Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
LID FOR CONTAINER
100011 This paragraph is intentionally left as blank.
Field of the Invention
[00021 The field of the invention is lids, and more specifically, lids for
enhancing the comfort,
safety, and olfactory experience when drinking beverages and consuming solid
food from a
container.
Background
100031 The following 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.
100041 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
before consuming. As such, a pleasant aroma can induce consumers into trying
the product and
the overall experience can be enhanced by consuming a product with the
combination of a
pleasant smell and taste. 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 a means of smelling the aroma of the beverage.
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[0005] Some have recognized this flaw and have attempted to remedy the
problem. One
example of such is WO 2011/082333 to Sprunger, which discloses a beverage lid
that has a pod
(e.g, compartment) filled with aromatic material (e.g., coffee grind). The lid
allows vapor rising
from a hot beverage to pass through the aroma pod and to the user's nose.
Unfortunately, this
approach can be problematic if the aromatic material is accidentally wetted
while filling the
beverage container or drinking from the beverage container. Tn addition, the
lid is relatively
large and expensive since it requires a pod with an aromatic material.
[0006] A similar approach is described in WO 20091126555 to Kaufman, which
discloses a
beverage lid that has a compartment for holding a sample of fresh beverage
material. The
compartment is placed near the user's nose, allowing the user to smell the
beverage material
when drinking from the lid. While the Kaufman lid can provide a pleasant aroma
of fresh
material, this approach is troublesome for those consumers that desire
repeated use.
[00071 In another approach, GB 2473041 and GB 2473042 to Brown disclose a cup
lid having a
curved rim surface that is higher at the drinking aperture. The beverage flows
through a liquid
guide trough, which exposes the liquid to the air adjacent to the user's nose.
Unfortunately, a
user may run the risk of burning his/her upper lip because the lid's curved
rim surface places the
user's upper lip into the flow of the beverage in the guide trough. (In fact,
Brown states that the
user may desire to use their upper lip to test whether the beverage is too hot
to drink. See Brown
at page 25, lines 14-20.) Brown also fails to provide a controlled beverage
flow rate and a
comfortable/secure feeling for drinking hot beverages. Furthermore. Brown
fails to contain and
redirect the aroma to a concentrated point near the user's nose.
[0008] Finally, US 2011/0114655 to Bailey provides a cup 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 increases the risk of spilling via the additional
aperture. This
approach also fails to allow the beverage to aerate outside of the container
as it flows to the
user's mouth.
[0009] As seen above, lids have evolved in an attempt to improve olfactory
experience. Other
modifications to lids that address other issues include the following: AU
2007100927 to Wall (a
coffee lid that contains an advertisement); US 3,806,023 to Barnett (a lid
that has a concave main
2
body portion that allows hot liquid to cool); US 2007/0012709 to Durdon (a lid
having a drink-
through opening and a stopper, which can be used to plug drink-through
opening); US
2007/0075079 to Stokes (a lid having a beverage spout through which a primary
liquid can flow
and a sip hole through which a flavoring can flow); US 2008/0000921 to Leon (a
lid having a
spout and openings that allow liquid and vapor to pass through); US
2011/0100854 to Chapin (a
can top shaped with grooves that reduces a build-up of debris); US
2012/0152968 to Bailey; US
4056210 to Boyle; US 4350260 to Prueher; US 4438865 to Scattaregia; US 4738373
to
DeParales; US 830279810 Moss; US 20040232154 to Smith; US 20110049171 to
Morgan; US
20120205390 to Portman; and W02012104385 to Elias.
[0010] Thus, there is still a need for improved lids that can be used to
comfortably consume
beverages and/or solid food products, and that enhance the olfactory
experience of drinking an
aromatic beverage while providing better comfort and protection when drinking
hot beverages.
Summary of the Invention
[0010a] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a lid for
a container,
comprising: a basin defined by a ridge that at least partially surrounds a
valley in a non-circular
path, wherein the basin has a drinking portion and an aroma portion disposed
on opposite halves
of the basin; a first tear line disposed on the drinking portion; a second
tear line disposed on the
aroma portion; wherein the drinking portion is proximal to a mouth of a user
and the aroma
portion is distal to the user's mouth when the user uses the lid; and wherein
at least one of the
first tear line and the second tear line extends proximally along an
intersection of an inward-
facing wall of the ridge and the valley.
10010b1 According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a lid
for a container,
comprising: a basin defined by a ridge that at least partially surrounds a
valley; a first opening
disposed on the valley; a first tear line proximal to the first opening and
extending away from the
first opening; a second tear line distal to the first opening; a valley tear
line disposed between the
first tear line and the second tear line; and wherein the first tear line and
the second tear line
extend along an intersection of an inward-facing wall of the ridge and the
valley.
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10010e1 According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a
lid for a container,
comprising: a basin defined by a ridge that at least partially surrounds a
valley, wherein the basin
has a drinking portion and an aroma portion, and the ridge comprises an inward-
facing wall; a
first tear line that extends along an intersection between the inward-facing
wall and the valley in
the drinking portion, wherein the first tear line has a first end and a second
end; a second tear line
disposed on the inward-facing wall that extends away from the first end of the
first tear line; a
third tear line disposed on the inward-facing wall that extends away from the
second end of the
first tear line; wherein at least one of the second tear line and the third
tear line is disposed on a
crease of the inward-facing wall; and wherein the first tear line, the second
tear line, and the third
tear line are configured to create an opening when ruptured.
[0010d] According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided
a lid for a container,
comprising: a basin defined by a ridge that at least partially surrounds a
valley, wherein the basin
has a proximal portion and a distal portion disposed on opposite halves of the
lid separated by a
valley tear line; a first tear line disposed on the proximal portion; a second
tear line disposed on
the distal portion; wherein the valley tear line is disposed between the first
tear line and the
second tear line; and wherein the first tear line and the second tear line
extend along an
intersection of an inward-facing wall of the ridge and the valley.
[0011] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods
in which a lid for
a container can enhance a user's olfactory experience. The lid has a basin
with a valley and a
ridge surrounding the valley. The valley has an opening (e.g., spout) for
allowing the beverage
to pass through. The valley may optionally include a second opening (e.g., air
hole) that allows
for the exchange of air between the interior of the container and the
surrounding environment,
thus preventing a vacuum from forming within the container.
[0012] In one aspect, the basin has an elongated shape that gradually becomes
narrower across
the length of the basin (e.g., the basin's ridges become closer together). The
wider end of the
basin is the drinking portion of the basin (i.e., the proximal portion) and
the narrower end is the
aroma portion (i.e., the distal portion). When the lid is placed on a
container and the container is
tilted, the liquid beverage passes through the opening near the drinking
portion of the basin,
3a
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which allows the liquid to aerate, cool, and evaporate. Vapor rising from the
liquid is channeled
to, and concentrated at, the user's nose due to the design of the lid.
100131 In some embodiments, the basin has a drinking portion defined by the
shape of the ridge
as seen from a top view. More specifically, the ridge has an inward-facing
surface and a first
3b
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portion of the inward facing surface, referred to herein as the sipping
surface, (i) intersects a
second portion of the inward-facing wall at a first angle (at one end of the
first portion) and (ii)
intersects a third portion of the inward-facing wall at a second angle (at the
other end of the first
portion). The first and second angles are between 90 and 135 degrees and face
one another in a
mirrored fashion to form a controlled and contained sipping area.
[0014] In such embodiments, the distance between the second and third portions
(i.e., the length
of the first portion) and the height of the second and third portions can be
sized and dimensioned
to push the user's upper lip away from the sipping surface to reduce the
likelihood of spills and
bums and to provide a more comfortable and secure feeling when drinking hot
beverages. In
another aspect of such embodiments, the first and second angles form first and
second creases in
the inward-facing surface of the ridge. The first and second creases can
include a plurality of
perforations or a solid tear line, which allows the user to enlarge the lid's
spout opening by
pinching or pushing the inward-facing surface between the perforations.
[0015] In another aspect, a lid for a container (e.g., bowl, cup, take out
container, food storage
container, etc.) is contemplated. The lid comprises a basin defined by a ridge
that at least
partially surrounds a valley in a non-circular path. As used herein, a "non-
circular" path or shape
is defined as a shape or path having at least one portion that is non-
circular, even though another
portion of the shape or path may be circular. With respect to the shape or
path of the ridge, it
should be noted that the shape or path of the ridge is defined with respect to
a top view of a lid
herein. The basin has a drinking portion and an aroma portion. The drinking
portion typically
encompasses the area where the user drinks from the lid and the adjacent area
(e.g, the bottom of
ridge, the two ridges extending from the bottom, and the area within) while
the aroma portion
typically encompasses the area above the drinking portion (e.g., the two
ridges that taper to the
top of basin and the area within). It should be appreciated that the aroma
portion is typically a
distal region beyond the drinking portion, which allows aroma from a beverage
and/or food
product exiting the basin within the ridge (or inward-facing wall) perimeter
to enter a user's nose
[0016] A first tear line is typically disposed on the drinking portion and a
second tear line
disposed on the aroma portion. In contemplated embodiments, at least one of
the first tear line
and the second tear line extends proximally along an intersection of an inward-
facing wall of the
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CA 02949166 2016-11-18
ridge and the valley. Thus, a user can use the lid to sip a beverage and/or
rupture the lid using
tear lines to consume the contents within an attached container using
utensils.
[0017] In another aspect, a lid for a container is contemplated. The lid
comprises a ridge having
an inward-facing wall and an outward-facing wall that form a rounded apex. A
first opening is at
least partially defined by the ridge and extends from a drinking portion to an
aroma portion. As
used herein, an opening that is "at least partially defined by the ridge"
means that at least a
portion of the ridge, typically the inward-facing wall, is part of at least a
portion of the perimeter
of the opening. As used herein, an opening that is "defined by the ridge"
means that at least a
portion of the ridge forms the entire perimeter of the opening. At least a
portion of the inward-
facing wall in the drinking portion is substantially flat or concave between
the rounded apex to
the first opening. It should be appreciated that the ridge structure provides
an anti-splash
function by deflecting any liquid and/or food product into the container when
the container is
bumped.
[0018] In yet another aspect, a method of enlarging an opening on a lid is
disclosed. The lid
comprises a basin defined by a ridge that at least partially surrounds a
valley. The basin has a
drinking portion and an aroma portion. A first tear line and a third tear line
are disposed in the
drinking portion. A second tear line and a fourth tear line are disposed in
the aroma portion.
The lid comprises an opening disposed on the valley in the drinking portion.
The various tear
lines at least partially extend along a perimeter of the valley. The method of
enlarging comprises
a step of pulling the valley near the opening in an upward motion to rupture
the first tear line and
the third tear line in the drinking portion to partially remove the valley. It
is contemplated that
the valley can be completely removed to further enlarge the opening by pulling
the valley in an
upward motion to rupture the second tear line and the fourth tear line. Thus,
users can
comfortably gain access to the contents within an attached container without
the need to remove
the lid.
[0019] 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.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
[0020] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lid that has a
basin, the lid coupled
with a container.
[0021] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the lid and container of Fig. 1 in a
separated configuration.
[0022] Fig. 3 is a top view of the lid of Fig. 1.
[0023] Fig. 4 is another top view of the lid of Fig. 1.
[0024] Fig. 5A is a side view of the lid of Fig. 1.
[0025] Fig. 5B is a side cross-sectional view of the lid of Fig. 1.
[0026] Fig. 6A is a back side view of the lid of Fig. I.
[0027] Fig. 6B is a front side view of the lid of Fig. 1.
100281 Fig. 7A is a top view of the lid of Fig. 1 showing two portions of
outward-facing wall.
[0029] Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view on line 1-1 of Fig. 7A,
[0030] Fig. 7C is a cross-sectional view on line 2-2 of Fig. 7B.
[0031] Fig. 7D is a cross-sectional view on line 3-3 of Fig. 7C.
[0032] Fig. 8A is a top perspective view of the lid of Fig. 1.
[0033] Fig. 811 is atop perspective view of the lid of Fig. 1 with a branding
Logo.
[0034] Fig. 8C is a bottom perspective view of lid of Fig 1.
[0035] Fig. 9 is a side view of a user showing a liquid flow from the lid from
Fig. 1 coupled to
the container.
10036] Figs. 10-16 are perspective views of lids with basins and perforations
for enlarging
openings on the lid.
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[0037] Figs. 17A-B are perspective views of another embodiment of a lid with a
basin.
[0038] Fig. 18A-B are perspective views of another embodiment of a lid with a
basin
[0039] Figs. 19A-B are perspective views of another embodiment of a lid with a
basin.
[0040] Figs. 20A-B are perspective views of another embodiment of a lid with a
basin.
[0041] Figs. 21A-B are perspective views of another embodiment of a lid with a
basin.
[0042] Figs. 22A-B are perspective views of another embodiment of a lid with a
basin.
[0043] Figs. 23A-B are perspective views of another embodiment of a lid with a
basin.
[0044] Fig. 24 is a top view of another embodiment of a lid with a basin,
wherein the basin
valley is textured.
[0045] Fig. 25 is a top view of another embodiment of a lid with a textured
basin valley.
[0046] Figs. 26A-26D are perspective views of an embodiment of a lid having
various tear lines.
[0047] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid having tear
lines and flaps.
[0048] Figs. 28A-28F are perspective view of an embodiment of a lid having
various tear lines,
including a valley tear line.
[0049] Fig. 29 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid having tear
lines and a connector.
[0050] Fig. 30 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid having a tear
line and an incision.
[0051] Fig. 31 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid having a ridge
that partially
surrounds the valley.
[0052] Fig. 32 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid having a ridge
as a splash guard
that surrounds an opening.
[0053] Fig. 33 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid having a ridge
as a splash guard
that surrounds an opening whereby the inward-facing wall partially surrounds
the opening.
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[0054] Fig. 34 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid having a ridge
as a splash guard
having slits and tear lines.
[0055] Fig. 35 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid having a
circular ridge.
[0056] Fig. 36 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid having a
hexagonal-shaped ridge.
[0057] Fig. 37 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid having a ridge
as a splash guard
and tear lines along an inward-facing wall.
[0058] Figs. 38A-38B are perspective views of an embodiment of a lid having a
ridge as a splash
guard and an extended inward-facing wall.
[0059] Figs. 39A-39B are a top view and perspective view of an embodiment of a
lid having a
first opening and a second opening that are non-concentric.
Detailed Description
[0060] One should appreciate that the lids described herein provide many
advantageous
technical effects such as channeling and concentrating aroma of a beverage
towards a user's nose
to enhance aroma of a beverage as well as providing lids comprising tear lines
that allow users to
both consume a liquid beverage and to remove at least a portion of the lid
using the tear lines to
consume a solid food product without the need to completely remove the lid.
Additionally, an
enhanced olfactory experience can be provided by an opening on the lid that is
larger than
traditional lids while reducing the risk of splashing or spilling due to the
ridge disposed on the
lid.
[0061] The following discussion provides many 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.
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[0062] Figure 1 shows a lid 100 coupled with a container 101. Lid 100 and
container 101 are
oriented in a resting position (e.g., container 101 is substantially vertical,
as if resting on a
horizontal plane such as a table surface).
