U.S. patent application number 16/815431 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-17 for drink lid large plug.
The applicant listed for this patent is STIXTOGO, INC.. Invention is credited to Andrew Harry McCluskey, Julia Anne Walters-Burns.
Application Number | 20200290777 16/815431 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004857569 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200290777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCluskey; Andrew Harry ; et
al. |
September 17, 2020 |
DRINK LID LARGE PLUG
Abstract
A plug for temporarily sealing a drinking orifice in a beverage
container lid, including a body portion having a cap having an
upper surface, a sealing component extending from a distal side of
the cap, wherein a cross-sectional area of the sealing component is
less than a cross-sectional area of the cap, and a sealing surface
along the distal side of the cap surrounding the sealing component.
The plug also includes an elongate member extending from the
sealing component, and an external member extending from the upper
surface of the cap, the external member configured to allow a user
to grip the plug for insertion and removal of the plug from the
orifice.
Inventors: |
McCluskey; Andrew Harry;
(Caldwell, ID) ; Walters-Burns; Julia Anne;
(Bothell, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
STIXTOGO, INC. |
Bothell |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004857569 |
Appl. No.: |
16/815431 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62818940 |
Mar 15, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 39/0005 20130101;
B65D 51/18 20130101; B65D 39/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 39/00 20060101
B65D039/00; B65D 39/16 20060101 B65D039/16 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (cancelled)
3. (cancelled)
4. A plug for temporarily sealing a drinking orifice in a beverage
container lid, the plug comprising: a body portion including a cap
18 having a curved upper surface 14 and a lower surface, a sealing
component extending from the lower surface, and a stop surface 24
on the lower surface surrounding the sealing component that limits
the insertion of the plug in the orifice, wherein a cross-sectional
area of the sealing component is less than a cross-sectional area
of the cap; an elongate member extending from the sealing
component; and an external member extending from the upper surface
of the cap, the external member configured to allow a user to grip
the plug for insertion and removal of the plug from the
orifice.
5. The plug of claim 4, wherein the sealing component extends from
the lower surface 1.8 to 2.2 mm.
6. The plug of claim 4, wherein the sealing component extends from
the lower surface 2 mm.
7. The plug of claim 4, wherein the body portion is 3.6 to 4.4 mm
thick.
8. The plug of claim 4, wherein the body portion is 4 mm thick.
9. The plug of claim 4, wherein a diameter of external member is
1.3'' to 1.5''.
10. The plug of claim 4, wherein the upper surface is
triangular-shaped with rounded corners.
11. The plug of claim 10, wherein the upper surface is guitar-pick
shaped.
12. The plug of claim 4, wherein the sealing component is a first
sealing component and is disposed on a lower portion of the body
portion, and wherein the plug further comprises a second sealing
component disposed between the first sealing component and the cap,
the first sealing component having a smaller cross-sectional area
than the second sealing component.
13. The plug of claim 4, further comprising a member positioned
along a perimeter of the sealing component and extending from the
sealing component, the members positioned and sized to extend into
the drinking orifice when the sealing component is placed into the
orifice.
14. The plug of claim 4, wherein further comprising a plurality of
members positioned along a perimeter of the sealing component and
extending from the sealing component, the members positioned and
sized to extend into the drinking orifice when the sealing
component is placed into the orifice.
15. The plug of claim 14, wherein the members extend between 1 mm
and 7 mm from the sealing component.
16. The plug of claim 14, wherein the members extend between 0.01
mm and 15 mm from the sealing component.
17. The plug of claim 14, wherein the members extend less than 5 mm
from the sealing component.
18. The plug of claim 14, wherein the members have a consistent
spacing around the sealing component.
19. The plug of claim 14, wherein the members have an irregular
spacing around the sealing component.
20. The plug of claim 14, wherein the body portion including the
length of the member is from 5.4 mm to 6.6 mm thick.
21. The plug of claim 14, wherein the upper surface is
triangular-shaped with rounded corners.
