Patent Publication Number: US-2023159232-A1

Title: Drink cup lid

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/993,493, filed Aug. 14, 2020, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/887,252, filed Aug. 15, 2019, each of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to drink cups, and particularly to lids for drink cups. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a lid with an opening for removing liquid from the drink cup and a closure that blocks the opening. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to the present disclosure, a liquid container comprises a lid adapted to mate with the brim of a cup. The cup also includes a floor and a side wall extending from the brim toward the floor. 
     In illustrative embodiments, the lid includes a central closure formed to include the liquid-discharge outlet and a ring-shaped brim mount arranged to surround the central closure. The brim mount of the lid is configured to mate with the brim of the cup to hold the central closure in a stationary position closing a cup mouth opening into an interior liquid reservoir chamber formed in the cup and placing the liquid-discharge outlet in fluid communication with any liquid stored in the interior liquid reservoir chamber of the cup. 
     In illustrative embodiments, the central closure includes an upstanding drink spout having a top wall that is formed to include the liquid-discharge outlet. An outlet closure is coupled to the drink spout for pivotable movement about a horizontal pivot axis between a closed position blocking access to the liquid-discharge outlet and an opened position spaced apart from the liquid-discharge outlet. 
     In illustrative embodiments, the lid is made from a thermoformed sheet of polypropylene. The lid is formed to have a low profile and a thickness of the lid is minimized to reduce an overall weight of the lid thereby saving material. The outlet closure includes a reinforcement structure to rigidify the outlet closure to reduce unwanted bending of the outlet closure due to the reduction in material used to form the lid. The reinforcement structure stiffens the outlet closure so that when a consumer pivots the outlet closure from the closed position to the opened position, the outlet closure is aligned with an outlet closure retainer that is used to hold the outlet closure in the opened position so that the consumer can drink from the liquid-discharge outlet. 
     Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a lid in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure and a cup before the lid is mounted on the cup and showing that the lid includes a central closure surrounded by a brim mount and an upstanding drink spout that is formed to include a liquid-discharge outlet and includes an outlet closure movable about a horizontal pivot axis between a closed position blocking access to the liquid-discharge outlet, as shown in  FIG.  2   , and an opened position where the outlet closure is spaced apart from the liquid-discharge outlet and retained in the opened position by an outlet closure retainer formed in the upstanding drink spout, as show in  FIGS.  5  and  8   ; 
         FIG.  2    is an enlarged perspective view of the lid with the outlet closure in the closed position; 
         FIG.  3    is an enlarged portion of  FIG.  2    showing the outlet closure and the outlet closure retainer in detail, the outlet closure including an outlet-closure skirt that matches a shape of the liquid-discharge outlet and an outlet-closure pedestal that extends upwardly away from the outlet-closure skirt and has a shape that corresponds with the outlet-closure retainer; 
         FIG.  4    is a top plan view of a portion of the lid showing that the outlet closure further includes an arcuate reinforcement rib that extends partway around the outlet-closure pedestal to increase a rigidity of the outlet closure so that the outlet closure pivots about the horizontal pivot axis when moving from the closed position to the opened position to ensure that the outlet-closure pedestal is aligned with the outlet-closure retainer when the outlet closure reaches the opened position; 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged perspective view of the lid with the outlet closure in the opened position; 
         FIG.  6    is a sectional view of the lid taken along line  6 - 6  in  FIG.  2    to show that the lid is made from a sheet with a thickness that varies between several different locations of the lid; 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged portion of  FIG.  6    showing the shape of the upstanding drink spout in detail; 
         FIG.  8    is a side elevation view of the lid with the outlet closure in the opened position showing the outlet-closure skirt spaced apart from the outlet-closure retainer so that a user fit their finger between the outlet-closure skirt and the outlet-closure retainer to disengage the outlet closure from the outlet-closure retainer and return the outlet closure to the closed position; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present disclosure including a straw opening; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present disclosure including a plurality of flavor buttons; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present disclosure including a straw opening and a plurality of flavor buttons; 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present disclosure including an upstanding drink spout with an outlet closure that is different from the outlet closure of the lids shown in  FIGS.  1 - 11   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is a top perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  15    is a bottom perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the lid 
         FIG.  16    is a top plan view of a sixth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  17    is a bottom plan view of the sixth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  18    is a side elevation view of the sixth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  19    is a rear elevation view of the sixth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  20    is a front elevation view of the sixth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  21    is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  22    is a top perspective view of the seventh embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  23    is a bottom perspective view of the seventh embodiment of the lid 