[0063] Lid 100 is removably coupled with container 101. Figure 2 shows lid 100
and container
101 separated from one another. Container 101 has a lumen 102 defined by a
side wall 105 and
a bottom. Lumen 102 can be used to store a beverage such as water, juice,
soda, tea, coffee, and
hot cocoa. Container 101 also has an opening 106 defined by a rim 104 from
which a user can
drink the beverage. Lid 100 has an outer rim 103 that has a slightly larger
diameter than rim 104
of container 101, thus allowing lid 100 to removably couple with container 101
(e.g., outer rim
103 press-fits over rim 104). When coupled with container 101, lid 100
advantageously reduces
the size of the opening of container 101 to contain a liquid and prevent
spilling.
100641 In other embodiments, lid 100 and container 101 can be removably
coupled using
threaded engagements, snap fittings, male-female engagements, or any other
fastener suitable for
sealing a liquid within lumen 102. In yet other embodiments, lid 100 and
container 101 can be
permanently coupled. For example, lid 100 and container 101 could be
manufactured as one
integral structure and a liquid could be placed inside lumen 102 prior to
completion of the
manufacturing process.
[00651 Lid 100 and container 101 can be made of any material suitable for
containing a liquid
(e.g., the material is substantially impermeable to the liquid) and/or solid
contents (e.g., hot solid
food, cold food, soup containing solids food particles). Lid 100 and/or
container 101 can also be
made of a material that helps insulate the temperature of the beverage from
the temperature of
the surrounding environment. The material may also be configured and/or chosen
to withstand
sudden temperature changes and have relatively low manufacturing costs (e.g.,
raw materials are
inexpensive; material can be used in low cost manufacturing processes). Lid
100 and/or
container 101 could also include a thennochromic material to indicate the
temperature of the
beverage or peizochromic material around edges of lid to indicate a proper
seal with the
beverage cup. In addition, lid 100 and/or container 101 could be made of a
biodegradable
material to reduce negative environmental impact when disposed. Lid 100 could
also be made of
a disposable or non-disposable material. As used herein, "non-disposable
material" means a
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CA 02949166 2016-11-18
material that is configured for withstand many uses. In some embodiments, a
non-disposable
material could still comprise a material that is environmentally friendly
and/or biodegradable.
Contemplated materials include, but are not limited to, 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.
[0066] Figure 3 shows a close-up top view of lid 100. Figure 4 shows another
close-up top view
of lid 100. Lid 100 has a basin 310 (e.g., concavity) comprising a valley
(also referred to as a
base) surrounded by a ridge 311 (e.g., an elevated wall). The ridge 311 can be
of constant
height, or of varying heights. Moreover, ridge 311 has an outward-facing wall
312 (also referred
to as outer surface) and an inward-facing wall 313 (also referred to as inner
surface). Outward-
facing wall 312 raises above outer rim 103 and is sufficiently large to
display a graphic (e.g, a
symbol, logo, drawing, text, etc.). Portions of outward-facing wall 312 are
sloped at about 70
degrees with respect to a horizontal plane, making it visible by others.
Inward-facing wall 313
slopes down from the top 314 of ridge 311 in a concave manner and joins with
the valley of
basin 310. The exact boundary between inward-facing wall 313 and the valley of
basin 310 may
not be readily apparent since inward-facing wall 313 slopes down gradually
into the valley.
[0067] Basin 310 has an opening 401 (e.g., slot, slit, spout, etc.) disposed
on the surface of the
valley. Opening 401 is slightly concave and matches the contour of ridge 311
at the drinking
portion of lid 100. In other embodiments, opening 401 could be substantially
planar. Opening
401 is sized, dimensioned, and positioned to provide an outlet for dispensing
the liquid. In
alternative embodiments, opening 401 can comprise numerous shapes other than
slits, such as a
circular opening (see e.g, opening 2101 in Fig. 21), triangular openings (see
e.g., openings 2020
in Fig. 20), rectangular openings, and so forth. In addition, it should be
appreciated that lid 100
can have multiple openings to dispense the liquid as shown in the some of the
examples below.
The size, dimension, shape, and placement of opening 401 is especially
configured to control the
flow rate of the liquid and provide a variety of safeguards for consumers. For
example, opening
401 reduces hazardous (i) splashing of the beverage onto the consumer, and
(ii) burning of the
consumer drinking a hot beverage. Opening 401 is also located close to the
intersection of
inward-facing wall 313 and basin 310, so as to reduce and/or eliminate the
volume of non-
dispensable liquid within the beverage container.
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[0068] In some embodiments, opening 401 is located at an optimal distance from
the proximal
ridge (or from the wall of the container) so as to prevent a specific volume
of the beverage from
being dispensed. In this manner, the lid prevents unwanted coffee grinds or
sediment such as
from tea from being dispensed.
10069] Basin 310 also has second opening 402 that is sized, dimensioned, and
positioned so as to
allow air flow while avoiding liquid flow when dispensing liquid from opening
401. Second
opening 402 helps to maintain atmospheric pressure within lumen 102 when the
liquid is
dispensed. However, it is contemplated that other means can be used to help
maintain
atmospheric pressure, such that second opening 402 is not needed (e.g., larger
openings for outlet
dispensing).
[0070] Figure 3 shows various dimensions of lid 100. Basin 310 has a length
consisting of a
first length 301 and a second length 302. The aroma portion comprises first
length 301 (i.e., the
portion that is distal to the user's mouth) and the drinking portion comprises
second length 302
(i.e., the portion that is proximal to the user's mouth and near the user's
nose). It should be
noted that the drinking portion and aroma portion include the area of basin
310 within each of
their respective lengths, which includes the valley of basin 310, inward-
facing wall 313,
outward-facing wall 312, opening 401, and opening 402 in each of first length
301 or second
length 302 accordingly. The valley of basin 310 and/or inward-facing wall 313
at the drinking
portion is configured to allow liquid to flow across a sipping area 315 when
the liquid is
dispensed from opening 401 (e.g., when the lid is tilted/angled with respect
to a horizontal
plane). While sipping area 315 is substantially planar (see Figure 5B),
sipping area 315 could
also be slightly curved (e.g., concavity) to allow for temporary pooling of
the beverage. Sipping
area 315 advantageously allows at least a portion of the liquid to cool,
aerate, and evaporate.
Sipping area 315 also allows the user to sip the beverage, which allows better
control over the
flow of a hot beverage to prevent bums.
[0071] Opening 401 has a width 306 of approximately 0.6 inches (approximately
1.524
centimeters) and an opening height 308 of approximately 0.045 inches
(approximately 0.1143
centimeter). The surface area of opening 401 is about 0.027 inehes2 (0.1742
em2). This
particular size, shape, and position of opening 401 allows for better control
of the delivery of an
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average cup of coffee. More specifically, the size, shape, and position of
opening 401 provide an
optimal flow rate for beverages having similar viscosity and surface tension
as coffee. If
opening 401 is substantially larger, the flow rate can be too fast and the
user may be burned
(coffee is generally served at a temperature of between 155 degrees Fahrenheit
(68.33 degree
Celsius) and 175 degrees Fahrenheit (79.44 degree Celsius)). However, if
opening 401 is
substantially smaller, the surface tension of coffee can cause the coffee to
build up at opening
401, which may eventually burst and cause an unexpected flow of hot coffee.
100721 Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that alternative
sizes, shapes, and
positions for opening 401 could be used while still providing an acceptable
flow rate and
controlled flow (e.g., no vacuum or surface tension build up). For example,
other sizes and
dimensions that still result in a surface area of approximately 0.027 inches2
may still eliminate
the surface tension build-up while providing an acceptable flow rate for hot
beverages.
Unfortunately, conventional lids that place the spout opening at the bottom of
a valley and away
from the user's lips (e.g., GB 2473041 and GB 2473042) typically have a spout
opening that is
either too large or too small for hot beverages. When the opening is too
large, the user would
either have to wait until the hot beverage has cooled before taking a drink or
else risk being
burned. When the opening is too small, surface tension of the beverage creates
build-up and
trapping of the liquid at the opening; a sudden break in the surface tension
leads to an
unexpected rush of hot beverage, potentially causing burn injuries. Neither
approach is
acceptable since the user must compromise safety (e.g., being burned) or taste
(e.g., drinking
lukewarm coffee).
100731 The exact size, shape, and position of opening 401 can be varied
according to any
number of factors, such as the beverage (e.g., juice, coffee, hot chocolate,
tea, wine, water, soda,
ice cream shake, soup), beverage temperature (e.g., hot or cold), other
beverage characteristics
(e.g., viscosity, surface tension, presence or absence of whip cream or
solids) and user
environment (e.g., sitting, walking, driving). In some embodiments, opening
401 can be
adjustable (see, e.g, lid 200 in Figure 10, lid 2600 in Figure 26A, lid 2800
in Figure 28A, etc.)
to meet a user's particular preferences or application.
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[0074] Lid 100 also has a second opening 402. Second opening 402 can have a
second opening
diameter 407 of approximately .1406 inches (approximately 0.3571 centimeters).
[0075] The specific values for dimensions as described herein are not meant to
restrict the scope
of the subject matter presented unless otherwise specified in the claims.
[0076] Basin 310 is also configured to channel and concentrate vapor rising
from the liquid in
the sipping portion to aroma portion. This is accomplished within first length
301, by shaping
basin 310 such that its width becomes narrower moving from one end of its
length (i.e., the
drinking portion) to the other end of its length (i.e., the aroma portion).
Figure 3 shows a top
view of lid 100, and best illustrates how the width of basin 310 changes along
length 307
(wherein the width is the dimension between two opposing ridges). Drinking
portion of lid 100
has a first width 304, which is much larger than second width 305 of aroma
portion. Basin 310
is sized and dimensioned such that user's nose is closely located near the
aroma portion when the
user takes a drink from lid 100 as shown in Figure 9. In this manner, lid 100
enhances the user's
olfactory experience when drinking a liquid.
[0077] One advantage of lid 100 is the prevention of burning a user's upper
lip. The drinking
portion comprises ridge 311 of basin 310 that includes two sidewalls that meet
at angles 480 and
481, as shown in Figure 4. Angles 480 and 481 are approximately 135 degrees.
However in
other embodiments, angles 480 and 481 can be between 30 and 160 degrees,
preferably between
80 and 160 degrees, and more preferably between 90 and 145 degrees. While
angles 480 and
481 are identical in Fig. 4, it is contemplated that angles 480 and 481 can be
different. Width
306 and angles 480 and 481 protect the user's upper lip by supporting (e.g.,
pushing) the upper
lip off of ridge 311, such that the upper lip is away from the direct flow of
the hot beverage.
Width 306 and angles 480 and 481 also create a comfortable and secure feeling
that allows the
user to drink a hot beverage with confidence that the beverage will not spill
or bum the user.
[0078] Fig. 4 shows other exemplary dimensions of lid 100 that allow users to
identify a
drinking portion on lid 100 without having to look at lid 100. This advantage
is partially due to
the shape of the features disposed on lid 100. The ridge can have an overall
dimension 404a
measured from its upper-most point in the aroma portion to its lower-most
point in the drinking
portion as shown in Fig. 4 of approximately 2 3/4 inches (approximately 6.985
centimeters), but
13
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
in other embodiments overall dimension 404a can have a length between 2 to 4
inches (5.08 to
10.16 centimeters), and more typically between 2 1/4 to 3 1/3 inches (5.715 to
8.467
centimeters). The ridge of lid 100 can also have an overall dimension 404b
that is measured
from the left-most point to the right-most point of the ridge as shown in Fig.
4 of about 2 1/8
inches (about 5.398 centimeters), but in other embodiments overall dimension
404b can have a
length between 1 to 3 inches (2.54 to 7.62 centimeters), and more typically
between 1 1/2 to 2
1/2 inches (3.81 to 6.35 centimeters). Overall dimension 404a and overall
dimension 404b are
sized to maintain any excess liquid or splashing from the lid while not being
oversized so as to
make sipping using the lid uncomfortable.
[0079] It should be appreciated that although angles 480, 481 of drinking
portion reduces the
risk of a spill or burn by maintaining the upper lip of the user away from the
direct flow of the
hot beverage, drinking portion can also have a drinking portion dimension 404c
to maintain the
upper lip of the user in a safe location. Drinking portion dimension 404c can
have a length
measured from one portion of the ridge where two sidewalls meet to form angle
480 to another
portion of the ridge where two sidcwalls meet to form angle 481 as shown in
Fig. 4 of about 1
inch (about 2.54 centimeters), but in other embodiments drinking portion
dimension 404c can be
a length between 1/4 to 3 inches (0.635 to 7.62 centimeter), and more
typically 1/2 to 2 inches
(1.27 to 5.08 centimeters).
[0080] Other exemplary dimensions of lid 100 include a top portion dimension
404d and a
drinking portion dimension 404e. Top portion dimension 404d can have a length
measured as
shown in Fig. 4 of about 3/8 inch (about 0.9525 centimeter), but in other
embodiments top
portion dimension 404d can be between 1/8 to 1 1/2 inches (0.3175 to 3.81
centimeter).
Similarly, drinking portion dimension 404e can have a length measured from the
lowest point of
the ridge near drinking portion to a point where two portions of ridge
intersect as shown in Fig. 4
of about 1 3/8 inch (about 3.492 centimeters), but in other embodiments the
length can range
between 1/2 to 3 inches (1.27 to 7.62 centimeters), and more typically between
Ito 2 inches
(2.54 to 5.08 centimeters).
[0081] Figure 5A shows a side perspective view of lid 100 with exemplary
dimensions to
provide a better illustration and comprising dotted lines to show the internal
structure of lid 100.
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CA 02949166 2016-11-18
Figure 5B shows a cross-section of the side view of lid 100 taken along line 1-
1 from Fig. 4. As
stated above, these dimensions are not meant to restrict the scope of the
subject matter presented
unless specified in the claims. In some embodiments, lid 100 can have a
drinking portion lid
height 503a with a height measured from the bottom surface of lid 100 to the
top surface of the
ridge near drinking portion as shown in Fig. 5A of approximately 15/16 inches
(2.381
centimeters), but in other embodiments drinking portion lid height can be 1/3
to 3 inches (0.8467
to 7.62 centimeter), and more typically 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches (1.27 to 3.81
centimeters). It should
be appreciated that drinking portion lid height 503a is designed to prevent
any splashing of liquid
being consumed, and furthermore, drinking portion lid height 503a has a height
greater than an
aroma portion lid height 503b so as to allow a user to identify the drinking
portion from the
aroma portion. Other dimensions similar to drinking portion lid height 503a
include height 503c
and height 503d. For example, height 503c can have a height measured from the
bottom surface
of lid 100 to the bottom of the valley near the drinking portion as shown in
Fig. 5A of 1/4 inch
(0.635 centimeter), but in other embodiments height 503c can be between 1/8 to
2 inches (0.3175
to 5.08 centimeter), and more typically between 1/6 to 1 inch (0.4233 to 2.54
centimeter). In
another example, height 503d can have a height measured from the bottom of the
basin near the
drinking portion to the top of the ridge. Contemplated heights for height 503d
include 11/16
inch (1.746 centimeters), and in other embodiments a height between 1/4 to 2
inches (0.635 to
5.08 centimeter), and more typically between 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches (1.27 to 3.81
centimeters).