22. The plug of claim 21, wherein the upper surface is guitar-pick
shaped.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/818,940, filed Mar. 15, 2019, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to the field of beverage containers
and, more particularly, to plugs for sealing the lids of beverage
containers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many hot and cold beverages are sold from bulk or as single
serving preparations, and dispensed into beverage containers, which
are usually in the form of plastic or paper cups. Numerous
different types of lids have been used for such containers, and, in
addition to providing a thermal barrier to maintain the serving
temperature, the lids are intended to retain the beverage in the
container when the container is transported or is accidentally
disturbed. Commonly, such lids will also provide an orifice in the
upper surface, allowing the beverage to be consumed without
removing the lid. Different lids may have different sized orifices.
For example, some lids for beverages (e.g., a cold beverage such as
ice coffee) include an orifice of a first size. In some examples,
such an orifice of a first size can be generally triangular-shaped
with curved corners. Some lids for beverages (e.g., a hot beverage
such as coffee) include an orifice of a second size, the second
size being smaller than the first size. In some examples, such an
orifice of a second size can be oval-shaped. Such containers and
such lids are commonly single-use disposable items and,
accordingly, must be capable of being produced at a low cost.
[0004] A typical lid for such a beverage container is formed from
thin plastic sheet material, for example by vacuum forming, and
comprises a top panel, either flat or domed, with a downwardly
depending peripheral rim. The plastic material of the lid is
typically somewhat flexible and resilient so that the lid can be
fitted over the open end of a suitably sized beverage container.
The rim of the lid grips the rim of the open end of the container,
and the beverage is then retained within the container. The orifice
is commonly provided in the outer portion of the top panel, or in
the dome of domed lids. Unfortunately, this orifice reduces the
effectiveness of the thermal barrier, and provides an opening
through which the beverage can spill should the container be
accidentally disturbed. In particular, for large orifice (for
example of a first size) that is configured in a lid provided on a
container containing a cold beverage, the large orifice facilitates
spilling the beverage out through the orifice is a container is
being carried, e.g., by and or in a vehicle. Thus, it is considered
desirable to provide a low cost device that enables the orifice to
be temporarily plugged, and thus increase the efficiency of the
thermal barrier, while also increasing the security of the beverage
during transportation of the container to prevent spillage. If
desired, a number of additional functions can be incorporated into
such a device as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure
have several features, no single one of which is solely responsible
for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this
invention as expressed by the claims which follow, certain
innovations will now be discussed briefly. After considering this
discussion, and other section provided herein, one will understand
how the features of this disclosure provide several advantages over
lid plugs. The present invention provides a device and system for
temporarily sealing an orifice in a beverage container lid.
[0006] One innovation includes a plug to seal an orifice in a lid,
the plug having an upper surface, a body portion and a lower
surface. The body portion includes a sealing component adapted to
be inserted and releasably retained in an orifice of a lid to
provide a temporary seal thereof. The sealing component has first
length and width dimensions that define an operable area for
sealing the first orifice. The sealing component is positioned on
or near the upper surface of the plug. The device can also include
an external member located on the upper surface of the plug
configured to allow a user to grip the plug for ease of removal
from the orifice.
[0007] Another innovation includes a plug for temporarily sealing a
drinking orifice in a beverage container lid, the plug comprising a
body portion including a cap having an upper surface, a sealing
component extending from a distal side of the cap, wherein a
cross-sectional area of the sealing component is less than a
cross-sectional area of the cap, and a sealing surface along the
distal side of the cap surrounding the sealing component. The plug
also includes an elongate member extending from the sealing
component, and an external member extending from the upper surface
of the cap, the external member configured to allow a user to grip
the plug for insertion and removal of the plug from the orifice. In
some embodiments, the plug further includes one or more members
positioned along a perimeter of the sealing component and extending
from the sealing component. In some embodiments, the body portion
is curved and sized to conform to an orifice in a lid having a
curved surface. an external member configured to allow a user to
grip the plug for insertion and removal of the plug from the
orifice.
