A container lid for dispensing a pourable substance is disclosed, the lid comprising a flexible closure tab having a snap, a lid opening closure, an opening actuator disposed on a planar cantilever section of the flexible closure tab between the snap and the lid opening closure; a lid base having a snap receptacle for releasably retaining the snap, a lid opening for receiving the lid opening closure, and an actuator guide cutout for enclosing the opening actuator.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to container lids and, more particularly, to anti-spill and anti-splash container lids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of covers or lids are known in the present state of the art for providing closure to containers while allowing for selective dispensing of liquids or other pourable substances. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,033, “Liquid container lid,” discloses a lid for a beverage container, the lid having large opening for dispensing a drinking liquid and for allowing the passage of air as the liquid is dispensed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,190,174, “Drinking receptacle cover with a lip operated valve,” discloses a lid having a valve formed from two layers so as to increase the elastic memory of the valve. U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,972, “Self-closing beverage lid,” is another lid configuration in which a spring is incorporated to provide for sealing bias. More recently, U.S. Published Application No. 2008/0000920, “Low cost spill-resistant cup for liquids,” claims a cup for dispensing liquids and resisting spillage, the cup comprising a scoop-like baffle and a push tab for creating an opening when pushed. However, most of the container lids taught in the present art present manufacturing complexities while failing to provide a reliable anti-spill and anti-splash feature.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a container lid comprises a flexible closure tab having a snap; a lid opening closure; an opening actuator disposed on a planar cantilever section of the flexible closure tab between the snap and the lid opening closure; a lid base having a snap receptacle for releasably retaining the snap; a lid opening for receiving the lid opening closure; and an actuator guide cutout for enclosing the opening actuator.

In another aspect of the present invention, a container lid comprises a flexible closure tab having a lid opening closure disposed on the flexible closure tab; an opening actuator disposed on the flexible closure tab proximate the lid opening closure; a lid base having a top ridge extending between an outer conical surface and an inner conical surface, the inner conical surface enclosing a generally planar, substantially circular, depressed interior surface; means for securing a second end of the flexible closure tab to the depressed interior surface; a lid opening in the top ridge for receiving the lid opening closure; and an actuator guide cutout in the depressed interior surface for enclosing the opening actuator whereby the lid opening closure may be moved from the lid opening by application of a force to the opening actuator.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for dispensing a pourable substance through a container lid comprises the steps of: providing a lid opening closure for a lid opening, the lid opening disposed in a top ridge of the container lid; providing an opening actuator mechanically coupled to the lid opening closure, the opening actuator including a substantially convex surface protruding through a generally planar, substantially circular, depressed interior surface in the container lid; providing a pivot point mechanically coupled to the opening actuator; and applying an actuating force to the opening actuator to move the lid opening closure into the container.

The additional features and advantage of the disclosed invention is set forth in the detailed description which follows, and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the invention as described, together with the claims and appended drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the disclosure below is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other products. For example, container lids as disclosed and claimed are not limited to the materials described herein, and the size, shape, and features of the closure and other components can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

There is shown inFIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a two-piece anti-splash/spill container lid10comprising a lid base20and a flexible closure tab30, in accordance with the present invention. The lid base20may include a downward-facing concave lid rim11to provide for a press-fit attachment to a container rim16on a container12, and thereby retain a pourable substance14, such as a liquid or a powder, in the container12without allowing an inadvertent splashing or spilling. The lid base20further comprises an outer, substantially conical surface13extending from the lid rim11, the outer conical surface13having the general shape of a truncated cone. The lid base20further comprises an inner, substantially conical surface17, having the general shape of a truncated cone, and a top ridge15extending between the inner conical surface17and the outer conical surface13. The inner conical surface17encloses a generally planar, substantially circular, depressed interior surface19. The lid base20includes a snap receptacle21disposed on the depressed interior surface19, and an actuator guide cutout23in the depressed interior surface19. The lid base20further includes a lid opening25in the top ridge15to allow for dispensing of the pourable substance14when desired by a user.

