Lid for beverage containers

A lid for a beverage container comprising a lower lid having a perimeter skirt adapted to secure the lower lid to an opening of the beverage container, a lip portion radially inward from the skirt and extending upward from the skirt and defining an inside surface, an annular portion radially inward from the lip portion and defining a plurality of openings through which liquid from the container may flow; an upper planar lid resting on the lower lid by gravity and having a perimeter edge that is sized to closely conform with the inside surface, the upper lid covering the annular portion as it rests on the lower lid, and a stop mechanism cooperating with the lower lid and the upper lid to limit the range of motion of the upper lid with respect to the lower lid, wherein the stop mechanism enables the upper lid to move away for a distance from the lower lid in response to pressure exerted upon the upper lid by liquid flowing out of the container through the openings as the container is tilted, and wherein the stop mechanism prevents the upper lid from being expelled from the lower lid, and wherein the upper lid returns to resting on the lower lid by gravity as the container is returned to vertical.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to lids for hot and cold beverage containers and cups.

2. Description of the Related Art

Lids of beverage cups, containers and the like are in wide use for various everyday applications, such as disposable soft drink cups and hot beverage cups used in the restaurant and take out beverage industries. While there are many configurations of lids in the prior art, many have drawbacks and there remains a need for an improved lid design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some aspects, the present invention provides a lid for a beverage container comprising: a lower lid having a perimeter skirt adapted to secure the lower lid to an opening of the beverage container, a lip portion radially inward from the skirt and extending upward from the skirt and defining an inside surface, an annular portion radially inward from the lip portion and defining a plurality of openings through which liquid from the container may flow; an upper planar lid resting on the lower lid by gravity and having a perimeter edge that is sized to closely conform with the inside surface, the upper lid covering the annular portion as it rests on the lower lid; and a stop mechanism cooperating with the lower lid and the upper lid to limit the range of motion of the upper lid with respect to the lower lid, wherein the stop mechanism enables the upper lid to move away for a distance from the lower lid in response to pressure exerted upon the upper lid by liquid flowing out of the container through the openings as the container is tilted, and wherein the stop mechanism prevents the upper lid from being expelled from the lower lid, and wherein the upper lid returns to resting on the lower lid by gravity as the container is returned to vertical.

In some embodiments, the lower lid may further include a horizontal central wall radially inward from the annular portion upon which the upper lid rests.

In some embodiments, the annular portion may comprise a trough in which the openings are defined.

In some embodiments, the stop mechanism may comprise one or more stop members protruding from the inside surface of the lip portion to interfere with the upper lid to limit the movement thereof, the one or more stop members being located above a plane of the central wall by a distance to enable sufficient upward movement of the upper lid to allow a flow of liquid out of the container between the inside surface and the perimeter edge of the upper lid.

In some embodiments, stop mechanism may comprise a plurality of stop members arranged along a horizontal second plane around the circumference of the inside surface and the second plane being distanced above a first plane of the central wall to enable sufficient upward movement of the upper lid to allow a flow of liquid out of the container between the inside surface and the upper lid.

In some embodiments, each stop member may comprise a protrusion having a tapered upper edge that merges gradually with the inside surface to ease assembly of the upper lid onto the lower lid, and an abrupt bottom edge that interferes with expulsion of the upper lid from the lower lid once the lid has been assembled.

In some embodiments, the central wall may define a hole, and the upper lid may include a downward extension received within the hole and having an enlarged terminal portion to limit withdrawal of the extension from the lower lid, wherein the extension is sized to permit a tilting movement of the upper lid relative to the lower lid in response to pressure of liquid flowing out of the container via the openings.

In some embodiments, the lid may further include a circumferential ridge on the extension located between the terminal portion and a base of the extension, wherein the lower lid adjacent the hole may be releasable captured between the circumferential ridge and the upper lid by downward force applied to the upper lid by a user sufficient to urge the circumferential ridge through the hole to secure the upper lid to the lower lid.

In some embodiments, the lid may further include a grip member on a top surface of the upper lid to facilitate withdrawal of the lower lid adjacent the hole from between the circumferential ridge and the upper lid to permit the tilting movement of the upper lid.

In some embodiments, the lid may further comprise a plurality of plug members extending downward from a bottom surface of the upper lid corresponding in number to the plurality of openings, the plurality of plug members being configured to interfere with the plurality of openings when said structures are aligned to limit the flow of liquid out of the plurality of openings.