100821 Lid 100 also has aroma portion lid height 503b having a height measured
from a bottom
surface of lid 100 to the top surface of a ridge in the aroma portion as shown
in Fig. 5A of about
7/8 inch (about 2.222 centimeters). However, in other embodiments, lid 100 can
have aroma
portion lid height 503b with a height between 1/8 to 3 inches (0.3175 to 7.62
centimeter), and
more typically between 1/2 to 11/2 inches (1.27 to 181 centimeters). Other
dimensions similar
to aroma portion lid height 503b include height 503e and height 503f. For
example, height 503e
can have a height measured from the bottom of the basin near the aroma portion
to the top of the
ridge of about 3/8 inch (about 0.9525 centimeter), but in other embodiments
height 503e includes
a height between 1/10 to 2 inches (0.254 to 5.08 centimeter), and more
typically a height
between 1/8 to 1 inch (0.3175 to 2.54 centimeter). Height 503f can have a
height measured from
bottom surface of lid 100 to the bottom of the basin near the aroma portion of
about 1/2 inch
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
(about 1.27 centimeters), but in other embodiments height 503f can be a height
between 1/8 to 3
inches (0.3175 to 7.62 centimeter), and more typically 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches
(0.635 to 3.81
centimeter).
[0083] As shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, the height of lid 100 tapers going from
drinking portion lid
= height 503a to 503b. Nevertheless, it is contemplated that the height of
lid 100 can be constant
(i.e., the lid height does not taper) in alternative embodiments. The tapering
design of lid 100
can help a user to locate the drinking portion of lid 100 without looking at
lid 100. For example,
when the user is driving the user can feel the height increase of 503a with
his or her lips,
allowing the user to keep eye contact on the road.
[0084] As illustrated by the cross-sectional side view in Figure 5B, the
elevation of the valley of
basin 310 is lower at the drinking portion and higher at the aroma portion
with respect to a
horizontal plane 580, which allows fluid in the valley of basin 310 to flow
back into the lumen
102 of container 101 when iii the resting position (e.g., when coupled with
container 101 and
placed on horizontal plane 580). While the valley of basin 310 has a constant
slope, in
alternative embodiments, the valley of basin 310 could have a non-constant
slope (e.g., it could
be concave), and could also be non-planar or could include impressions (e.g.,
mounds, bumps,
textures, etc).
[0085] In addition, Figure 5B shows how the elevation of the valley of basin
310 is always
higher than the elevation of outer rim 103. However, it is contemplated that
other embodiments
of lid 100 can have a basin valley that is located at the same elevation as
the outer rim or at a
lower elevation than the outer rim. Alternations to the elevation of the basin
valley and the
height profile of lid 100 can be done for various reasons, such as aesthetics
and convenience of
design. As discussed above, outer rim 103 is configured to couple a container.
Thus, it is
contemplated that outer rim 103 defines a third opening 540 having a size and
dimension to
receive a container to couple lid 100 to the container.
[0086] It should be noted that lid 100 has various slopes that can benefit the
user and/or the
manufacturers. Figure 5B also shows a first angle 502, which is the angle
between outward-
facing wall 312 of ridge 311 (near the drinking portion) and a horizontal
surface. In some
embodiments, first angle 502 is between 90 and 135 degrees. First angle 502 is
optimized to
16
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
provide a comfortable drinking angle when container 101 is tilted by a user
for drinking a liquid
(e.g., see Figure 9). By providing such angle in this embodiment, the outward-
facing wall 312
of ridge 311 is viewable to consumers and on lookers, which makes this space
valuable for
advertisements and/or messages.
[0087] Lid 100 also has a drinking portion dimension 504, which is the
distance from opening
401 to outward-facing wall 312 of ridge 311. Drinking portion dimension 504
defines a capture
area that is sized and dimensioned to capture a small amount of liquid and/or
liquid constituents
(e.g., coffee grinds, contaminants from backwash drinkers, etc.). The capture
area defined by
drinking portion dimension 504 can be used to prevent dispensing of unwanted
portions of a
beverage. In some embodiments, drinking portion dimension 504 can be
approximately 0.4
inches (approximately 1.016 centimeters). In alternative embodiments, drinking
portion
dimension 504 can be smaller or larger, depending on the desired size of the
capture area. In yet
other embodiments, the capture area can completely eliminated by being filled
in.
[0088] Figure 5B also shows angle 501, which is the angle between the inward-
facing wall 313
of ridge 311 and the valley of basin 310 at the drinking portion side of the
lid 100. Angle 501 is
about 90 degrees. However, in other embodiments, angle 501 could be
significantly less than or
greater than 90 degrees. For example, angle 501 can be between 30 and 160
degrees, and more
preferably between 50 and 120 degrees.
[0089] Angle 501 and first angle 502 could vary depending on numerous factors
such as user
preference and the particular application (e.g., tea, coffee, hot chocolate,
juice, child, adult, etc).
Angle 501 and first angle 502 could also vary along the circumference of ridge
311 (e.g.,
different portions of the ridge could have different angles).
[0090] Figure 5B shows a second angle 507, which is the angle between the
outward-facing
wall 312 of the ridge 311 (near the aroma portion) with respect to a
horizontal surface. It is
contemplated that second angle 507 is between 100 and 130 degrees. By
providing such angle in
this embodiment, the outward facing surface of the ridge is viewable to
consumers and on
lookers, which makes this space valuable for advertisements and/or messages.
17
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[0091] Figure 6A shows a back side view of lid 100 showing the aroma portion
of the lid toward
the front, and the drinking portion of lid 100 toward the back. Fig. 6A also
shows a third angle
601, which is the angle between the outward-facing wall 312 of ridge 311 and a
horizontal
surface of the lid 100. Third angle 601 is about 135 degrees and provides a
visible viewing angle
for advertising text and logos (e.g., see Figure 8B). The height of lid 100
(e.g., drinking portion
lid height 503a and aroma portion lid height 503b) and third angle 601
together provide a visible
advertising surface that can be simultaneously viewed by both the user (even
when drinking from
100) and onlookers. In alternative embodiments, third angle 601 of lid 100 can
be changed
(e.g., 125 degrees, 150 degrees, etc.) to meet the user's preference. For
example, in other
embodiments, third angle 601 can be between 60 and 160 degrees, and more
preferably between
90 and 145 degrees. Lid 100 can have a height 603 near aroma portion that that
has a height
measured from top surface of the outer rim to the top surface of the ridge
near the aroma portion
as shown in Fig. 6A of about 7/16 inch (about 1.111 centimeters). In other
embodiments, height
603 can have a height between 1/8 to 3 inches (0.3175 to 7.62 centimeter), and
more typically a
height between 1/2 to 11/2 inches (1.27 to 3.81 centimeters).
[00921 Figure 613 shows a front side view of lid 100 showing dimension 404c of
the drinking
portion of lid 100. As discussed above, dimension 404c can be a length between
1/2 to 2 inches
(1.27 to 5.08 centimeters). Lid 100 can have a height 605 near drinking
portion having a height
measured from the top of the outer rim to the top surface of the ridge near
drinking portion as
shown in Fig. 6B of about 11/16 inches (about 1.746 centimeters). Other
contemplated heights
for height 605 are between 1/16 to 3 inches (0.1588 to 7.62 centimeter) and
more typically 1/2 to
11/2 inches (1.27 to 3.81 centimeters).
(0093] Figure 7A shows a top view of lid 100 having a drinking portion outward-
facing wall
702 and an aroma portion outward-facing wall 704. It is contemplated that
drinking portion
outward-facing wall 702 and aroma portion outward-facing wall 704 comprise
different angles
with respect to a horizontal plane. It should be appreciated that the angle
difference between
drinking portion outward-facing wall 702 and aroma portion outward-facing wall
704 allows
users to quickly identify the drinking portion from the aroma portion.
However, in other
embodiments, drinking portion outward-facing wall 702 and aroma portion
outward-facing wall
704 can comprise the same angle with respect to a horizontal surface on lid
100.
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CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00941 Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional view of lid 100 across line 1-1 in
the drinking portion
as shown in Fig. 7A. It is contemplated that the angle of drinking portion
outward-facing wall
702 is about 110 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane. However, in other
embodiments,
such angle can be between 30 to 160 degrees, and more preferably between 60 to
140 degrees. It
should be appreciated that drinking portion outward-facing wall 702 can
comprise the same
angle or various angles, such that the slope of drinking portion outward-
facing wall 702 can
increase or decrease across its length.
[00951 It should be noted that ridge 311 has various characteristics that
improve on traditional
lids. For example, as noted above, a user can use the shape (e.g., pentagonal
shape, etc.) of ridge
311 to identify a drinking portion on lid 100 without the need to look at lid
100. It is also
contemplated that ridge 311 can function as a guard to reduce splashing. As
shown in Fig. 7B,
drinking portion outward-facing wall 702 and inward-facing wall 313 of ridge
311 form a
rounded apex 722, and at least one of inward-facing wall 313, outward-facing
wall 702, and
rounded apex 722 can deflect liquid back into an attached container as shown
in flow path 708.
It is contemplated that rounded apex 722 can have a width 724 between 1/32 to
1/4 inch
(0.07938 to 0.635 centimeter) and more typically between 1/16 and 1/8 inch
(0.1588 and 0.3175
centimeter). Drinking portion outward-facing wall 702 and inward-facing wall
313 can create a
wave that returns liquid into the attached container. Thus, it should be noted
that drinking
portion outward-facing wall 702 and inward-facing wall 313 can be helpful to
reduce spills and
splashes when a user is moving, such as when a user is walking back to his
seat at a sporting
event with a drink, or when a user is in a moving vehicle (e.g., car,
airplane).
100961 Figure 7C shows a cross-sectional view of lid 100 across the aroma
portion. It is
contemplated that the aroma portion comprises an angle between aroma portion
outward-facing
wall 704 and a horizontal plane that is about 135 degrees. However, in other
embodiments, the
angle can between 30 to 160 degrees, and more preferably between 60 to 140
degrees. Similar to
drinking portion outward-facing wall 702, it should be appreciated that aroma
portion outward-
facing wall 704 can comprise the same angle or various angles, such that the
slope of aroma
portion outward-facing wall 704 increases or decreases across its length.
19
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[0097] As shown in Fig. 7C, aroma portion outward-facing wall 704 and inward-
facing wall 313
of ridge 311 total rounded apex 722. Aroma portion outward-facing wall 704 and
inward-facing
wall 313 totaling rounded apex 722 can reduce spilling or splashing by
deflecting liquid that
contacts the bottom of lid 100 back into the attached container as shown in
exemplary flow path
720. While inward-facing wall 313 and drinking portion outward-facing wall 702
and aroma
portion outward-facing wall 704 form ridge 311 having rounded apex 722, it is
contemplated that
the apex can have other shapes (e.g., triangular, rectangular, etc.) suitable
to deflect liquid from
bottom of lid 100 and reduce spilling and splashing. It is contemplated that
the size of rounded
apex 722 is different between the drinking portion and the aroma portion.
[0098] Figure 7D shows a cross-sectional view of lid 100 showing various
dimensions of the
bottom surface of lid 100. It is contemplated that lid 100 has an underside
drinking portion
length 710 with a length measured from opening 401 to the inside surface of
outward-facing wall
near the drinking portion as shown in Fig. 7D whereby contemplated lengths
include a length
between 1/8 to 2 inches (0.3175 to 5.08 centimeter), and more typically,
between 1/4 to 1 inch
(0.635 to 2.54 centimeter).
[0099] It should be appreciated that the underside of lid 100 comprises
features that improve the
functionality of lid 100. For example, lid 100 comprises an underside gap 712,
which is the area
between opening 401 and the inside surface of the outward-facing wall.
Underside gap 712 can
reduce the risk of liquid immediately exiting through opening 401 to splash
onto user when user
drinks from a cup of liquid having lid 100. In other words, some of the liquid
from a cup collects
in underside gap 712 while another part of the liquid exits via opening 401
when a cup of liquid
having lid 100 is tilted. Additionally, underside gap 712 can also reduce
spilling or splashing by
creating a wave that returns liquid back into the container as described in
Figs. 7B and 7C.
[00100] Underside gap comprises angle 714 that has an angle of about 30
degrees. However,
angle 714 can range between 5 and 80 degrees, and more typically between 10
and 50 degrees.
It should be appreciated that angle 714 helps control the speed of the flow
exiting opening 401
when a user is drinking from a cup using lid 100 by increasing or decreasing
the slope of the
inward-facing wall in the sipping area.
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00101] The underside of lid 100 also comprises an aroma underside length 716
having a
length measured from second opening 402 to an inside surface of outward-facing
wall near the
aroma portion as shown in Fig. 7D whereby contemplated lengths include a
length between 1/4
to 2 inches (0.635 to 5.08 centimeter), and more typically, between 1/2 to 1
inch (1.27 to 2.54
centimeters). Furthermore, the underside of lid 100 near aroma portion can
have angle 718 of
about 40 degrees. However, angle 718 can range between 5 and 80 degrees, and
more typically
between 20 and 60 degrees.
[00102] Figures 8A-8C shows various perspective views of lid 100 from various
angles.
Figure 8A shows a top perspective view of lid 100 having various portions of
outward-facing
wall. For example, lid 100 can have a sipping portion outward-facing wall 802,
a drinking
portion outward-facing wall 804, and an aroma portion outward-facing wall 806.
As discussed
above, sipping portion outward-facing wall 802, drinking portion outward-
facing wall 804, and
aroma portion outward-facing wall 806 can have different angles to allow a
user to quickly
identify the drinking portion. However, it is also contemplated that the
angles of sipping portion
outward-facing wall 802, drinking portion outward-facing wall 804, and aroma
portion outward-
facing wall 806 are the same or at least one is different from the others.
[00103] Figure 88 shows a side perspective view of lid 100, with optional
logo 810 and
optional branding 820. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
information other
than logos and branding can be included on the outward facing surface of ridge
311. For
example, the outward facing surface could include words, labels, warnings,
slogans, website
address, pictures, colors, matrix barcodes, Quick Response (BQ) codes, and
radiofrequency
identification (RFID) tags. The outward-facing surface of ridge 311 is angled
such that the
surface is easily visible to both the user of the lid and to those nearby.
[00104] Figure 8C shows the underside of lid 100 having third opening 540.
Third opening
840 is defined by outer rim 103 of lid 100. It is contemplated that third
opening 540 is sized and
dimensioned to receive a container to couple lid 100 to a container.
Furthermore, it should be
noted that the underside features of lid 100 allow for lid 100 to be stackable
with other identical
lids, thus optimizing space when storing multiple lids. Stackability provides
numerous
advantageous that are readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art. However, in
21
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
alternative embodiments, lid 100 need not be stackable. Stackability should
not be construed to
limit the inventive concepts unless specifically references in the claims.
[00105] Figure 9 shows a side view of a user drinking liquid from lid 100.
Figure 9 also
shows a liquid flow profile for lid 100. In addition, Figure 9 shows the
user's nose and mouth
relative to lid 100. The user's mouth is close to opening 401 and the user's
nose is close to
second opening 402. As the liquid flows from opening 401 and across sipping
area 315, the
liquid aerates. Vapor 905 rises and is concentrated at the user's nose due to
the shape of basin
310, thus enhancing the user's olfactory experience. The effect is further
augmented as the user
exhales through the nose, which causes the liquid to further aerate and
circulates the pleasing
aroma of the liquid upward to the user's nose.
[00106] Figure 10 shows another embodiment of a lid 200 with perforations
1003. When a
user desires to enlarge opening 1001 to increase the flow of the liquid, the
user can press down
between perforations 1003 to simply widen the opening, and/or alternatively,
the user can
partially or completely remove a portion of the inward-facing wall 1004 of the
drinking portion
of lid 200. The user can control how much opening 1001 is enlarged by
gradually pinching
inward-facing wall 1004 and the outward facing wall with the thumb and index
fingers. While
lid 200 has perforations 1003, it is contemplated that various other tear
lines can be used
including a tear line comprising at least one of an incision, an indentation,
and a solid tear line.