As best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, one end of the flexible closure tab30includes a snap31for insertion into and retention by the snap receptacle21. The flexible closure tab30further comprises an opening actuator33configured as a substantially convex surface protruding from a cantilever section37, the opening actuator33having a perimeter34defined on the cantilever section37substantially congruent with the periphery of the actuator guide cutout23. A lid opening closure35is disposed at another end of the flexible closure tab30, distal from the snap31, the lid opening closure35configured as a generally tapered cylindrical surface protruding from an offset section39of the flexible closure tab30, the exterior periphery of the lid opening closure35at the offset section39substantially congruent with the inside geometry of the lid opening25in the lid base20. The width of the flexible closure tab30is preferably greater than the width of the actuator guide cutout23and the width of the lid opening25so as to ensure a seal against leakage of the pourable substance14through the container lid10.

When the snap31is releasably secured in the snap receptacle21, (i) the snap31serves as both an attachment point and a pivot point, as described in greater detail below, (ii) the opening actuator33protrudes through and closes off the actuator guide cutout23opening, and (iii) the lid opening closure35protrudes through and closes off the lid opening25. The lid opening closure35is normally retained in a ‘closed’ position, that is, against the lid opening25, by a spring-like biasing feature of the flexible closure tab30. It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that, if a splashing or spilling situation does occur, the splashing pourable substance14in the container12functions to urge the flexible closure tab30against the inside of the container lid10, thereby effectively sealing off the lid opening25with the lid opening closure35and effectively sealing off the actuator guide cutout23with the opening actuator33. In an alternative embodiment (shown inFIG. 14below), the snap31and the snap receptacle21may not be provided. Instead, the flexible closure tab may be permanently attached to the lid base20by means of an adhesive, mechanical fasteners, heat staking, swaging, hydroforming, tack welds, or other fastening method as is well known in the relevant art.

In an exemplary embodiment, the container12may comprise a disposable cup, such as a paper or STYROFOAM® beverage cup, and the pourable substance14may comprise a hot liquid such as hot coffee or tea, or a cold liquid such as iced coffee or a soft drink. When the container lid10is removably attached to the container12, the container rim16is received within the concave lid rim11such that the lid base20is frictionally retained by the container12. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the lid base20may be attached to the container12by using threads, a hinge, or mechanical fasteners, or the container12may be integrally formed with the container lid10.

Operation of the anti-splash/spill container lid10can be described with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5.FIG. 5is a cross sectional view of the container lid10taken through the snap receptacle21, the opening actuator33, and the lid opening closure35, as indicated by section line5-5inFIG. 4. When a user lifts and tips the container12to dispense the pourable substance14through the lid opening25, an actuating force F is applied against the opening actuator33, by the user's finger or lip for example, as represented by arrow40. The flexible closure tab30bends away from the lid base20, in response to the actuating force F, by flexing proximate the snap31(i.e., the pivot point). When the actuating force F is removed from the opening actuator33, the spring-like biasing feature of the flexible closure tab30enables the lid opening closure35to close off the lid opening25in the container lid10.

Accordingly, by incorporating the above features in a drinking cup lid, for example, the lid may be closed without the user's assistance, and the user thus requires only one hand to hold and use the covered drinking cup. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the anti-splash/spill container lid10may, in an alternative embodiment, comprise an outer torroidal surface13ain place of the outer conical surface13, and may comprise a domed interior surface19awhich can be concave (as shown) or convex (not shown) in place of the depressed interior surface19. The container lid10and the flexible closure tab30may be fabricated using any of: plastic, rubber, paper, cardboard, or laminates of multiple materials using, for example, conventional vacuum forming, a pressing process, or cutting with a steel ruled die. The container lid10and the flexible closure tab30may further comprise an additional layer, such as a metal foil layer, a plastic layer, or a rubber layer, to increase resistance to liquids.

The retention of the snap31in the snap receptacle21may be seen in greater detail inFIG. 6where, in an exemplary embodiment, the snap31comprises a flared tip41which may be removably retained by an undercut region43of the snap receptacle21, the features exaggerated in the diagram for clarity of illustration. As the user applies force F (shown inFIG. 5) to the opening actuator33to move the lid opening closure35away from the lid opening25, the flexible closure tab30bends inwardly on an approximately linear bend line29located between the snap31and the opening actuator33, as shown inFIG. 7. The resilience of the cantilever action of the flexible closure tab30can be specified by an appropriate selection of the material flexibility and thickness used to fabricate the flexible closure tab30.