In some embodiments, the lid may further comprise an annular first vertical wall on the lower lid radially inward from the annular portion and having one or more channels angled to extend from a bottom of the first vertical wall towards a top thereof, and an annular second vertical wall extending downward from a bottom surface of the upper lid and configured to be in close proximity to the first vertical wall when the upper lid rests on the lower lid, the second vertical wall having a projection corresponding to the one or more channels on the first vertical wall and configured to travel within said one or more channels in a manner that rotation of the upper lid in one direction relative to the lower lid results in the projection traveling upward in the one or more channels causing the upper lid to rise relative to the lower lid to uncover the openings to allow liquid flow out of the lid, and rotation of the upper lid in the opposite direction relative to the lower lid results in the projection traveling downward in the one or more channels causing the upper lid to move into contact with the lower lid to cover the openings and restrict liquid flow out of the lid.

In some embodiments, the lid may further comprise a horizontal central platform on the upper lid having a grip member extending from a top surface thereof to facilitate rotation of the upper lid relative to the lower lid and thereby open and close the lid.

In some embodiments, the lid may further comprise a second annular portion on the lower lid radially inward from the openings on which are defined horizontally oriented alternating high portions and low portions that are joined by sloped ramps on one side, and tabs on a bottom surface of the upper lid arranged in a circular configuration, spaced radially inward from the perimeter edge and configured such that the tabs ride on the low portions, the sloped ramps and the high portions as the upper lid is rotated relative to the lower lid in a manner that rotation of the upper lid in one direction relative to the lower lid causes the tabs to ride from the low portion, up the slope ramp and onto the high portion causing the upper lid to rise relative to the lower lid to uncover the openings to allow liquid flow out of the lid, and rotation of the upper lid in the opposite direction relative to the lower lid causes the tabs to ride from the high portion, down the slope ramp and onto the low portion causing the upper lid to move into contact with the lower lids to cover the openings and restrict liquid flow out of the lid.

In some embodiments, the lid may further comprise a channel defined in one or both the high portions and low portions and oriented along a circumference of the lower lid, and a guide extending from the bottom surface of the upper lid configured to travel within the channel.

In some embodiments, the tabs may each comprise a flat body portion terminating in a radially outward facing hook portion that defines an upward facing sliding surface configured to ride along an underside of the low portions, the sloped ramps, and the high portions, and the body portion of the tab is configured to travel along an inside perimeter of the second annular portion, wherein the tabs retain the upper lid on the lower lid, and raise and lower the upper lid as the upper lid is rotated.

In some embodiments, the hook portion may further define a tapered lower surface that facilitates assembly of the upper lid onto the lower lid as the tapered lower surface deflects the tab inward as it travels over the inside perimeter of the second annular portion, and once past the inside perimeter of the second annular portion the tab returns to a resting position in which the upward facing surface on the hook portion undercuts the second annular portion to retain the upper lid on the lower lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIGS. 1-11, there is shown a lid100in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention operably connected to a conventional beverage container such as cup20. Beverage cup20is well known in the art and typically comprises an upwardly flared body that terminates in an external beaded or rolled rim22as is well known in the art. Beverage cup20may be disposable, made of paper in which case the rim is usually of the rolled kind, or the cup may be reusable and of a thicker material in which case the rim may be a bead variety. These kinds of beverage cups are widely known and used in serving take out hot or cold beverages. The present invention may comprise any suitable numerous dimensions and configurations of lid.

The lids of the present invention may be made of a thin thermoplastic material which is relatively flexible but not relatively elastic, and may be of a size to fit the specific cup or container20for which it is intended.

Lid100comprises lower lid104and upper lid102, which is positioned and nested within lower lid104. The lids104and102are cooperatively dimensioned such that the upper lid102is positioned within an inside periphery of inside surface113of the lower lid104in an assembled configuration. The lid100may have a tab (not shown) extending from a portion of the lower lid104with an instruction display (not shown).

The lower lid104comprises a lower perimeter skirt106, which extends around the upper rim22of the coffee cup20. The skirt106includes a snap-fit locking mechanism comprised of an annular internal round channel110and an annular inwardly projecting edge portion112on the lower portion of the rounded channel110that is adapted to underlie and directly engage the bottom portion of the rim22of the container to retain the lid thereon. The rounded channel110has a cross section that closely conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the bead or rim22of an associated beverage cup or container20, thereby the round channel is adapted to closely receive the rim22to provide a liquid tight seal there between. The configuration of the skirt106and its engagement with the bead22of the cup20is well known in the art.

Spaced a short distance radially inwardly from the perimeter skirt106, is a raised perimeter lip portion108comprising an outer perimeter wall114having an upward and radially inward slant, a narrow top horizontal perimeter wall115extending radially inwardly from the outer wall114, and then a downwardly extending, inwardly facing inner perimeter wall116that defines the inward facing surface113. The narrow top horizontal perimeter wall115may be rounded in cross-section.