         FIG.  24    is a top plan view of the seventh embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  25    is a bottom plan view of the seventh embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  26    is a side elevation view of the seventh embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  27    is a rear elevation view of the seventh embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  28    is a front elevation view of the seventh embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  29    is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  30    is a top perspective view of the eighth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  31    is a bottom perspective view of the eighth embodiment of the lid 
         FIG.  32    is a top plan view of the eighth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  33    is a bottom plan view of the eighth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  34    is a side elevation view of the eighth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  35    is a rear elevation view of the eighth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  36    is a front elevation view of the eighth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  37    is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  38    is a top perspective view of the ninth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  39    is a bottom perspective view of the ninth embodiment of the lid 
         FIG.  40    is a top plan view of the ninth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  41    is a bottom plan view of the ninth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  42    is a side elevation view of the ninth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  43    is a rear elevation view of the ninth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  44    is a front elevation view of the ninth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  45    is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a lid in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  46    is a top perspective view of the tenth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  47    is a bottom perspective view of the tenth embodiment of the lid 
         FIG.  48    is a top plan view of the tenth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  49    is a bottom plan view of the tenth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  50    is a side elevation view of the tenth embodiment of the lid; 
         FIG.  51    is a rear elevation view of the tenth embodiment of the lid; and 
         FIG.  52    is a front elevation view of the tenth embodiment of the lid. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A liquid container  10  in accordance with the present disclosure includes a cup  12  having a brim  14  and a lid  20  that is configured to mate with the brim  14  of the cup  12  using an interference fit to cover an interior liquid reservoir chamber  15  of the cup  12 . A first illustrative embodiment of a container  10  including lid  20  is shown in  FIGS.  1 - 8   . A second illustrative embodiment of a lid  220  that can be used with cup  12  is shown in  FIG.  9   . A third illustrative embodiment of a lid  320  that can be used with cup  12  is shown in  FIG.  10   . A fourth illustrative embodiment of a lid  420  that can be used with cup  12  is shown in  FIG.  11   . A fifth illustrative embodiment of a lid  520  that can be used with cup  12  is shown in  FIG.  12   . Other views of lids in accordance with the present disclosure are shown in  FIGS.  13 - 52   . 
     Cup  12  includes a brim  14 , a floor  16 , and a side wall  18  extending upwardly from floor  16  to brim  14  as shown in  FIG.  1   . Side wall  18  and floor  16  cooperate to form interior liquid reservoir chamber  15  of cup  12 . It is within the scope of this disclosure to make cup  12  out of any suitable plastics, paper, combinations thereof, and other material(s). It is within the scope of this disclosure to mount floor  16  in a suitable location at or near a lower edge of side wall  18 . 
     Lid  20  may include any size suitable to coincide with brim  14  of cup  12  as suggested in  FIG.  1    and includes a ring-shaped brim mount  22 , a central closure  24 , and an outlet closure  26  as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   . Brim mount  22  cooperates with brim  14  to provide a sealing interface to block flow of liquids between brim  14  and lid  20  when lid  20  is mounted on cup  12 . Central closure  24  of lid  20  rises upwardly above brim mount  22  in illustrative embodiments and includes an upstanding drink spout  28  including a top wall  30  formed to include a liquid-discharge outlet  32  as suggested in  FIGS.  1 - 3   . Outlet closure  26  is sized and arranged to cover liquid-discharge outlet  32  until a consumer desires to remove liquid from the interior liquid reservoir chamber  15 . In an illustrative embodiment, a consumer can drink liquid stored in cup  12  while lid  20  remains mounted on brim  14  of cup  12  through the liquid-discharge outlet  32  formed in lid  20 . Drink spout  28  is adapted to be received in the mouth of a consumer desiring to drink a liquid stored in cup  12 . Any liquid stored in interior liquid reservoir chamber  15  of cup  12  is in fluid communication with the liquid-discharge outlet  32  formed in top wall  30  of the upstanding drink spout  28  as suggested in  FIG.  1   . 
     Ring-shaped brim mount  22  includes an inner side wall  34 , a top wall  36 , and an outer side wall  38  as shown in  FIG.  2   . Inner side wall  34 , top wall  36 , and outer side wall  38  define an upside down U-shape when brim mount  22  is viewed in cross section as shown in  FIG.  7   . Inner side wall  34  is coupled to central closure  24 . Top wall  36  provides an uppermost surface of the brim mount  22 . Outer side wall  38  is spaced apart radially from inner side wall  34 . Inner side wall  34 , top wall  36 , and outer side wall  38  are configured to engage different parts of brim  14  to establish multiple sealing interfaces with brim  14 . Inner side wall  34  is formed to include a series of indents  40  while outer side wall  38  is formed to include a series of ribs  42 . Indents  40  and ribs  42  may provide a more secure grip on brim  14  than a lid without indents  40  and/or ribs  42  and may facilitate stacking of multiple lids  20  for storage. Without indents  40  and/or ribs  42  there may be more engagement on the brim  14 . The ribs  42  may provide relief from the interference and give rigidity to the brim mount  22  of the lid  20  when applying or removing the lid  20  from the brim  14  of the cup  12 . 
