Abstract:
A container having a cup and a lid, which in turn includes locking features, wherein the lid engages in a secure relation to the cup, is disclosed. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to a container having a lid that fits over an open end of a cup and a lid that fits inversely and inside the open end of a cup. The lid of the invention comprises at least one protruding annular ridge, allowing for secure placement on the cup when the cup is in motion. The lid fits in a complementary (positive/negative) relation to the protruding ridge(s) on the cup. This container is designed for the purpose of being in motion: while walking, driving, and all aspects of travel and carrying. Additional embodiments include novel spout designs for the cup portion and lid portion.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This patent application contains subject matter claiming benefit of the priority date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/976,665 filed on Oct. 1, 2007, accordingly, the entire contents of this provisional patent application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to containers with lids and locking features, such that the relation of the lid to vessel is sufficiently secure to prevent liquid from spilling out. The present invention also relates to containers comprising a thermally insulating material that protects the consumer holding the container from the heat of its contents. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     With the rise in popularity of coffee, espresso drinks, and other hot beverages, consumers have been inconvenienced by poorly designed to-go cups and lids. Beverages frequently splash out of the lid holes from which consumers sip. To-go lids often are not secure enough to remain in place over the cup, resulting in spillage and forcing the consumer to carry the cup solely by its sidewalls. 
     Many to-go cups have lids that are moderately secured when sitting on a table, or when relatively stationary. Few however, manage to remain engaged and prevent liquid from spilling or leaking when the container is deformed, tipped over, being carried, or traveling in a car. Thus, there remains a need for a container that can hold liquid, with a lid designed to fit in secure relation to the cup to prevent the lid&#39;s accidental removal or spillage. It may also be more convenient for a consumer to have an option to safely pick up and carry a covered to-go cup by the lid or sidewalls. 
     Still further, to-go cups are often made of thin material that may be only marginally thermally insulated, making a cup with a hot beverage inside too hot to hold comfortably. The typical remedy is to slide a Java-Jacket® or other thermally insulating sleeve on to the cup. However, this a potentially environmentally wasteful solution and the sleeve requires an additional part or additional method step. Hence, there remains a need for a to-go cup with protective material in place such that the consumer&#39;s hands are always protected when holding the cup. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies, more specifically, the present invention, in a first aspect is directed to a container comprising a cup and a lid, which in turn comprise locking features, wherein the lid engages in a secure relation to the cup. The present invention also provides for embodiments having a lid that fits over an open end of a cup and a lid that fits inversely and inside the open end of a cup. The lid of the invention comprises at least one protruding annular ridge, allowing for secure placement on the cup, when the cup is in motion. The lid will fit in a complementary (positive/negative) relation to the protruding ridge(s) on the cup. This container is designed for the purpose of remaining secure while in motion, such as while walking, driving, and all aspects of travel and carrying. 
     This perfectly designed cup and lid will have a more ergonomic drinking station (spout) that will prevent dripping from the side of the mouth or over rim of the lid. The spout may also have a tapered distal end that restricts and directs the flow of fluid, preventing spills. That is, the spout will protrude outwardly from a proximal end and taper relatively to a distal end (or lip). The spout can be shaped to fit a human mouth to further prevent the risk of spilling or splashing while drinking. Additionally, the container can be made from any material such as, but not limited to, metal, paper, plastic, Styrofoam® or a combination thereof. 
     In another aspect, the invention is characterized as a container comprising: a vessel having an open top with a beaded rim and a closed bottom, wherein the vessel is capable of receiving and containing liquid; and a removable lid having a circumscribing lid brim, wherein the container has at least one locking feature comprising at least one outwardly protruding annular ridge formed from an upper side wall of the vessel and in combination with the lid, further wherein when the container is closed, the vessel and lid fit in a locking relationship. 
     Further, the invention is characterized wherein the lid fits over and covers the open top of the vessel, further wherein the lid comprises at least one inwardly protruding annular ridge. Additionally, the lid comprises at least two inwardly protruding annular ridges. Still further, the vessel comprises a spout formed from the upper side wall and rim, and extends outward from the vessel. 