[0008] Other and further aspects of the invention will be readily
apparent from the following drawings and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0009] The features and advantages of the devices and methods
described herein will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only several
embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be
considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings, similar
reference numbers or symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. In some instances, the drawings
may not be drawn to scale.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device
for sealing orifices of two different sizes, this example of the
device depicting a plug including a body portion, a cap, and an
elongate member;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the device illustrated
in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the device illustrated in
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the device illustrated in FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
device for sealing orifices of two different sizes, this example of
the device depicting a plug including a body portion, an optional
cap feature, and an elongate member;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the device illustrated in
FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the device illustrated
in FIG. 5; and
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the device illustrated in FIG.
5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS
[0018] The following detailed description is directed to certain
specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can
be embodied in a multitude of different ways. It should be apparent
that the aspects herein may be embodied in a wide variety of forms
and that any specific structure, function, or both being disclosed
herein is merely representative of one or more embodiments of the
invention. An aspect disclosed herein may be implemented
independently of any other aspects and that two or more of these
aspects may be combined in various ways. For example, a device may
be implemented, or a method may be practiced, using any number of
the aspects set forth herein. In addition, such an apparatus may be
implemented or such a method may be practiced using other
structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in
addition to, or other than one or more of the aspects set forth
herein. Embodiments of the present invention provides a device and
system for temporarily sealing a large orifice in a beverage
container lid, for example, for a cold drink.
[0019] In one aspect, the device comprises a plug having an upper
surface, a body portion and a lower surface. The body portion is
adapted to be inserted and releasably retained in the orifice of
the lid to provide a temporary seal thereof. The device also
includes an external member located on the upper surface of the
plug configured to allow a user to grip the plug for ease of
removal from the orifice.
[0020] Various embodiments of plugs that are designed in size to
plug larger holes or orifices in lids are disclosed herein. The
larger orifices may, for example, include an orifice with a
dimension of about 1/2 inch, or larger. In one aspect, the device
comprises a plug having an body portion that is at least partially
inserted into an orifice of a lid to seal the orifice. The body
portion can include an upper surface, a lower surface, and a cap
feature position between the upper surface on the lower surface.
The upper surface is a surface of the cap feature. The cap feature
is generally slightly larger than the orifice on all sides of the
orifice. In some examples, the cap feature can be between about 0.1
mm and about 10 mm larger than the orifice, on all sides of the
orifice. In a preferred example, the cap feature is between about 1
mm and about 4 mm larger than the orifice on all sides of the
orifice.
[0021] When the body portion is configured such that when it is at
least partially inserted into the orifice, the upper surface is
distal to the lid and generally faces away from the lid, and the
lower surface is proximal to the lid and faces the lid and the
orifice. The body portion further includes a sidewall that is
between the upper surface and the lower surface. The body portion
also includes a sealing component positioned between the lower
surface in the upper surface, the sealing component is sized
correspondingly relative to the orifice such that the sealing
component extends at least partially into the orifice in the plug
is used to seal an orifice. The cap feature includes a stop surface
around at least a portion of the edge of the cap feature and on the
side of the cap feature opposite the top surface. The width of the
stop surface can be the equal to difference in size between the cap
feature in the ceiling component the sealing component being
smaller than the cap feature. The body portion is adapted to be
inserted and releasably retained in the orifice of the lid to
provide a temporary seal thereof. The device also can include an
external member located on the upper surface of the plug configured
to allow a user to grip the plug for ease of removal from the
orifice.
[0022] Lids will typically be formed from thin plastic sheet
material, for example by vacuum forming, and including a top panel,
either flat or domed, with a downwardly depending peripheral rim.
The plastic material of the lid is typically somewhat flexible and
resilient, as is the rim of the open end of the container, so that
the lid can be fitted over the open end of a suitably sized
beverage container. The rim of the lid then grips the rim of the
open end of the container, whereby the beverage is retained within
the container. The orifice of the lid is commonly provided in the
outer portion of the top panel, near the depending peripheral rim,
or in the dome or domed lids. Less commonly, lids for beverage
containers are also available with a flap that is pressed down (or
lifted up) to open the orifice in the lid. As lid orifices can be
of different sizes, the body portion of the plug can also be of any
corresponding size to a lid orifice. Also, the shape of a lid may
be flat or may be curved. The body portion of the plug can also be
of any corresponding curve such that the stop surface conforms with
a portion of the lid around the orifice when the plug is inserted
into the orifice.
