disclosure all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible
manner consistent with the context. In particular the terms
"comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to
the elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner,
indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps can
be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements,
components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.
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