As can be seen with additional reference toFIG. 8, the offset section39comprises an offset arm39adisposed between the cantilever section37and an offset base39bsupporting the lid opening closure35, such that the plane of the offset base39bis offset from and substantially parallel to the plane of the cantilever section37. Accordingly, the lid opening closure35, which is disposed on the offset base39b, is offset from and substantially parallel to the opening actuator33, which is disposed on the cantilever section37. This configuration allows for a user to depress the opening actuator33with an upper lip, for example, while properly positioning the lid opening25for sipping the pourable substance14.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, shown inFIGS. 9-10, the flexible closure tab30may include an actuator oval gasket47enclosing the opening actuator33, and a closure oval gasket49enclosing the lid opening closure35. The actuator oval gasket47and the closure oval gasket49may be fabricated from a resilient material, where the gasket thicknesses are a function of the particular application for the anti-splash/spill container lid10. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant art, the pourable substance14functions to compress the actuator oval gasket47and the closure oval gasket49when the container12is inadvertently tipped, thus providing a more positive seal against spillage or leakage.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, shown inFIG. 11, a two-piece anti-splash/spill container lid50comprises a lid base60and a flexible closure tab70, in accordance with the present invention. The lid base60comprises the concave lid rim11, the outer conical surface13, the inner conical surface17, the top ridge15extending between the inner conical surface17and the outer conical surface13, and a depressed interior surface69. The anti-splash/spill container lid50may, in an alternative embodiment, comprise the outer torroidal surface13a(not shown) in place of the outer conical surface13, and may comprise the domed interior surface19a(not shown) in place of the depressed interior surface69. The lid base60further includes two snap receptacle61disposed on the depressed interior surface69adjacent the actuator guide cutout23. The lid opening25is provided in the top ridge15to allow for dispensing of the pourable substance14.

As best shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, two snaps71functioning as hinge or pivot regions are disposed at an attachment section75of the flexible closure tab70for insertion into and retention by the two snap receptacles61. The flexible closure tab30further includes the opening actuator33protruding from a central cantilever section77, and includes the lid opening closure35disposed at the offset section39in the closure tab70, distal from the snaps71. When the snaps71are releasably secured in the corresponding snap receptacles61, the opening actuator33protrudes through the actuator guide cutout23of the container lid50, and the lid opening closure35protrudes through and closes off the lid opening25. The retention of the snaps71in the corresponding snap receptacles61is similar to the configuration shown inFIG. 6for the container lid10. In an alternative embodiment (not shown for clarity of illustration), the flexible closure tab70may comprise either or both the actuator oval gasket47and the closure oval gasket49.

Operation of the container lid50is similar to operation of the container lid10described above. When the actuating force F, indicated by the arrow40, is applied to the opening actuator33located on the closure tab70, as shown inFIG. 15, the flexible closure tab70flexes at the pivot region proximate the snaps71and the central cantilever section77moves downward into the container12whereby the lid opening closure35is removed from the lid opening25. When the actuating force F is removed from the opening actuator33, the spring-like biasing force of the closure tab70causes the lid opening closure35to re-close the lid opening25in the lidbase60.

The two snaps71are in spaced-apart relationship on the attachment section75of the closure tab70as shown inFIG. 14. As can be seen, a portion of the opening actuator33is disposed on the cantilever section77, and a portion of the opening actuator33extends into the attachment section75at the pivot region of the flexible closure tab70. When the actuating force F is applied to the opening actuator33, the closure tab70flexes in a region lying between the attachment section75and the cantilever section77. In particular, the closure tab70forms a curved bend line79, partially located in the snap base section75and extending between the two snaps71and the opening actuator33. The curved bend line79is nonlinear because of the relative geometric locations of the snaps71and the opening actuator33.

As understood by one skilled in the relevant art, application of the actuating force F results in a bending of the flexible closure tab70at the curved bend line79and produces a biasing force reacting to the force F so as to “straighten out” the flexible closure tab70. Because the curved bend line79is curved and not linear, application of the actuating force F produces additional torsion forces arising normal to the curved bend line79between the opening actuator33and the snaps71, and arising at the portion of the opening actuator extending into the base section75. Accordingly, the total biasing force produced by the flexible closure tab70bending along the curved bend line79is greater than the biasing force produced by bending the otherwise physically similar flexible closure tab30of the container lid10, described above. The closure tab configuration shown inFIG. 10may be particularly useful for anti-splash/spill applications requiring a moderate closure force.

