Drink cup lid

A liquid container includes a cup having a brim forming an opening into an interior region of the cup. The container also includes a lid configured to mount on the brim of the cup to close the opening.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to drink cups, and particularly to lids for drink cups. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a lid with an opening for removing liquid from the drink cup and a closure that blocks the opening.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure, a liquid container comprises a lid adapted to mate with the brim of a cup. The cup also includes a floor and a side wall extending from the brim toward the floor.

In illustrative embodiments, the lid includes a central closure formed to include the liquid-discharge outlet and a ring-shaped brim mount arranged to surround the central closure. The brim mount of the lid is configured to mate with the brim of the cup to hold the central closure in a stationary position closing a cup mouth opening into an interior liquid reservoir chamber formed in the cup and placing the liquid-discharge outlet in fluid communication with any liquid stored in the interior liquid reservoir chamber of the cup.

In illustrative embodiments, the central closure includes an upstanding drink spout having a top wall that is formed to include the liquid-discharge outlet. An outlet closure is coupled to the drink spout for pivotable movement about a horizontal pivot axis between a closed position blocking access to the liquid-discharge outlet and an opened position spaced apart from the liquid-discharge outlet.

In illustrative embodiments, the lid is made from a thermoformed sheet of polypropylene. The lid is formed to have a low profile and a thickness of the lid is minimized to reduce an overall weight of the lid thereby saving material. The outlet closure includes a reinforcement structure to rigidify the outlet closure to reduce unwanted bending of the outlet closure due to the reduction in material used to form the lid. The reinforcement structure stiffens the outlet closure so that when a consumer pivots the outlet closure from the closed position to the opened position, the outlet closure is aligned with an outlet closure retainer that is used to hold the outlet closure in the opened position so that the consumer can drink from the liquid-discharge outlet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A liquid container10in accordance with the present disclosure includes a cup12having a brim14and a lid20that is configured to mate with the brim14of the cup12using an interference fit to cover an interior liquid reservoir chamber15of the cup12. A first illustrative embodiment of a container10including lid20is shown inFIGS.1-8. A second illustrative embodiment of a lid220that can be used with cup12is shown inFIG.9. A third illustrative embodiment of a lid320that can be used with cup12is shown inFIG.10. A fourth illustrative embodiment of a lid420that can be used with cup12is shown inFIG.11. A fifth illustrative embodiment of a lid520that can be used with cup12is shown inFIG.12. Other views of lids in accordance with the present disclosure are shown inFIGS.13-52.

Cup12includes a brim14, a floor16, and a side wall18extending upwardly from floor16to brim14as shown inFIG.1. Side wall18and floor16cooperate to form interior liquid reservoir chamber15of cup12. It is within the scope of this disclosure to make cup12out of any suitable plastics, paper, combinations thereof, and other material(s). It is within the scope of this disclosure to mount floor16in a suitable location at or near a lower edge of side wall18.

Lid20may include any size suitable to coincide with brim14of cup12as suggested inFIG.1and includes a ring-shaped brim mount22, a central closure24, and an outlet closure26as shown inFIGS.1-3. Brim mount22cooperates with brim14to provide a sealing interface to block flow of liquids between brim14and lid20when lid20is mounted on cup12. Central closure24of lid20rises upwardly above brim mount22in illustrative embodiments and includes an upstanding drink spout28including a top wall30formed to include a liquid-discharge outlet32as suggested inFIGS.1-3. Outlet closure26is sized and arranged to cover liquid-discharge outlet32until a consumer desires to remove liquid from the interior liquid reservoir chamber15. In an illustrative embodiment, a consumer can drink liquid stored in cup12while lid20remains mounted on brim14of cup12through the liquid-discharge outlet32formed in lid20. Drink spout28is adapted to be received in the mouth of a consumer desiring to drink a liquid stored in cup12. Any liquid stored in interior liquid reservoir chamber15of cup12is in fluid communication with the liquid-discharge outlet32formed in top wall30of the upstanding drink spout28as suggested inFIG.1.

