Patent Publication Number: US-9840364-B2

Title: Container lid and damming insert constructions

Description:
PRIOR HISTORY 
     This patent application claims the benefit of, and priority to pending U.S. Patent Application No. 61/928,298 filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on 16 Jan. 2014, the specifications and drawings of which are hereby incorporated by reference thereto. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to lid constructions for outfitting a hot beverage container. More particularly, the present invention relates to certain lid constructions and/or damming inserts usable in combination with lid constructions for outfitting a hot beverage container for enabling the drinker to selectively transfer heat from a hot beverage prior to consumption, and for preventing inadvertent spillage by blocking direct liquid flow from a container via a liquid outlet formed in the lid construction such as when the user is walking, driving, or engaged in other movements while holding the beverage container. 
     Brief Description of the Prior Art 
     The broad field of lids for hot beverage containers and hot beverage container assemblies inclusive of lids is exceedingly well-developed. The art relating to means for cooling hot beverages prior to consumption is a bit more limited. In any case, it is most difficult to pinpoint the most pertinent art relevant to the present invention given the wide swath of art swept by beverage container constructions and developments. Nevertheless, some of the more pertinent prior is believed to be briefly described hereinafter. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,493 (&#39;493 Patent), which issued to Robinson, for example, discloses an Integrally Molded Measurer Dispenser. The &#39;493 Patent describes a closure providing a side wall having first and second distal ends, an inner surface and an outer perimeter. A cone-shaped divider projects inwardly and upwardly from a lower perimeter of the side wall and includes a drain-back orifice therethrough. The cone-shaped divider further includes an apex having an opening therethrough. The closure further provides a lid pivotally attached at an outer diameter thereof to the outer perimeter of the side wall first distal end by an integral hinge. The lid includes a shaped substantially conforming to the side wall perimeter. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,390 (&#39;390 Patent), which issued to Kemp, discloses a Container Lid with Cooling Reservoir. The &#39;390 Patent describes a container lid with a cooling reservoir for releasably covering a disposable cup containing a hot beverage. The cooling reservoir includes a side wall with a small opening to allow a small volume of the hot beverage to pass into the cooling reservoir in which the beverage sufficiently cools down to enable the consumer to sip the beverage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,510 (&#39;510 Patent), which issued to Pavlopoulos, discloses a Cup Assembly having a Cooling Compartment. The &#39;510 Patent describes a cup assembly comprising a cup and a lid to define therebetween a first passage and a second passage to allow a liquid cooling compartment between the lid and the cup to be filled with liquid contained in the cup when the first passage is clear and the second passage is blocked and the liquid in the liquid cooling compartment is able to flow out of an outlet in communication with the liquid cooling compartment when the second passage is clear and the first passage is blocked. 
     U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0062943, which was authored by Bosworth, Sr., describes a container lid for a cup-type beverage which includes within the lid a disc-shaped media in which the lid is adapted to be releasably affixed to the beverage container and where the lid is protected from the beverage within the container and wherein the disc may be removed from the lid and utilized for entertainment purposes. 
     U.S. Patent Application No. 2010/0264150, which was authored by Leon et al., describes a disposable beverage cup comprising a ledge between the cup&#39;s rim and the grasping portion of the cup that is commonly held in the user&#39;s hand. The ledge, which comprises a curb, a horizontal plane, and one or more indentations, acts as a barrier between the user&#39;s hand and other objects, preventing a lid that has been press fit onto the cup&#39;s rim from being dislodged. In order to remove the lid, the user must insert a finger and/or thumb into the indentation(s) and press upward on the lid. The cup has a contour between the ledge and the grasping portion with ergonomic features to increase the user&#39;s comfort in handling the cup. 
     U.S. Patent Application No. 2010/0320220, which was authored by Hussey et al., describes a plastic lid for a drinks container, for example, a coffee cup. The plastic lid is provided with an ancillary access facility in the form of an opening or a part of the lid easily removable to form an opening. The ancillary access facility allows a person to drink from the container without removal of the lid. After the ancillary access facility has been cleaned or de-contaminated it is protected by the application of a protective cover. 