[0023] Thus, in another aspect, the system of the present invention
comprises a container for containing a liquid beverage having an
open end, a lid having at least one orifice and configured to
attach to the open end of the container, and a plug for temporarily
sealing the orifice in the beverage container lid. The plug
comprises an upper surface, a body portion and a lower surface. The
body portion is adapted to be inserted and releasably retained in
the orifice of the lid to provide a temporary seal thereof. The
device also includes an external member located on the upper
surface of the plug configured to allow a user to grip the plug for
ease of removal from the orifice.
[0024] The following is a list of certain components that are
described and enumerated in this disclosure in reference to the
above-listed figures. However, any aspect of the devices
illustrated in the figures, whether or not named out separately
herein, can form a portion of various embodiments of the invention
and may provide basis for claim limitation relating to such
aspects, with or without additional description. The enumerated
components include:
[0025] 10 plug
[0026] 12 body portion
[0027] 13 elongate projection
[0028] 14 upper surface of body portion
[0029] 16 lower surface of body portion
[0030] 18 cap feature
[0031] 20 external member
[0032] 22 sidewalls
[0033] 23 sealing component
[0034] 24 stop surface
[0035] 29 member
[0036] 40 proximal end of plug
[0037] 50 distal end of plug
[0038] The present device will be configured to meet the
requirements of a lid for such a beverage container, for example,
for a lid having a large orifice (e.g., having a dimension greater
than about 1/2). Such lid will typically be formed from plastic
sheet material, for example by vacuum forming, and including a top
panel, either flat or domed, with a downwardly depending peripheral
rim. The plastic material of the lid is typically somewhat flexible
and resilient, as is the rim of the open end of the container, so
that the lid can be fitted over the open end of a suitably sized
beverage container. The rim of the lid then grips the rim of the
open end of the container, whereby the beverage is retained within
the container. The orifice of the lid is commonly provided in the
outer portion of the top panel, near the depending peripheral rim,
or in the dome or domed lids.
[0039] Thus, in an aspect, the system of the present invention
comprises a container for containing a liquid beverage having an
open end, a lid having at least one orifice and configured to
attach to the open end of the container, and a plug for temporarily
sealing the orifice in the beverage container lid. The plug
comprises an upper surface, a body portion and a lower surface. The
body portion is adapted to be inserted and releasably retained in
the orifice of the lid to provide a temporary seal thereof. In an
embodiment, the body portion includes two or more sealing
components. The sealing components can be of different sizes and
configured such that when the body portion is inserted into an
orifice of a lid, the body portion will extend through the orifice
until the suitably sized sealing component contacts the lid thus
sealing the orifice. The device also includes an external member
located on the upper surface of the plug configured to allow a user
to grip the plug for ease of removal from the orifice.
[0040] Turning now to the several figures of the drawing, like
elements are identified by like numerals and corresponding or
equivalent elements are identified by corresponding numerals
throughout the figures. FIGS. 1-4 illustrate different views of a
first example of a plug that is configured to seal an orifice in
the lid for a beverage container. FIGS. 5-8 illustrate different
views of a second example of a plug that is configured to seal an
orifice in the lid for a beverage container. As illustrated in the
figures, the two examples have many similar features, and for such
features the description of the first example of a plug applies
also to the second example of a plug.
[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device
for sealing orifices of two different sizes, this example of the
device depicting a plug including a body portion, a cap, and an
elongate member. FIG. 1 shows a plug device 10 including a body
portion 12 adapted to be inserted and releasably retained in the
orifice of a beverage container lid to provide a temporary seal
thereof.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the device illustrated
in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the device
illustrated in FIG. 1. The body portion 12 can include sidewalls 22
(FIGS. 2 and 3), which are surfaces that extend from an upper
surface 14 of the body portion 12, along the sides of a cap feature
(or "cap") 18 and a sealing component 23, to a lower surface 16 of
the body portion 12. Plug 10 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes
a distal end 50 and a proximal end 40, and an elongate member 13
that extends from the lower surface 16 to the distal and 50. Some
embodiments of a plug 10 may not include the elongate member
13.