Ring-shaped brim mount22includes an inner side wall34, a top wall36, and an outer side wall38as shown inFIG.2. Inner side wall34, top wall36, and outer side wall38define an upside down U-shape when brim mount22is viewed in cross section as shown inFIG.7. Inner side wall34is coupled to central closure24. Top wall36provides an uppermost surface of the brim mount22. Outer side wall38is spaced apart radially from inner side wall34. Inner side wall34, top wall36, and outer side wall38are configured to engage different parts of brim14to establish multiple sealing interfaces with brim14. Inner side wall34is formed to include a series of indents40while outer side wall38is formed to include a series of ribs42. Indents40and ribs42may provide a more secure grip on brim14than a lid without indents40and/or ribs42and may facilitate stacking of multiple lids20for storage. Without indents40and/or ribs42there may be more engagement on the brim14. The ribs42may provide relief from the interference and give rigidity to the brim mount22of the lid20when applying or removing the lid20from the brim14of the cup12.

Central closure24is coupled to inner side wall34of brim mount22and forms an upper barrier to block liquids from flowing out of interior liquid reservoir chamber15until outlet closure26is removed from liquid-discharge outlet32. Central closure includes drink spout28, a central basin44, and a plateau46as shown inFIG.2. Drink spout28is coupled to central basin44and extends upwardly to a raised elevation above top wall36of brim mount22. Drink spout28is the only structure of lid20that raises above top wall36to provide lid20with a low profile to minimize an overall weight of lid20as will be described in greater detail herein. Central basin44is coupled to inner side wall34of brim mount22and is arranged below top wall36. Plateau46extends upwardly from central basin44and is also arranged to lie below top wall36of brim mount22.

Outlet closure26is movable about a horizontal pivot axis48between a closed position blocking access to the liquid-discharge outlet32, as shown inFIGS.1-3, and an opened position spaced apart from liquid-discharge outlet32as shown inFIGS.5and8. Drink Spout28further includes a side wall50and an outlet-closure retainer52configured to retain outlet closure26in the opened position. Side wall50extends downwardly from top wall30and is coupled to central basin44. Outlet-closure retainer52is illustratively embodied as a cavity that is formed into a reclined surface53of side wall50. Outlet-closure retainer52has a shape that receives at least a portion of outlet closure26in the opened position to retain the outlet closure26in the opened position with an interface fit.

Outlet closure26includes an outlet-closure skirt54, an outlet-closure pedestal56that extends upwardly from outlet-closure skirt54, and an outlet-closure reinforcement rib58coupled to the outlet-closure skirt54as shown inFIGS.2and3. The outlet-closure skirt54has an outer edge with a shape that matches a perimeter of the liquid-discharge outlet32. The outer edge of outlet-closure skirt54and the perimeter of liquid-discharge outlet32may be initially coupled to one another to provide a break line55. Break line55may be provided by a series of perforations, scoring, or another suitable method in top wall30which allows outlet-closure skirt54to be at least partially separated from top wall30along break line55. Outlet-closure pedestal56is formed in a generally central region of outlet-closure skirt54and is configured to be engaged by a consumer to change outlet closure26from the closed position to the opened position for access to liquids in interior liquid reservoir chamber15. Outlet-closure reinforcement rib58increases a rigidity of outlet closure26so that outlet closure26pivots relative to top wall30about horizontal pivot axis48to facilitate changing outlet closure26from the closed position to the opened position.

Outlet-closure reinforcement rib58is formed as an indentation into an outer surface of outlet-closure skirt54and has an arcuate shape to extend at least partially around outlet-closure pedestal56as shown inFIG.3. Outlet-closure reinforcement rib58has a rounded outer edge60that faces toward horizontal pivot axis48and a pair of ends62that are spaced further away from horizontal pivot axis48than rounded outer edge60. Break line55terminates in a groove57formed in top wall30to establish horizontal pivot axis48in groove57. Groove57is spaced apart from outlet-closure reinforcement rib58to locate outlet-closure reinforcement rib58between outlet-closure pedestal56and groove57. Outlet-closure reinforcement rib58directs forces toward horizontal pivot axis48and blocks outlet closure26from folding along a line somewhere between outlet-closure pedestal56and horizontal pivot axis48so that outlet closure26is aligned with outlet-closure retainer52when outlet closure26reaches the opened position.

Outlet-closure retainer52has a shape that corresponds to at least a portion of outlet-closure pedestal56as shown inFIG.5. Outlet-closure retainer52is defined by a forward surface64, a rear surface66, first and second lateral surfaces68,70and a bottom surface72. Forward surface64has a retainer protrusion65formed equidistant apart from each lateral surface68,70. The first and second lateral surfaces68,70provide guide surfaces for outlet-closure pedestal56to facilitate a consumer in inserting outlet-closure pedestal into outlet-closure retainer52. The first and second lateral surfaces each include an angled upper portion74that extend toward one another and a vertically extending lower portion76arranged parallel to one another. Outlet-closure retainer52has a width between each angled upper portion74that is greater than a corresponding portion of outlet-closure pedestal56. The width of outlet-closure retainer52may be slightly less than the corresponding portion of outlet-closure pedestal at lower portions76to provide the interface fit between outlet-closure retainer52and outlet-closure pedestal56.

