Universal container lid

A universal container lid for covering containers of differing diameters includes a circular top section formed of a center section receiving a straw therethrough and at least one expansion fold circumferentially affixed about the center section wherein the top section terminates at an outer diameter thereof. A substantially cylindrical sidewall extends downwardly from the top section outer diameter. The universal container lid can be stretched or compressed to tightly fit onto containers of differing diameters.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a lid for a container, and more particularly, to a lid having a non-rigid, flexible construction that permits the lid to elastically conform to the shape of the container in a fluid-tight sealing arrangement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A beverage container is typically provided with a specially sized, complementary lid that is specifically dimensioned to fit onto the rim of the container in a fluid-tight arrangement. The lid can be secured to the container in a variety of ways, including a press fit and a threaded connection. The beverage container and lid come as a matched pair due to their complementary geometrical fit. This unique pairing prevents the possibility that the individual pieces from one container-lid combination could be used interchangeably with the pieces from another such combination. It is not uncommon, then, for a consumer to have an assortment of beverage containers accompanied by a variety of different-sized lids each capable of servicing just a single, dedicated container.

The collection of containers and lids can be inefficient and wasteful, requiring space to store all of these pieces. There is also the added incremental expense of equipping each container with its own lid. If a lid goes missing or is broken, the only option available to the consumer is to purchase another lid (which is difficult since lids are typically not sold separately but in a package with the container) or to limit the use of the container to drinking activities that do not require sealing arrangements, which essentially defeats the original purpose of the container.

One alternative to the purchase of a collection of unique container-lid combinations is the use of a disposable cup and lid each time a beverage is consumed. This way, an individual need not worry about keeping a variety of reusable containers and lids on hand. Instead, a collection of disposable items like Styrofoam cups and plastic lids can be used. While this option eliminates the need to keep track of containers and lids, it does introduce the new expense of regularly purchasing the disposable products. Additionally, the use of disposable items creates more waste, causing an environmental impact.

Accordingly, there is an established need for a lid capable of accommodating a variety of different sized containers, which is washable, reusable, and eco-friendly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a universal lid having an elastic construction. The lid includes a solid top section having an integrally-formed straw or a central orifice to accommodate the insertion of a straw. The lid further includes a sidewall extending in a generally longitudinal direction from the top section defining a sleeve-like formation. The sidewall includes an upper end and a lower end. The sidewall is joined to the top section at its upper end. The lid can stretch or compress to adjust to containers of differing diameters.

In a first implementation of the invention, a container lid for covering containers of differing diameters includes a top section and a sidewall, both of which are stretchable, elastic and fluid impervious. The top section has at least one expansion fold arranged circumferentially about a center section of the top section, the expansion fold being foldably expandable or compressible to increase or reduce a width of the top section. The sidewall extends downwardly from the top section around a full perimeter thereof.

In a second aspect, the top section can be circular and the sidewall can be substantially cylindrical or frustoconical.

In another aspect, the top section and the sidewall can be integrally formed as a single-piece unit. Alternatively, the top section and the sidewall can be attached to one another.

In another aspect, the lid can further include a straw positioned at the top section and integrally formed with the top section. Alternatively, the top section can present an orifice for removably receiving a straw therethrough.

In another aspect, the at least one expansion fold can be \′-shaped.

In another aspect, the top section can include two or more expansion folds arranged circumferentially about the center section of the top section, extending in a concentric relationship with one another, and forming an accordion-type stretchable portion of the top section.

In another aspect, the lid can include one or more tabs extending from a bottom of the sidewall and away from the top section. In some embodiments, at least one of the tabs can extend radially outward from the bottom of the sidewall. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the tabs can extend from the bottom of the sidewall in surface continuation with the sidewall.

In another aspect, the top section and/or the sidewall can be formed of a fluid impervious elastic material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed towards a universal lid capable of elastic deformation, enabling the lid to cover a variety of different-sized beverage containers and to provide a fluid-tight seal.

Referring initially toFIGS. 1 through 4, a lid110is illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, configured to fit over an illustrative cup or beverage container200in a fluid-tight sealing arrangement, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. The lid110is a distinct piece that may be assembled with a straw112to form a lid and straw combination100. The straw112of the present embodiment is selectively removable from the lid110. In alternative embodiments, the straw112can be integrally formed with and non-separable from the lid110, such as by having the straw112manufactured together with all or part of the lid110, into a single plastic part, by injection molding of one or more plastic materials.

