Beverage container lid that provides natural drinking experience
IPC분류정보
국가/구분
United States(US) Patent
등록
국제특허분류(IPC7판)
B65D-043/02
B65D-047/06
출원번호
US-0797858
(2013-03-12)
등록번호
US-8950623
(2015-02-10)
발명자
/ 주소
Fleming, Douglas H.
출원인 / 주소
Vaporpath, Inc.
대리인 / 주소
Goodloe, Jr., R. Reams
인용정보
피인용 횟수 :
9인용 특허 :
45
초록▼
A drink-through lid for a beverage container. The lid provides a drink outlet that allows liquid to fill a drink well base, from which a consumer may sip a beverage similar to using a cup or mug. The base is sized and shaped to sealingly engage the opening of the beverage container. A hollow raised
A drink-through lid for a beverage container. The lid provides a drink outlet that allows liquid to fill a drink well base, from which a consumer may sip a beverage similar to using a cup or mug. The base is sized and shaped to sealingly engage the opening of the beverage container. A hollow raised lip portion is provided, and it has an exterior portion extending upwardly from the base. An outer lip portion is provided, with interior portion sloping downwardly and inwardly. A drink well base may have a sloped floor extending upwardly from a peripheral side along the lower end portions. At least one drink outlet is provided.
대표청구항▼
1. A drink-through lid for a beverage cup having an open end, comprising: a thermoformed plastic structure, comprising a base having a rim having a bottom edge, and an interior bead sealing portion, said base sized and shaped to sealingly engage the open end of the beverage cup; a hollow raised lip
1. A drink-through lid for a beverage cup having an open end, comprising: a thermoformed plastic structure, comprising a base having a rim having a bottom edge, and an interior bead sealing portion, said base sized and shaped to sealingly engage the open end of the beverage cup; a hollow raised lip portion having an exterior portion extending upwardly from said base, a outer lip portion, and an interior portion sloping downwardly from said outer lip portion to lower end portions; a drink well base having a floor extending from a peripheral side adjacent said lower end portions, the drink well base located below said outer lip portion; and at least one drink outlet, said at least one drink outlet defined by a first edgewall provided by an inwardly protruding shoulder from said interior portion of said hollow raised lip portion, said first edgewall extending upward into said interior portion of said hollow raised lip portion, and by an elongated second edgewall extending along an outlet portion of said drink well base in proximity to said peripheral side, said at least one drink outlet oriented substantially as if along a first surface extending from said elongated second edgewall at an angle alpha (α) in the range of from about forty degrees (40°) to about ninety degrees (90°). 2. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first surface comprises a planar surface. 3. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said at least one drink outlet is oriented at least in part as if along a second surface extending outward from said outlet portion of said drink well base. 4. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 3, wherein said second surface comprises a planar surface. 5. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 3, wherein said elongated second edgewall of said at least one drink outlet and said outlet portion of said drink well base are contiguous along a width W1. 6. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 5, wherein said width W1 is less than or equal to about two (2) inches (about 5.08 cm). 7. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 5, wherein said width W1 is about one (1) inch (2.54 cm), plus or minus about fifty percent (50%). 8. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 5, wherein said width W1 is about one (1) inch (2.54 cm), plus or minus about twenty five percent (25%). 9. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 5, wherein said elongated second edgewall of said at least one drink outlet is provided in a generally straight line. 10. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 5, wherein said elongated second edgewall of said at least one drink outlet is provided in an outwardly bowed shape. 11. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 5, wherein said at least one drink outlet comprises a plurality of drink outlets in a series of drink outlets from O1, through ON, wherein N is a positive integer. 12. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 11, wherein associated with each of said at least one drink outlet in said series of drink outlets from O1, through ON, wherein N is a positive integer, said width W1 comprises a plurality of segments of width Wi through Wn, wherein n is a positive integer. 13. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said interior portion of said hollow raised lip portion slopes inwardly from said outer lip portion toward said lower end portions. 14. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the open end of the beverage cup is circumscribed by a bead, and wherein said interior bead sealing portion of said drink-through lid is sized and shaped to sealingly and securely engage said bead. 15. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said angle alpha (α) is in the range of from about fifty degrees (50°) to about seventy degrees (70°). 16. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said angle alpha (α) is about sixty degrees (60°). 17. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said interior portion of said hollow raised lip portion slopes downwardly and inwardly at an angle beta (β) in the range of from about seventy degrees (70°) to about eighty five degrees (85°). 18. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said rim has an outer edge, and wherein said elongated second edgewall of said drink-through opening is defined along a line a distance L1 from a line tangent to the outer edge of the rim, and wherein the line tangent to an outer edge of the rim is orthogonal to a line having an opposing end centered with respect to said drink outlet. 19. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 5, wherein said elongated second edgewall is parallel to a line tangent to an outer edge of the rim. 20. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first surface of said drink outlet is spaced apart from, but adjacent to, said interior bead sealing portion, so that the drink outlet is filled with liquid promptly when a beverage cup utilizing the drink-through lid is turned from a vertical position. 21. A drink-through lid as defined in claim 20, wherein a radially outermost edge Ro of said drink outlet is a distance S of about three tenths of an inch (0.3 inches) (0.762 cm), or less, from a reference plane PR at said interior bead sealing portion. 22. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1 wherein a height H of said outer lip portion of said raised hollow raised lip portion is in the range of from about four-tenths of an inch (0.4 inches) (1.02 cm) to about nine-tenths of an inch (0.9 inches) (2.29 cm) above a radially innermost edge RI of said at least one drink outlet. 23. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1 wherein a vertical surface distance V of said interior portion of said hollow raised lip portion is in the range of from about zero point two four (0.24) inches (0.61 cm) to about zero point six nine (0.69) inches (1.753 cm). 24. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said one or more drink outlets define a total open area in the range of from about zero point zero six (0.06) square inches (0.387 square centimeters) to about zero point two five (0.25) square inches (1.613 square centimeters). 25. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said one or more drink outlets define a total open area in the range of from about zero point zero seven five (0.075) square inches (0.4838 square centimeters) to about zero point two (0.2) square inches (1.2903 square centimeters). 26. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said one or more drink outlets define a total open area in the range of from about zero point one three (0.13) square inches (0.8387 square centimeters) to about zero point two (0.2) square inches (1.2903 square centimeters). 27. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said one or more drink outlets define a total open area of about zero point two (0.2) square inches (1.2903 square centimeters), or less. 28. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said drink well base is sized and shaped to contain a selected liquid volume LV. 29. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 28, wherein said liquid volume LV is about zero point one six (0.16) fluid ounces (4.73 milliliters), or more. 30. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said peripheral side of said drink well base is vertically located at about said bottom edge of said rim. 31. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said peripheral side of said drink well base is vertically located above said bottom edge of said rim. 32. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said interior bead sealing portion is located along a bead centerline, and wherein said peripheral side of said drink well base is vertically located at about said bead centerline of said interior bead sealing portion. 33. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said interior bead sealing portion is located along a bead centerline, and wherein said peripheral side of said drink well base is vertically located above said bead centerline of said interior bead sealing portion. 34. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first edgewall of said drink outlet is arcuately shaped. 35. A drink through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said elongated second edgewall of said drink outlet is linear in shape. 36. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said drink-through lid comprises thermoplastic material. 37. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least zero point zero six (0.06) square inches (0.3870 square centimeters) of total area is provided in said one or more drink outlets within zero point five (0.5) inches (1.27 cm) radially inward from a reference plane PR located at said interior bead sealing portion. 38. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein total open area provided by all of said one or more drink outlets is located between a reference plane PR located at said interior bead sealing portion and a location not more than zero point five (0.5) inches (1.27 cm) radially inward therefrom. 39. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least some open area of said one or more drink outlets is located between a reference plane PR located at said interior bead sealing portion and a location not more than zero point four (0.4) inches (1.016 cm) radially inward therefrom. 40. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a vapor dome, said vapor dome comprising a raised sidewall extending upwardly from said base and arcuately between first and second sidewall ends, and an interior vapor dome wall having an upper end and a lower end and extending across said lid from said first to said second sidewall ends, and a vapor dome face extending between said raised sidewall and said upper end. 41. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 40, wherein said vapor dome face further comprises at least one vapor vent well, said vapor vent well having at least one vapor-directing passageway therein. 42. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 41, wherein said vapor dome face comprises two vapor vent wells. 43. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, wherein said lid further comprises a downwardly extending trough shaped wall extending across said drink-through lid. 44. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 43, further comprising one or more vapor passageways through said downwardly extending trough shaped wall. 45. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 44, wherein said one or more vapor passageways have an oval outlet shape. 46. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 44, wherein at least one of said one or more vapor passageways is oriented to project vapors initially in a direction that is predominantly horizontal in relation a plane along a centerline of said interior bead sealing portion. 47. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a downwardly extending trough shaped wall extending across said drink-through lid, anda slit of length LS formed along a partial chord line with respect to said base, said slit provided between first and second ends, and along a first edge and a second edge formed by said downwardly extending tough shaped wall. 48. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 44, or in claim 47, wherein said downwardly extending trough shaped wall comprises a V-shaped wall. 49. A drink-through lid as set-forth in claim 44, or in claim 47, wherein said downwardly extending trough shaped wall comprises a U-shaped wall. 50. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 47, further comprising one or more vapor passageways through said downwardly extending trough shaped wall. 51. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a downwardly extending trough shaped wall extending across said drink-through lid;a slit of length LS between first and second ends, formed along first and second radially extending portions, along a first edge and a second edge formed by said downwardly extending trough shaped wall; andan opening located between said first and second radially extending portions, said opening defined by a first edgewall in said first edge and a second edgewall in said second edge, said first edgewall defining a first vent portion and said second edgewall defining a second vent portion, said first vent portion and said second vent portion providing said opening, wherein said opening allows flow of vapors through said lid. 52. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 47, further comprising a baffle, said baffle provided in a generally trapezoidal shaped configuration having an overall width WB complementary to slit length LS, adapted for insertion downward through said slit. 53. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 52, wherein said slit forms a first stable condition wherein said first edge and said second edge are urged together to substantially prevent liquid leakage therethrough, and a second stable condition wherein said first edge and said second edge are urged toward said baffle, to substantially prevent liquid leakage. 54. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 52, wherein said baffle further comprises edge locks, said edge locks sized and shaped for locking engagement with first and second ends of said slit. 55. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 54, wherein said edge locks comprise notches in said baffle. 56. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 52, wherein said baffle comprises a lower end, and wherein said lower end includes an upwardly extending lower baffle wall, said lower baffle wall defining, in combination with said beverage cup, a liquid passageway. 57. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 52 for use with a beverage container having inner sidewalls generally frusto-conical in shape, and wherein said baffle comprises a first side and a second side complementary in shape and sized for sealing engagement with the beverage cup inner sidewalls. 58. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 57, wherein said baffle effectively divides the beverage cup into at least a first chamber and a second chamber, said baffle shaped and positioned to allow liquid in said beverage container to flow freely between each of said chambers, said baffle effectively sealed with said drink-through lid at said slit, and positioned to prevent vapor within said first chamber that is between said drink-through lid and liquid in said beverage cup from flowing to said second chamber. 59. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 58, wherein said drink-through lid comprises, associated with each of said chambers, one or more of (a) said at least one vapor-directing passageways, or (b) said at least one vapor passageway. 60. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 59, wherein said vapor-directing passageways and said vapor passageways are disposed on either side of said baffle, so that when said beverage cup contains liquid and is tipped to allow liquid to flow out of said drink outlet, vapor within said first chamber is forced out of one or more of said at least one vapor passageways, while air outside of said beverage cup is simultaneously drawn into said second chamber through one or more of said at least one vapor-directing passageways. 