[00107] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of a lid 300 with perforations
1103. When a
user desires to enlarge opening 1101 to increase the flow of the liquid, the
user can press down
the valley in between perforations 1103 to simply widen the opening. In
addition, the user can
partially or completely remove a portion of the valley of the drinking portion
of lid 300. While
lid 300 has perforations 1103, it is contemplated that various other tear
lines can be used
including a tear line comprising at least one of an incision, a cut, an
indentation, and a solid tear
line.
[00108] Figure 12 shows another embodiment of a lid 400 and Figure 13 shows
another
embodiment of a lid 500. In Fig. 12, perforations 1202 and opening 1201 are
coupled to make a
triangle shape, and are configured to make an enlarged opening when the user
presses down a
portion of valley surrounded by the opening 1201 and perforations 1202. The
portions of the
22
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
valley surrounded by the opening and perforation can be detached from the rest
of the valley
when they are pressed down. In Fig. 13, perforations 1303 and opening 1301 are
coupled to
make a trapezoid shape, and are configured to make an enlarged opening when
the user presses
down a portion of basin surrounded by the opening 1301 and perforations 1303.
While
perforations are used for lids 400 and 500, it should be appreciated that
other tear lines are
contemplated such as a tear line comprising at least one of an incision, an
indentation, and a solid
tear line.
[00109] Figure 14 shows another embodiment of a lid 600 with perforations 1401
on the
inward facing wall of the drinking portion of lid 600. In this embodiment,
perforations 1401 and
opening 1403 are coupled to make a pentagonal shape, and are configured to
make an enlarged
opening when the user pinches the inward and outward facing walls of the
perforated ridge. It is
contemplated that many other suitable shapes can be formed using perforations
1401, such as a
circular shape, a triangular shape, and a rectangular shape. While lid 600 has
perforations 1401,
it is contemplated that various other tear lines can be used including a tear
line comprising at
least one of an incision, an indentation, and a solid tear line.
[00110] Figure 15 shows another embodiment of a lid 700 with perforations 1501
on the
inward facing wall of the drinking portion of lid 700. The perforations 1501
are coupled to an
opening 1503 and an opening 1502 on the inward facing wall, and the user can
enlarge the
opening by pinching the outward and inward facing walls of the ridge. While
lid 700 has
perforations 1501, it is contemplated that various other tear lines can be
used including a tear line
comprising at least one of an incision, a cut, an indentation, and a solid
tear line.
[00111] Figure 16 shows another embodiment of a lid 800 with perforations 1601
on the
valley. This embodiment enables a user to enlarge the opening 1603 in a
triangular shape by
pressing down perforations 1601. While lid 800 has perforations 1601, it is
contemplated that
various other tear lines can be used including a tear line comprising at least
one of an incision, an
indentation, and a solid tear line.
[00112] Figure 17A and 17B show various views of a lid 900. Lid 900 is
similar to lid 100
except that it has a third circular opening 901 on the inward facing wall of
the drinking portion of
the lid in addition to a first opening 902 and a second opening 903. Distance
904 from the valley
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
of the basin to the third circular opening 901 is approximately between 0.118
inches (0.2997
centimeters) to 0.394 inches (1.001 centimeters). The diameter of the third
circular opening 901
is approximately 0.098 inches (approximately 0.2489 centimeter). When lid 100
is tilted and
used for drinking a liquid (e.g., see Figure 9), liquid flows out of third
circular opening 901 and
first opening 902. The liquid flowing from third circular opening 901 can act
as a speed bump to
slow down the liquid flowing from first opening 902. The exact size, shape,
and position of third
circular opening 901 can be adjusted, depending on the viscosity of the liquid
and the situation
(e.g., hot beverage, cold beverage, drinking while in motion, drinking while
stationary, etc.)
[001131 Figure 18A is another embodiment of a lid 1000. Lid 1000 also has a
diamond
shaped opening 1805 and a diamond shaped opening 1802 that allows a more
controlled flow of
the liquid to the user's mouth. More specifically, the liquid that exits at
diamond shaped opening
1802 helps to control the flow of the liquid coming from opening 1803 by
slowing down the
liquid coming from opening 1803. Diamond shaped opening 1802 also helps to
prevent the
sudden rush of liquid caused by a break in a vacuumed seal or by an unexpected
tilt or jolt of
container 101 (e.g., such as when passing over a bump on the road while
driving). Diamond
shaped opening 1802 is located at a position of one third of the height of
inward-facing wall
from the valley of basin 1806 where opening 1803 is located. Other shapes are
also
contemplated for diamond shaped opening 1802, such as a triangle, a circle, a
rectangle, and a
square.
1001141 Figure 18B shows a top view of lid 1000 with various dimensions
labeled to provide
a better illustration. Specific dimensions are not meant to restrict the scope
of the subject matter
presented unless otherwise specified in the claims. In some embodiments,
opening 1803 can
have an opening width 1814 of approximately 0.6 inches (approximately 1.524
centimeters) and
an opening height 1810 of approximately 0.045 inches (approximately 0.1143
centimeter). The
size and shape of opening 1803 allows delivery of the beverage with control
for the user by
reducing the chances of splattering. As discussed above, lid 1000 also has a
diamond shaped
opening 1805. Diamond shaped opening 1805 can have a width 1812 of
approximately 0.05
inches (approximately 0.127 centimeter) and a height 1811 of approximately
0.19 inches
(approximately 0.4826 centimeter).
24
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00115] Figures 19A and 19B show another embodiment of a lid 1100, which has a
third and
a fourth slit openings 1902, which are parallel with each other, on the basin
in addition to an
opening 1901. Slit openings 1902 have a width 1906. Preferably, two additional
slit openings
1902 are positioned lengthwise from the drinking portion to the aroma portion
of the lid 1100.
Yet, it is contemplated that the two slit openings can be placed at any angle
relative to the length
between the aroma portion and the drinking portion of lid 1100.
[00116] Figure 19B shows a top view of lid 1100 with various dimensions
labeled to provide
a better illustration. In this embodiment, opening 1901 has a depth 1904 of
approximately 0.045
inches (approximately 0.1143 centimeters). The size and shape of opening 1901
allows delivery
of the beverage with control for the user by reducing the chances of
splattering. Lid 1100 has slit
openings 1902 on the basin. In this embodiment, two additional slit openings
have an opening
width, measured longitudinally from the drinking portion of the lid to the
aroma portion of the
lid, of approximately between 0.50 inches (1.27 centimeters) and 0.75 inches
(1.905
centimeters). Width 1906 of at least one of the two additional openings is
approximately 0.125
inches (approximately 0.3175 centimeters). The distance 1905 between two
additional slit
openings is approximately 0.50 inches (approximately 1.27 centimeters), and
the distance 1907
between the first opening to at least one of the two additional slit openings
is approximately 0.25
inches (approximately 0.635 centimeters). The slit openings 1902 help to
enhance the user's
olfactory experience, especially while the user gently blows down on opening
1901.
[00117] Figures 20A and 20B show perspective and top views, respectively, of a
lid 1200.
Lid 1200 has a basin 2010. which has a plurality of openings 2015 in addition
to opening 2020.
In this embodiment, the openings 2015 are triangular, where the triangle in
the center has a larger
dimension than other triangles located laterally. Openings 2015 are located
juxtaposed to the
opening 2020 so as to increase the size of opening for dispensing liquid and
to increase aroma.
[00118] Figures 21A and 21B show another embodiment of a lid 1300. Lid 1300
has a ridge
and/or opening 2101 on the basin valley, which can be pulled or pushed down to
make a larger
opening on the basin for dispensing liquid. Ridge and/or opening 2101 is
coupled to perforations
2102 so that when ridge and/or opening 2101 is pulled or pushed down, a
portion of basin
surrounded by the ridge and perforations 2102 can be detached from the basin.
The ridge is
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
concave, however, in alternative embodiments the ridge could be linear, half-
round, half-
rectangular, or any other shape suitable to pinch, pull, or push down a
portion of basin valley.
[00119] Figure 22A and 22B show a top view and a perspective view of another
embodiment
of a lid 1400, which has an egg-shaped basin 2201.
[00120] Figure 23A and 23B show a top view and a perspective view of another
embodiment
of a lid 1500. The lid 1500 has a triangular-shaped basin 2301 with a rounded
side and a
rounded corner.
[00121] Figures 24 and 25 show lid 2400 and lid 2500, respectively. Lid 2400
has a textured
basin valley 2401 comprising a plurality of impressions (e.g., mounds, bumps,
etc.) placed in a
staggered/angled pattern. Lid 2500 has a textured basin valley 2501 comprising
a plurality of
circular ridges. The textured basin valleys help to retain a wet coating after
wetted by the
beverage, thus enhancing the olfactory experience even more.
[00122] It should be appreciated that the lids disclosed herein can include
tear lines. As
briefly discussed above, the tear lines can allow a user to enlarge the
opening on the lid to
increase the flow of the liquid from the cup. Additionally, or alternatively,
the user can partially
or completely remove the valley from the lid to provide a larger area for the
user to access the
inside of the cup. This is especially useful when a user has a lid attached to
a container (e.g.,
bowl, cup, take out container, food storage container, etc.) having a beverage
and/or a solid food
product (e.g., a soup, noodles) where the valley can be at least partially
removed so that utensils
can be used to consume the products within the attached container without
having to completely
remove the lid.
[00123] Figure 26A shows a lid 2600 having a basin 2601 defined by a ridge
2603 that at
least partially surrounds a valley 2605 in a non-circular path (e.g., a
pentagonal shape). Basin
2601 has a drinking portion and an aroma portion. The drinking portion
comprises the area of
basin 2601 that is near an opening 2607 on valley 2605, which includes ridge
2603 in that area.
Typically, the drinking portion comprises the area of basin 2601 (including
valley 2605) from
ridge 2603 near opening 2607 to the center of basin 2601 (i.e., the lower half
of basin 2601).
However, in other typical embodiments, the drinking portion comprises the area
of basin 2601
26
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
(including valley 2605) from ridge 2603 near opening 2607 to a top end of a
first tear line 2609
(i.e., the end of first tear line 2609 that is furthest from opening 2607). As
described above, the
drinking portion can also comprise the area of the basin within a second
length as described in
Fig. 3.
[00124] The aroma portion can be the remaining area of basin 2601 besides
the drinking
portion. In other contemplated embodiments the aroma portion can comprise the
area of basin
2601 between the center and the top end of ridge 2603 (i.e., the upper half of
basin 2601). As
described above, the aroma portion can also comprises the area of basin within
first length as
described in Fig. 3.
1001251 Lid 2600 comprises first tear line 2609 disposed on the drinking
portion and a second
tear line 2611 disposed on the aroma portion. At least one of first tear line
2609 and second tear
line 2611 extends proximally along an intersection of an inward-facing wall
2613 of the ridge
2603 and valley 2605. It should be appreciated that proximally is defined as a
distance of less
than 1/4 inch (0.635 centimeter), and more typically, less than 1/8 inch
(0.3175 centimeters). In
some embodiments, first tear line 2609 and second tear line 2611 extend along
the intersection of
inward-facing wall 2613 and valley 2605.
[001261 Valley 2605 comprises opening 2607 in the drinking portion. As
described above,
inward-facing wall 2613 adjacent to opening 2607 (i.e., the sipping area) can
be concave (in a
direction from tear line 2619 to tear line 2621) to help channel the flow of
liquid for drinking.
Fig. 26A shows valley 2605 and ridge 2603 that are non-circular, such that
valley 2605 has a
pentagonal shape that is surrounded by ridge 2603 also having a pentagonal-
shaped path. Not
only is ridge 2603 non-circular, but the outward facing surfaces and the
inward facing surfaces of
ridge 2603 are also non-circular. It should be noted that a non-circular path
is the shape formed
by ridge 2603 on lid 2600 using a top view perspective. For example, Fig. 26A
shows that ridge
2603 forms a pentagonal shape from a top view perspective.
[00127] Other suitable non-circular shapes for valley 2605 and non-circular
paths of ridge
2603 include a triangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, an oval shape, and a
hexagonal shape, to
name a few. However, in other embodiments, at least one of valley 2605 and
ridge 2603 can be
27
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
circular. It should be appreciated that the non-circular shape aids in
identifying the drinking
portion from the aroma portion without the need to look at the lid.
1001281 Opening 2607 is typically sized and dimensioned to allow a user to
drink from a
beverage in a container attached to lid 2600. However, in some circumstances,
it may be
desirable to enlarge opening 2607 to consume a beverage and/or food product in
the container.
Thus, opening 2607 can be enlarged when first tear line 2609 is ruptured. It
is contemplated that
first tear line 2609 can extend to opening 2607 at one end.
[00129] In contemplated embodiments, a third tear line 2615 can be disposed in
the drinking
portion. For example, first tear line 2609 and third tear line 2615 can extend
to opening 2607 to
allow a user to enlarge opening 2607, such that the flow of liquid from the
container is increased
and the user has an enlarged area to access the inside of the container
without the need to remove
the lid. However, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that only first
tear line 2609 or third
tear line 2615 extends to opening 2607, or that neither first tear line 2609
nor third tear line 2615
extends to opening 2607.
[00130] First tear line 2609 and third tear line 2615 typically extend from
opening 2607 or an
area adjacent to opening 2607 to a distance (e.g., 1/4 inch (0.635
centimeter), 1/8 inch (0.3175
centimeter)) before the intersection where ridge 2603 forms a crease on inward-
facing wall
between the aroma portion and the drinking portion (i.e., the point where
ridge 2603 begins to
taper inward in aroma portion). It should be appreciated that by extending
first tear line 2609
and third tear line 2615 up to a distance from the point where ridge 2603
forms the crease, the
risk of a rupture deviating from the tear lines onto inward-facing wall 2613
is substantially
reduced. The same principle applies to second tear line 2611 and a fourth tear
line 2617 in the
aroma portion with respect to extending up to a distance from the point where
ridge 2603 forms a
crease between the drinking portion and the aroma portion.
[00131] Third tear line 2615 can extend proximally along an intersection of
inward-facing
wall 2613 and valley 2605. However, in other embodiments, third tear line 2615
can extend
along the intersection of inward-facing wall 2613 and valley 2605. Although
not shown in Fig.
26A, it is contemplated that first tear line 2609 and third tear line 2615 can
connect to form a
single tear line.
28
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
1001321 Lid 2600 can also include a fourth tear line 2617 in the aroma
portion. Fourth tear
line 2617 can extend proximally along the intersection of inward-facing wall
2613 and valley
2605 as shown in Fig. 26A. For example, fourth tear line 2617 can extend along
the intersection
of inward-facing wall 2613 and valley 2605. Second tear line 2611 and fourth
tear line 2617 can
extend proximally along the intersection of inward-facing wall 2613 and valley
2605, such that a
user can remove the upper half of valley 2605 when the second tear line 2611
and fourth tear line
2617 are ruptured. It is contemplated that at least one of second tear line
2611 and fourth tear
line 2617 can extend to connect second tear line 2611 and fourth tear line
2617 and form a single
tear line.