     Central closure  24  is coupled to inner side wall  34  of brim mount  22  and forms an upper barrier to block liquids from flowing out of interior liquid reservoir chamber  15  until outlet closure  26  is removed from liquid-discharge outlet  32 . Central closure includes drink spout  28 , a central basin  44 , and a plateau  46  as shown in  FIG.  2   . Drink spout  28  is coupled to central basin  44  and extends upwardly to a raised elevation above top wall  36  of brim mount  22 . Drink spout  28  is the only structure of lid  20  that raises above top wall  36  to provide lid  20  with a low profile to minimize an overall weight of lid  20  as will be described in greater detail herein. Central basin  44  is coupled to inner side wall  34  of brim mount  22  and is arranged below top wall  36 . Plateau  46  extends upwardly from central basin  44  and is also arranged to lie below top wall  36  of brim mount  22 . 
     Outlet closure  26  is movable about a horizontal pivot axis  48  between a closed position blocking access to the liquid-discharge outlet  32 , as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , and an opened position spaced apart from liquid-discharge outlet  32  as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  8   . Drink Spout  28  further includes a side wall  50  and an outlet-closure retainer  52  configured to retain outlet closure  26  in the opened position. Side wall  50  extends downwardly from top wall  30  and is coupled to central basin  44 . Outlet-closure retainer  52  is illustratively embodied as a cavity that is formed into a reclined surface  53  of side wall  50 . Outlet-closure retainer  52  has a shape that receives at least a portion of outlet closure  26  in the opened position to retain the outlet closure  26  in the opened position with an interface fit. 
     Outlet closure  26  includes an outlet-closure skirt  54 , an outlet-closure pedestal  56  that extends upwardly from outlet-closure skirt  54 , and an outlet-closure reinforcement rib  58  coupled to the outlet-closure skirt  54  as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . The outlet-closure skirt  54  has an outer edge with a shape that matches a perimeter of the liquid-discharge outlet  32 . The outer edge of outlet-closure skirt  54  and the perimeter of liquid-discharge outlet  32  may be initially coupled to one another to provide a break line  55 . Break line  55  may be provided by a series of perforations, scoring, or another suitable method in top wall  30  which allows outlet-closure skirt  54  to be at least partially separated from top wall  30  along break line  55 . Outlet-closure pedestal  56  is formed in a generally central region of outlet-closure skirt  54  and is configured to be engaged by a consumer to change outlet closure  26  from the closed position to the opened position for access to liquids in interior liquid reservoir chamber  15 . Outlet-closure reinforcement rib  58  increases a rigidity of outlet closure  26  so that outlet closure  26  pivots relative to top wall  30  about horizontal pivot axis  48  to facilitate changing outlet closure  26  from the closed position to the opened position. 
     Outlet-closure reinforcement rib  58  is formed as an indentation into an outer surface of outlet-closure skirt  54  and has an arcuate shape to extend at least partially around outlet-closure pedestal  56  as shown in  FIG.  3   . Outlet-closure reinforcement rib  58  has a rounded outer edge  60  that faces toward horizontal pivot axis  48  and a pair of ends  62  that are spaced further away from horizontal pivot axis  48  than rounded outer edge  60 . Break line  55  terminates in a groove  57  formed in top wall  30  to establish horizontal pivot axis  48  in groove  57 . Groove  57  is spaced apart from outlet-closure reinforcement rib  58  to locate outlet-closure reinforcement rib  58  between outlet-closure pedestal  56  and groove  57 . Outlet-closure reinforcement rib  58  directs forces toward horizontal pivot axis  48  and blocks outlet closure  26  from folding along a line somewhere between outlet-closure pedestal  56  and horizontal pivot axis  48  so that outlet closure  26  is aligned with outlet-closure retainer  52  when outlet closure  26  reaches the opened position. 
     Outlet-closure retainer  52  has a shape that corresponds to at least a portion of outlet-closure pedestal  56  as shown in  FIG.  5   . Outlet-closure retainer  52  is defined by a forward surface  64 , a rear surface  66 , first and second lateral surfaces  68 ,  70  and a bottom surface  72 . Forward surface  64  has a retainer protrusion  65  formed equidistant apart from each lateral surface  68 ,  70 . The first and second lateral surfaces  68 ,  70  provide guide surfaces for outlet-closure pedestal  56  to facilitate a consumer in inserting outlet-closure pedestal into outlet-closure retainer  52 . The first and second lateral surfaces each include an angled upper portion  74  that extend toward one another and a vertically extending lower portion  76  arranged parallel to one another. Outlet-closure retainer  52  has a width between each angled upper portion  74  that is greater than a corresponding portion of outlet-closure pedestal  56 . The width of outlet-closure retainer  52  may be slightly less than the corresponding portion of outlet-closure pedestal at lower portions  76  to provide the interface fit between outlet-closure retainer  52  and outlet-closure pedestal  56 . 