The lid110includes a top section120connected to a sidewall or body section122at joint interface134. The joint interface134can be defined as the junction or boundary where the peripheral rim of top section120meets the uppermost edge of body section122. The lid110is preferably made of a material composition that enables the lid110to flex and stretch in a variety of dimensions and directions. In a preferred form, the lid110is configured to have the property of elastic deformation so that it can be used to cover a variety of different-sized containers, and yet return to its normal, relaxed state when removed from a container.

In the relaxed or non-stretched state of lid110, the top section120preferably has a generally planar and circular shape, although other geometries are possible. The top section120defines the principal part of lid110that covers the mouth of container200when the lid110is deployed on the container200, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. The top section120of the present embodiment includes an orifice or opening124formed at a generally central location. The straw112of the present embodiment is received through the top section120of lid110by insertion through opening124. Due to the elastic properties of lid110, the periphery of opening124can flex in response to the insertion of a straw having a diameter greater than the diameter of the opening124in its relaxed state. This flexing behavior permits lid110to accommodate a variety of different sized straws. During use, when the combination100is deployed or situated on a container200, the straw112is advanced through the top section120of lid110(via opening124) in a working relationship sufficient to enable a user to withdraw fluid from container200through straw112.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, the body section122of lid110includes a first sidewall130and a second sidewall132joined together to form a sleeve-like configuration having a hollow, generally tubular, preferably frustoconical or cylindrical arrangement. In this sleeve-like configuration, the first sidewall130and the second sidewall132each have a generally curved shape, facilitating the tight, covering engagement of lid110to container200, which is typically rounded. The body section122is connected at an upper end126to top section120(via joint interface134) to form a single, integrated assembly. This connection can be implemented in any suitable way known to those skilled in the art, such as by sewing or stitching. The body section122also has a lower, free end128to define the bottom of lid110. The body section122and the top section120are connected together at the joint or interface134that defines a peripheral boundary of top section120and defines the uppermost edge of body section122. In a preferred arrangement, when the top section120is configured in a generally planar form, the body section122extends away from top section120(at joint134) in a generally longitudinal direction that is generally orthogonal to the surface of top section120(the body section122therefore being cylindrical) or slightly tapered relative to the surface of top section120(the body section122therefore being frustoconical). In one configuration, the general shape of lid110, consisting of top section120and body section122, assumes the general shape of an elongated cover having a generally flat upper surface (i.e., top section120) and a skirt-like shroud (i.e., body section122) extending from the upper surface.

As shown best inFIGS. 1 and 2, the first sidewall130and the second sidewall132are joined together by a first seam140and a second seam150. The first seam140is prepared by maneuvering the first sidewall130and the second sidewall132into a first overlapping arrangement. Then, a pair of generally parallel, longitudinal stitch lines142and144are executed to secure the first sidewall130and the second sidewall132together and form the first seam140. Likewise, the second seam150is prepared by maneuvering the first sidewall130and the second sidewall132into a second overlapping arrangement. Then, a pair of generally parallel, longitudinal stitch lines152and154are executed to secure the first sidewall130and the second sidewall132, together and form the second seam150. In this fashion, the first sidewall130and the second sidewall132, are joined together. The first seam140and the second seam150can be implemented in a variety of ways known to those skilled in the art, including sewing, gluing, stapling, or any other suitable fastening technique.

In a preferred form, as shown in the drawings, the first sidewall130and the second sidewall132are suitably configured so that when they are joined together, they cooperatively define a sleeve having a generally tapered, frustoconical shape. The sleeve or body section122tapers inwards from its upper end126(at the connection to top section120) to its free, lower end128. In particular, the body section122has a cross-sectional area that progressively decreases in the direction from the upper end126to the lower end128of body section122, i.e., the cross-sectional area is largest at the upper end126and smallest at the lower end128. The frustoconical orientation can also be inverted or reversed, if so desired, such that the upper end126has a smaller cross-sectional area compared to the lower end128. In general, the sleeve-like arrangement of body section122, defined by the cooperative connection of first sidewall130and second sidewall132, is characterized by a generally circular cross-sectional profile (along its longitudinal dimension), which can be regular (i.e., a cylindrical prism) or variable (i.e., frustoconical).