[00133] Lid 2600 can further comprise a fifth tear line 2619 disposed on
inward-facing wall
2613 in the drinking portion. However, in other contemplated embodiments,
fifth tear line 2619
can be disposed in the aroma portion. While fifth tear line 2619 is shown on
inward-facing wall
2613, fifth tear line 2619 can also be disposed on an outward-facing wall 2639
of ridge 2603 in
either the drinking portion or the aroma portion. For example, fifth tear line
2619 can extend
from inward-facing wall 2613 to the outward-facing wall 2639 to allow the user
to tear a portion
of ridge 2603.
1001341 Fifth tear line 2619 can extend from opening 2607 to allow a user to
enlarge opening
2607 and increase a flow of liquid from a container attached to lid 2600.
Additionally, or
alternatively, at least one of first tear line 2609 and fifth tear line 2619
can extend to connect first
tear line 2609 and fifth tear line 2619 and form a single tear line. Thus, a
user can enlarge
opening 2607 by at least one of pulling valley 2605 near opening 2607 in an
upward motion to
rupture first tear line 2609 and third tear line 2615, and pinching an area of
inward-facing wall
2613 and outward-facing wall 2639 to rupture fifth tear line 2619.
1001351 Lid 2600 can have a sixth tear line 2621 disposed on inward-facing
wall 2613.
Similar to fifth tear line 2619, sixth tear line 2621 can also be disposed on
the outward-facing
wall 2639 of ridge 2603. It is also contemplated that sixth tear line 2621 can
extend to opening
2607 to allow a user to enlarge opening 2607 and increase a flow of liquid.
Additionally, or
alternatively, at least one of third tear line 2615 and sixth tear line 2621
can extend to connect
third tear line 2615 and sixth tear line 2621 to form a single tear line.
29
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00136] It should be noted that many suitable structures are contemplated for
the tear lines
discussed in the various embodiments, including a perforation, an incision, a
cut, an indentation,
and a solid tear line. A perforation or plurality of perforations comprises
holes or a row of holes
punched in lid 2600 that allows a user to rupture the lid along the plurality
of perforations. An
incision comprises a slit through lid 2600 having solid end points so that a
user can rupture at
least one of the solid end points to enlarge an opening. An indentation
comprises a notch on lid
2600 that does not penetrate through the surface of lid 2600 but creates a
weak point so that a
user can rupture lid 2600 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 2600 so that a user can rupture lid 2600
along the solid tear line.
[00137] Lid 2600 can be designed to incorporate the many features described in
the other
embodiments above. For example, lid 2600 can comprise ridge 2603 having an
outward-facing
wall 2639 with (i) a first section near the drinking portion that intersects a
horizontal plane at a
first angle, and (ii) a second section near the aroma portion that intersects
the horizontal plane at
a second angle, and wherein the first angle and second angle are different as
shown in Fig. 5B.
Such embodiment can further comprise a third section of the outward-facing
wall 2639 that
intersects a horizontal plane at a third angle, wherein two of at least the
first, second, and third
angle are different.
[00138] While Fig. 26A shows lid 2600 having first tear line 2609, second
tear line 2611,
third tear line 2615, fourth tear line 2617, fifth tear line 2619, and sixth
tear line 2621, it should
be appreciated that contemplated lids can have more or less tear lines. For
example, it is
contemplated that lid 2600 can consists of only first tear line 2609 and third
tear line 2615. In
another example, it is contemplated that lid 2600 can consists of only second
tear line 2611 and
fourth tear line 2617. In yet another example, first tear line 2609, second
tear line 2611, third
tear line 2615, and fourth tear line 2617 can extend proximally along the
intersection of inward-
facing wall 2613 and valley 2605, such that first tear line 2609, second tear
line 2611, third tear
line 2615, and fourth tear line 2617 at least partially extend along a
perimeter of valley 2605 to
allow a user to completely remove valley 2605 via the tear lines.
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
100139] As discussed above, opening 2607 can be enlarged using the various
tear lines on lid
2600. A user can pull in an upward motion on opening 2607 to rupture first
tear line 2609 and
third tear line 2615 as shown in Figure 26B. It should be appreciated that
second tear line 2611
and fourth tear line 2617 (underneath valley 2605) remain intact, such that
valley 2605 is
partially removed to enlarge opening 2607. Enlarged opening 2607 in Fig. 26B
provides a larger
area for a user to access the items within the container. For example, lid
2600 can be attached to
a bowl whereby the enlarged area of opening 2607 allows a user to access the
food product
within the bowl using utensils. Furthermore, the enlarged area of opening 2607
can allow hot
beverages/food to cool to a comfortable temperature by allowing hot vapors to
escape.
[00140] Valley 2605 comprises a flexible material so that valley 2605 can be
folded over onto
the aroma portion. In other embodiments, valley 2605 can comprise a rigid
material. It is
contemplated that valley 2605 is sized and dimensioned to fold over and remain
in the aroma
portion due to a friction fit between the perimeter of valley 2605 and inward-
facing wall 2613
near aroma portion as shown in Fig. 26B. However, in other embodiments, it is
contemplated
that valley 2605 in the drinking portion can be folded over and coupled onto
valley 2605 in the
aroma portion so that valley 2605 is maintained in a folded configuration. It
should be
appreciated that maintaining valley 2605 in a folded configuration allows
users to access the
food products in the container coupled to lid 2600 via opening 2607 without
the need to fold
valley 2605 onto the aroma portion each time to enlarge opening 2607.
[00141] As shown in Fig. 26B, fifth tear line 2619 and sixth tear line 2621
can remain intact
when rupturing first tear line 2609 and third tear line 2615. However, it is
contemplated that a
user can rupture fifth tear line 2619 and sixth tear line 2621 by pinching an
area of inward-facing
wall 2613 and outward-facing wall 2639 of ridge 2603 to enlarge opening 2607.
Once opening
2607 is enlarged by rupturing fifth tear line 2619 and sixth tear line 2621,
it may be easier to pull
valley 2605 in an upward motion to rupture first tear line 2609 and third tear
line 2615 to further
enlarge opening 2607. Additionally, by rupturing fifth tear line 2619 and
sixth tear line 2621, a
user can now consume entrapped beverage and/or food product in underside gap
of ridge 2603
(see, e.g., 712 in Fig. 7D).
31
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00142] Although opening 2607 has been enlarged in Fig. 26B, it is
contemplated that
opening 2607 can be further enlarged so as to remove valley 2605 from lid
2600. Once first tear
line 2609 and third tear line 2615 have been ruptured, valley 2605 can be
further pulled in an
upward motion to rupture second tear line 2611 and fourth tear line 2617 and
remove valley
2605 as shown in Figure 26C. Opening 2607 in Fig. 26C is now enlarged to
encompass the area
where valley 2605 was disposed. It should be appreciated that opening 2607 in
Fig. 26C is now
enlarged to provide a greater area for a user to access the contents in a
container attached to lid
2600. Additionally, hot beverages/food can be cooled to a comfortable
temperature by allowing
the hot vapors escape through opening 2607. While opening 2607 has been
enlarged using tear
lines discuss above, it is contemplated that lid 2600 can be manufactured
having a portion of the
valley removed or having the valley completely removed as shown in some of the
embodiments
below.
[00143] It should be appreciated that lid 2600 as shown in Fig. 26C can
additionally function
as a splash guard. Lid 2600 comprises ridge 2603 having inward-facing wall
2613 and outward-
facing wall 2639 that extend in an upward direction from the base of lid 2600.
Ridge 2603
typically extends above the upper rim of a container when lid 2600 couples the
container.
Moreover, inward-facing wall 2613 and outward-facing wall 2639 form a rounded
apex that
reduces splashing as explained in Fig. 7B. Thus, the risk of splashing
food/liquid from an
attached container is substantially reduced by ridge 2603 even though opening
2607 is
substantially enlarged.
[00144] It is contemplated that valley 2605 is sized and dimensioned to
allow a user to access
contents within a container (e.g., bowl, cup, take out container, food storage
container, etc.)
coupled to lid 2600 using utensils 2623 without the need to completely remove
lid 2600 as
shown in Figure 26D. A user can drink liquid within a container coupled to lid
2600 through
opening 2607 as shown in Fig. 26A. Opening 2607 can then be enlarged to
accommodate the
viscosity of the liquid in the container and/or allow user to consume solid
food items that are
larger than opening 2607 in Fig. 26A by at least one of (i) rupturing either
first tear line 2609 and
third tear line 2615 as shown in Fig. 26B, and (ii) rupturing fifth tear line
2619 and sixth tear line
2621. Additionally, or alternatively, valley 2605 can be completely removed as
shown in Fig.
26C, and utensils 2623 can be used to consume the contents within the
container attached to lid
32
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
2600. Suitable utensils 2623 include chopsticks, a spoon, a fork, a knife, a
straw, and other
devices used to consume food and beverages.
001451 Figure 27 shows an embodiment of a lid 2700 have a plurality of tear
lines. Similar .
to the lid of Fig. 26A, lid 2700 has a basin 2701 defined by a ridge 2703 that
at least partially
surrounds a valley 2705 in a non-circular path. Basin 2701 comprises a
drinking portion and an
aroma portion. A first tear line 2709 is disposed on the drinking portion and
a second tear line
2711 is disposed on the aroma portion. Fig. 27 shows that first tear line 2709
and second tear
line 2711 are disposed proximally along an intersection of an inward-facing
wall 2613 of ridge
2703 and valley 2605. However, it is contemplated that one of first tear line
2709 and second
tear line 2711 are disposed proximally along an intersection of an inward-
facing wall 2613 of
ridge 2703 and valley 2605.
[001461 Lid 2700 can also comprise a third tear line 2715 disposed in the
drinking portion and
a fourth tear line 2717 disposed on the aroma portion. Additionally, or
alternatively, lid 2700
can further comprise a fifth tear line 2719 and a sixth tear line 2721
disposed on inward-facing
wall 2613. It should be appreciated that the same features described in the
tear lines of the other
embodiments can be incorporated herein.
[001471 Unlike some of the lids described above, lid 2700 does not have an
opening in the
drinking portion. However, an opening can be created in the drinking portion
to allow a user to
drink a liquid from a container coupled to lid 2700. Drinking portion further
comprises a
seventh tear line 2723 and an eighth tear line 2725 that extend proximally
along an intersection
of inward-facing wall 2713 and valley 2705.
1001481 Seventh tear line 2723 can connect first tear line 2709 and fifth
tear line 2719 to form
a continuous tear line along valley 2705 and inward-facing wall 2713.
Similarly, eighth tear line
2725 can connect third tear line 2715 and sixth tear line 2721 to form a
continuous tear line
along valley 2705 and inward-facing wall 2713. Thus, one can pinch an area of
inward-facing
wall 2713 and an outward-facing wall in the drinking portion to rupture fifth
tear line 2719, sixth
tear line 2721, seventh tear line 2723, and eighth tear line 2725 to create an
opening. Valley
2705 can be partially or completely removed from lid 2700 in the same manner
as described in
the embodiments above.
33
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00149] Lid 2700 can further comprise a first flap 2727 and a second flap 2729
disposed on
valley 2705 in the drinking portion. First flap 2727 and second flap 2729
comprise tear lines
around a portion of the perimeter, such that another portion of the perimeter
without tear lines
acts as a hinge. At least one of first flap 2727 and second flap 2729 can be
sized and
dimensioned to receive a utensil. For example, first flap 2727 and second flap
2729 can be sized
and dimensioned to receive a chopstick, such that chopsticks are held by lid
2700 before a user
uses them to consume food within an attached container. However, in other
embodiments, it is
contemplated that a single flap can be used in place of first flap 2727 and
second flap 2729.
Additionally, or alternatively, lid 2700 can have an opening in the drinking
portion that is sized
and dimensioned to receive a utensil.
[00150] Figure 28A shows another embodiment of a lid 2800 having tear lines.
Lid 2800
comprises a basin 2801 defined by a ridge 2803 that at least partially
surrounds a valley 2805,
wherein the basin has a drinking portion and an aroma portion. A first tear
line 2809 is disposed
on the drinking portion and a second tear line 2811 is disposed on the aroma
portion. As shown
in Fig. 28A, first tear line 2809 and second tear line 2811 can extend along
an intersection of an
inward-facing wall 2813 and valley 2805. However, in other embodiments, at
least one of first
tear line 2809 and second tear line 2811 can extend proximally to the
intersection of inward-
facing wall 2813 and valley 2805.
[00151] Similar to some of the other embodiments described above, lid 2800 can
have a third
tear line 2815 in the drinking portion and a fourth tear line 2817 in the
aroma portion. It is
contemplated that at least one of third tear line 2815 and fourth tear line
2817 is disposed
proximally to an intersection of inward-facing wall 2813 and valley 2805.
Additionally, or
alternatively, lid 2800 can further comprise a fifth tear line 2819 and a
sixth tear line 2821
disposed on inward-facing wall 2813 in the drinking portion. It should be
appreciated that the
same features described in the tear lines of the other embodiments can be
incorporated herein.
Thus, first tear line 2809, second tear line 2811, third tear line 2815,
fourth tear line 2817, fifth
tear line 2819, and sixth tear line 2821 can be designed and used as discussed
above to enlarge
an opening 2807 on valley 2805 in the drinking portion.
34
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00152] Lid 2800 further comprises a valley tear line 2831 disposed on valley
2805 between
first tear line 2809 and second tear line 2811. In contemplated embodiments,
valley tear line
2831 extends proximally along the center of valley 2805. However, it is
contemplated that
valley tear line 2831 can be disposed in other areas of valley 2805, such as
in the drinking
portion, aroma portion, or proximal to opening 2807. Valley tear line 2831
does not typically
connect with any one of first tear line 2809, second tear line 2811, third
tear line 2815 and fourth
tear line 2817 as shown in Fig. 28A. In other embodiments, valley tear line
2831 can connect
with at least one of first tear line 2809, second tear line 2811, third tear
line 2815 and fourth tear
line 2817. It should be noted that although valley tear line 2831 does not
connect with other tear
lines on valley 2805, it is contemplated that valley tear line 2831 is sized
and dimensioned to
allow a user to remove at least one of the top half and bottom half of valley
2805.
[00153] Valley tear line 2831 can comprise various suitable structures as
described above.
For example, valley tear line 2831 can comprise at least one of a plurality of
perforations, an
incision, an indentation, and a solid tear line. Regardless of the particular
structure, it is
contemplated that valley tear line 2831 can be at least be partially ruptured
to create a valley
opening 2833 as shown in Figure 28B. One suitable manner of rupturing valley
tear line 2831 is
to pinch a first area of an outward-facing wall and a second area of the
outward-facing wall that
is opposite of the first area as designated by the two opposing dotted lines
S. Once valley tear
line 2831 is ruptured, then valley opening 2833 can be used to maintain
utensils 2823.
Furthermore, valley opening 2833 can be used to vent hot vapors to cool hot
beverage/food
within an attached container.
[00154] Figure 28C shows a bottom perspective view of lid 2800 having
utensils 2823
disposed within valley opening 2833. As shown in Fig. 28C, first tear line
2809 and second tear
line 2811 can remain intact. While utensils 2823 are shown as chopsticks in
Fig. 28C, it is
contemplated that other utensils that can be used include a spoon (as shown in
Figure 28D), a
straw, a fork, a knife, and any other device used to consume a food or
beverage.