     Outlet-closure pedestal  56  includes a curved surface  78  that faces outwardly away from a center of lid  20 , a first side surface  80 , an opposite second side surface  82 , and a retainer surface  84  that faces toward the center of lid  20  as shown in  FIG.  3   . Curved surface  78  provides an ergonomic finger pad for a consumer to use to lift and change outlet closure  26  from the closed position to the opened position. First side surface  80 , second side surface  82 , and retainer surface  84  each include a vertically extending portion  86  spaced apart from outlet-closure skirt  54  and a broadening portion  88  that extends downward and outward away from each companion vertically extending portion  86  and is coupled to outlet-closure skirt  54 . Each broadening portion  88  contacts outlet-closure reinforcement rib  58  to form a portion of outlet-closure reinforcement rib  58 . Retainer surface  84  is also formed to include an indentation  85  that receives retainer protrusion  65  when outlet-closure pedestal  56  is inserted in outlet-closure retainer  52  in the closed position. 
     Lid  20  is made from a sheet of polymeric material that includes polypropylene. In some embodiments, the sheet consists of polypropylene, however, the sheet may include other polymeric materials such as, for example, polystyrene, polyethylene, or any other suitable polymeric material. The sheet is formed into lid  20  using a thermoforming process in illustrative embodiments, however, any other suitable forming process may also be used. Lid  20  is shaped to have a low profile such that substantially all of the features of lid  20  are arranged between top wall  36  of brim mount  22  and a lower edge  37  of brim mount as shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   . Only drink spout  28  extends above top wall  36  so as to minimize the amount of material required to form lid  20 . 
     A thickness of the sheet may be minimized to reduce the overall weight of lid  20  as shown in  FIG.  6   . Minimizing the thickness of the sheet may cause areas of lid  20  to be flexible, however, flexibility in certain areas such as outlet closure  26 , for example, may not be desired. Accordingly, outlet-closure reinforcement rib  58  is provided on outlet closure  26  to rigidify outlet closure  26  to facilitate movement of outlet closure  26  about horizontal pivot axis  48  between the closed and opened positions. 
     The sheet forming lid  20  may have a first thickness  90  at drink spout  28 , a second thickness  92  at central basin  44 , and a third thickness  94  at plateau  46 . In some embodiments, second thickness  92  is less than both first thickness  90  and third thickness  94 . In some embodiments, the third thickness  94  is less than or equal to the first thickness  90  and greater than the second thickness  92 . 
     The following Examples of lids  20  are non-limiting. All of the values shown below for Examples 1 to 3 are approximate and may have a manufacturing tolerance within plus or minus 20 percent. 
     Example 1 
     The first example of a lid  20  with varying thicknesses  90 ,  92 ,  94  is described below in Table 1. This lid  20  is made from polypropylene and has an outer diameter of about 4.25 inches. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Gram 
                 Thickness 
                 Thickness 
                 Thickness 
                 Weight/Diameter 
               
               
                 Weight 
                 90 
                 92 
                 94 
                 Ratio 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 2.96 g 
                 0.015 in 
                 0.012 in 
                 0.014 in 
                 0.7 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 2 
     The second example of a lid  20  with varying thicknesses  90 ,  92 ,  94  is described below in Table 2. This lid  20  is made from polypropylene and has an outer diameter of about 3.97 inches. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Gram 
                 Thickness 
                 Thickness 
                 Thickness 
                 Weight/Diameter 
               
               
                 Weight 
                 90 
                 92 
                 94 
                 Ratio 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 2.77 g 
                 0.014 in 
                 0.011 in 
                 0.014 in 
                 0.7 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Example 3 
     The third example of a lid  20  with varying thicknesses  90 ,  92 ,  94  is described below in Table 3. This lid  20  is made from polypropylene and has an outer diameter of about 3.64 inches. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Gram 
                 Thickness 
                 Thickness 
                 Thickness 
                 Weight/Diameter 
               
               
                 Weight 
                 90 
                 92 
                 94 
                 Ratio 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 2.04 g 
                 0.013 in 
                 0.010 in 
                 0.013 in 
                 0.56 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Accordingly, lid  20  may have a weight-to-diameter ratio of less than 1 due to the low profile design of lid  20 , the thicknesses  90 ,  92 ,  94 , and the material used to form lid  20 . In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.5 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.55 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.6 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.65 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.7 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.75 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.5 to about 0.75. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.5 to about 0.7. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.5 to about 0.65. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.5 to about 0.6. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.5 to about 0.55. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.55 to about 0.75. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.68 to about 0.7. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.69 to about 0.8. In some embodiments, the weight-to-diameter ratio is within a range of about 0.57 to about 0.6. 