Radially inward from the inner perimeter wall116is defined an annular portion such as trough118, and radially inward from the trough118is a central horizontal disk portion120. In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal disk portion120defines a shoulder122, though in other embodiments the shoulder may be omitted. The annular trough118is provided with a plurality of openings or holes124positioned around the periphery through which the liquid contents of the cup20may flow. The openings124can consist of different shapes such as square, rectangular and the like. Preferably, the horizontal disk portion120has a slight convex domed shape to facilitate the runoff of any stray liquid towards the opening holes124around the perimeter of the trough118.

The lower lid104includes as stop mechanism such as a plurality of protrusions or stop members125positioned on the inside surface113of the lip portion108. The bottom of the stop members125lie in a horizontal plane that is above the plane of the horizontal surface of disk portion120. The upper surface130of the stop members125are tapered to merge with the inside surface113of the lower lid104, while the bottom surface132of the stop members125are more abruptly angled toward the inside surface113.

The upper lid102comprises a disk member that is sized and shaped to rest on top of the horizontal portion120the lower lid104such that its peripheral edge126abuts the inside surface113of the inner perimeter wall116of the lip portion108. Accordingly, the outer perimeter portion of the upper lid102covers the annular trough118and the holes124. Thus, when the upper lid102rests on top of the central horizontal portion120of the lower lid104, the holes124are covered and inadvertent splashing of the liquid contents out of the cup is prevented (as shown inFIG. 5). The upper lid102has a vertical range of movement defined by the abrupt bottom surface132of the stop members125, and the distance between the plane of the bottom of the stop members125and the plane of the horizontal surface120is such as to accommodate the thickness of the peripheral edge126of the upper lid102as well as allow some upward movement of the upper lid102to provide some clearance for the flow of liquid out of the cup via the opening holes124when the adjacent edge126of the upper lid102abuts the bottom of the nearby stop members125(as shown inFIG. 10). The tapered upper surface130of the stop members125facilitates the assembly of the closely conforming upper lid102onto the lower lid104as the tapered upper surfaces facilitate the edge126of the upper lid to pass by as a result of deflection the inner wall116adjacent the stop members, and after assembly the upper lid102is retained in position by the abrupt lower surfaces132of stop members125.

As the illustrated embodiment of the horizontal portion120of the lower lid104includes the shoulder122, the upper lid102also includes a complementary shoulder128that enables the upper lid102to closely nest on top of horizontal portion120of the lower lid104. In addition, the central areas of the upper lid and the lower lid have a slight upward domed shape to facilitate the flow of liquid towards the trough to minimize pooling of stray liquid in the lid. In other embodiments, these shoulders may be omitted such that a planar or slightly domed upper lid rests on top of a planar or slightly domed horizontal portion.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, the lower lid104and the upper lid102of the lid100are shown in open and closed configurations respectively. In a closed configuration ofFIG. 9, the upper lid102rests closely on top of the horizontal surface120of the lower lid104by gravity, and the peripheral edge portion of the upper lid102covers the annular trough118and the opening holes124. Thereby, in the closed configuration, the liquid contents of the cup20is prevented from splashing out of the cup via the openings124as a result of the peripheral edge portion of the upper lid102covering the holes. When the cup20is tilted such as when a user wishes to drink its contents, the liquid contents flows as a result of gravity the towards the lower portion of the lid100and flows through the holes124. The pressure of the liquid flow through the holes124acts upon the adjacent peripheral edge portion of the upper lid102and deflects the edge portion outward. The range of movement provided by the vertical distance of the nearby bottom surfaces132of the stop members125allows for the upward displacement of the peripheral edge126of the upper lid102sufficient to allow a flow of liquid past out of the holes124and past the peripheral edge126of the upper lid102as shown inFIGS. 8 and 10.

Drain holes136and138are located in the center horizontal surface or area120of the upper lid102and the lower lid104to facilitate drainage of any liquid remaining over the upper lid102back into the cup20once the cup is returned to an upright configuration and the lid is in a closed configuration. The lid100may also contain drop opening hole (not shown) to collect liquid and to drop back the liquid into the cup on the upper lid.

Advantageously the perimeter lip portion108in combination with the opening holes124around the perimeter of the annular trough118allows a user to drink from all side of the lid100, unlike some conventional lids which have only one drinking hole and requires the user to locate the whole prior to drinking the contents of the cup. While this may be a minor inconvenience in situations not requiring the attention of the user, it is a more significant inconvenience when the user is concentrating on other tasks or when the level of light in the environment is low, such as for example drinking coffee while driving at night.

As shown inFIG. 11the lids100are designed for stackability to save on storage space.