     The protective cover may have a variety of shapes, for example, it may cover the entire lid or it may cover only a selected part of the lid, for example, only the area of the lid involving the ancillary access facility. The protective cover protects the ancillary access facility from the inadvertent transfer of germs to the drinking area by the person dispensing the drinks as they push the lid down with their hands to seal the lid to the container top. The protective covers are arranged to be easily stripped from the lid by the application of mere finger pressure. From a consideration of the foregoing, it will be noted that the prior art perceives a need for a low cost, disposable hot beverage lid construction for use in combination with a container for enabling the user to selectively transfer heat from the hot beverage via the lid and/or insert construction so as to avoid scalding prior to beverage consumption, and for preventing spillage by blocking direct liquid flow from a container a liquid outlet formed in the lid construction due to movements that may occur while walking, driving and other movements on the go, by killing oscillation on liquid which is an unavoidable consequence of a cup with a liquid on the go. By providing a slight delay before liquid exits the primary outlet and a predictable liquid flow in time of consumption on the go is important benefit of damming insert structure according to the present invention. The prior art further perceives a need for various lid constructions and damming insert constructions as summarized in more detail hereinafter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To achieve the aforementioned and other readily apparent objectives, the present invention essentially discloses various hot beverage container lid constructions and damming insert constructions for enabling a user/drinker to selectively transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-contained beverage so as to cool the beverage before it enters the user&#39;s/drinker&#39;s mouth; and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. The present invention is thus contemplated to provide certain low-cost, disposable means for transferring thermal energy from a relatively hot liquid beverage to relatively cool surroundings so as to prevent scalding before consumption thereof. 
     The following specifications are believed to support a number of inventive concepts, which concepts may be said to essentially define certain lid constructions for enhancing heat transfer from a relatively hot (container-contained) liquid; and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described and/or enabling a user to select a differing means for accessing container contents for expediting or slowing consumption of container contents as the use may elect. 
     The various lid constructions according to the present invention may be said to essentially comprise a lid rim, an outer lid wall as variously referenced, and an inner lid wall opposite the outer lid wall as variously referenced. A primary outlet as various referenced may be preferably formed in the inner lid wall. The lid rim preferably extends in a rim plane, and the primary outlet may preferably function to outlet liquid in directions substantially parallel to the rim plane. The various lid constructions being attachable to a liquid container, and the primary outlet basically functions to increase air with liquid or air-liquid turbulence for increasing heat transfer from the liquid as said liquid exits the primary outlet. 
     A damming depression, formation, or structure as variously depicted and referenced may be preferably formed in adjacency to the primary outlet for redirecting liquid movement and enhancing heat transfer therefrom before it exits the primary outlet; and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. The damming structure may preferably comprise a resilient portion, which resilient portion enables the damming structure to be placed into either an actuated position or a relaxed position. Certain figures, for example, depict an actuated position for providing a liquid outlet via the primary outlet, while certain other figures, by contrast, generally depict the damming structure returned to a relaxed position. 
     The reader will consider that the primary outlet may be formed by way of a spring-biasable material construction or damming structure, which spring-biasable material construction is preferably displaceable intermediate a relaxed configuration and an actuated configuration such that the actuated configuration functions to provide a primary outlet. In certain preferred embodiments, the lid construction may further preferably comprise certain (lower) stop structure formed in inferior adjacency to the spring-biasable material construction. 
     A lower stop structure preferably functions to prevent downward displacement of the spring-biasable material construction and thus to restrict (excessive) liquid flow. The spring-biasable material construction may be further preferably contoured or formed for cooperative engagement with a user&#39;s upper lip. The spring-biasable material construction may thus enable the user to more effectively depress the spring-biasable material construction by way of the user&#39;s upper lip. 
     The lid constructions according to the present invention may further preferably comprise a liquid-trapping reservoir. The liquid-trapping reservoir may be preferably located in adjacency to the primary outlet for receiving and pooling liquid exiting the primary outlet, and basically functions to enable heat transfer from the pooled liquid prior to liquid consumption. 
     Further, the lid constructions may preferably comprise a lip-receiving indentation. The lip-receiving indentation is preferably located in adjacency to the primary liquid-trapping reservoir for receiving and pooling liquid exiting the primary liquid-trapping reservoir thereby forming a secondary liquid-trapping reservoir, and form-fitting the lid construction to the upper lip of a user&#39;s mouth for preventing spillage of liquid during liquid consumption. 
     Certain embodiments of the lid constructions further function to provide plural container access points, and thus may be said to preferably comprise a primary outlet as variously referenced, a secondary outlet and a lid rim. The primary and secondary outlets are preferably formed opposite one another within the circular lid construction(s). The primary outlet comprises a first aperture, and the secondary outlet comprises a second aperture, which second aperture is preferably relatively larger than the first aperture for enabling a user to selectively access consumable material via the lid construction via a select outlet, the select outlet being selected from the group consisting of the primary and secondary outlets. 