     Example 4 
     The fourth example of a comparable lid that is different than lid  20  of the illustrative embodiment is described below in Table 4. This lid is made from polyethylene terephthalate and has an outer diameter of about 3.97 inches. The lid also has varying thicknesses  90 ,  92 , however, the lid does not have a plateau  46  so thickness  94  is not applicable. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Gram 
                 Thickness 
                 Thickness 
                 Thickness 
                 Weight/Diameter 
               
               
                 Weight 
                 90 
                 92 
                 94 
                 Ratio 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 3.82 g 
                 0.015 in 
                 0.011 in 
                 N/A 
                 0.96 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Referring back to lid  20  of the illustrative embodiment, top wall  30  of drink spout  28  is arranged to lie on a horizontal plane  59  as shown in  FIG.  7   . Reclined surface  53  is arranged to lie on a retainer plane  61  which extends away from top wall  30  at an angle  63  relative to horizontal plane  59 . In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 10 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 15 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 25 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 35 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 40 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 45 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 50 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 55 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 65 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 70 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 75 degrees to about 80 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 75 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 70 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 65 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 60 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 55 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 50 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 40 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 35 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 30 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 25 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 20 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 15 degrees. In one embodiment, angle  63  is within a range of about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees. In another example, angle  63  is within a range of about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees. In another example, angle  63  is within a range of about 20 degrees to about 50 degrees. In another example, angle  63  is within a range of about 20 degrees to about 30 degrees, In another example, angle  63  is about 25 degrees. 
     Forward surface  64  is arranged to extend substantially in a vertical direction perpendicular to horizontal plane  59  as shown in  FIG.  7   . Rear surface  66  is arranged to lie at an angle to forward surface  64  to provide clearance for outlet-closure pedestal  56  to extend into outlet-closure retainer  52  as outlet closure  26  rotated about horizontal pivot axis  48  from the closed position to the opened position. In the opened position, outlet-closure skirt  54  remains substantially parallel to horizontal plane  59  to provide a gap  96  between outlet-closure skirt  54  and reclined surface  53  so that the consumer can fit a finger there between to remove outlet-closure pedestal from outlet-closure retainer and return outlet closure to the closed position as shown in  FIG.  8   . 
     Lid  20  may include plateau  46  for any of a variety of reasons. Plateau  46  may include, for example, a company logo or indicia and/or a slotted straw opening. Plateau  46  may include an orientation indentation  47  at or near a rear portion of plateau  46  for any of a variety of reasons, including but not limited to helping a user locate the rear part of lid  20 , for example by locating and/or feeling orientation indentation  47  with a finger without actually looking at lid  20 . Orientation indentation  47  may be formed in a side wall of orientation indentation  47 , which may extend upwardly from central basin  44 . By locating orientation indentation  47 , a user may be better able to locate liquid-discharge outlet  32  and/or outlet closure  26 , for example, and better prevent spilling when attempting to drink through lid  20 . Lid  20  may also be formed to include a vent aperture  45  in central basin  44 , which may for example be located at or near plateau  46  and/or orientation indentation  47  as show in  FIG.  2   . Vent aperture  45  may be included for any of a variety of reasons, or not at all. 
     Inner side wall  34  is formed to include a series of indents  40  spaced circumferentially apart from one another about a central axis  20 A of drink cup lid  20  as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . The series of indents  40  are each formed at least partially into top wall  36  of ring-shaped brim mount  22 . Top wall  36  has a first radial width  100  at each of the indents  40  and a second radial width  102 , greater than the first radial width  100 , circumferentially between each of the indents  40 . Each of the indents  40  is at least partially defined by a curved sidewall  106  to provide top wall  36  with a third radial width  104 , greater than the first radial width  100  and less than the second radial width  102 , at a location circumferentially between the first radial width  100  and the second radial width  102 . 
     Each of the indents  40  may include a curved sidewall  106  and a bottom wall  108  that extends substantially perpendicular to the curved sidewall as shown in  FIG.  2   . Curved sidewall  106  is concave relative to central axis  20 A of drink cup lid  20 . Curved sidewall  106  of each indent  40  has a center  40 C located radially between inner side wall  34  of ring-shaped brim mount  22  and central axis  20 A of drink cup lid  20 . Closure basin  44  is spaced apart from top wall  36  of ring-shaped brim mount  22  by a first distance  110 , and bottom wall  108  of each indent  40  is spaced apart from top wall  36  of ring-shaped brim mount  22  by a second distance  112  less than the first distance  110 . Closure basin  44  includes a lower top wall spaced apart from top wall  36  of ring-shaped brim mount  22  by the first distance  110  and a plateau  46  coupled to the lower top wall and having a plateau top wall that is spaced apart vertically from top wall  36  of ring-shaped brim mount  22  by a third distance  114  that is less than the first distance  110  and the second distance  112 . 