The upper surface of the upper lid102on lid100provides a platform on which advertising messages119may be placed, for example of any product and services of a fast food restaurant. The message materials (not shown) can be written or printed in a paper, plastic, transparent screen materials and the like which can be placed on the upper lid using different labeling processes. Preferably the advertising message may be molded into the lid material by in-mold labeling processes. Other materials can be used such as transparent LED display, see-through LED screen, transparent hologram screen film, transparent LCD, flexible image display, digital screen and the like. This advertising medium is beneficial for fast food restaurants to advertise or promote their products and services using the center areas by simply printing advertising messages using removable or permanent stickers, printed messages on the lids, and using in-mold labeling (IML) processes for high volume and to save printing costs. Other method of utilizing the center areas can be using peel-off stickers, scratch & win stickers, grand prize stickers and the like. Further, the various components of labeling can be made of different materials and by any suitable manufacturing processes. Other advertising labeling for example can be using invisible or changeable plastic materials, electronic LCD or LED displays, 3D displays and the like. The enclosable lid100can be made to any size, shape and designed required by fast food industry, beverage companies and the like. The center areas can be useful for fast food restaurants or others to utilize the space for various purposes such as product launch, branding, awareness, promotion, employment opportunity, grand prizes, interactive games and the like. In another instance, third party companies such as telephone or utilities in cooperation with a fast food restaurant or coffee companies as a cross promotion can advertise on the lid to promote their brand awareness. For example, a fast food restaurant can provide discounts with the promotional messages and these discounts can be redeemed by a customer on his or her next purchase by submitting the lid to cashiers at any participating fast food restaurants.

Referring toFIGS. 12 and 13, there is shown a lid200in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention operably connected to a conventional beverage container such as cup20. Lid200comprises lower lid204that is very similar in construction to lower lid104described above. Instead of an upper lid102, lid200has a planar annulus202that rests on a horizontal ledge223located radially inward from the annular trough218and the planar annulus202extends between the shoulder222and the inward facing surface213to cover the opening holes224in the annular trough218. The planar annulus202functions similarly to the upper lid102in that when the planar annulus202rests on top of the horizontal ledge223of the lower lid104, the holes224are covered and inadvertent splashing of the liquid contents out of the cup is prevented (as shown inFIG. 12). The planar annulus202has a vertical range of movement defined by the abrupt bottom surface232of the stop members225, and the distance between the plane of the bottom of the stop members225and the plane of the horizontal surface220is such as to accommodate the thickness of the peripheral edge226of the planar annulus202as well as allow some upward movement of the planar annulus202to provide some clearance for the flow of liquid out of the cup via the opening holes224when the adjacent edge226of the planar annulus202abuts the bottom of the nearby stop members225. The tapered upper surface230of the stop members225facilitates the assembly of the closely conforming planar annulus202onto the lower lid204as the tapered upper surfaces facilitate the edge226of the planar annulus to pass by as a result of deflection the inner wall216adjacent the stop members, and after assembly the planar annulus202is retained in position by the abrupt lower surfaces232of stop members225.

In a closed configuration, the planar annulus202rests closely on top of the horizontal surface220of the lower lid204by gravity, and the peripheral edge portion of the planar annulus202covers the annular trough218and the opening holes224. Thereby, in the closed configuration, the liquid contents of the cup20is prevented from splashing out of the cup via the openings224as a result of the peripheral edge portion of the planar annulus202covering the holes. When the cup20is tilted such as when a user wishes to drink its contents, the liquid contents flows because of gravity the towards the lower portion of the lid200and flows through the holes224. The pressure of the liquid flow through the holes224acts upon the adjacent peripheral edge portion of the planar annulus202and deflects the edge portion upward. The range of movement provided by the vertical distance of the nearby bottom surfaces232of the stop members225allows for the upward displacement of the peripheral edge226of the planar annulus202sufficient to allow a flow of liquid past out of the holes224and past the peripheral edge226of the planar annulus202.

The upper surface of horizontal portion220on the lower lid204provides a flat platform on which advertising messages219may be placed as described above.

Referring toFIGS. 14-16, there is shown a lid300in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention operably connected to a conventional beverage container such as cup20. Lid300comprises lower lid304that is very similar in construction to lower lid104described above, and an upper lid302.

The lower lid304comprises a lower perimeter skirt306, which extends around the upper rim22of the coffee cup20and engages there with to provide a secure attachment of the lower lid to the cup20. The configuration of the skirt306and its engagement with the bead22of the cup20is well known in the art. Spaced a short distance radially inwardly from the perimeter skirt306, is a raised perimeter lip portion308, comprising an outer perimeter wall314having an upward and radially inward slant, a narrow top horizontal perimeter wall315extending radially inwardly from the outer wall314, and then a downwardly extending, inwardly facing inner perimeter wall316that defines the inward facing surface313. The narrow top horizontal perimeter wall315is rounded in cross-section.