Outlet-closure pedestal56includes a curved surface78that faces outwardly away from a center of lid20, a first side surface80, an opposite second side surface82, and a retainer surface84that faces toward the center of lid20as shown inFIG.3. Curved surface78provides an ergonomic finger pad for a consumer to use to lift and change outlet closure26from the closed position to the opened position. First side surface80, second side surface82, and retainer surface84each include a vertically extending portion86spaced apart from outlet-closure skirt54and a broadening portion88that extends downward and outward away from each companion vertically extending portion86and is coupled to outlet-closure skirt54. Each broadening portion88contacts outlet-closure reinforcement rib58to form a portion of outlet-closure reinforcement rib58. Retainer surface84is also formed to include an indentation85that receives retainer protrusion65when outlet-closure pedestal56is inserted in outlet-closure retainer52in the closed position.

Lid20is made from a sheet of polymeric material that includes polypropylene. In some embodiments, the sheet consists of polypropylene, however, the sheet may include other polymeric materials such as, for example, polystyrene, polyethylene, or any other suitable polymeric material. The sheet is formed into lid20using a thermoforming process in illustrative embodiments, however, any other suitable forming process may also be used. Lid20is shaped to have a low profile such that substantially all of the features of lid20are arranged between top wall36of brim mount22and a lower edge37of brim mount as shown inFIGS.6and7. Only drink spout28extends above top wall36so as to minimize the amount of material required to form lid20.

A thickness of the sheet may be minimized to reduce the overall weight of lid20as shown inFIG.6. Minimizing the thickness of the sheet may cause areas of lid20to be flexible, however, flexibility in certain areas such as outlet closure26, for example, may not be desired. Accordingly, outlet-closure reinforcement rib58is provided on outlet closure26to rigidify outlet closure26to facilitate movement of outlet closure26about horizontal pivot axis48between the closed and opened positions.

The sheet forming lid20may have a first thickness90at drink spout28, a second thickness92at central basin44, and a third thickness94at plateau46. In some embodiments, second thickness92is less than both first thickness90and third thickness94. In some embodiments, the third thickness94is less than or equal to the first thickness90and greater than the second thickness92.

The following Examples of lids20are non-limiting. All of the values shown below for Examples 1 to 3 are approximate and may have a manufacturing tolerance within plus or minus 20 percent.

The first example of a lid20with varying thicknesses90,92,94is described below in Table 1. This lid20is made from polypropylene and has an outer diameter of about 4.25 inches.

The second example of a lid20with varying thicknesses90,92,94is described below in Table 2. This lid20is made from polypropylene and has an outer diameter of about 3.97 inches.

The third example of a lid20with varying thicknesses90,92,94is described below in Table 3. This lid20is made from polypropylene and has an outer diameter of about 3.64 inches.

Accordingly, lid20may have a weight-to-diameter ratio of less than 1 due to the low profile design of lid20, the thicknesses90,92,94, and the material used to form lid20. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.5 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.55 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.6 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.65 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.7 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.75 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.5 to about 0.75. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.5 to about 0.7. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.5 to about 0.65. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.5 to about 0.6. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.5 to about 0.55. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.55 to about 0.75. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.68 to about 0.7. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.69 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.57 to about 0.6.

The fourth example of a comparable lid that is different than lid20of the illustrative embodiment is described below in Table 4. This lid is made from polyethylene terephthalate and has an outer diameter of about 3.97 inches. The lid also has varying thicknesses90,92, however, the lid does not have a plateau46so thickness94is not applicable.

Forward surface64is arranged to extend substantially in a vertical direction perpendicular to horizontal plane59as shown inFIG.7. Rear surface66is arranged to lie at an angle to forward surface64to provide clearance for outlet-closure pedestal56to extend into outlet-closure retainer52as outlet closure26rotated about horizontal pivot axis48from the closed position to the opened position. In the opened position, outlet-closure skirt54remains substantially parallel to horizontal plane59to provide a gap96between outlet-closure skirt54and reclined surface53so that the consumer can fit a finger there between to remove outlet-closure pedestal from outlet-closure retainer and return outlet closure to the closed position as shown inFIG.8.