[0043] The body portion 12 of the plug 10 includes the cap feature
18, the upper surface 14 along the "top" of the cap feature 18
("top" relative to the orientation of the body portion 12 in the
figure), a stop surface 24 along a perimeter of the bottom of the
cap feature 18, and a sealing member 23 that extends from the
bottom of the cap feature 18. An upper portion of the sealing
member 23, where the sealing member contacts the cap feature 18, is
surrounded by the stop surface 24. The body portion also includes a
lower surface 16 along the "bottom" of the body portion 12. In
various examples, body portion 12 of plug 10 will be shaped so that
the body portion 12 approximates the shapes of an orifice in a
beverage container lid so as to provide a sealed fit in the
orifice.
[0044] The plug 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 also includes an external
member 20 at the proximal end 40 and coupled to, and extending
from, the upper surface 14. The external member 20 provides a
structure for the user of the plug 10 to more easily grip the plug
10 for insertion and removal from the orifice of a lid. The
illustrated external member 20 is one example of external member.
Any structure of a suitable size, shape, and alignment that allows
a user to grip the plug can also be coupled to the upper surface 14
as an external member 20. Alternatively, or in addition, the upper
surface 14 of the body portion 12 can be shaped to match some
design characteristic of the external member 20.
[0045] In lids for beverage containers having large opening, the
opening is more often shaped as an oblong, or a three- or
four-sided opening. Accordingly, the plug 10 can be configured with
the sealing component 23 of a corresponding size and shape. In some
embodiments where there are two or more sealing components (not
shown), each sealing component can be shaped differently to seal
differently shaped and/or sized orifices. Clearly, numerous
alternative shapes exist for the orifice, and the present plug need
only have a body portion that approximates such shape, or an
appropriately designed cap feature, in order to incorporate the
desired sealing function.
[0046] As will be seen from the example plug 10 in FIGS. 1-3, the
upper surface 14, the cap 18, and correspondingly the plug body 12
can be (but not necessarily is) curved. The shape of the body
portion 12, and correspondingly the upper surface 14, the cap 18,
the sealing component 23, the stop surface 24, and the lower
surface 16, can be shaped to conform to the curve of a lid. In
another embodiment the body portion 12, and correspondingly the
upper surface 14, the cap feature 18, the sealing component 23, the
stop surface 24, and the lower surface 16 are flat, or
substantially flat, to conform to a flat lid. The cap 18 exceeds
the horizontal cross-sectional dimensions of the body portion 12.
This cap 18 can serve a number of functions, including providing a
limit to the insertion of plug 10 into the orifice, additional
sealing of the orifice to inhibit leaking of the beverage, and the
like.
[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 (and in FIGS. 6 and 7), plug
10 can include on the body portion 12 a sealing component 23 and a
stopping structure, e.g., stop surface 24. The area (e.g., the
"footprint") of the sealing component 23 is slightly smaller than
the area of the stop surface 24. In an embodiment, the sealing
component 23 is shaped similar to an orifice and sized to be
slightly smaller than the orifice, such that it extends from the
stop surface 24 into the orifice of the lid when the plug 10 is
placed into the orifice. The stopping surface 24 limits the depth
of the insertion of the plug the body into the orifice. In some
embodiments, the body portion 12 of plug 10 can have multiple
sealing components such that plug 10 can be used to seal orifices
in lids of two different sizes. For example, a first sealing
component of a first cross-sectional area disposed on a lower
portion of the body portion, and a second sealing component of a
second cross-sectional area disposed between the first sealing
component and the cap 18. In such embodiments, the first
cross-sectional area is smaller than the second cross-sectional
area such that first sealing component can extend into an orifice
of a first size and the insertion of the plug is stopped by a
surface of the second sealing component, and both the first sealing
component and the second sealing component can extend into an
orifice of a second size (which is bigger than the first size
orifice), and the insertion of the plug is stopped by a stop
surface 24 on the bottom of the cap feature 18. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 1-4, plug 10 includes one sealing component
23.