     The series of indents  40  are arranged symmetrically about a first plane  116  extending through the central axis  20 A and the outlet closure  26  as shown in  FIG.  13   . The series of indents  40  are arranged unsymmetrically about a second plane  118  extending perpendicular to the first plane  116 . 
     Another embodiment of a lid  220  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  9   . Lid  220  is substantially similar to lid  20 . Accordingly, reference numbers in the  200  series are used to reference common features between lid  220  and lid  20 . The disclosure of lid  20  is hereby incorporated by reference for lid  220  while the differences between lid  220  and lid  20  are described below. 
     Lid  220  includes a ring-shaped brim mount  222 , a central closure  224 , and an outlet closure  226  as shown in  FIG.  9   . Brim mount  222  cooperates with brim  14  to provide a sealing interface to block flow of liquids between brim  14  and lid  220  when lid  220  is mounted on cup  12 . Central closure  224  of lid  220  rises upwardly above brim mount  222  in illustrative embodiments and includes an upstanding drink spout  228  including a top wall  230  formed to include a liquid-discharge outlet  232 . Outlet closure  226  is sized and arranged to cover liquid-discharge outlet  232  until a consumer desires to remove liquid from the interior liquid reservoir chamber  15 . 
     Ring-shaped brim mount  222  includes an inner side wall  234 , a top wall  236 , and an outer side wall  238  as shown in  FIG.  9   . Central closure  224  is coupled to inner side wall  234  of brim mount  222  and forms an upper barrier to block liquids from flowing out of interior liquid reservoir chamber  15  until outlet closure  226  is removed from liquid-discharge outlet  232 . Central closure  224  includes drink spout  228 , a central basin  244 , and a plateau  246  as shown in  FIG.  9   . Drink spout  228  is coupled to central basin  244  and extends upwardly to a raised elevation above top wall  236  of brim mount  222 . Drink spout  228  is the only structure of lid  220  that raises above top wall  236  to provide lid  220  with a low profile to minimize an overall weight of lid  220  as will be described in greater detail herein. Central basin  244  is coupled to inner side wall  234  of brim mount  222  and is arranged below top wall  236 . Plateau  246  extends upwardly from central basin  244  and is also arranged to lie below top wall  236  of brim mount  222 . A straw opening  297  is formed in a top wall of plateau  246 . Central basin  244  is formed to include a vent aperture  245 . Accordingly, lid  220  may be used for drinking a liquid from cup  12  by through liquid-discharge outlet  232  or with a straw (not shown) inserted in straw opening  297 . 
     Another embodiment of a lid  320  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  10   . Lid  320  is substantially similar to lid  20 . Accordingly, reference numbers in the  300  series are used to reference common features between lid  320  and lid  20 . The disclosure of lid  20  is hereby incorporated by reference for lid  320  while the differences between lid  320  and lid  20  are described below. 
     Lid  320  includes a ring-shaped brim mount  322 , a central closure  324 , and an outlet closure  326  as shown in  FIG.  10   . Brim mount  322  cooperates with brim  14  to provide a sealing interface to block flow of liquids between brim  14  and lid  320  when lid  320  is mounted on cup  12 . Central closure  324  of lid  320  rises upwardly above brim mount  322  in illustrative embodiments and includes an upstanding drink spout  328  including a top wall  330  formed to include a liquid-discharge outlet  332 . Outlet closure  326  is sized and arranged to cover liquid-discharge outlet  332  until a consumer desires to remove liquid from the interior liquid reservoir chamber  15 . 
     Ring-shaped brim mount  322  includes an inner side wall  334 , a top wall  336 , and an outer side wall  338  as shown in  FIG.  10   . Central closure  324  is coupled to inner side wall  334  of brim mount  322  and forms an upper barrier to block liquids from flowing out of interior liquid reservoir chamber  15  until outlet closure  326  is removed from liquid-discharge outlet  332 . Central closure  324  includes drink spout  328 , a central basin  344 , and a plateau  346  as shown in  FIG.  10   . Drink spout  328  is coupled to central basin  344  and extends upwardly to a raised elevation above top wall  336  of brim mount  322 . Drink spout  328  is the only structure of lid  320  that raises above top wall  336  to provide lid  320  with a low profile to minimize an overall weight of lid  320  as will be described in greater detail herein. Central basin  344  is coupled to inner side wall  334  of brim mount  322  and is arranged below top wall  336 . Plateau  346  extends upwardly from central basin  344  and is also arranged to lie below top wall  336  of brim mount  322 . 