Lid20may include plateau46for any of a variety of reasons. Plateau46may include, for example, a company logo or indicia and/or a slotted straw opening. Plateau46may include an orientation indentation47at or near a rear portion of plateau46for any of a variety of reasons, including but not limited to helping a user locate the rear part of lid20, for example by locating and/or feeling orientation indentation47with a finger without actually looking at lid20. Orientation indentation47may be formed in a side wall of orientation indentation47, which may extend upwardly from central basin44. By locating orientation indentation47, a user may be better able to locate liquid-discharge outlet32and/or outlet closure26, for example, and better prevent spilling when attempting to drink through lid20. Lid20may also be formed to include a vent aperture45in central basin44, which may for example be located at or near plateau46and/or orientation indentation47as show inFIG.2. Vent aperture45may be included for any of a variety of reasons, or not at all.

Another embodiment of a lid220in accordance with the present disclosure is shown inFIG.9. Lid220is substantially similar to lid20. Accordingly, reference numbers in the200series are used to reference common features between lid220and lid20. The disclosure of lid20is hereby incorporated by reference for lid220while the differences between lid220and lid20are described below.

Lid220includes a ring-shaped brim mount222, a central closure224, and an outlet closure226as shown inFIG.9. Brim mount222cooperates with brim14to provide a sealing interface to block flow of liquids between brim14and lid220when lid220is mounted on cup12. Central closure224of lid220rises upwardly above brim mount222in illustrative embodiments and includes an upstanding drink spout228including a top wall230formed to include a liquid-discharge outlet232. Outlet closure226is sized and arranged to cover liquid-discharge outlet232until a consumer desires to remove liquid from the interior liquid reservoir chamber15.

Ring-shaped brim mount222includes an inner side wall234, a top wall236, and an outer side wall238as shown inFIG.9. Central closure224is coupled to inner side wall234of brim mount222and forms an upper barrier to block liquids from flowing out of interior liquid reservoir chamber15until outlet closure226is removed from liquid-discharge outlet232. Central closure224includes drink spout228, a central basin244, and a plateau246as shown inFIG.9. Drink spout228is coupled to central basin244and extends upwardly to a raised elevation above top wall236of brim mount222. Drink spout228is the only structure of lid220that raises above top wall236to provide lid220with a low profile to minimize an overall weight of lid220as will be described in greater detail herein. Central basin244is coupled to inner side wall234of brim mount222and is arranged below top wall236. Plateau246extends upwardly from central basin244and is also arranged to lie below top wall236of brim mount222. A straw opening297is formed in a top wall of plateau246. Central basin244is formed to include a vent aperture245. Accordingly, lid220may be used for drinking a liquid from cup12by through liquid-discharge outlet232or with a straw (not shown) inserted in straw opening297.

Another embodiment of a lid320in accordance with the present disclosure is shown inFIG.10. Lid320is substantially similar to lid20. Accordingly, reference numbers in the300series are used to reference common features between lid320and lid20. The disclosure of lid20is hereby incorporated by reference for lid320while the differences between lid320and lid20are described below.

Lid320includes a ring-shaped brim mount322, a central closure324, and an outlet closure326as shown inFIG.10. Brim mount322cooperates with brim14to provide a sealing interface to block flow of liquids between brim14and lid320when lid320is mounted on cup12. Central closure324of lid320rises upwardly above brim mount322in illustrative embodiments and includes an upstanding drink spout328including a top wall330formed to include a liquid-discharge outlet332. Outlet closure326is sized and arranged to cover liquid-discharge outlet332until a consumer desires to remove liquid from the interior liquid reservoir chamber15.

Ring-shaped brim mount322includes an inner side wall334, a top wall336, and an outer side wall338as shown inFIG.10. Central closure324is coupled to inner side wall334of brim mount322and forms an upper barrier to block liquids from flowing out of interior liquid reservoir chamber15until outlet closure326is removed from liquid-discharge outlet332. Central closure324includes drink spout328, a central basin344, and a plateau346as shown inFIG.10. Drink spout328is coupled to central basin344and extends upwardly to a raised elevation above top wall336of brim mount322. Drink spout328is the only structure of lid320that raises above top wall336to provide lid320with a low profile to minimize an overall weight of lid320as will be described in greater detail herein. Central basin344is coupled to inner side wall334of brim mount322and is arranged below top wall336. Plateau346extends upwardly from central basin344and is also arranged to lie below top wall336of brim mount322.