[0048] The plug 10 can be formed from any acceptable material, or a
combination of materials, for example, fiber, paper, an organic
material (e.g., potato starch and the like), plastic, resin or
metal, and the like, and the body portion of the plug can be solid
or hollow, so as to reduce weight or to provide additional
functionalities. In some embodiments, the plug 10 is formed from a
material that decomposes in a shorter period of time than resin,
plastic or metal. In some embodiments, the body portion is at least
partially hollow, the lower surface can also be open to the
interior of the beverage container, while preserving the sealing
function.
[0049] The external member 20 located on upper surface 14 of plug
10 can have any desired shape. In certain preferred embodiments,
external member 20 can be shaped in the form of a flat polygon or
disk or the like, which would provide a convenient grip for the
user of the plug, and allow the placement of displays or messages
and/or images, such as logos, advertising messages, promotions and
the like, on either or both of the flat surfaces of the external
member 20, either by molding, embossing, printing, applying labels,
and the like. Alternatively, external member 20 can assume a
free-form shape, take the shape of an advertising logo or other
insignia deemed attractive to the beverage seller or the beverage
consumer. The precise size and shape of external member 20 is not
deemed critical to its ability to perform the intended function(s).
However, for ease of use for displays, such as advertising and the
like, the flat sides of a preferred external member 20 as described
above will generally range in size from approximately 0.5 to
approximately 15 square centimeters, more commonly from
approximately 1 to approximately 10 square centimeters, in order to
provide sufficient space for the display and to facilitate the
legibility thereof. Of course, it is also within the scope of the
present invention to formulate such displays in a more
technologically sophisticated manner, such as lighted or scrolling
displays employing, for example, light emitting diodes and/or
liquid crystal displays, and the like. Naturally, such more
sophisticated displays would likely increase the per unit cost of
the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the device illustrated in FIG.
1. FIG. 4 shows the top surface 14 of the of the cap 18, the
external member 20, and the cap 18. In FIG. 4, the shape of a
profile of the cap 18 is illustrated. In this example and from this
view, the shape of the cap 18 is similar to a guitar pick, a
triangle with rounded corners, and is shaped to seal a similarly
shaped lid orifice. In this example, the sealing component 23 (not
shown) can have a similar shape. Other shapes are contemplated as
well.
[0051] In other embodiments, the plug 10 does not include an
elongate member 13. In other embodiments, the plug 10 does not
include the illustrated external member 20. In some embodiments of
a plug, coupled to the plug upper surface can be a planar external
member, being aligned in an angle (e.g., a right angle or nearly a
right angle) to a longitudinal axis of the plug. In some
embodiments, such a planar external member is coin-shaped. In some
examples, the diameter can be 1.3-1.5''. To prevent choking, in
some embodiments the diameter is preferred to not be less than
1.25''. In an embodiment, the thickness of the planar external
member is enough to pull the plug from the orifice without
bending.
[0052] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
device for sealing an orifice in a lid. In this example, the plug
10 includes a body portion 12, an optional external member 20, and
an elongate member 13. FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the
device illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of
the device illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the
device illustrated in FIG. 5. In the embodiment of plug 10
illustrated FIGS. 5-8, plug 10 includes a body portion 12, an
elongate projection 13, an upper surface 14, a lower surface 16, a
cap 18, an external member 20, sidewalls 22, a sealing component
23, a stop surface 24, a proximal end 40, and a distal end 50.
These features can be structured and perform similar functionality
to the corresponding features described with reference to FIG.
1-4.
[0053] Plug 10 in FIGS. 5-8 also includes two or more members 29
that are coupled to and extend from a portion of the sealing
component 23, such that members 29 are part of the body portion 12.