[00155] Valley tear line 2831 allows a user to at least partially remove
valley 2805 in a
number of different ways. For example, valley 2805 can be at least partially
removed to enlarge
opening 2807 by pulling valley 2805 near opening 2807 in an upward motion to
rupture first tear
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
line 2809 and third tear line 2815. Valley 2805 can be completely removed by
pulling valley
2805 further in an upward motion to rupture second tear line 2811 and fourth
tear line 2817 as
described in the embodiments above (see, e.g., Figs. 26A-C).
1001561 In another example, valley 2805 can be removed in portions using
valley tear line
2831. A user can pinch portions of the outward-facing wall as described above
to rupture valley
tear line 2831. It is also contemplated that a user can push down on the
surface of valley 2805 in
either the drinking portion or the aroma portion to rupture valley tear line
2831 and create valley
opening 2833. The user can then pull valley 2805 in an upward motion or push
valley 2805 in a
downward motion in either the drinking portion or aroma portion to at least
partially rupture first
tear line 2809 and third tear line 2815 or second tear line 2811 and fourth
tear line 2817,
respectively. Figure 28E shows valley at least partially removed in the aroma
portion where
valley tear line 2831 is ruptured, and second tear line 2811 and fourth tear
line 2817 are partially
ruptured. It should be appreciated that valley opening 2833 is enlarged in
Fig. 28E, which can
allow hot vapors to escape of a hot beverage and/or food product.
Additionally, or alternatively,
valley opening 2833, when enlarged, can be used to access the contents within
an attached
container using utensils.
[00157] Valley 2805 that is partially removed in the aroma portion as shown in
Fig. 28E can
be left as a flap. This prevents a beverage and/or food product from within an
attached container
to lid 2800 from splashing out of valley opening 2833. However, in other
embodiments, it may
be desirable to completely remove a portion of valley as shown in Figure 28F.
In Fig. 28F,
valley opening 2833 is unobstructed from valley 2805 in aroma portion since
that portion of
valley 2805 has been removed. Thus, a user can access the contents of an
attached container
using utensils and can enjoy an enhanced olfactory experience when sipping on
the contents
from the attached container via opening 2807 due to enlarged valley opening
2833 in Fig. 28F.
1001581 It should be appreciated that the entire valley can be removed from
lid 2800 in Fig.
28F. A user can pull valley 2805 remaining on lid 2800 in an upward motion or
push valley
2805 in a downward motion to rupture first tear line 2809 and third tear line
2815. The user can
pull on valley 2805 from either the side adjacent to valley opening 2833 or
the side adjacent to
opening 2807.
36
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00159] Furthermore, it is contemplated that a user can remove valley 2805 in
the drinking
portion by rupturing first tear line 2809, third tear line 2815, and valley
tear line 2831, and leave
valley 2805 disposed in the aroma portion intact. In such embodiment, the user
can remove the
entire valley by pulling in an upward motion or pushing downward on valley
2805 that remains
in the aroma portion. A user can further enlarge opening 2807 by pinching a
portion of the
outward-facing wall and the inward-facing wall in the drinking portion to
rupture fifth tear line
2819 and sixth tear line 2821. In embodiments that do not have opening 2807,
it is contemplated
that valley tear line 2831 can be pulled in an upward motion to rupture first
tear line 2809 and
third tear line 2815, and can be further pulled to rupture fifth tear line
2819 and sixth tear line
2821. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that a tear line can be disposed
on the apex of
ridge 2803, such that the portion of valley 2805 and inward-facing wall 2813
partially removed
by rupturing valley tear line 2831, first tear line 2809, third tear line
2815, fifth tear line 2819,
and sixth tear line 2821 can be completely removed by rupturing the tear line
on the apex of
ridge 2803 to create an enlarged opssnig in the drinking portion.
[00160] Figure 29 shows an embodiment of a lid 2900 having various tear lines.
Similar to
the other lids described above, lid 2900 has a basin 2901 defined by a ridge
2903 that surrounds
a valley 2905, wherein the basin has a drinking portion and an aroma portion.
Lid 2900 has an
opening 2907 disposed in the drinking portion, and a first tear line 2919 and
a second tear line
2921 disposed on an inward-facing wall 2913. While lid 2900 has less tear
lines than some of
the embodiments described above, it is contemplated that lid 2900 can comprise
additional tear
lines as described in those embodiments (see, e.g., Figs. 26A, 27, 28A).
[00161] Lid 2900 can further include a connector 2935 disposed in opening 2907
and coupled
to inward-facing wall 2913 and valley 2905. Connector 2935 can reduce the risk
of accidently
enlarging opening 2907 by providing a structure that connects inward-facing
wall 2913 and
valley 2905. Additionally, connector 2935 is configured to generate a pop
sound and/or snap
which alerts the user that opening 2907 is enlarged. For example, a user can
pinch an area of
inward-facing wall 2913 and an area of outward-facing wall near drinking
portion to snap
connector 2935 and rupture first tear line 2919 and second tear line 2921, and
enlarge opening
2907. It should be appreciated that connector 2935 can be incorporated in the
other lid
embodiments described (see, e.g, Figs. 26A, 27, 28A) herein to generate a pop
sound and/or
37
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
snap when the first tear line and the third tear line in the drinking portion
are ruptured and/or
when the fifth tear line and sixth tear line on the inward-facing wall are
ruptured.
[001621 Figure 30 shows an embodiment of a lid 3000 having a first tear line
3009. Lid 3000
has a basin 3001 that is defined by a ridge 3003 that at least partially
surrounds a valley 3005 in a
non-circular path. Basin 3001 has a drinking portion and an aroma portion.
First tear line 3009
is disposed in the drinking portion and extends along an intersection of an
inward-facing wall
3013 and valley 3005. A second tear line 3019 and a third tear line 3021 are
disposed on inward-
facing wall 3013. Second tear line 3019 extends away from a first end 3022 of
first tear line
3009 and third tear line 3021 extends away from a second end 3024 of first
tear line 3009. While
each of second tear line 3019 and third tear line 3021 extend away from an end
of first tear line
3009, it is contemplated that at least one of second tear line 3019 and third
tear line 3021 extend
at some point between first end 3022 and second end 3024 of first tear line
3009.
[00163] Unlike many of the other lids described above, lid 3000 does not
have an opening in
the drinking portion. However, it is contemplated that an opening can be
created by rupturing
first tear line 3009, second tear line 3019, and third tear line 3021. For
example, a user can pinch
an area of inward-facing wall 3013 and an area of outward-facing wall in
drinking portion to
rupture tear fast line 3009, second tear line 3019, and third tear line 3021
to thereby create the
opening. Although some embodiments described herein have a tear line or an
opening disposed
in the drinking portion to allow a user to consumer a beverage and/or food
product, it is
contemplated that in other embodiments there is no tear line or opening
disposed in the drinking
portion (i.e., there is no first tear line 3009 or opening 2807). In such
embodiments, a user can
simply rupture other tear lines disposed on the lid to allow a beverage and/or
food product to be
consumed by the user.
1001641 It is contemplated that lid 3000 can comprise additional tear lines
as discussed in the
other embodiments herein (see, e.g., Figs. 26A, 27 and 28A). For example, it
is contemplated
that lid 3000 can comprise tear lines disposed proximally to an intersection
of inward-facing wall
3013 and valley 3005 in the drinking portion and/or the aroma portion. In one
example, lid 3000
can comprise tear lines disposed proximally to an intersection of inward-
facing wall 3013 and
38
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
valley 3005, and extend along at least 90% of the perimeter of valley 3005. In
addition, it is
contemplated that lid 3000 comprises a valley tear line disposed on the
valley.
1001651 Lid 3000 can further comprise an incision 3037 on valley 3005.
Incision 3037 is
contemplated to be disposed on the valley 3005 in the drinking portion or the
aroma portion or in
both the drinking and the aroma portion. It should be appreciated that
incision 3037 allows users
to insert a straw to drink a cold beverage. Incision 3037 comprises a slit on
valley 3005 to allow
a utensil (e.g., straw, chopstick, etc.) to penetrate lid 3000. While incision
3037 is described in
lid 3000, it is contemplated that incision 3037 can be incorporated in any of
the embodiments
described herein (see, e.g., Figs. 26A, 27 and 28A). Additionally, or
alternatively, lid 3000 can
comprise an opening in the aroma portion that functions as a vent hole.
[001661 Lid 3000 further comprises an indicator 3038 that provides a visual
indicator that
assists users to properly align lid 3000 onto a container to reduce leaking
when drinking portion
is aligned with the seam of a container. However, it is also contemplated that
indicator 3038 can
be a tactile indicator. Indicator 3038 can be used to guide users to align
with the seam of a
container to the back of lid 3000 in the aroma portion and reduce the risk of
leaking when
drinking from container. It is also contemplated that indicator 3038 can be
positioned on at least
one of inward-facing wall 3013 and the outward-facing wall to allow a user to
indicate the area
of lid 3000 without having to look at lid 3000. For example, indicator 3038
can be located in the
aroma portion as shown in Fig. 30, such that a user can feel indicator 3038 to
know the position
of the aroma portion and properly drink from the drinking portion.
[001671 Figure 31 shows a top perspective view of lid 3100 having a ridge
3101 that partially
surrounds a basin 3103. Basin 3103 comprises a valley 3105, and ridge 3101
partially surrounds
the valley. While most of the embodiments described above show a ridge
completely
surrounding the valley, it is contemplated that a ridge that partially
surrounds the valley as shown
in Fig. 31 is suitable for such embodiments. Fig. 31 shows that ridge 3101
does not completely
surround valley 3105 in the aroma portion of lid 3100. However, it is
contemplated that ridge
3101 does not surround other portions of lid 3100, such as the drinking
portion or another section
of the aroma portion. While ridge 3101 appears to end abruptly in the aroma
portion, it is
contemplated that ridge 3101 can gradually taper to an end.
39
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00168] As discussed above, lids are contemplated that have various tear
lines to enlarge an
opening for consuming beverage or solid food from a container. However, in
other
embodiments, it is contemplated that the lid can be produced/manufactured (and
sold) without at
least a portion of the valley, and even without the entire valley as shown in
Figure 32. Lid 3200
comprises a ridge 3203 that defines a first opening 3207. While first opening
3207 is larger than
many of the embodiments described above, it should be noted that an enhanced
olfactory
experience and a reduced risk of splashing is achieved due to the structural
features provided by
ridge 3203.
[00169] Lid 3200 is a partial cover on a container as compared to many of the
embodiments
described above because lid 3200 lacks a valley. Nonetheless, it is
contemplated that lids can be
produced/manufactured (and sold) as partial covers or more complete covers
(e.g., Fig. 26A
having valley 2605) for containers. Lid 3200 typically has an outer rim 3241
that can press-fit
over a rim of a container (e.g , bowl, cup, take out container, food storage
container, etc.). In
other embodiments, lid 3200 can be removably coupled to a container using
other suitable
means, such as male-female engagements, threaded connectors, or lid 3200 and
the container can
also be formed as a single integral structure.
[00170] Lid 3200 can function as a splash guard and heat retention element.
Lid 3200 has a
ridge 3203 having an inward-facing wall 3213 and an outward-facing wall 3239
that form a
rounded apex as shown in Figs. 7B-7C. Inward-facing wall 3213 and outward-
facing wall 3239
are angled so as to facilitate a deflection of any liquid back into the
container (see, e.g., Figs. 7B-
7C). For example, lid 3200 can be coupled to a beverage container having
liquid whereby liquid
is deflected back by inward-facing wall 3213 and outward-facing wall 3239 into
the container
when the user and/or the container are bumped (see, e.g., 708 and 720 of Figs.
7B-7C). In
addition, the lid 3200 can be very beneficial to a user while they are engaged
in light activity
such as walking. When consuming a hot beverage and/or food product (e.g.,
soup, tea, coffee,
etc.), lid 3200 can retain heat longer than an ordinary open container because
of heat is retained
in the underside gap of ridge 3203 (see, e.g., 708 and 720 of Figs. 7B-7C).
[00171] In some embodiments, inward-facing wall 3213 and outward-facing wall
3239 meet
at an angle between 5 and 80 degrees, and more typically between 10 and 50
degrees as shown in
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
Fig. 7D. While inward-facing wall 3213 and outward-facing wall 3239 have an
angle that
deflect beverage and/or food product into the container, it is contemplated
that outward-facing
wall 3239 has an angle sufficient for viewing advertising text and logos as
shown in Fig. 8B.
[001721 Lid 3200 comprises first opening 3207 that is defined by ridge 3203
and extends from
a drinking portion to an aroma portion. As discussed above, the drinking
portion typically
encompasses the area where the user drinks from the lid and the adjacent area
(e.g., the bottom of
ridge from a top view, the two ridges extending from the bottom, and the area
within) while the
aroma portion typically encompasses the area above the drinking portion (e.g.,
the two ridges
that taper to the top of lid from a top view and the area within). First
opening 3207 can have a
pentagonal shape defined by ridge 3203 having a pentagonal shape. It should be
appreciated that
the pentagonal shape of ridge enhancing the olfactory experience of a user by
concentrating and
channeling the aroma of the beverage and/or food product directly to the
user's nose.
1001731 Additionally, ridge 3203 having a pentagonal shape helps block outside
air from
interfering with the aroma coming from the beverage and/or food product. In
other
embodiments, ridge 3203 can have a circular shape (e.g., egg-shaped as shown
in Figs. 22A and
22B) or other suitable non-circular shapes (e.g., triangular as shown in Figs.
23A and 23B,
pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.) to define first opening 3207. As discussed above,
it should be noted
that the shape of the ridge is defined using a top view perspective. For
example, as can be seen
in Fig. 32, ridge 3203 forms a pentagonal shape from a top view perspective.
10017411 Outer rim 3241 defines a second opening (see, e.g., 540 in Figs.
5B and 8C) on the
bottom of lid 3200 that couples to a container. It is contemplated that first
opening 3207 has an
area of at least 20% of the area of the second opening, and more typically,
the area of at least
40% of the area of the second opening. In some embodiments, first opening 3207
has an area of
at least 60% of the area of the second opening. Thus, it is contemplated that
first opening 3207
can accommodate the nose of the user while the user is consuming the beverage
and/or food
product to channel the aroma to the nasal area of the user. Moreover, it
should be appreciated
that the size of first opening 3207 allows a user to refill the beverage
without the need to remove
lid 3200 from the container.
41
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
1001751 It is contemplated that inward-facing wall 3213 can extend towards the
second
opening, and provide a uniform distance between the second opening and inward-
facing wall
3213. However, inward-facing wall 3213 can also have a first portion and a
second portion that
extend toward the second opening, and the first portion extends closer to the
second opening than
the second portion. Thus, variable extensions of inward-facing wall 3213
toward the second
opening can provide a lid where the surface area created by the additional
extension in the first
portion of inward-facing wall 3213 to second opening can provide further
protection from
splashes. In other words, inward-facing wall 3213 extends downward (i.e.,
towards the second
opening) to a greater depth in the first portion, which provides additional
wall area to deflect
liquid and/or food product back into the container to improve splash
resistance. In typical
embodiments with variable extensions toward the second opening, it is
contemplated that the
first portion of inward-facing wall 3213 is in the aroma portion and the
second portion of inward-
facing wall 3213 is in the drinking portion. It should be appreciated that any
of the lid
embodiments described herein can incorporate variable extensions of the inward-
facing wall to a
second opening defined by the outer rim of the lid in order to further reduce
the risk of spilling.