In yet another alternative exemplary embodiment of an anti-splash/spill container lid, shown inFIGS. 16-17, a two-piece container lid80comprises a lid base90and a flexible closure tab100, in accordance with the present invention. The lid base90comprises the concave lid rim11, the outer conical surface13, the inner conical surface17, the top ridge15extending between the inner conical surface17and the outer conical surface13, and a depressed interior surface99. The lid base90includes the actuator guide cutout23in the central interior surface99, and includes the lid opening25in the top ridge15. The lid80is similar to the lid50, above, with the differences that: (i) the lid base90does not include snap receptacles, and (ii) the flexible closure tab100does not include snaps.

The flexible closure tab100may be permanently attached to the lid base90by means of tack welds, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, heat staking, swaging, hydroforming, or other attachment means known in the art. In the example provided, three tack welds are used, as represented by lid deformations91,92, and93, and corresponding tab deformations101,102, and103. The closure tab100further comprises the opening actuator33protruding from a cantilever section107, and includes the lid opening closure35disposed at an end of the flexible closure tab100distal from the tab deformations101-103. The opening actuator33protrudes through the actuator guide cutout23of the lid base90, and the lid opening closure35protrudes through the lid opening25.

Operation of the container lid80is similar to operation of the container lid10described above. When the actuating force F (not shown) is applied to the opening actuator33located on the flexible closure tab100, the closure tab100flexes at a pivot region proximate the tab deformations101-103, and the lid opening closure35moves downward into the container12to expose the lid opening25. When force F is removed from the opening actuator33, the spring-like biasing force of the flexible closure tab100causes the lid opening closure35to re-close the lid opening25in the lid80.

The tab deformations101-103are in spaced-apart relationship, defining a substantially triangular region on an attachment section109of the flexible closure tab100. The opening actuator33is disposed on the cantilever section107with a portion of the opening actuator33extending into the attachment section109. That is, part of the opening actuator33extends between the tab deformations101and103. When the actuating force F is applied to the opening actuator33, the closure tab100flexes at the pivot region proximate the tab deformations101and103. The closure tab100thus forms a curved bend line109between the opening actuator33and an imaginary line extending between the tab deformations101and103, the curved bend line109being similar to the curved bend line79shown inFIG. 14, described above. Accordingly, by extending the opening actuator33into the region between the tab deformations101and103, the flexible closure tab100bends along a curved bend line and, accordingly, exhibits a greater spring-like biasing force than if a straight bend line was present.

There is shown inFIGS. 18 and 19an exemplary embodiment of a one-piece anti-splash/spill container lid110comprising a lid base120and a hinged closure tab130. The lid base120comprises the concave lid rim11, the outer conical surface13, an inner conical surface127, a top ridge125extending between the inner conical surface127and the outer conical surface13, and a depressed interior surface129. The depressed interior surface129includes a lid opening119in an oval or circular lid mesa121for allowing an outflow of the pourable substance14from the container12(shown inFIG. 18). The hinged closure tab130may be integrally formed with the lid base120at the concave lid rim11, thus providing a means for the hinged closure tab130to bend at a container hinge111. The hinged closure tab130includes a tab arm133with a tab hinge139, and an oval or round actuator cap131attached to the tab arm133. The tab arm133includes a pivot boss113disposed between the actuator cap131and the tab hinge139. As shown inFIG. 19and in the cross sectional view ofFIG. 20, the pivot boss113contacts the depressed interior surface129when the hinged closure tab130is folded at the tab hinge139and the container hinge111, and rotated onto the lid base120. This placement then allows the actuator cap131to cover the lid mesa121and close off the lid opening119.