Central basin344includes a plurality of push buttons398that extend upwardly in the same direction as plateau346. The plurality of push buttons398provide a mechanism for a user to provide an input to at least one of the buttons so that the button will change from a first condition to a second condition. For example, a user may push a button398so that it is no longer upwardly projecting but rather changes to a downwardly projecting state that a user can readily visually or tactilely identify. Such a feature could be used to indicate the contents of a cup to which the lid is coupled. Central basin344may also include other indicia near each button398that could be used also to provide information to a user in any of a variety of ways. Indicia and push buttons398could cooperate to communicate information to a user, such as a button398proximate a certain indicia being used to suggest that indicia.

Another embodiment of a lid420in accordance with the present disclosure is shown inFIG.11. Lid420is substantially similar to lid20. Accordingly, reference numbers in the400series are used to reference common features between lid420and lid20. The disclosure of lid20is hereby incorporated by reference for lid420while the differences between lid420and lid20are described below.

Lid420includes a ring-shaped brim mount422, a central closure424, and an outlet closure426as shown inFIG.11. Brim mount422cooperates with brim14to provide a sealing interface to block flow of liquids between brim14and lid420when lid420is mounted on cup12. Central closure424of lid420rises upwardly above brim mount422in illustrative embodiments and includes an upstanding drink spout428including a top wall430formed to include a liquid-discharge outlet432. Outlet closure426is sized and arranged to cover liquid-discharge outlet432until a consumer desires to remove liquid from the interior liquid reservoir chamber15.

Ring-shaped brim mount422includes an inner side wall434, a top wall436, and an outer side wall438as shown inFIG.11. Central closure424is coupled to inner side wall434of brim mount422and forms an upper barrier to block liquids from flowing out of interior liquid reservoir chamber15until outlet closure426is removed from liquid-discharge outlet432. Central closure424includes drink spout428, a central basin444, and a plateau446as shown inFIG.11. Drink spout428is coupled to central basin444and extends upwardly to a raised elevation above top wall436of brim mount422. Drink spout428is the only structure of lid420that raises above top wall436to provide lid420with a low profile to minimize an overall weight of lid420as will be described in greater detail herein. Central basin444is coupled to inner side wall434of brim mount422and is arranged below top wall436. Plateau446extends upwardly from central basin444and is also arranged to lie below top wall436of brim mount422. A straw opening497is formed in a top wall of plateau446. Central basin444is formed to include a vent aperture445. Accordingly, lid420may be used for drinking a liquid from cup12through liquid-discharge outlet432or with a straw (not shown) inserted in straw opening497.

Central basin444also includes a plurality of push buttons498that extend upwardly in the same direction as plateau446. The plurality of push buttons498provide a mechanism for a user to provide an input to at least one of the buttons so that the button will change from a first condition to a second condition. For example, a user may push a button498so that it is no longer upwardly projecting but rather changes to a downwardly projecting state that a user can readily visually or tactilely identify. Such a feature could be used to indicate the contents of a cup to which the lid is coupled. Central basin446may also include other indicia near each button498that could be used also to provide information to a user in any of a variety of ways. Indicia and push buttons498could cooperate to communicate information to a user, such as a button498proximate a certain indicia being used to suggest that indicia.

Another embodiment of a lid520in accordance with the present disclosure is shown inFIG.12. Lid520is substantially similar to lids20and420. Accordingly, reference numbers in the500series are used to reference common features between lid520and lids20and420. The disclosure of lids20and420is hereby incorporated by reference for lid520while the differences between lid520and lids20,420are described below.

Lid520includes a ring-shaped brim mount522, a central closure524, and an outlet closure526as shown inFIG.12. Brim mount522cooperates with brim14to provide a sealing interface to block flow of liquids between brim14and lid520when lid520is mounted on cup12. Central closure524of lid520rises upwardly above brim mount522in illustrative embodiments and includes an upstanding drink spout528including a top wall530formed to include a liquid-discharge outlet532. Outlet closure526is sized and arranged to cover liquid-discharge outlet532until a consumer desires to remove liquid from the interior liquid reservoir chamber15.