61. A drink-through lid for a beverage cup having a circular opening, comprising: a thermoformed plastic structure, comprising a base comprising a rim having an interior bead sealing portion, said base sized and shaped to sealingly engage the circular opening of the beverage cup; a hollow raised lip portion comprising an exterior portion extending upwardly from said base, an outer lip portion, and an interior portion sloping downwardly from upper end portions at said outer lip portion, to lower end portions; a drink well base having a floor extending inwardly from at least some of said lower end portions, a low point in said floor providing a liquid drain located a height H below said outer lip portion; and at least one drink outlet, said at least one drink outlet defined by a first edgewall provided by an inwardly protruding shoulder from said interior portion of said hollow raised lip portion, said first edgewall extending upward into said interior portion of said hollow raised lip portion, and by an elongated second edgewall extending along an outlet portion of said drink well base, said at least one drink outlet oriented at least in part as if along a first surface extending from said first edgewall at an average angle alpha (α) in the range of from about forty degrees (40°) to about ninety degrees (90°). 62. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 61 wherein said height H is in the range of from about four-tenths of an inch (0.4 inches) (1.016 cm) to about nine-tenths of an inch (0.9 inches) (2.286 cm). 63. The drink-through lid as set forth in claim 62, wherein said interior portion of said hollow raised lip portion slopes downwardly and inwardly at an angle beta (β) in the range of from about seventy degrees (70°) to about ninety degrees (90°). 64. The drink-through lid as set forth in claim 62, wherein said first surface comprises a planar surface. 65. The drink-through lid as set forth in claim 62, wherein said at least one drink outlet is oriented at least in part along a second surface extending outwardly from said floor of said drink well base. 66. The drink-through lid as set forth in claim 65, wherein said second surface comprises a planar surface. 67. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 1 or claim 61, wherein said floor of said drink well base slopes downward, at least in part, in a radially outward direction. 68. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 61, wherein said angle alpha (α) is in the range of from about fifty degrees (50°) to about seventy degrees (70°). 69. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 61, wherein said angle alpha (α) is about sixty degrees (60°). 70. A drink-through lid for a beverage cup having a circular opening, comprising: a thermoformed plastic structure, comprising a base comprising a rim having an interior bead sealing portion, said base sized and shaped to sealingly engage the circular opening of the beverage cup; a hollow raised lip portion comprising an exterior portion extending upwardly from said base, an outer lip portion, and an interior portion sloping downwardly from upper end portions at said outer lip portion, to lower end portions; a drink well base having a floor extending inwardly from at least some of said lower end portions, a low point in said floor providing a liquid drain located a height H in the range of from about four-tenths of an inch (0.4 inches) (1.016 cm) to about nine-tenths of an inch (0.9 inches) (2.286 cm) below said outer lip portion; and at least one drink outlet, said at least one drink outlet defined by a first edgewall provided by an inwardly protruding shoulder from said interior portion of said hollow raised lip portion, said first edgewall extending upward into said interior portion of said hollow raised lip portion, and by an elongated second edgewall extending along an outlet portion of said drink well base, said at least one drink outlet oriented at least in part as if along a first surface extending from said first edgewall at an average angle alpha (α) in the range of from about forty degrees (40°) to about ninety degrees (90°), said at least one drink outlet having an open area of at least zero point zero five (0.05) square inches (0.3226 square centimeters) within zero point five (0.5) inches (1.27 cm) radially inward from a reference plan PR located at said interior bead sealing portion, and wherein said first edgewall of said at least one drink outlet is located a distance V of at least zero point four (0.4) inches (1.016 cm) from said outer lip portion. 71. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 61 or in claim 70, further comprising: a downwardly extending v-shaped wall extending across said drink-through lid, anda slit of length LS formed along a partial chord line with respect to said base, said slit provided between first and second ends, and along a first edge and a second edge formed by said v-shaped wall. 72. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 71 further comprising one or more vapor passageways through said v-shaped wall. 73. A drink-through lid as set forth in claim 72, wherein at least one of said one or more vapor passageways is oriented to project vapors initially in a direction that is predominantly horizontal in relation a plane along a centerline of said interior bead sealing portion.
연구과제 타임라인
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
이 특허에 인용된 특허 (45)
Fair Rick K. (943 E. Citation La. Tempe AZ 85284), Baffle device for beverage containers.
※ AI-Helper는 부적절한 답변을 할 수 있습니다.