Radially inward from the inner perimeter wall316is defined an annular portion such as trough318, and radially inward from the trough318is horizontal portion320having a generally circular configuration. The annular trough318is provided with a plurality of opening holes324positioned around the periphery through which the liquid contents of the cup20may flow. The opening holes can consist of different shapes such as square, rectangular and the like. Located centrally on the planar horizontal portion320is a hole344.

The upper lid302comprises a generally planar disk member that is sized and shaped to rest on top of the horizontal portion320the lower lid304such that its peripheral edge326abuts the inside surface313of the inner perimeter wall316of the lip portion308. Accordingly, the outer perimeter portion of the upper lid302covers the annular trough318and the holes324. Thus, when the upper lid302rests on top of the central horizontal portion320of the lower lid304, the holes324are covered and inadvertent splashing of the liquid contents out of the cup is prevented (as shown inFIG. 14).

The bottom surface of the upper lid302includes as stop mechanism such as centrally located protrusions or stop members325that are arranged in a cylindrical configuration that is sized to fit within the hole344of the lower lid304. Each stop number325extends outwardly at its terminal end to define an abrupt upward facing surface332and the tapered downward facing surface330. The cylindrical configuration of the stop members325is adapted to pass through the hole344of the lower lid304in that the tapered lower surface332of each stop members325deflects stop member inward as it passes the edge of the hole344, and once the enlarged portions of the stop member passes through the whole, the stop member springs back into its original configuration and the abrupt surface332prevents stop members325from being withdrawn from the holes344. The stop members are sized such that the abrupt surface332accommodates the width of the horizontal portion320as well as to allow some upward movement of the upper lid302. Hence the upper lid302has a vertical range of movement defined by the abrupt upper surface332of the stop members325and the upper lid302is thereby capable of pivoting within its range of motion relative to the lower lids304. The ability for the upper lid302to pivot provides some clearance for the flow of liquid out of the cup via the opening hole324when the cup with the lid300is tilted so that pressure from the flow of liquid past the opening324pushes the adjacent edge326of the upper lid302outwards until the stop members325on the same side abuts the edge of hole344. The tapered lower surfaces330of the stop members325facilitates the assembly of the closely conforming upper lid302onto the lower lid304as the tapered lower surfaces facilitate the hole344of the lower lid to pass by as a result of deflection the stop members326inwards, and after assembly the upper lid302is retained in position by the abrupt upper surfaces332of stop members325.

Referring toFIGS. 17-20, there is shown a lid400in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention for being operably connected to a conventional beverage container such as cup20. Lid400comprises lower lid404that is very similar in construction to lower lid304described above. The upper lid402comprises a generally planar disk member that is sized and shaped to rest on top of the horizontal portion420the lower lid404such that its peripheral edge426abuts the inside surface413of the inner perimeter wall416of the lip portion408. Accordingly, the outer perimeter portion of the upper lid402covers the annular trough418and the holes424. Thus, when the upper lid402rests on top of the central horizontal portion420of the lower lid404, the holes424are covered and inadvertent splashing of the liquid contents out of the cup is prevented (as shown inFIG. 18). The bottom surface of the upper lid402has a stop mechanism such as centrally located cylindrical protrusion or stop member425that is sized to fit within the hole444of the lower lid404. The stop member425terminates in an enlarged portion that defines an abrupt upward facing surface432and the tapered downward facing surface430. The cylindrical configuration of the stop members425is adapted to pass through the hole444of the lower lid404in that the tapered lower surface430deflects the stop member inward as it passes the edge of the hole444, and once the enlarged portions of the stop member passes through the whole, the stop member springs back into its original configuration and the abrupt surface430prevents stop members425from being withdrawn from the hole444.

The stop member is sized such that the abrupt surface432accommodates the width of the horizontal portion420as well as to allow some upward movement of the upper lid402. Hence the upper lid402has a vertical range of movement defined by the abrupt upper surface432of the stop members425and the upper lid402is thereby capable of pivoting within its range of motion relative to the lower lids404. The ability for the upper lid402to pivot provides some clearance for the flow of liquid out of the cup via the opening holes424when the cup with the lid400is tilted so that pressure from the flow of liquid past the opening424pushes the adjacent edge426of the upper lid402outwards until the stop members425on the same side abuts the edge of hole444. The tapered lower surfaces430of the stop members425facilitates the assembly of the closely conforming upper lid402onto the lower lid404as the tapered lower surfaces facilitate the hole444of the lower lid to pass by as a result of deflection the stop members426inwards, and after assembly the upper lid402is retained in position by the abrupt upper surfaces432of stop members425.

