Abstract:
An apparatus to seal an opening in a lid of a beverage lid. The apparatus may be for a single use or a plurality of uses. In addition, the apparatus may take the form of a key fob.

Description:
FIELD  
       [0001]     Beverage Lid Plugs  
       Background  
       [0002]     Beverages, particularly transportable and/or disposable hot beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc.), are generally packaged in cups having a detachable lid (e.g., a plastic lid). The cups generally come in a variety of sizes (small (eight to 10 ounces (oz.)), medium (12 oz.) and large (16 oz. or greater). Thus, lids also come in a variety of sizes and each lid has its own shape and sized opening from which a person may consume the beverage.  
         [0003]     Typically, a transportable and/or disposable beverage container is a paper or foamed polymer cup having a generally conical shape. Rigid or hard polymer materials are also used as transportable beverage containers that are generally intended to be reusable. A typical lid is generally a hard plastic material having a base including a radius suitable to surround and fit snugly on a lip of the container. Alternatively, particularly in the case of rigid polymer material beverage containers, a typical lid may have a radius to fit within a superior radius of a conical-shaped container. A typical lid has a superior surface (generally cylindrical) having an opening through a body of the lid and through which the contents of the beverage container may be consumed. Representatively, a consuming opening may have a generally elliptical (e.g., oval) shape with a major axis on the order of 0.3 inches to 0.5 inches.  
         [0004]     A superior surface of a lid may also include a second opening separate from a consuming opening. The second opening is, for example, suitable to allow air into the beverage container (for example, while the beverage is being consumed) and may be as small as a pin hole or similar sized opening. With this in mind, the second opening is almost always smaller than the consuming opening, and is usually considerably smaller than the consuming opening.  
         [0005]     Many times while transporting (e.g., walking, driving, etc.) the cup (container and lid) containing the beverage moves in a manner which causes its contents to spill through the consuming opening in the lid. This situation causes consumers a great deal of discomfort and aggravation. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]     Various embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.  
         [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a bottom view of one embodiment of an apparatus suitable for blocking (e.g., sealing) an opening in a lid of a beverage container.  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0009]      FIG. 3  shows a projection view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0010]      FIG. 4  shows the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  filling the opening in the lid of a cup during storage and use.  
         [0011]      FIG. 5  shows a plurality of stackable lids including another embodiment of an apparatus for blocking (e.g., sealing) an opening in a lid of a beverage container.  
         [0012]      FIG. 6  the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  attached to a key chain.  
         [0013]      FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  attached to a key chain. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a bottom view of one embodiment of an apparatus suitable for blocking (e.g., sealing) an opening in a lid of a beverage container.  FIG. 2  shows a side view of apparatus  100 . In one embodiment, apparatus  100  includes base  110 . Base  110  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  is an elliptical piece of material. In other embodiments, base  110  may be any shape (e.g., rectangular, including a square, circular, triangular, etc.).  
         [0015]     Base  110 , in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , has a longitudinal length, L, approximately equivalent to a diameter of a lid of a transportable beverage container. Where a lid is attached to a lip of a beverage container and a top surface of the lid defines a top surface of a collective cup (container and lid), base  110  may have a length greater than or less than a diameter of a lid. Where a lid fits within a superior radius of a container, for example, base  110  may have a diameter less than a diameter of a lid. Representatively, in one embodiment, base  110  has a length on the order of about two inches. Other embodiments of base  110  have a length in the range of about one half inch to about four inches. In addition, base  110  may be shorter than one half inch and longer than four inches in other embodiments.  
         [0016]     Base  110 , in one embodiment has a lateral width, W, sufficient, at least at one portion, to accommodate a protrusion having dimensions suitable to fit within a consuming opening of a lid. A suitable lateral width may be constant or fluctuate along a longitudinal length, L. Representatively, in one embodiment, base  110  has a lateral width, W, of about one inch. In other embodiments, base  110  has a width in the range of about one half inch to about two inches. It is contemplated that base  110  has any width capable of containing a protrusion sufficient to block (e.g., plug) an opening in the lid of a beverage container.  
         [0017]     In one embodiment, base  110  is formed of plastic. Other suitable materials include, but are not limited to, paper, cardstock or cardboard. Base  110  has a sufficient rigidity to render it suitable to be placed on a lid of a beverage container and to be retained on the lid without an application of an external force. In one embodiment, a sufficient rigidity is defined, in part, by a thickness, T, of a material for base  110 . Representatively, a suitable thickness, T, is on the order of 0.25 inches. Other thickness, perhaps much greater than 0.25 inches are also suitable. Collectively, the dimensions (e.g., 0.0625 inches or greater) of base  110  are such that, in one embodiment, it is grippable by a consumer of a beverage container and may be gripped by, for example, two fingers and placed on or removed from a lid of a beverage container.  