The tapering geometry of body section122offers various advantages. A variety of containers are likewise made with a tapered body. The frustoconical shape of the body section122can naturally and readily conform to another tapered geometry. However, other beverage containers have a regular, fixed cross-section. The tapered profile of the body section122still has merit with these containers, since the sleeve-like shape of the body section122will form a tight fit with the container in places where the cross-section of the container is larger than the cross-section of the (relaxed) body section122. This mismatch in size between the container200and lid110does not present a problem since the lid110(i.e., body section122) can readily undergo or experience elastic deformation to accommodate coverage and placement over a comparatively larger container200.

The body section122of lid110includes a bottom portion or cuff160at its lower end128. The cuff160is a double-thick area that is formed when a lowermost peripheral area162of the body section122is folded over and back onto itself so that it becomes disposed in facing opposition to the main portion of body section122. As a result, this folded-back area162overlaps with another portion of the body section122, creating a small clearance space therebetween. This reverse or backward curling of overlap area162is easily performed due to the elastic properties of lid110. The folded-back area162of cuff160is best shown inFIG. 4.

An internal, bottom elastic band170can be located within the clearance space formed by the folded-back area162of cuff160. The elastic band170can be a generally circular or ring-shaped component that is annularly disposed about the body section122. The circumferential slot or channel that receives and holds the elastic band170can be bounded by a pair of circumferential, parallel stitch lines164and166that secure the folded-back area162to the main portion of body section122, securing the elastic band170in place. The elastic band170facilitates a very tight fit of the lid110to any container200regardless of its diameter. The elastic band170can flex in response to pressure bearing upon it, such as when the lid110is placed over container200and slid into place. The elastic band170provides a firm grip around the outer peripheral surface of the container200over which the lid110is placed. In its installed position, the elastic band170remains sandwiched between the folded-back area162and an opposing area of body section122.

As mentioned heretofore, the lid110has a multi-piece construction that includes a set of three (3) interconnected sections: the top section120and, the pair of sidewalls130and132that are joined together to form the sleeve-like body section122. The pieces may be connected and otherwise joined together using any suitable technology known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, sewing. These individual pieces, and thus the lid110as a whole, are preferably made of a stretchable, elastic, impervious and non-toxic material, including, but not limited to, rubber, an elastomer, an FDA-approved neoprene, or any combination thereof. The individual sections can be made of the same or different materials. For example, a design choice can be made to manufacture the top section120with a material composition different than that chosen for the body section122. A preferred property of the material composition is that it offers a fluid-impermeable barrier to prevent fluid from leaking through the material.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, in practice, the lid110is situated on container200in a working relationship sufficient to provide a suitable fluid-tight sealing cover over container200. The straw112is inserted through the lid110in a manner sufficient to penetrate the required depth into container200. Alternately, the lid110and straw112can be pre-assembled as the lid and straw combination100, and this combination100can then be placed onto container200, as opposed to installing the lid110and straw112in separate, distinct operations.

The installation of the lid110takes place by first aligning the opening formed at the lower end128of body section122with the mouth of container200. The body section122is then continually advanced down the body of the container200until the top section120of the lid110reaches and spans the mouth of container200. At this end point of travel for lid110, the top section120lies substantially flat across the mouth of container200defined at the container rim. The body section122forms a watertight, sleeve-like seal around the outer portion of container200that it covers. A very firm, fluid-tight seal exists at the interface between lid110and the rim of container200. Even if fluid somehow escapes past this lid-rim interface, its downward travel along the outer surface of container200would be substantially impeded, if not totally prevented, by the fluid-tight interface formed between the body section122of lid110and the opposing surface of container200.

As best shown inFIG. 4, the installation of the lid110evidences various features that promote fluid-tight sealing. The top section120of the lid110covers and spans the entire mouth of container200. The sleeve-like body section122of the lid110conforms tightly to the outer surface of container200and extends downwardly along the outer surface of container200in a skirt-like fashion.

In a preferred form, the lid110is designed and constructed such that the body section122will define a tubular, sleeve-like configuration that occupies a volume smaller than the volume of the container200that it is expected to cover. Thus, the lid110must be flexed and stretched relative to its relaxed state in order to fit over container200. This flexing action creates a pressure-type contact bias against the container surface that the lid110is contacting, forming a fluid-tight, sealing interface.