Ring-shaped brim mount522includes an inner side wall534, a top wall536, and an outer side wall538as shown inFIG.11. Central closure524is coupled to inner side wall534of brim mount522and forms an upper barrier to block liquids from flowing out of interior liquid reservoir chamber15until outlet closure526is removed from liquid-discharge outlet532. Central closure524includes drink spout528, a central basin544, and a plateau546as shown inFIG.12. Drink spout528is coupled to central basin544and extends upwardly to a raised elevation above top wall536of brim mount522. Drink spout528is the only structure of lid520that raises above top wall536to provide lid520with a low profile to minimize an overall weight of lid520as will be described in greater detail herein. Central basin544is coupled to inner side wall534of brim mount522and is arranged below top wall536. Plateau546extends upwardly from central basin544and is also arranged to lie below top wall536of brim mount522. A straw opening597is formed in a top wall of plateau546. Central basin544is formed to include a vent aperture545. Accordingly, lid520may be used for drinking a liquid from cup12through liquid-discharge outlet532or with a straw (not shown) inserted in straw opening597.

Central basin544also includes a plurality of push buttons598that extend upwardly in the same direction as plateau546. The plurality of push buttons598provide a mechanism for a user to provide an input to at least one of the buttons so that the button will change from a first condition to a second condition. For example, a user may push a button598so that it is no longer upwardly projecting but rather changes to a downwardly projecting state that a user can readily visually or tactilely identify. Such a feature could be used to indicate the contents of a cup to which the lid is coupled. Central basin544may also include other indicia near each button598that could be used also to provide information to a user in any of a variety of ways. Indicia and push buttons598could cooperate to communicate information to a user, such as a button598proximate a certain indicia being used to suggest that indicia.

Outlet closure526includes an outlet-closure skirt554and an outlet closure pedestal556that extends upwardly from outlet-closure skirt554. The outlet-closure skirt554has an outer edge with a shape that matches a perimeter of the liquid-discharge outlet532. Outlet closure pedestal556is formed in a generally central region of outlet-closure skirt554and is configured to be engaged by a consumer to change outlet closure526from the closed position to the opened position for access to liquids in interior liquid reservoir chamber15. Outlet closure pedestal556includes a pedestal tip587and a pedestal base589. The transition from the pedestal base589to the pedestal tip587is more abrupt than the transition from broadening portions88to vertically extending portions86of outlet-closure pedestal56.

In some embodiments, lid20, and/or any component thereof, may be made of any of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, any of a variety of suitable plastics material, any other material, or any combination thereof. Suitable plastics material may include, but is not limited to, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET), mixtures and combinations thereof, or any other plastics material or any mixtures and combinations thereof. It is understood that multiple layers of material may be used for any of a variety of reasons, including to improve barrier properties, or to provide known functions related to multiple layer structures. The multiple layers, if included, may be of various materials, including but not limited to those recited herein.

In some embodiments, lid20, and/or any component thereof, may be substantially rigid, substantially flexible, a hybrid of rigid and flexible, or any combination of rigid, flexible, and/or hybrid, such as having some areas be flexible and some rigid. It is understood that these examples are merely illustrative, are not limiting, and are provided to illustrate the versatility of options available in various embodiments of lid20, and/or any component thereof.

In some embodiments, a variety of processes or combination thereof may be used to form lid20, and/or any component thereof, or any layer or substrate used therein. For example, any component, layer, or substrate, or combination thereof, may be thermoformed, injection molded, injection stretch blow molded, blow molded, extrusion blow molded, coextruded, subjected to any other suitable process, or subjected to any combination thereof. In some embodiments, lid20, and/or any component thereof may be formed substantially of injection molded and/or thermoformed suitable plastics material, although other materials and forming processes may be used instead of or in addition to injection molding and thermoforming, respectively. Various materials and/or processes may be used to form lid20, and/or any component thereof, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, lid20, and/or any component thereof, may be substantially a one-piece design and/or substantially formed as an integral or unitary structure. Reference is hereby made to U.S. Publication No. 2020/0140160 and titled DRINK CUP LID for disclosure relating to drink cup lids that are made from a material comprising polypropylene, which application is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein. Reference is hereby made to U.S. Publication No. 2019/0039328 and titled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THERMOFORMING AN ARTICLE for disclosure relating to a method of manufacturing lids, which application is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein.

In some embodiments, while some directional terms are used herein, such as top, bottom, upper, lower, inward, outward, upward, downward, etc., these terms are not intended to be limiting but rather to relate to one or more exemplary orientations, positions, and/or configuration of lid20, and/or any component thereof. It is understood lid20and/or any component or portion thereof may be inverted or re-oriented to face or point a different direction without departing from the nature of lid20disclosed herein.