[001761 Lid 3200 comprises at least a portion of inward-facing wall 3213 in
the drinking
portion that is substantially flat between the rounded apex to first opening
3207 (see, e.g., 315 in
Fig. 5B). It is contemplated that having a substantially flat region on inward-
facing wall 3213
can provide an area for a user to sip a beverage and/or food product from an
attached container
when the container is tilted. For example, inward-facing wall 3213 can
comprise a sipping area
3215 that has a substantially flat cross section or slightly concave cross
section to provide better
control of the flow of the beverage and/or food product.
1001771 As discussed above, ridge 3203 can further comprise a first portion
of inward-facing
wall 3213 that intersects (i) a second portion at a first angle and (ii) a
third portion at a second
angle, and wherein the first and second angles are between 90 and 145 degrees
to form a
controlled and contained sipping area as shown in Fig. 4. In addition, sipping
area 3215 can be
concave in the direction going from the second portion to the third portion,
while being
substantially flat (or even slightly concave) in a direction going from the
rounded apex to first
opening 3207. In this manner, sipping area 3215 is configured (e.g,
sized/dimensioned/shaped)
42
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
to pool liquid and guide/channel liquid from the container to the user's mouth
when the user
places his/her lips at the rounded apex and tilts the container.
[00178] In addition to sipping area 3215 providing better control, the
rounded apex of ridge
3203 in the drinking portion has a width that is sized and dimensioned to
facilitate drinking. For
example, the rounded apex in the drinking portion can be between 1/32 and 1/4
inch (0.07938
and 0.635 centimeter), and more typically between 1/16 and 1/8 inch (0.1588
and 0.3175
centimeter) as discussed in Fig. 7D. In this manner, the rounded apex is sized
and dimensioned
to serve as a suitable drinking edge. It should be appreciated that many of
the features described
in the other embodiments (e.g , tear lines, slits, indicators, etc.) can be
implemented in lid 3200.
[00179] Ridge 3203 has a double wall structure with inward-facing wall
321.3 and outward-
facing wall 3239 that surround and define first opening 3207. In other
embodiments, ridge 3203
can partially defines first opening 3207. For example, ridge 3203 can
partially define first
opening 3207, such that ridge 3203 can comprise at least 20% of the perimeter
of first opening
3207, and more typically, ridge 3203 can comprise at least 45% of the
perimeter of first opening
3207. In such embodiments, ridge 3203 can only be present in the drinking
portion or in the
aroma portion. However, it is also contemplated that ridge 3203 can partially
define first
opening 3207 whereby ridge can comprise at least 60% of the perimeter of first
opening 3207,
and even at least 80% of the perimeter of first opening 3207 to thereby
maintain the effectiveness
of anti-splashing without the need to have ridge 3203 completely define first
opening 3207.
[00180] Furthermore, it is contemplated that a dimension of first opening
3207 measured from
the aroma portion to the drinking portion can vary (see, e.g, 404a of Fig. 4).
For example, it is
contemplated that ridge 3203 can have an overall dimension measured from its
upper-most point
in the aroma portion to its lower-most point in the drinking portion (see,
e.g., 404a of Fig. 4)
between 2 to 4 inches (5.08 to 10.16 centimeters), and more typically between
2 1/4 to 3 1/3
inches (5.715 to 8.467 centimeters).
[00181] In yet further embodiments, a lid 3300 can have a ridge 3303
whereby inward-facing
wall 3313 partially surrounds opening 3307 as shown in Figure 33. Many of the
features of lid
3300 are similar to lid 3200, but inward-facing wall 3313 does not completely
surround opening
3307 in the drinking portion. In other words, the drinking portion of lid 3300
has an outward
43
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
facing wall 3339 and a drinking edge (e.g., apex of ridge 3303 having a
rounded edge) but does
not have a sipping area (such as sipping area 3215 as shown in Fig. 32).
Absence of sipping area
3215 allows a user to consume beverage and/or food product that would
typically be entrapped
in the underside gap of ridge 3303 (see, e.g., 712 in Fig. 7D). It should be
contemplated that
ridge 3303 can have a single wall. Lid 3300 can be coupled to a container
using outer rim 3341
or using any of the other means discussed above.
[00182] The various lids disclosed herein can function as splash guards even
though the lid
opening is larger than most typical lids for containers. To compensate the
larger opening from
which more splashing or spilling can occur, a ridge is used to deflect any
beverage and/or food
product into the container to thereby minimize spilling/splashing and allow a
larger opening to
be used. As discussed above, it may be favorable to consume beverage and/or
food product that
can be entrapped in the underside gap of the lid. As shown in Figure 34, a lid
3400 can have a
first tear line 3443 and a second tear line 3445 disposed on an inward-facing
wall 3413 of a ridge
3403 that can be ruptured to consume beverage and/or food product in the
underside gap. Lid
3400 comprises ridge 3403 inward-facing wall 3413 and an outward-facing wall
3439 that can
deflect beverage and/or food product into the container, and can additionally
retain heat as
described in Fig. 32.
[00183] First tear line 3443 and second tear line 3445 typically extend
away from first
opening 3407. The tear lines can be many suitable structures as described
above. To rupture
first tear line 3443 and second tear line 3445, a user can pinch together a
portion of inward-
facing wall 3413 and outward-facing wall 3439 between first tear line 3443 and
second tear line
3445. Once ruptured, a user can consume any beverage and/or food product that
was entrapped
in the underside gap of ridge 3403 to reduce waste.
[00184] When consuming food products with solid materials (e.g., ice,
noodles, solid food
products, etc.), it is contemplated that lid 3400 comprises a slit or a
plurality of slits 3447 on
inward-facing wall 3413. Slits 3447 provide an additional path for liquid to
flow from an
attached container. Thus, a user does not have to tilt a container as much to
consume a beverage
and/or food product because the beverage and/or food product can flow through
slits 3447.
44
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
1001851 Slits 3447 are typically disposed on inward-facing wall 3413 in the
drinking portion
and between first tear line 3443 and second tear line 3445. Slits 3447 can
extend away (i.e., in a
vertical direction) from first opening 3407 as shown in Fig. 34. In other
embodiments, slits 3447
can extend in a horizontal direction along inward-facing wall 3413.
[00186] It should be appreciated that slits 3447 can act as a strainer or a
buffer holding ice
from an iced beverage while allowing the liquid to flow to the user. If the
user desires to
consume the ice, then first tear line 3443 and second tear line 3445 can be
ruptured to allow ice
to flow to the user.
1001871 Lid 3400 can further comprise an indicator 3438 that can allow user to
determine the
position of the drinking portion without having to look at lid 3400. It is
contemplated that
indicator 3438 can also be used to align the drinking portion away from a seam
on a container to
prevent leaking. As shown in Fig. 34, indicator 3438 is disposed on outward-
facing wall 3439 in
a position opposite of the drinking portion to allow a user to align indicator
3438 with a seam on
a container to reduce leaking. However, in other contemplated embodiments,
indicator 3438 can
be disposed on at least one of the inward-facing wall and outward-facing wall
3439 in other areas
of the aroma portion and even in areas of the drinking portion. Indicator 3438
can be a visual
and tactile indicator. In some embodiments, indicator 3438 can he a
phosphorescent material to
allow users to visually locate indicator 3438 in dim light. For example,
indicator 3438 with
phosphorescent material can be disposed on outward-facing wall 3439 in the
drinking portion to
highlight ridge 3515 that can be used for consuming a beverage. It is
contemplated that more
than one indicator can be disposed on lid 3400 to allow users to align lid
3400 onto a container
properly. It should be appreciated that a multiple indicator system can have
individual indicators
that each provides different aligning functions or a group of indicators that
serve a single
alignment function.
[00188] Lid 3400 has an outer rim 3441 that defines a second opening (see,
e.g., 540 in Figs.
5B and 8C) on the bottom of lid 3400. Much like the outer rim of Fig. 32, it
is contemplated that
first opening 3407 has an area that is at least 20% of the area of the second
opening, and more
typically, an area that is at least 40% of the area of the second opening. In
some embodiments,
first opening 3407 has an area that is at least 60% of the area of the second
opening.
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
Furthermore, inward-facing wall 3413 can have variable extensions towards the
second opening,
and provide greater surface area in some portions (e.g., first portion vs.
second portion as
discussed in Fig. 32) than in others to further prevent spilling.
1001891 Most of the embodiments discussed above have related to lids having
ridges with
non-circular shapes (e.g., pentagonal, triangular). However, it should be
appreciated that a lid
3500 with a ridge 3503 having a circular shape is also contemplated as shown
in Figure 35. Lid
3500 has an opening 3507 that is defined by ridge 3503 having an inward-facing
wall 3513 and
an outward-facing wall 3539 to provide anti-splashing and heat retention as
described above.
Lid 3500 has a sipping area 3515 that is substantially flat to provide better
control over the flow
of the beverage and/or food product.
(001901 Lid 3500 can further comprise a first tear line 3543 and a second
tear line 3545
disposed on inward-facing wall 3513. First tear line 3543 and second tear line
3545 can be
ruptured by pinching a portion of inward-facing wall 3513 and outward-facing
wall 3539
between first tear line 3543 and second tear line 3545. Thus, beverage and/or
food products
entrapped in the underside gap of ridge 3503 can be consumed by rupturing
first tear line 3543
and second tear line 3545.
[00191] Lid 3500 can couple various containers using an outer rim 3541 that
is
circumferentially disposed about ridge 3503. It is contemplated that outer rim
3541 is radially
offset from ridge 3503 as opposed to being an extension of ridge 3503. In
other words, outer rim
3541 can surround ridge 3503, such that an outer valley 3522 can be disposed
between outer rim
3541 and ridge 3503 as shown in Fig. 35. It should he appreciated that outer
rim 3541 and
opening 3507 can be non-concentric. As a result, outer valley 3522 can be
larger in some areas
than in others. In other embodiments, other coupling means can be used to
couple lid 3500 to a
container as described above. In addition, lid 3500 can comprise an indicator
3538 that can
provide the user an indication of the position of sipping area 3515 without
the need to look at lid
3500.
[001.92) Lid 3500 has an outer rim 3541 that defines a second opening (see,
e.g., 540 in Figs.
5B and 8C) on the bottom of lid 3500. Much like the outer rim of Fig. 32, it
is contemplated that
first opening 3507 has an area that is at least 20% of the area of the second
opening, and more
46
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
typically, an area that is at least 40% of the area of the second opening. In
some embodiments,
first opening 3507 has an area that is at least 60% of the area of the second
opening.
Furthermore, inward-facing wall 3513 can have variable extensions towards the
second opening,
and provide greater surface area in some portions (e.g., first portion vs.
second portion as
discussed in Fig. 32) than in others to further prevent spilling.
[00193] As discussed above, lid embodiments can have ridges of various shapes.
While most
of lids have been pentagonal shapc, other shapes for the ridge are
contemplated. Suitable shapes
for the ridge include egg-shaped, triangle-shaped, circular-shaped, oval-
shaped, and non-circular
shapes. As noted above, the ridge shape is defined by the shape that the ridge
forms when
viewed from a top perspective. Figure 36 shows a lid 3600 having a ridge 3603
that forms a
hexagonal shape. Ridge 3603 has an inward-facing wall 3613 and an outward-
facing wall 3639
that form a rounded apex. It should be appreciated that ridge 3603 is a double-
walled structure
(baying inward-facing wall 3613 and outward-facing wall 3639) that prevents
spills by deflecting
any beverage and/or food product back into an attached container.
[00194] Lid 3600 also has a first opening 3607 that is at least 20% of a
second opening (see,
e.g., 540 in Figs. 5B and 8C) formed by an outer rim 3641. In other
contemplated embodiments,
first opening 3607 is at least 40% of the second opening formed by outer rim
3641, and, in yet
other embodiments, first opening 3607 is at least 60% of the second opening
formed by outer rim
3641. Although first opening 3607 is larger than typical opening disposed on
traditional lids,
spills are significantly reduced because of the ability of ridge 3603 to
deflect any beverage
and/or food product back into the container. While not shown in Fig. 36, it
should be
appreciated that lid 3600 can further include tear lines on inward-facing wall
3613 and/or slits as
described in some of the embodiments above.
[00195] Figure 37 shows a lid 3700 having a ridge 3703 with an inward-facing
wall 3713 and
an outward-facing wall 3739. It should be appreciated that ridge 3703 is a
structure that
promotes deflection of beverage and/or food product into an attached container
to reduce
spilling. Inward-facing wall 3713 comprises a first tear line 3743 and a
second tear line 3745 in
the drinking portion. First tear line 3743 and second tear line 3745 can be
ruptured to provide
access to any beverage and/or food product that is trapped between inward-
facing watt 3713 and
47
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
outward-facing wall 3739, especially in the region proximal to first tear line
3743 and second
tear line 3745. Lid 3700 has a first opening 3707 that is defined by ridge
3703. As described
above, first opening 3707 can be at least 20%, at least 40%, or at least 60%
of a second opening
defined by an outer rim 3741.
[00196] Figure 38A is another embodiment of a lid 3800 having a ridge 3803
that defines a
first opening 3807. Ridge 3803 has an inward-facing wall 3813 and an outward-
facing wall
3839 that form a rounded apex. As discussed above, ridge 3803 is a structure
that reduces
spilling of beverages and/or food products from a container by deflecting such
beverages and/or
food products back into the container using at least one of inward-facing wall
3813 and outward-
facing wall 3839.
[00197] Inward-facing wall 3813 can extend towards a second opening 3840 at
different
lengths as discussed above. For a better view of such feature, Figure 38B
shows a bottom
perspective view of lid 3800. Inward-facing wall 3813 can have a first portion
3830 and a
second portion 3832 that extend towards second opening 3840. In this
embodiment, first portion
3830 of inward-facing wall 3813 extends closer to second opening 3840 than
second portion
3832. In other words, when viewed from a bottom perspective view, inward-
facing wall 3813 in
the first portion 3830 extends in an upward direction greater than inward-
facing wall 3813 in the
second portion 3832. Although inward-facing wall 3813 extends towards second
opening 3840,
inward-facing wall 3813 does not extend above second opening 3840 in lid 3800
as shown in
Fig. 38B. However, it is contemplated that at least one of first portion 3830
and second portion
3832 of inward-facing wall 3813 extends above second opening 3840 when lid
3800 is viewed
from a bottom perspective.
[00198] There are many suitable structures for the extension of inward-
facing wall 3813 in
first portion 3830 and second portion 3832. For example, inward-facing wall
3813 can sized and
dimensioned to extend in first portion 3830 and second portion 3832 (i.e.,
inward-facing wall
3813 has a length equal to the extension needed in the respective portions).
In another example,
inward-facing wall 3813 can have an extended piece that couples inward-facing
wall 3813 to
extend closer to second opening 3840 and/or extend beyond second opening 3840
when lid 3800
is viewed from a bottom perspective.
48
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00199] Figure 39A shows a top view of a lid 3900 having ridge 3903 that
defines a first
opening 3907. Ridge 3903 has an inward-facing wall 3913 and an outward-facing
wall 3939 that
form a rounded apex as shown in Figure 39B. It should be appreciated that
ridge 3903 is a
double-walled structure (having inward-facing wall 3913 and outward-facing
wall 3939) that
prevents spills by deflecting any beverage and/or food product back into an
attached container.