     Central basin  344  includes a plurality of push buttons  398  that extend upwardly in the same direction as plateau  346 . The plurality of push buttons  398  provide a mechanism for a user to provide an input to at least one of the buttons so that the button will change from a first condition to a second condition. For example, a user may push a button  398  so that it is no longer upwardly projecting but rather changes to a downwardly projecting state that a user can readily visually or tactilely identify. Such a feature could be used to indicate the contents of a cup to which the lid is coupled. Central basin  344  may also include other indicia near each button  398  that could be used also to provide information to a user in any of a variety of ways. Indicia and push buttons  398  could cooperate to communicate information to a user, such as a button  398  proximate a certain indicia being used to suggest that indicia. 
     Another embodiment of a lid  420  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  11   . Lid  420  is substantially similar to lid  20 . Accordingly, reference numbers in the  400  series are used to reference common features between lid  420  and lid  20 . The disclosure of lid  20  is hereby incorporated by reference for lid  420  while the differences between lid  420  and lid  20  are described below. 
     Lid  420  includes a ring-shaped brim mount  422 , a central closure  424 , and an outlet closure  426  as shown in  FIG.  11   . Brim mount  422  cooperates with brim  14  to provide a sealing interface to block flow of liquids between brim  14  and lid  420  when lid  420  is mounted on cup  12 . Central closure  424  of lid  420  rises upwardly above brim mount  422  in illustrative embodiments and includes an upstanding drink spout  428  including a top wall  430  formed to include a liquid-discharge outlet  432 . Outlet closure  426  is sized and arranged to cover liquid-discharge outlet  432  until a consumer desires to remove liquid from the interior liquid reservoir chamber  15 . 
     Ring-shaped brim mount  422  includes an inner side wall  434 , a top wall  436 , and an outer side wall  438  as shown in  FIG.  11   . Central closure  424  is coupled to inner side wall  434  of brim mount  422  and forms an upper barrier to block liquids from flowing out of interior liquid reservoir chamber  15  until outlet closure  426  is removed from liquid-discharge outlet  432 . Central closure  424  includes drink spout  428 , a central basin  444 , and a plateau  446  as shown in  FIG.  11   . Drink spout  428  is coupled to central basin  444  and extends upwardly to a raised elevation above top wall  436  of brim mount  422 . Drink spout  428  is the only structure of lid  420  that raises above top wall  436  to provide lid  420  with a low profile to minimize an overall weight of lid  420  as will be described in greater detail herein. Central basin  444  is coupled to inner side wall  434  of brim mount  422  and is arranged below top wall  436 . Plateau  446  extends upwardly from central basin  444  and is also arranged to lie below top wall  436  of brim mount  422 . A straw opening  497  is formed in a top wall of plateau  446 . Central basin  444  is formed to include a vent aperture  445 . Accordingly, lid  420  may be used for drinking a liquid from cup  12  through liquid-discharge outlet  432  or with a straw (not shown) inserted in straw opening  497 . 
     Central basin  444  also includes a plurality of push buttons  498  that extend upwardly in the same direction as plateau  446 . The plurality of push buttons  498  provide a mechanism for a user to provide an input to at least one of the buttons so that the button will change from a first condition to a second condition. For example, a user may push a button  498  so that it is no longer upwardly projecting but rather changes to a downwardly projecting state that a user can readily visually or tactilely identify. Such a feature could be used to indicate the contents of a cup to which the lid is coupled. Central basin  446  may also include other indicia near each button  498  that could be used also to provide information to a user in any of a variety of ways. Indicia and push buttons  498  could cooperate to communicate information to a user, such as a button  498  proximate a certain indicia being used to suggest that indicia. 
     Another embodiment of a lid  520  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIG.  12   . Lid  520  is substantially similar to lids  20  and  420 . Accordingly, reference numbers in the  500  series are used to reference common features between lid  520  and lids  20  and  420 . The disclosure of lids  20  and  420  is hereby incorporated by reference for lid  520  while the differences between lid  520  and lids  20 ,  420  are described below. 
     Lid  520  includes a ring-shaped brim mount  522 , a central closure  524 , and an outlet closure  526  as shown in  FIG.  12   . Brim mount  522  cooperates with brim  14  to provide a sealing interface to block flow of liquids between brim  14  and lid  520  when lid  520  is mounted on cup  12 . Central closure  524  of lid  520  rises upwardly above brim mount  522  in illustrative embodiments and includes an upstanding drink spout  528  including a top wall  530  formed to include a liquid-discharge outlet  532 . Outlet closure  526  is sized and arranged to cover liquid-discharge outlet  532  until a consumer desires to remove liquid from the interior liquid reservoir chamber  15 . 