As best seen in the detail views ofFIGS. 21 and 22, the actuator cap131comprises an actuator interior surface135and an actuator interior wall137having a substantially truncated conical shape. The lid mesa121comprises a mesa periphery wall123having a truncated conical shape substantially congruent to the actuator interior wall137. InFIG. 21, the hinged closure tab130is shown in a non-actuated state wherein the actuator cap131is biased away from the depressed interior surface129, as indicated by arrow115. The upward bias results from the forced placement of the pivot boss113against the depressed interior surface129. The mesa periphery wall123is sized and shaped to provide a “press fit” with the actuator interior wall137when the actuator cap131is biased away from the depressed interior surface129. Accordingly, both the actuator interior surface135and the press fit configuration of the actuator internal wall137against the mesa periphery wall123serve to provide a seal against the pourable substance14splashing or passing out of the container12through the lid opening119.

The user (not shown) may apply the actuating force F, indicated by the arrow40, to the actuator cap131, as shown inFIG. 22, to open a path for the pourable substance14to flow out of the container12through the lid opening119, as indicated by arrow117. When the user removes the actuating force F from the actuator cap131, the biasing force of the pivot boss113against the depressed interior surface129returns the hinged closure tab130to the position shown inFIG. 21.

There is shown inFIGS. 23 and 24an exemplary embodiment of a two-piece anti-splash/spill container lid140comprising a lid base150and an actuator disk160. The lid base150comprises the concave lid rim11, the outer conical surface13, an inner conical surface147, the top ridge125extending between the inner conical surface147and the outer conical surface13, and a depressed interior surface159. The depressed interior surface159includes a base snap151and a domed lid opening closure153disposed thereupon. The domed lid opening closure153is preferably configured as a generally hemispherical surface attached to the depressed interior surface159by a cantilever arm155. A U-shaped through cut157allows the domed opening closure153and the cantilever arm155to move with respect to the depressed interior surface159.

The actuator disk160comprises a generally planar disk having a snap receptacle161thereupon and a substantially circular actuator opening163therethrough. The actuator disk160is configured to generally conform with the depressed interior surface159in the lid base150. The snap receptacle161is configured to releasably mate with the base snap151. The actuator opening163is configured and positioned such that, when the snap receptacle161is mated to the base snap151, the actuator opening163is approximately centered upon and substantially encloses the domed lid opening closure153. The diameter of the actuator opening163is preferably smaller than the diameter of the domed lid opening closure153at the plane of the cantilever arm155.

As can be best seen in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 25, the actuator disc160is disposed upon the depressed interior surface159so as to allow the domed lid opening closure153to protrude through the actuator opening163. Upon application of the actuating force F to the domed lid opening closure153, the cantilever arm155bends below the depressed inner surface159. This action produces a lid opening141in the lid base150, as shown inFIG. 26. The lid opening141is generally coextensive with the actuator opening163, which combination allows the passage of the pourable substance14therethough.

In another exemplary embodiment, shown inFIGS. 27 and 28, a two-piece anti-splash/spill container lid170comprises a lid base180and a flexible, closure disk190. The lid base180comprises the concave lid rim11, the outer conical surface13, an inner conical surface187, the top ridge125extending between the inner conical surface187and the outer conical surface13, and a protruding snap181which releasably mates with a snap receptacle191in the closure disk190. The lid base180further includes first and second semi-circular openings183and185. When the container lid170is in a non-actuated state, the closure disk190is disposed against the lid base180so as to prevent the pourable substance14from passing through either the first semi-circular opening183or the second semicircular opening185.

When the user applies the force F, as indicated by the arrow40inFIG. 29, to the closure disk190through the first semi-circular opening183, for example, the force F causes the closure disk190to deform or bend away from the first semi-circular opening183and allow the pourable substance14to flow through the first semi-circular opening183. In an alternative embodiment, the lid base180may include only the first semi-circular opening183. In yet another alternative exemplary embodiment, shown inFIG. 30, a domed closure disk193may be configured to include one or two dome-shaped actuation surfaces195protruding through one or both the first semi-circular opening183and the second semicircular opening185to provide for a larger opening in the container lid180.

It is to be understood that the description herein is exemplary of the invention only and is intended to provide an overview for the understanding of the nature and character of the invention as it is defined by the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of various features and embodiments of the method and apparatus of the invention which, together with their description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention. Thus, as stated above, while the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that the present invention is by no means limited to the particular constructions and methods herein disclosed and/or shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the claims. Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, and in particular practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is not intended to define nor limit the claims in any way.