         [0018]     In one embodiment, apparatus  100  includes protrusion  120  extending from a surface of base  110 . Protrusion  120 , in one embodiment has dimensions (e.g., a length, l, and a width, w) suitable to fit within at least a portion of a consuming opening of a lid. Representatively, protrusion  120  has a dimension that is approximately the same as or less than a dimension of a consuming opening (e.g., a length, l, and a width, w, that is equal to or less than a length and a width of a consuming opening).  
         [0019]     In one embodiment, protrusion  120  has a thickness, t, suitable to extend from a surface of apparatus  100  into a consuming opening of a beverage container lid when apparatus is placed on or rests on the lid. Protrusion  120  may have a thickness, t, equivalent to a thickness of a lid or much less (e.g., just enough to extend into the opening).  
         [0020]     Protrusion  120 , in one embodiment, has a thickness, t, sufficient so that when base  110  lies on a surface of a lid of a beverage container, protrusion  120  protrudes or extends a distance from a surface of the lid sufficient to protrude or extend into a consuming opening in a lid of a beverage container to block (e.g., plug) the opening. In one embodiment, a suitable protrusion distance or thickness, t, is about one eighth inch. In other embodiments, protrusion  120  has a thickness, t, in the range of about one sixteenth inch to about one half inch. In addition, protrusion  120  may be any thickness, t, that is sufficient to adequately fill an opening in the lid of a beverage container.  
         [0021]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , protrusion  120  extends, in one embodiment, in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to side  210  of base  110 . In other embodiments, protrusion  120  may form other angles with respect to side  210 .  
         [0022]     Protrusion  120 , in one embodiment, is formed of a deformable material. Representatively, if protrusion  120  is larger or has a different shape than an opening in a lid of a beverage container, the deformable material is capable of contracting to a size and shape to allow protrusion  120  to fit snuggly within the opening. In one embodiment, the deformable material is a sponge material (e.g., open cell sponge or closed cell sponge). Other suitable materials include, but are not limited to, plastic (foamed or non-foamed polymers, synthetic rubber etc.) or any other material capable of being compressed and expanding thereafter.  
         [0023]     Protrusion  120 , in another embodiment is formed of plastic. Other materials suitable for forming protrusion  120  include, but are not limited to, paper, cardstock or cardboard.  
         [0024]     In one embodiment, protrusion  120  is formed of the same material as base  110 . Representatively, base  110  and protrusion  120  are formed in a single mold to form apparatus  100 . In another embodiment, base  110  and protrusion  120  are formed in separate molds or as otherwise separate structures and connected together using an adhesion material. In another embodiment, a heat process is used to melt base  110  to protrusion  120 .  
         [0025]     Base  110  and protrusion  120 , in one embodiment, are formed of different materials. For example, base  110  may be formed of cardboard while protrusion  120  is formed of plastic. Other embodiments include any combination of the materials discussed above for base  110  and protrusion  120 .  
         [0026]     In addition, apparatus  100  may be any color or combination of colors. In one embodiment, apparatus  100  is a single color. In another embodiment, apparatus  100  is multi-colored. In another embodiment, base  110  is a different color than protrusion  120 .  
         [0027]     It is contemplated that protrusion  120  may be oriented any where on base  110 . For example, as shown, protrusion  120  is oriented toward one side of base  110 , however, protrusion  120  may be oriented in the middle of base  110  or any other place on base  110 , including, but not limited to, a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter side extending laterally as represented by T in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0028]     Apparatus  100 , in one embodiment, includes aperture  130 . In  FIG. 1 , aperture  130  is formed in base  110 . Representatively, aperture  130  is of a size capable of having an attachment member (e.g., a key chain) placed through aperture  130 .  FIG. 3  shows a bottom view of apparatus  100 , including aperture  130 . Aperture  130 , in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , is circular and suitable for attaching apparatus  100  to another object (e.g., a key ring). Representatively, aperture  130  may be circular with a diameter of about one tenth inch. In other embodiments, aperture  130  has a diameter of about one sixteenth inch to about 1.75 inches. Aperture  130 , in other embodiments, may be any shape, for example, rectangular, including square, triangular, oval, etc., and may be any size suitable to attach to another object, but while still being within the confines of apparatus  100 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 4  shows apparatus  100  placed on a lid of a beverage container, for example, for ease in stacking the lid during storage and/or shipping. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , recessed area  140  at one end of base  110  is shaped to mirror the shape of a rim of the lid with which apparatus  100  is attached. In another embodiment, apparatus  100  may be oriented in the opposite direction such that base  110  would essentially extend over the lid of the beverage container rather than extending beyond an edge of the beverage container as shown.  