The stop member425additionally includes a second peripheral annular enlarged portion450that is located proximal to the base of the stop member425near the bottom surface of the upper lid402. The enlarged portion450is sized to be slightly larger than the diameter of the hole444and is spaced away from the bottom surface of the upper lid402a distance to just accommodate the thickness of the horizontal portion420of the lower lid404. The upper surface of the upper lid402further includes a centrally located grip member452located opposite of the stop member425. The upper lid402may thus be releasably locked into a closed configuration as result of downward force applied to the grip member452causing the enlarged portion450to slide through the hole444thereby capturing the portion of the lower lid surrounding the hole444between the enlarged portion450and the bottom surface of the upper lid402. The upper lid402may be unlocked by upward force applied to the grip member452causing the enlarged portion450to be withdrawn from the hole444of the lower lid404thereby locating the edge portion adjacent the hole between the enlarged portion450and the abrupt surface432of the stop member452which enables a range of motion through which the upper lid402is able to tilt with respect to the lower lid404to enable an edge of the upper lid to be displaced by the flow of liquid out of the cup, as described herein with respect to lid300.

Referring toFIGS. 20 and 21, there is shown another embodiment of an upper lid472that is very similar to the upper lid402with the addition of a plurality of downwardly extending plug members474around the periphery of the lower surface adjacent the perimeter edge426of the upper lid472. Each plug member corresponds to an opening hole424on the lower lid404and is adapted to partially fit within its adjacent opening hole424to obstruct the opening hole and prevent liquid flowing through said hole. A user aligns the plug members474with the corresponding opening holes424and then presses the grip member452downward to place the upper lid472in a locked configuration. The interference of the plug members474with its adjacent opening hole424provides a more secure resistance to liquid flowing unintentionally from the cup. The upper lid472may be placed in an unlocked configuration by a user pulling upward on the grip member452to release the upper lid472, and then rotate the upper lid such that the plug members474are moved out of alignment with the opening holes424and rest on the bottom of the annular trough418. Thereby liquid can flow out of the opening holes424so that a user may drink the contents of cup.

Referring toFIG. 22, there is shown a variant of the upper lid472awhich is very similar to upper lid472except that the grip member452ais elongate and extends across a substantial portion of diameter of the upper lid472aand thereby provides a better grip by which the upper lid may be rotated.

Referring toFIGS. 23-35, there is shown a lid500in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention for being operably connected to a conventional beverage container such as cup20. The lid500is comprises lower lid504and upper lid502, which is positioned and nested onto lower lid504. The lids504and502are cooperatively dimensioned such that the upper lid502is positioned within an inside periphery513of the lower lid504in an assembled configuration.

The lower lid504comprises a lower perimeter skirt506, which extends around the upper rim22of the coffee cup20. The skirt506includes a snap-fit locking mechanism comprised of an annular internal round channel and an annular inwardly projecting edge portion on the lower portion of the rounded channel that is adapted to underlie and directly engage the bottom portion of the rim22of the container to retain the lid thereon and provide a secure attachment of the lower lid to the cup20. The configuration of the skirt506and its engagement with the bead22of the cup20is well known in the art.

Spaced a short distance radially inwardly from the perimeter skirt506, is a raised perimeter lip portion508, comprising an outer perimeter wall514having an upward and radially inward slant, a narrow top horizontal perimeter wall515extending radially inwardly from the outer wall514, and then a downwardly extending, inwardly facing inner perimeter wall516that defines the inward facing surface513. The narrow top horizontal perimeter wall515may be rounded in cross-section.

Radially inward from the inner perimeter wall516is defined an annular portion such as trough518having a plurality of opening holes524positioned around the periphery through which the liquid contents of the cup20may flow. The opening holes may consist of different shapes such as square, rectangular and the like.

Radially inward from the trough518is perimeter vertical wall portion550in which are defined channels540that are angled to extend from the bottom of the vertical wall portion towards the top thereof.

The upper lid502includes an outer planar annular member544that is sized such that its peripheral edge526fits within and abuts the inside surface513of the inner perimeter wall516of the lip portion508of the lower lid504. Radially inward from the annular member544is a vertical cylindrical wall portion546that is sized to closely fit within vertical wall portion550of the lower lid504. Protrusions548are provided on the outer surface of the vertical wall portion546and the protrusions548are spaced around the perimeter of the vertical wall portion546to correspond with the location of the channels540of the vertical wall portion550of the lower lid504. The protrusions548are configured to fit within the channels540and to travel within the channels as the upper lid502is rotated relative to the lower lid504.