[00200] Lid 3900 also has a first opening 3907 that is at least 20% of a
second opcning (see,
e.g., 540 in Figs. 5B and 8C) formed by an outer rim 3941. In other
contemplated embodiments,
first opening 3907 is at least 40% of the second opening formed by outer rim
3941, and, in yet
other embodiments, first opening 3907 is at least 60% of the second opening
formed by outer rim
3941. It should be noted that first opening 3907 and the second opening formed
by outer rim
3941 are non-concentric. Furthermore, although first opening 3907 is larger
than a typical
opening disposed on traditional lids, spills are significantly reduced because
of the ability of
ridge 3903 to deflect any beverage and/or food product back into the
container. While not
shown in Fig. 39, it should be appreciated that lid 3900 can further include
tear lines on inward-
facing wall 3913 and/or slits as described in some of the embodiments above.
[00201] It should be appreciated that the various splash guard lids (e.g,
lids of Figs. 32-39B,
etc.) can provide benefits in numerous scenarios. For example, the splash
guard lids can be a
better option in a coffee house for users demanding something less restrictive
than a traditional
lid for a hot beverage. As discussed above, the splash guard lid will retain
heat from any hot
beverage and the aroma of coffee will be channeled and concentrated to a
user's nose.
Furthermore, users may prefer to drink from the splash guard lid because the
ridges support the
upper lip over a sipping area for controlled flow of the liquid instead of
sipping directly from the
rim of a container or a traditional lid.
[00202] In another example, any of the splash guard lids can be attached to a
cup that receives
beer. The additional height of the lid provided by the ridge allows extra
space for the head of the
beer to form when poured. Thus, the splash guard lids can improve the speed in
service from a
bartender/server. With respect to wine, users can safely aerate the wine by
swirling it in a cup
with a splash guard lid to increase the aroma of the wine without the risk of
spilling while
swirling.
49
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00203] Thus, the risk of splashing or spilling drinks on users is greatly
reduced by using a
splash guard lid. This can be extremely beneficial for businesses where
spilling a beverage on a
user can lead to consequences. For example, the splash guard lid could be a
used on beverage
provided by an airline to reduce the risk of spilling onto a customer that can
occur during air
travel turbulence and reduce the liability of airline companies.
[00204] In another aspect, methods of enlarging an opening on a lid are
disclosed. The lid
comprises a basin defined by a ridge that at least partially surrounds a
valley, wherein the basin
has a drinking portion and an aroma portion. A first tear line is disposed on
the drinking portion
and a second tear line disposed on the aroma portion. The lid further
comprises a third tear line
disposed on the drinking portion and a fourth tear line disposed on the aroma
portion. In typical
embodiments, the first tear line, the second tear line, the third tear line,
and the fourth tear line at
least partially extend along a perimeter of the valley. Aside from tear lines,
the lid also
comprises an opening disposed on the valley in the drinking portion. The
method of enlarging
the opening on the lid comprises a step of pulling the valley near the opening
in an upward
motion to rupture the first tear line and the third tear line in the drinking
portion. It should be
appreciated that the valley is at least partially removed, such that the
opening is enlarged.
[00205] In further contemplated methods, the valley can be completely removed
to enlarge the
opening by a step of pulling the valley in the upward motion to tear the
second tear line and the
fourth tear line in the aroma portion. While pulling the valley in an upward
motion is one
suitable manner of rupturing the first tear line, second tear linc, third tear
line, and fourth tear
line and other tear lines, it is contemplated that such tear lines can also be
ruptured by at least
one of pushing down on the surface of valley, piercing the tear lines,
pinching portions of the
outward-facing wall (e.g., pinching portions of outward-facing wall to rupture
the valley tear
line), and pinching a portion of the inward-facing wall and the outward-facing
wall (e.g.,
pinching portions of the inward-facing and outward-facing wall to rupture tear
lines on inward-
facing wall). It is contemplated that the actions that rupture the various
tear lines can be
accomplished by using a finger or utensils.
[00206] The lid can
also comprise a fifth tear line and a sixth tear line disposed on an inward-
facing wall in the drinking portion. It should be appreciated that the fifth
and sixth tear lines
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
provide an additional method of enlarging the opening on the lid. For example,
a portion of the
inward-facing wall in the drinking portion and a portion of the outward-facing
wall in thc
drinking portion can be pinched together to rupture the fifth and sixth tear
lines and enlarge the
opening. This pinching step can be done prior to or after the step of pulling
the valley near the
opening in the upward motion.
[002071 The basin of the lid can further comprise a connecter disposed in the
opening that
couples the inward-facing wall and the valley. The connector prevents the
opening from
prematurely enlarging by coupling the inward-facing wall and the valley in the
opening. Thus, it
is contemplated that the connector must be broken in order to enlarge the
opening by either
pinching together a portion of the inward facing wall and a portion of the
outward facing wall or
pulling the valley near the opening in an upward motion to break the connector
and enlarge the
opening. When the connector is broken, a pop sound is generated to alert the
user that the
opening is enlarged.
1002081 In some contemplated methods, the lid has a valley tear line
disposed between the
first tear line and the second tear line. The valley tear line can be ruptured
to create a valley
opening on the lid. One suitable manner to rupture the valley tear line is to
pinch together two
portions on the outward-facing wall. The valley can be removed in segments
(e.g., upper half or
lower half can be removed). For example, after the valley tear line is
ruptured, a user can pull
the valley adjacent to the valley opening on the aroma portion side in an
upward motion to
rupture the second tear line and the fourth tear line, which removes the
valley in the aroma
portion and leaves the valley in the drinking portion intact. In another
example, after the valley
tear line is ruptured, a user can pull the valley adjacent to the valley
opening on the drinking
portion side in an upward motion to rupture the first tear line and the third
tear line, which
removes the valley in the drinking portion and leaves the valley in the aroma
portion intact. One
should appreciate that the valley can be completely removed by either pulling
in an upward
motion or pushing down on the remaining valley to rupture the other tear
lines.
1002091 Suitable methods of rupturing the valley tear line include at least
one of (a) pushing
down on the valley tear line with a finger, (b) piercing the valley tear line
with a utensil, and (c)
pinching the outward-facing wall of the ridge near opposite sides of the
valley tear line between
51
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
thumb and finger. Furthermore, the valley can be pulled in an upward motion
near the valley
tear line to rupture at least one of (a) the first tear line and the third
tear line in the drinking
portion, and (b) the second tear line and the fourth tear line in the aroma
portion. It should be
appreciated that the step of pulling the valley in an upward motion can be
performed prior to or
after rupturing the valley tear line.
[00210] Using the various contemplated methods disclosed herein, it should be
noted that a
user can conveniently access the contents within an attached container via the
enlarged opening.
For example, a user can partially remove the valley in the aroma portion, and
use utensils, such
as chopsticks, to consume food within an attached container. The user can sip
liquid from the
food within the attached container by tilting the cup to drink from the
opening in the drinking
portion. If the user requires more area to consume the food within the
attached container, then
the user can remove the valley completely.
1002111 it should be appreciated that the utensils can be stored using the
lid. For example, a
user can pinch two opposite locations of the outward-facing wall to rupture a
valley tear line and
create a valley opening. Using the valley opening, a user can insert their
utensils to be held in
place when not used. When the user is ready to consume the contents within the
attached
container, then the user pinches the two opposite locations of the outward-
facing wall to enlarge
the valley opening and pull the utensils from the valley opening. The user can
then remove a
portion of the valley to provide a greater area to access the contents within
the attached
container.
1002121 In another aspect, a method of refilling a container having a lid
is contemplated. The
method comprises a step of providing a lid having a ridge with an inward-
facing wall and an
outward-facing wall that form a rounded apex. The lid has an opening that is
at least partially
defined by the ridge and extends from a drinking portion to an aroma portion.
The lid is coupled
to a container that holds a beverage and/or food product. The user consumes at
least a portion of
the beverage and/or food product by tilting the container with the attached
lid via a sipping area.
After consuming at least a portion of the beverage and/or food product, the
user refills the
container via the opening. It is contemplated that unlike traditional lids,
the user does not need
to remove the lid to refill the contents of the container.
52
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00213] In another aspect, a method of reducing spills from an opening on a
container is
contemplated. The method comprises providing a lid having (i) a ridge with an
inward-facing
wall and an outward-facing wall that form a rounded apex, and (ii) a first
opening that is at least
partially defined by the ridge, and that extends from a drinking portion to an
aroma portion. In
another step, the lid is placed onto the opening of the container to removably
couple the lid onto
the container.
[00214] In another step, the container is filled with a beverage and/or food
product before
placing the lid onto the opening of the container. Additionally, or
alternatively, the container is
filled with a beverage and/or food product after placing the lid onto the
opening of the container.
In some embodiments, the lid comprises a first tear line and a second tear
line disposed on the
inward-facing wall as described above. In those embodiments, it is
contemplated that an area on
the outward-facing wall and the inward-facing wall can be pinched in the
drinking portion to
rupture a first tear line and a second tear line on the inward-facing wall of
the lid. The lid can
further comprise a slit disposed on the inward-facing wall in the drinking
portion to provide an
additional flow path for the beverage and/or food product.
[00215] From another method perspective, when a user wishes to imbibe the
beverage, the
user would place their bottom lip near the edge of ridge at drinking portion.
The user would tilt
the container allowing the liquids to flow through openings in a controlled
manner. The liquids
would collect within sipping area. Simultaneously, opening would allow the
exchange of air
between lumen of container and the surrounding environment, thus preventing a
vacuum (e.g.,
backpressure) from forming (which could disrupt the even flow of the liquids
from opening).
The user would then be able to sip the liquids at their leisure. Through the
aforementioned
process, users are able to prevent the sudden and uncontrolled rush of
potentially searing hot
fluids from hitting their lip and mouth.
1002161 The lids described above may provide numerous advantages over prior
art lids. Some
of those advantages will now be described.
100211] Many of the embodiments give the user greater control over the flow
rate of the
beverage, which is particularly advantageous for drinking hot coffee or hot
tea. In addition, the
plastic can be naturally torn upward when pinched forward at the base of the
opening in the
53
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
reservoir. This creates a larger opening for liquid to pass through where the
original opening
was, increasing the flow. However it will not widen the point at which it
comes into contact with
the user's mouth. This feature provides a distinct advantage over prior art
lids. The tapered
narrow lip design at the top of the front of the lid is not affected from the
tear so the user's
control of sloshing while drinking is still intact. This design feature can be
implemented when
the user would like to increase flow of beverage in instances when the liquid
is not at a
temperature above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degree Celsius) or when beverage
is of a more
viscous nature such as drinks with whipped topping. This increase of flow with
the larger
opening option may not be recommended while liquid is above 140 degrees
Fahrenheit (60
degree Celsius) and uncomfortably hot for the user, since an increased flow
can create a
heightened chance of burning or discomfort to the user while consuming,
especially while on the
go.
[002181 Under certain circumstances, embodiments that include an opening
formed as a slit
provide better control of flow rate, meaning the appropriate volume of liquid
is being delivered
to the user at an appropriate velocity for a given beverage temperature (i.e.,
a sufficient amount
of liquid is being delivered to the user at any given moment and at a
comfortable speed). The
controlled flow helps to reduce the risk of burning.
[00219] Most embodiments can be modified to include small cuts along the
interior ridges
running up the basin walls from the comers of the opening on the valley such
that the opening
can be enlarged by pinching the bottom of the opening. This allows the user to
adjust the
opening size and the flow rate. For example, as a hot beverage cools down, the
user may wish to
increase the flow rate. Also, if a user is no longer moving, the user may wish
to increase the
flow rate. Or if the user has finished drinking a liquid portion of the
beverage and wants to
consume a foamy whipped topping, the user may increase the opening.
100220] Some embodiments give the consumer the option to increase flow without
widening
the channel of point of entry where liquid enters user's mouth. By simply
pinching the drinking
spout adjacent to the opening, the plastic will naturally and easily tear up
towards the top without
affecting the channel or exterior.
54
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
[00221] Some embodiments could be further enhanced by two simple cuts rising
up from the
corners of the opening on the valley. The cuts could follow the natural
creases of the inward-
facing wall. The cuts would not leak any liquid unless pushed open by user,
which would
control flow and change flow only if desired.
[00222] Embodiments that have the increased opening feature also guarantees
that the user
can get every last drop of the drink. There is no trapped liquid when this
option is exercised.
[00223] The increased opening feature is also beneficial for someone who is
not on the go
(e.g., someone sitting at their desk at the office) but would like to keep
their beverage covered to
keep it warmer longer. Since the user is not in motion, the user can afford to
increase the flow
by increasing the opening, which will also enhance the olfactory experience.
[00224] Many of the embodiments above also provide safety splash and spill
advantages. For
example, the basin walls act as a splash guard and reduces the chances that
the user will be
burned when the beverage container is jolted (e.g, user drives over a bump in
the road). In
addition, if the beverage container is accidentally tipped over, the
restricted opening reduces
flow rate of the liquid and thus reduces the amount of spilt liquid. Moreover,
if the container is
shaken, the lid reduces spill and has a sloping basin valley that returns
liquid to the container,
unlike most conventional lids where the liquid has nowhere to come to rest.
With a conventional
lid the consumer may be burned by the liquid that pools on the outer surface
of the lid, which
could have very serious consequences when the consumer is operating a vehicle.
[00225] Many embodiments provide an enhanced olfactory experience since the
basin valley
provides an area for liquid to collect and slowly flow back into the container
reservoir at a
controlled flow rate. The liquid is given time to aerate and, when the lid is
tilted, the basin walls
act to channel and concentrate aroma vapors towards the user's nose.
[00226] In
addition, a large basin valley (e.g., recessed reservoir) allows for a larger
vacuum
hole (e.g., 0.125 inches (0.3175 centimeters) to 0.1875 inches (0.4762
centimeters)) compared to
many prior art lids. This larger vacuum hole ensures a smoother flow from the
drink spout up
front and helps to guarantee that liquid will not be trapped in the container.
In the event some
liquid is released from the vacuum hole, it will be safely returned to the
container leaving an
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
aromatic coating of liquid behind. The large surface area of the basin valley
creates a larger
aromatic coating, thus enhancing the consumer's olfactory experience.
[00227] In some embodiments the basin has an angular shape. With the unique
angular shape
the user can quickly identify where the drinking spout is without looking at
the container. This is
beneficial in situations where visibility is low (e.g., at night or in a dark
room) or when the user
just needs to keep their eyes on the road while driving in heavy traffic.
[00228] In many embodiments, the basin valley does not dip below the outer rim
of the cup,
which allows the consumer to fill the cup all the way up. Most embodiments are
designed to be
stackable so that space is conserved when multiple lids are stored and/or
transported.
[00229] Many embodiments also make it easy for the barista to quickly identify
the drinking
spout area of the lid so that there will be less of a chance that he/she will
come into contact with
it and thus limiting the chance of cross contamination.
[00230] 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.
[00231] 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.
[00232] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve
as a shorthand
method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range. Unless
otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the
specification as if it
were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be
performed in any suitable
order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by
context. The use of
any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with
respect to certain
56
CA 02949166 2016-11-18
embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and
does not pose a
limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the
specification
should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the
practice of the
invention.
[00233] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention
disclosed herein
are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to
and claimed
individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other
elements found
herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a
group for reasons
of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion
occurs, the
specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus
fulfilling the written
description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims
[00234] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more
modifications besides
those already described are possible without departing from the inventive
concepts herein. The
scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set
forth in the
examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the
description as a
whole. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, 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 elements,
components, or
steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps
may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or
steps that are not
expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of
something selected
from the group consisting of A, B, C .... and N, the text should be
interpreted as requiring only
one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
57