     Ring-shaped brim mount  522  includes an inner side wall  534 , a top wall  536 , and an outer side wall  538  as shown in  FIG.  11   . Central closure  524  is coupled to inner side wall  534  of brim mount  522  and forms an upper barrier to block liquids from flowing out of interior liquid reservoir chamber  15  until outlet closure  526  is removed from liquid-discharge outlet  532 . Central closure  524  includes drink spout  528 , a central basin  544 , and a plateau  546  as shown in  FIG.  12   . Drink spout  528  is coupled to central basin  544  and extends upwardly to a raised elevation above top wall  536  of brim mount  522 . Drink spout  528  is the only structure of lid  520  that raises above top wall  536  to provide lid  520  with a low profile to minimize an overall weight of lid  520  as will be described in greater detail herein. Central basin  544  is coupled to inner side wall  534  of brim mount  522  and is arranged below top wall  536 . Plateau  546  extends upwardly from central basin  544  and is also arranged to lie below top wall  536  of brim mount  522 . A straw opening  597  is formed in a top wall of plateau  546 . Central basin  544  is formed to include a vent aperture  545 . Accordingly, lid  520  may be used for drinking a liquid from cup  12  through liquid-discharge outlet  532  or with a straw (not shown) inserted in straw opening  597 . 
     Central basin  544  also includes a plurality of push buttons  598  that extend upwardly in the same direction as plateau  546 . The plurality of push buttons  598  provide a mechanism for a user to provide an input to at least one of the buttons so that the button will change from a first condition to a second condition. For example, a user may push a button  598  so that it is no longer upwardly projecting but rather changes to a downwardly projecting state that a user can readily visually or tactilely identify. Such a feature could be used to indicate the contents of a cup to which the lid is coupled. Central basin  544  may also include other indicia near each button  598  that could be used also to provide information to a user in any of a variety of ways. Indicia and push buttons  598  could cooperate to communicate information to a user, such as a button  598  proximate a certain indicia being used to suggest that indicia. 
     Outlet closure  526  includes an outlet-closure skirt  554  and an outlet closure pedestal  556  that extends upwardly from outlet-closure skirt  554 . The outlet-closure skirt  554  has an outer edge with a shape that matches a perimeter of the liquid-discharge outlet  532 . Outlet closure pedestal  556  is formed in a generally central region of outlet-closure skirt  554  and is configured to be engaged by a consumer to change outlet closure  526  from the closed position to the opened position for access to liquids in interior liquid reservoir chamber  15 . Outlet closure pedestal  556  includes a pedestal tip  587  and a pedestal base  589 . The transition from the pedestal base  589  to the pedestal tip  587  is more abrupt than the transition from broadening portions  88  to vertically extending portions  86  of outlet-closure pedestal  56 . 
     In some embodiments, lid  20 , and/or any component thereof, may be made of any of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, any of a variety of suitable plastics material, any other material, or any combination thereof. Suitable plastics material may include, but is not limited to, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), crystallized polyethylene terephthalate (CPET), mixtures and combinations thereof, or any other plastics material or any mixtures and combinations thereof. It is understood that multiple layers of material may be used for any of a variety of reasons, including to improve barrier properties, or to provide known functions related to multiple layer structures. The multiple layers, if included, may be of various materials, including but not limited to those recited herein. 
     In some embodiments, lid  20 , and/or any component thereof, may be substantially rigid, substantially flexible, a hybrid of rigid and flexible, or any combination of rigid, flexible, and/or hybrid, such as having some areas be flexible and some rigid. It is understood that these examples are merely illustrative, are not limiting, and are provided to illustrate the versatility of options available in various embodiments of lid  20 , and/or any component thereof. 
     In some embodiments, a variety of processes or combination thereof may be used to form lid  20 , and/or any component thereof, or any layer or substrate used therein. For example, any component, layer, or substrate, or combination thereof, may be thermoformed, injection molded, injection stretch blow molded, blow molded, extrusion blow molded, coextruded, subjected to any other suitable process, or subjected to any combination thereof. In some embodiments, lid  20 , and/or any component thereof may be formed substantially of injection molded and/or thermoformed suitable plastics material, although other materials and forming processes may be used instead of or in addition to injection molding and thermoforming, respectively. Various materials and/or processes may be used to form lid  20 , and/or any component thereof, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, lid  20 , and/or any component thereof, may be substantially a one-piece design and/or substantially formed as an integral or unitary structure. Reference is hereby made to U.S. Publication No. 2020/0140160 and titled DRINK CUP LID for disclosure relating to drink cup lids that are made from a material comprising polypropylene, which application is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein. Reference is hereby made to U.S. Publication No. 2019/0039328 and titled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THERMOFORMING AN ARTICLE for disclosure relating to a method of manufacturing lids, which application is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein. 
     In some embodiments, while some directional terms are used herein, such as top, bottom, upper, lower, inward, outward, upward, downward, etc., these terms are not intended to be limiting but rather to relate to one or more exemplary orientations, positions, and/or configurations of lid  20 , and/or any component thereof. It is understood lid  20  and/or any component or portion thereof may be inverted or re-oriented to face or point a different direction without departing from the nature of lid  20  disclosed herein.