Radially inward from the vertical wall portion546is a horizontal central disc portion520from which extends a centrally located grip member552.

As can be seen from the figures, the upper lid502is configured to be received within the lower lid504such that their respective vertical wall portions546and550are in close proximity and the protrusions548travel within the channels540. In such assembled configuration, the peripheral edge526of the upper lid502is in close proximity or abuts the inside surface513of the lip portion508of the lower lid504, and the planar annular member544covers the trough518and its holes524. Rotation of the upper lid502in one direction (counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment) causes the upper lid502to rise with respect to the lower lid504as the protrusions548move upward along the vertical wall portions as they travel within the channels540. This produces a gap between the planar annular member540and inside surface513of the lip portion508and provides clearance through which the liquid contents of the cup may flow outward via the openings524in the trough518thereby enabling the user to drink the contents of the cup. Rotation of the upper lid502in the opposite direction (clockwise in the illustrated embodiment) causes the upper lid502to lower with respect to the lower lid504as the protrusions548move downward along the vertical wall portions as they travel within channels540. This eliminates the gap between the planar annular member540and the inside surface513of the lip portion508to effectively cover the trough518and the opening holes524. In this closed configuration, the liquid contents of the cup is prevented from inadvertently flowing out. These structures also function as a stop mechanism that retains the upper lid connected to the lower lid.

FIG. 34shows another embodiment of the upper lid502awherein the structure of the upper lid is the same as in embodiments502except that a unitary disk member520aspans the entire top surface of the upper lid and the grip member552ais elongate and spans a substantial portion of said top surface. Further included are indicators556that may be used to indicate whether the cup contains hot or cold beverages, or other useful indications.

FIGS. 35 and 36show another embodiment of the upper lid502bwherein the structure of the upper lid is the same as in embodiments502except that a central disc portion520includes a plurality of depressible bubble indicators562that may be used to indicate the type of beverage contained within the cup or other useful information, and the grip member552bis provided with a straw insertion hole564for straw30.

FIG. 37shows another embodiment of the upper lid502cwherein the structure of the upper lid is the same as in embodiments502except that planar annular member554includes a plurality of depressible bubble indicators562that may be used to indicate the type of beverage contained within the cup or other useful information, and the grip member552cis provided with a straw insertion hole564.

Referring toFIGS. 38-50there is shown a lid600in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention for being operably connected to a conventional beverage container such as cup20. Lid600comprises lower lid604and upper lid602, which is positioned and nested onto lower lid604. The lids604and602are cooperatively dimensioned such that the upper lid602is positioned within an inside periphery613of the lower lid604in an assembled configuration.

The lower lid604comprises a lower perimeter skirt606, which extends around the upper rim22of the coffee cup20. The skirt606includes a snap-fit locking mechanism comprised of an annular internal round channel and an annular inwardly projecting edge portion on the lower portion of the rounded channel that is adapted to underlie and directly engage the bottom portion of the rim22of the container to retain the lid thereon and provide a secure attachment of the lower lid to the cup20. The configuration of the skirt606and its engagement with the bead22of the cup20is well known in the art.

Spaced a short distance radially inwardly from the perimeter skirt606, is a raised perimeter lip portion608, comprising an outer perimeter wall614having an upward and radially inward slant, a narrow top horizontal perimeter wall615extending radially inwardly from the outer wall614, and then a downwardly extending, inwardly facing inner perimeter wall616that defines the inward facing surface613. The narrow top horizontal perimeter wall615may be rounded in cross-section.

Radially inward from the inner perimeter wall616is defined an annular portion such as trough618having a plurality of opening holes624positioned around the periphery through which the liquid contents of the cup20may flow. The opening holes can consist of different shapes such as square, rectangular and the like.

Radially inward from the trough618is an inside perimeter portion650in which are defined a series of horizontally oriented alternating high and low portions662and664respectively. A sloped transition ramp668leads from a high portion662to the adjacent low portion664on one side, and an abrupt stop such as vertical wall672joins with the adjacent low portion664on the other side. In the illustrated embodiment of the lower lid604, the transition from a high portion662to the adjacent low portion664in a clockwise direction is provided by the ramp668, whereas the transition from the high portion662to the adjacent low portion664in a counterclockwise direction is provided by the abrupt vertical wall672. Each low portion664has an overhanging edge674on the radially inward side of the low portion to define a partial circumferential channel676by each low portion664.