     Also, the invention is further characterized wherein the lid comprises an opening to accommodate a spout such that when the container is closed, the lid opening allows the spout to fit through and the spout is accessible to a user. Yet further, the lid comprises a raised element, forming a hollow channel from the spout and the lid. Still further, the vessel comprises a spout formed from the upper side wall and rim, and extends outward from the vessel. Additionally, the lid comprises an opening to accommodate a spout, such that when the container is closed, the lid opening allows the spout to fit through and the spout is accessible to a user. 
     Preferred embodiments may be further characterized wherein the lid comprises a raised element, forming a hollow spout. Additionally, the vessel comprises a spout forming from the upper side wall extending outward from the vessel. 
     In another aspect, the invention is directed to a container comprising: a vessel having an open top with a beaded rim and a closed bottom, wherein the vessel is capable of receiving and containing liquid; a removable lid; and at least one locking feature comprising at least one outwardly protruding annular ridge formed from an upper side wall of the vessel and in combination with the lid, wherein the lid has at least one inwardly protruding annular rim, wherein the lid fits over and covers the open top of the vessel, and further wherein the lid has a spout rising over the rim of the vessel. 
     In another aspect, the invention is directed to a container comprising: a vessel has an open top with a beaded rim and a closed bottom, wherein the vessel is capable of receiving and containing liquid; a removable lid; at least one locking feature comprising at least one outwardly protruding annular ridge formed from an upper side wall of the vessel and in combination with the lid, wherein the lid has at least one outwardly protruding annular rim, wherein the lid fits inversely and above a sealing part of the lid, and inside the open top of the vessel, and further wherein the lid has a spout rising over the rim of the vessel. 
     While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, or similar applicable law, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112, or similar applicable law. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective illustration of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a sectional illustration as viewed along lines  1 B of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is a perspective illustration of the first preferred embodiment specifically showing a front portion of a spout according to the embodiment; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective illustration of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a sectional illustration of the second preferred embodiment as viewed along lines  2 B of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective illustration of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a sectional illustration of the third preferred embodiment as viewed along lines  3 B of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective illustration of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4B  is a sectional illustration of the fourth preferred embodiment as viewed along lines  4 B of  FIG. 4A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. It is understood by these same artisans that other embodiments can be utilized and that structural changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the current invention. Thus, the following detailed description is not meant to limit the breadth of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1A , the present invention may be initially characterized as a container  100  comprising a cup/vessel  110  having an open top with a beaded rim  111  and a removable lid  120 . The container  100  can be used to hold a liquid beverage for ease of drinking and transport in a consumer&#39;s hand or in a cup holder. The container  100  may have a variety of lengths, widths, or depths. Referring to  FIG. 1B , the container  100  also has a locking feature, comprising at least one outwardly protruding annular ridge  112   a ,  112   b  formed from the upper side wall of the vessel  110  and in combination with said lid  120 . The lid  120  in a preferred embodiment is defined by a circumscribing brim, which in turn comprises protruding ridges  122   a ,  122   b . The locking feature is engaged with the lid  120  and cup  110  fitting together in a tight locking relationship. With reference to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  4 A, and  4 C, some embodiments  300 ,  400  of the invention are characterized wherein the lid  320 ,  420  has a spout  330 ,  430  rising from a middle of the lid, having a fluid directing channel  340 ,  440  extending upwardly and outwardly, over the rim of the cup  300 ,  400 . The spout  330 ,  430  of this embodiment is shaped to fit a human mouth, such that a lower lip is flush with the bottom of the spout, preventing spillage from the spout or the mouth. 