In particular, it is desirable for the lid110to experience elastic deformation while it is deployed as a cover over container200. This flexing and stretching activity will make the material fabric of the lid110more taut. As the lid110experiences this tautness, and undergoes elastic deformation in the process, it naturally develops a return bias that attempts to restore the lid110to its normal, relaxed state. This restorative, spring-back action develops because of the elastic deformation properties of the material composition of lid110. As a result of this restorative bias or tendency, the first sidewall130and the second sidewall132of the body section122will press tightly against the outer surface of container200to effectively close-out or eliminate any clearance space at the interface between the lid110and container200. The body section122thus conforms precisely to the contour and shape of the container200. In this manner, a fluid-tight seal develops between the sleeve-like body section122of lid110and the outer surface of container200, preventing any fluid from leaking past lid110. In its installed condition, the top section120extends across the mouth of container200in a generally flat or planar orientation parallel to the bottom of container200. The elastic band170installed at cuff160of the body section122of lid110provides an additional measure of firm, grip-like control of lid110about container200. In operation, the lid110can simply be stretched over any-sized container200; and, the elastic cover (lid110) will stretch across while fitting tightly around the container200, making the container200spill-proof.

After use, the lid110can be removed from the container200, cleaned, and made available for further installation on another container. Due to its elastic construction, the lid110possesses a resilience that enables the lid110to return to its original shape once it is removed from the container200.

Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, the installation of the lid and straw combination100is shown in relation to a container300having a cross-sectional area (at least at the container mouth) that is larger than the corresponding cross-sectional area of the container200ofFIGS. 1 through 4, to illustrate the stretching capabilities of lid110to embrace different container diameters. In order to accommodate the size of container300, and completely cover the top opening or mouth of container300, the lid110stretches in such a fashion that an upper portion122aof the body section122gets drawn over the rim of container300and extends part way into the mouth region of container300. This upper portion122aof the body section122, consisting of relevant sections of the first sidewall130and the second sidewall132, forms part of the covering offered by lid110(in addition to top section120) to cover the mouth of container300. As shown, the joint134; which defines the interface between the top section120and the body section122, has been relocated and is now positioned within the mouth area of container300; compared to its previous location more proximal to the rim of the smaller container200(FIGS. 1 through 4).

The illustrations ofFIGS. 5 and 6demonstrate the ability of the lid110to accommodate containers of various sizes, specifically ones with increasingly larger cross-sections at the top. The lid110can fit over other containers that are even larger than the one depicted inFIGS. 5 and 6, since the body section122is long enough to enable an additional amount of it (i.e., in addition to portion122a) to be drawn over the container rim to assist in forming the upper cover with top section120. This retraction of body section122over the container rim can be done without compromising the overall effectiveness of the lid110in retaining its ability to conform tightly to the outer surface of the container and maintain a firm, fluid-tight engagement.

In alternative embodiments, the lid110can be formed as a single, unitary component having a uni-body construction, as compared to the multi-piece construction of lid110shown inFIGS. 1 through 6. Such a uni-body lid110is integrally formed as a single, stretchable piece having all of the same individual sections as the lid110shown inFIGS. 1 through 6, namely, the top section120and the body section122(preferably of a tapered geometry). The uni-body lid110can be manufactured using any suitable technology known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, a plastics injection molding process. In certain embodiments, the uni-body lid110can be integrally formed with the straw112, as explained heretofore. In alternative embodiments, the uni-body lid110and the straw112can be separate parts, allowing the straw112to be inserted into and removed from the uni-body lid110as desired.

Referring now toFIGS. 7 through 10, a lid and straw combination400is illustrated in accordance with a second, preferred embodiment of the invention. The lid and straw combination400comprises a lid410and a straw412. The straw412depicted herein is received through an orifice424in a center area421of the lid410. While the straw412of the present embodiment is selectively removable from the lid410, alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the straw412is integrally formed with and non-separable from the lid410, such as by having the straw412manufactured together with all or part of the lid410, into a single plastic part, by injection molding of one or more plastic materials. The lid and straw combination400, as best shown inFIGS. 7 and 9, engages an upper rim212of a container210thereby sealing the interior of the container210to prevent any liquids stored therein from spilling.

The lid410is formed from a thin fluid impervious elastic material and has a top section420for extending across and spanning the top of the container200and engaging the container rim212. A body section422extends from the periphery of the top section420and joins the top section420at a joint interface434. The body section422of the present embodiment is a substantially cylindrical or slightly frustoconical sidewall430. In some embodiments, as best shown inFIG. 8, a plurality of tabs436,438can extend from a bottom edge of the body section422. At least one tab438can extend outwardly from the sidewall430at a substantially right angle, i.e. radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the straw412, for easy grasping by a user. One or more remaining tabs436extend in surface continuation or flush with the body section422. The tabs436,438can also include a ridge437on one surface thereof to aid the user in firmly gripping the tab436,438without the user's fingers slipping off of the tab436,438.