The upper lid602includes planar disk member620that is sized such that its peripheral edge626fits closely within the inside surface613of the inner perimeter wall616of the lip portion608of the lower lid604. Located centrally on the upper surface of the disk member620is a grip member652by which a user may rotate the upper lid602when operably mounted on the lower lid604. On the bottom surface of the disk member620are provided hooked tabs680arranged in a circular configuration and spaced radially inward from the peripheral edge626. Each hooked tab680has an outwardly facing hook portion682and a tapered lower surface684. Guides686are also provided on the bottom surface of the disk member620and are likewise arranged in a circular configuration at positions that are slightly radially outward from the hooked tabs680. The number of guides686corresponds to the number of hooked tabs680, and each guide686is slightly laterally offset from its corresponding hooked tabs680. Each guide686has a ramp surface688that faces in the direction of the corresponding hooked tab680.

The hooked tabs680are positioned on the bottom surface of the disk member620such that they are just radially inward from the inside perimeter portion650of the lower lid604when the upper lid602is operably mounted on the lower lid604. The hooked tabs680are arranged such that each hooked tab corresponds to a pair of high portions662and low portion664on the lower lid604. The outwardly facing hook portion682of each hooked tab680outwardly overhangs the portions and the distance between the base of each hooked tab and the overhang of the hook portion corresponds to the height of the high portion662. Accordingly, as the upper lid602is rotated, the upper surface of the hook portions682of the hooked tabs680ride upon the low portions664and the high portion662. Each guide668is located to correspond and ride within a channel676of a corresponding low portion662.

As can be seen from the figures, the upper lid602is configured to be received within the lower lid604such that the inside perimeter portion620of the lower lid604is in close proximity to the hooked tabs680, and the guide686are received within the channel676of the low portion662. In such assembled configuration, the peripheral edge626of the upper lid602is in close proximity or abuts the inside surface613of the lip portion608of the lower lid604, and the outer portion of the disk member620covers the trough618and its holes624. Rotation of the upper lid602in one direction (counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment) causes the upper lid602to rise with respect to the lower lid604as the ramp surfaces688of each guide686rides upon the top surface of a transition ramp668from a low portion664to the adjacent high portion662, and as the hooked portions682of each hooked tab680rides on the bottom surface from a low portion664to the adjacent high portion662. This counterclockwise rotation of the upper lid602produces a gap between the outer portion of the disk member620and inside surface613of the lip portion608(as best shown inFIGS. 44 and 48), and provides clearance through which the liquid contents of the cup may flow outward via the openings624in the trough618thereby enabling the user to drink the contents of the cup. These structures also function as a stop mechanism that retains the upper lid connected to the lower lid.

Rotation of the upper lid602in the opposite direction (clockwise in the illustrated embodiment) causes the upper lid602to lower with respect to the lower lid604as the hook portions682of each hooked tab680rides upon the lower surface of a transition ramp668from a high portion662to the adjacent low portion664, and as each guide686rides on the top surface from a high portion662to the adjacent low portion664. This clockwise rotation of the upper lid602eliminates the gap between the outer portion of the disk member620and the inside surface613of the lip portion608(as best shown inFIGS. 45 and 47) to effectively cover the trough618and the opening holes624. In this closed configuration, the liquid contents of the cup is prevented from inadvertently flowing out.

The various embodiments of the invention may be made of plastic or of any other resiliently flexible material such as flexible high density polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyurethane, other lightweight materials and other suitable material. Further, the various components of the lids of the present invention may be made of different materials and by any suitable manufacturing processes. For example, the lids for the individual components may be formed by a variety of manufacturing processes known in the art such as injection molding or thermoforming operation, such as vacuum forming and/or pressure forming, and the like. The lids of the present invention may be of varying size or shape as desired in order to fit a particular size or shape of beverage container or cup by a fast food industry, beverage company and the like.

In some embodiments, a plurality of promotional or advertising messages may be provided on any visible generally flat surface of either the upper lid or lower lid.

Some advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that it provides a secure lid with an easy to use drinking mechanism that provides a large drinking area and resists unintentional splashing of the beverage from the container. The lids are relatively easy to manufacture and to assemble. The lids are highly stackable and minimize the space they occupy in the stacked configuration, making them easy to store on counters, storage spaces, or warehouses. In some embodiments of the present invention, the interlocking mechanism provides an easy to use locking and unlocking feature of the lids that further guards against unintentional splashing or spilling of the beverage from the container. Additionally, the upper and lower lids avoid getting stuck together during use as a result of liquid flowing in between the two lids portions by virtue of good drainage of residual liquid via the perimeter openings. As well, the upper lid provides a generally flat surface and can be used to support another cup placed on top of the lid as is often done by users needing to carry more than two beverage cups. Other advantages of the invention will be readily understood from the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

While the above description and illustrations constitute preferred or alternate embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that numerous variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.