A portion of members 29 includes sidewalls 22. That is, the outward
facing surface of members 29. In various examples members 29 can
extend from a portion of sealing component 23 between about 0.01 mm
and 15 mm. In an embodiment, members 29 extend from a portion of
sealing component 23 less than 10 mm. In an embodiment, members 29
extend from a portion of sealing component 23 less than 7.5 mm. In
an embodiment, members 29 extend from a portion of sealing
component 23 less than 5 mm. In an embodiment, members 29 extend
from a portion of sealing component 23 between 1 mm and 7 mm. Other
configurations are also possible. Members 29 help to fit and hold
plug 10 in a large orifice. Also, members 29 allow less material to
be used to manufacture the plug compared to the amount of material
that would be needed to extend ceiling structure 23 the length of
members 29. Members 29 may be positioned in various places
extending from sealing member 23, one example illustrated in FIGS.
5-8. In some embodiments, members 29 are positioned at a consistent
spacing around the perimeter of sealing surface 23. In some
embodiments, the spacing of members 29 is irregular. Although
members 29 are illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 as generally being
rectangular in shape, other shapes are also possible.
[0054] Many variations and modifications may be made to the
above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be
understood as being among other acceptable examples. For example,
the plug 10 can include an opening throughout it length such that
it can be used as a straw. Various sizes of the elongated
projection 13 can be used on various plugs. Some plugs may not
include an elongated projection. All such modifications and
variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of
this disclosure. The foregoing description details certain
embodiments. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how
detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems and methods can
be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be
noted that the use of particular terminology when describing
certain features or aspects of the systems and methods should not
be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein
to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the
features or aspects of the systems and methods with which that
terminology is associated.
[0055] Conditional language, such as, among others, "can," "could,"
"might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or
otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally
intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other
embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or
steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to
imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required
for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments
necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input
or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are
included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
[0056] Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in
locating various sections. These headings are not intended to limit
the scope of the concepts described with respect thereto. Such
concepts may have applicability throughout the entire
specification.
[0057] The term "substantially" is a broad term that when used in
connection with a numerical value indicates a parameter (e.g.,
distance) within 10% of the numerical value, unless otherwise
indicated. For example, about 10 mm indicates a value of 10 mm plus
or minus 1 mm, or 9 mm to 11 mm.
[0058] Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X,
Y, and Z," or "at least one of X, Y, or Z," unless specifically
stated otherwise, is to be understood with the context as used in
general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or
Z, or a combination thereof. For example, the term "or" is used in
its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when
used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term "or"
means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Thus, such
conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that
certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y,
and at least one of Z to each be present.
[0059] The term "a" as used herein should be given an inclusive
rather than exclusive interpretation. For example, unless
specifically noted, the term "a" should not be understood to mean
"exactly one" or "one and only one"; instead, the term "a" means
"one or more" or "at least one," whether used in the claims or
elsewhere in the specification and regardless of uses of
quantifiers such as "at least one," "one or more," or "a plurality"
elsewhere in the claims or specification. The phrase "based on"
does not mean "based only on," unless expressly specified
otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" describes both
"based only on" and "based at least on."
[0060] The term "comprising" as used herein should be given an
inclusive rather than exclusive interpretation. It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications
and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
described technology. Such modifications and changes are intended
to fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be
appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts included in one
embodiment are interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more
parts from a depicted embodiment can be included with other
depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the
various components described herein and/or depicted in the figures
may be combined, interchanged or excluded from other
embodiments.
[0061] The above description discloses several methods and
materials of the present invention. This invention is susceptible
to modifications in the methods and materials, as well as
alterations in the fabrication methods and equipment. Such
modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from
a consideration of this disclosure or practice of the invention
disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that this
invention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein,
but that it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within
the true scope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the
attached claims. Applicant reserves the right to submit claims
directed to combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed
inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious.
Inventions embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of
features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed
through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in
the present application or in a related application. Such amended
or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a
different invention and whether they are different, broader,
narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be
considered within the subject matter of the inventions described
herein.
* * * * *