As mentioned heretofore, the top section420has a substantially planar center area421which defines the orifice424therethrough. The orifice424can be circular for closely engaging the straw412to maintain a liquid seal, or alternatively, as shown, the orifice424can be an X-shaped cut through the center area421to accommodate a variety of diameters for straw412and remain sealed or substantially sealed when no straw is inserted therethrough. At least one and more preferably a plurality of circular expansion folds418are concentrically arranged about the center area421in increasing diametrical form, one expansion folds418joined to the next expansion folds418to the joint interface434. Each expansion fold418is substantially V-shaped such that in cross-section, and as best illustrated inFIG. 9, the plurality of expansion folds418form an accordion-like structure extending between the center area421and the joint interface434. While the individual expansion folds418are here illustrated as substantially V-shaped, those practiced in the art will readily recognize that other similar geometrical configurations can be utilized without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

In use, a container210which a user desires to cover can be placed on a flat surface. The user places the lid410proximate to the upper portion of the container210where the lid partially engages over the container rim212. The user then grasps one or more of the tabs436,438to circumferentially stretch the sidewall430to conform to the diameter of the container210. Then, with the aid of tabs436,438, the user pulls the lid410down until the joint interface434securely abuts the container rim212. The elastic nature of the sidewall430retains the lid410in position engaging the upper portion of the container210. If not inserted already, the straw412can then be inserted through the orifice424in the center area421. At such time as the user desires to remove the lid and straw combination400, the user can grasp one or more of the tabs436,438with one hand and the container210with the other and with the application of an upward force on the tabs436,438removes the lid and straw combination400therefrom.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the same lid and straw combination400can be utilized on a container220having a diameter larger than the container210ofFIGS. 7 through 9. The user places the lid410proximate to the upper portion of the container to220and again grasps the tabs436,438to draw the sidewall430about the circumference of the upper portion of container220. The elastic nature of the material from which the lid410is formed permits the sidewall430to be circumferentially stretched to engage the increased diameter of the container220. Similarly, the top section420will also stretch circumferentially to accommodate the increased circumferential aspect of the container220. The diametrical increase between container210and container220is accommodated by the expansion folds418in addition to the top section420and sidewall430being made from an elastic material. Specifically, as the top section420is stretched to engage the joint interface434with the upper rim222of container220, the V-shaped expansion folds418at least partially unfold to accommodate the greater diameter of the container220. Having the top section420made of an elastic material and also stretchable in an accordion-like manner increases deformability of the top section420and allows it to adopt a wider range of diameters than a flat top section420made of the same elastic material. To remove the lid and straw combination400the user again grasps one or more of the tabs436,438and applies an upward force on the tabs436438while countering with a downward force applied to the container220until the lid410is disengaged from the container220. The lid410can then be washed and reused on another container.

The lid of the present disclosure is a universal covering having general applicability to a wider variety of glasses, cups, or other containers. Because of its elasticity, the universal lid fits on multiple-sized containers by stretching across the diameter of the container. The elastic deformation of the lid enables it to accommodate a variety of different-sized containers and to return to its original, relaxed state once it is removed from the container, allowing the lid to retain all of its elastic properties and to be reused in a consistent manner having a reliable expectation of performance. The universal lid offers cost savings by reducing the use of Styrofoam cups and plastic lids, especially during periods of high beverage consumption, e.g., work or home. The universal lid will save consumers money by allowing them to have a single lid that will fit all of the beverage containers they already own. Additionally, the universal lid is preferably washable and re-usable, and therefore eco-friendly.

The universal lid offers the benefit of providing a cover over any type of container, without the need for any specialized features that match or complement the container. For example, conventional beverage containers like travel mugs usually have some type of mechanism that couples the lid to the container. In one form, the mug can be provided with a threading surface on its exterior that mates with the threads of the screw-type lid. In another form, the lid comes with a peripheral recess that receives the rim of the container in a snap-on press fit. However, according to the invention, the universal lid requires no such mating features with the container. Instead, the universal lid is simply draped or placed over the container in a tight, elastic, conforming, sleeve-like fit that makes it impervious to fluid leakage. Even if the container is provided with external features (e.g., threading) to accommodate another lid, the universal lid of the invention will simply cover these features in a skirt-like fashion.