     In some embodiments  100 ,  300  the lid  120 ,  320  fits over the open top of the cup  110 ,  310 . In this embodiment, the locking feature comprises at least one inwardly protruding annular ridge  122   a ,  122   b ,  322   a ,  322   b ,  322   c , on the brim of the lid  120 ,  320 . The locking feature is engaged when the lid is placed over the open top of the cup and the inwardly protruding ridge fits snugly between the beaded rim  111 ,  311  and an outwardly protruding ridge  112   a ,  112   b ,  312   a ,  312   b  of the cup  110 ,  310 . Importantly, the fit of the locking features should be sufficiently snug that a consumer can pick up entire the container by the lid. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  4 A, and  4 B, alternative embodiments  200 ,  400  are characterized wherein the lid of the container fits inversely, inside of the open top of the cup. The lid brim comprises at least one outwardly protruding annular ridge  222   a ,  222   b ,  222   c ,  422   a ,  422   b ,  422   c . More specifically, the lid comprises a first annular ridge  222   a ,  422   a , a second annular ridge  222   b ,  422   b , and a lower most annular ridge  222   c ,  422   c , wherein the second annular ridge is situated above the lower most annular ridge  222   c ,  422   c , and below the first annular ridge  222   a ,  422   a . The locking feature is engaged when the lid ridges fit in a complementary (positive/negative) locking relationship with the inwardly protruding ridges  212   a ,  212   b ,  212   c ,  412   a ,  412   b ,  412   c  of the cup  210 ,  410 . 
     In alternative embodiments  100 ,  200  the cup  110 ,  210  has a sipping feature formed from the upper side of the wall and rim in the form of a pouring or sipping spout  130 ,  230 . The spout extends outward and up from the cup rim and is designed to fit into a human mouth. Further, the spout may be shaped fit a human mouth, such that the lower lip is flush with the underside of the spout, preventing spillage from the spout or the mouth. In one embodiment  100 , the lid  120  has a complementary opening  123  fitting snugly around the spout  130 . The lid opening  123  is shaped to complement the underside of the spout  130 , to achieve the snug fit. With this complementary fit, the spout  130  is accessible to the consumer (for sipping) while the lid  120  prevents the beverage from leaking or spilling from the cup  110  by engaging the locking features described above. 
     Additionally, embodiments  100 ,  200  with the spout  130 ,  230  formed from the cup side wall can have the spout angled relative to the vertical axis of the container such that it causes the velocity of the fluid to increase as the fluid enters the spout and flows toward a distal tip  131 ,  231  as seen in  FIG. 1C  as well as  FIG. 2A . Further, this spout angle reduces the required degree to which the consumer must tilt the container to access the liquid inside. In other embodiments, the lip on the distal end  131 ,  231  of the spout includes acute angled surfaces which, in conjunction with the increased flow velocity of the fluid through the spout cause the fluid to separate from the cup when pouring. 
     Further, the container  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  (cup and lid) can be made of any material, such as but not limited to, metal, plastic, paper/cardboard, or any combinations thereof. The cup  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410  can also be made from thermally insulating material, designed to protect the consumer from hot liquids in the cup. Instead of using the typical Java-Jacket® to slide over the cup, the cup itself can be constructed from thermally insulating material like corrugated cardboard  110   a  ( FIG. 1A ) and the like. The majority of the outer side walls of the cup can be composed of the thermally insulating material, providing heat protection over the entire carrying surface of the cup. In another embodiment, the thermally insulating material comprises only the part of the cup that a Java-Jacket® or similar sleeve would typically be placed. This thermally insulating material  110   a  also provides a textured, ergonomic surface such that the consumer has a better grip on the cup. 
     As stated, in some embodiments  300 ,  400  the lid  320 ,  420  can comprise a hollow spout, formed from the lid, rising above the rim of the cup  310 ,  410  allowing easy access to a human mouth. The spout  330 ,  430  is designed to direct the flow of liquid out of the cup and into the consumer&#39;s mouth, such that the consumer does not have to tilt the cup as far to access the beverage. The spout may be further designed to fit the shape of a human mouth, such that the underside of the spout is flush with the lower lip, preventing spillage from the cup or the mouth. The underside of the spout may have a variety of complementary lower lip shapes. 
     In some embodiments ( FIG. 4A , for example), the hollow spout  430  tapers towards a distal opening  431 , such that the spout limits the volume of liquid flowing from the container. The tapered distal opening  431  can have various shapes, such as a wide, flattened hole, or a small circle, or an ellipse. In some embodiments, the tapered distal opening  431  can be placed at various angles with relation to the vertical axis of the container, such that the opening directs the flow of liquid into the consumer&#39;s mouth with less chance of spillage. In some embodiments, the spout may be flexible, allowing the consumer to access liquid inside the container from a variety of angles relative to the vertical axis of the container. 
     Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. 
     While the particular Container with Locking Feature as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 
     Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.