         [0030]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , base  110  extends beyond the lip of the lid. Positioned in this manner allows a person to grab base  110  and pull upward for removal of protrusion  120  (not shown) from a consuming opening in the lid during use. Also, this embodiment of apparatus  100 , as a cantilevered structure, allows a person to grip base  110  for replacing protrusion  120  into the consuming opening (e.g., gripping with two fingers at a point on base  110  (perhaps opposite sides) adjacent to or at an end opposite protrusion  120 ).  
         [0031]     By filling the consuming opening of the lid of a beverage container, embodiments of apparatus  100  are capable of blocking (e.g., sealing) the opening such that liquid contained within the container does not spill out of the container through the consuming opening or any spillage is minimized. In addition, by filling the opening in the lid, embodiments of apparatus  100  aid in keeping a hot beverage hot by preventing heat- from escaping through the opening in the lid.  
         [0032]      FIG. 5  shows a plurality of lids capable of being stacked on each other and each including another embodiment of apparatus  500 . Lids  510 ,  520  and  530  each have a conical shape with apex  535  (as viewed) having a diameter less than a diameter of base  540  of the lid. In one embodiment, base  540  fits over the lip of a beverage container and seals the lid to the container. Base  540  defines an opening into the lid. Apex  535  of each lid is defined by a superior surface. The superior surface has a cavity extending into one or more quadrants defining conical, circumferential body  550  of the lid having the consuming opening formed therein (not shown). Body  550  has front lip  554  extending toward base portion  540  of the lid defining an external perimeter plane  558  of the lid. Also, body  550  has rear lip  564  extending toward base portion  540  of the lid defining interior plane  568  of the lid.  
         [0033]     As shown in  FIG. 5 , this embodiment of apparatus  500  (three shown) includes an angled base  510 . Base  510 , in the embodiment shown, is angled such that base portion  512  is angled to conform to the conical shape defined by the different diameter of apex  535  and base  540  (plane  558 ) of front lip  554  of body  550  of beverage container lids  510 ,  520  and  530  to allow for stacking of lids  510 ,  520  and  530  while protrusion  520  is blocking (plugging) the consuming opening of lids  510 ,  520  and  530 . In addition, base portion  512  may form any angle which would allow other lid to be stack upon a lid containing apparatus  500 . The embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  and similar embodiments may either be disposable or reusable and may be formed of any of the materials discussed above.  
         [0034]     In addition,  FIG. 5  shows base portion  514  of base  510 . Base  514 , in one embodiment, is angled to conform to the conical shape defined by the different diameter of apex  535  and base  540  (plane  568 ) of rear lip  564  of body  550  of the beverage container lid to assist in keeping apparatus  500  in place while engaged with a consuming opening of the lid. It is contemplated that base portion  514  may form any angle with respect to rear lip  564 , even if base portion  514  functions in a non-securing manner.  
         [0035]     In one embodiment, apparatus  500  only includes base portion  512 . In another embodiment, apparatus  500  only includes base portion  514 . It is contemplated that apparatus  500  may contain neither base portion  512  or base portion  514  but only protrusion  520  mounted on base  510  of such a size to lie directly over body  550  of the lid without any portion of base  510  protruding over the raised edge of the lid. In addition, base portions  512  and  514 , in some embodiments, may not be angled, but instead extend parallel and/or perpendicular (e.g., similar to the plane of a straw protruding from the consuming opening) to apex plane  538  of the lid.  
         [0036]      FIG. 6  shows apparatus  100  connected to a key chain. Once a key chain or key chain is inserted through aperture  130 , apparatus  100  is capable of being transported. In addition, apparatus  100 , in one embodiment, is durable and capable of being used a plurality of times. Moreover, it is contemplated that any material and/or device may be inserted through aperture  130  for transport of apparatus  100 . Also, in one embodiment, aperture  130  is of a sufficient size and shape that apparatus  100  may be directly connected to another object for transportation.  
         [0037]      FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of a plug attached to a key chain. This embodiment includes ring  720  with which apparatus  700  may be attached to another object. In  FIG. 7 , ring  720  is connected to a clasp of a key chain for easy removal from the key chain. In addition, it is contemplated that any method suitable for connecting apparatus  700  to another object may be used. For example, base  710  may form a clasp shape or any shape that may be clasped by a clasping or attaching mechanism.  
         [0038]     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of embodiments of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.