     In this last regard, it is contemplated that the primary outlet may well function to dispense or outlet relatively low viscosity consumable material such as hot coffee and the like while the secondary outlet may well function to dispense or outlet relatively high viscosity consumable material such as soup or stew type material. These types of lid constructions may preferably further comprise a flap construction, which flap construction may well function to selectively cover the secondary outlet as the user may elect. 
     The flap construction may preferably comprise certain means for selectively retaining the flap in an open position, which means may be exemplified by a gripping bump or protrusion. The protrusion preferably mates with structure at an opening formed at the damming insert side of the lid construction(s). The secondary outlet may be preferably formed in first lower material layer, and the flap construction may be preferably formed or hingedly connected to a second upper material layer. 
     Certain other lid constructions according to the present invention preferably comprise certain particularly formed damming formations as preferably exemplified by formations for enhancing heat transfer from a relatively hot container-contained liquid; and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. These lid constructions may be said to essentially comprise a lid rim, a primary outlet, and a damming formation, such that the damming formation is preferably located intermediate the lid rim and the primary outlet for redirecting liquid flow prior to outletting through the primary outlet. By redirecting liquid around the damming formation so formed, heat may be effecting transferred from the liquid prior to exiting the primary outlet and consumption by the user. The damming depressions or formations may either extend in a radially outward direction or a radially inward direction. 
     Certain other lid constructions according to the present invention comprise an upper lid construction and a lower damming insert. In these embodiments the upper lid construction comprises a primary outlet, and the lower damming insert is attached to the upper lid construction in inferior adjacency to the primary outlet for defining liquid-letting apertures intermediate the upper lid construction and lower damming insert. Together, the damming insert and liquid-letting apertures slow liquid flow prior to outletting through the primary outlet, and thus the damming insert(s) basically function to enhance or increase heat transfer(s) from the liquid prior to its exiting the primary outlet, and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. The present invention further contemplates certain lid construction methodologies whereby a central portion of a state of the art lid construction is removed to expose a central void in the state of the art lid construction; and a damming insert construction according to the present invention is utilized to fill that void for forming an improved lid construction. Accordingly, although the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred embodiments and certain methodologies, it is not intended that the novel arrangement and methods be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosures, and the appended claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features of my invention will become more evident from a consideration of the following brief descriptions of patent drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a side or edge elevational view of a first lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of the first lid construction otherwise shown in  FIG. 1  showing a liquid or beverage outlet aperture formed in a vertical wall of the lid construction. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic depiction of a user drinking from a hot liquid or beverage container outfitted with a second lid construction according to the present invention, the hot liquid or beverage container and second lid construction being depicted in cross-section to show the liquid or beverage outlet aperture formed in a vertical wall of the lid construction. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic depiction of a fragmentary hot beverage container outfitted with the second lid construction according to the present invention, the hot liquid or beverage container and second lid construction being depicted in cross-section to show the liquid or beverage outlet aperture formed by way of a spring-biasable or displaceable vertical wall of the lid construction. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of a third lid construction according to the present invention showing a damming feature and a relatively large opening or aperture formed opposite the damming feature. 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the third lid construction according to the present invention showing the damming feature and the relatively large opening or aperture formed opposite the damming feature. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear of posterior edge elevational view of a fourth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a first top plan view of the fourth lid construction according to the present invention showing a relatively large first opening opposite a relatively small second opening. 
         FIG. 8  is a first top perspective view of the fourth lid construction according to the present invention showing the relatively large first opening with a flap positioned adjacent the first opening, the flap being positioned in superior adjacency to the second opening. 
         FIG. 9  is a second top perspective view of the fourth lid construction according to the present invention showing the relatively large first opening with a flap positioned adjacent the first opening, the flap being positioned in superior adjacency to the second opening. 
         FIG. 10  is a frontal or anterior edge elevational view of the fourth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a right lateral edge elevational view of the fourth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a third top perspective view of the fourth lid construction according to the present invention showing a first opening-covering flap closing the relatively large first opening opposite the relatively small second opening. 
         FIG. 13  is a first top plan view of a fifth lid construction according to the present invention depicting a lower damming feature (as otherwise depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) inserted into an upper lid body (as depicted in  FIGS. 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12 ) (the method of assembly being generally depicted in  FIGS. 73 and 74 ) and a relatively large opening or aperture formed opposite the damming feature in a first lower layer of lid material and an opened flap construction hingedly connected to a second upper layer of lid material and extending toward the damming feature. 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of the fifth lid construction according to the present invention depicting the lower damming feature (as otherwise depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) inserted into an upper lid body (as depicted in  FIGS. 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12 ) (the method of assembly being generally depicted in  FIGS. 73 and 74 ) and a relatively large opening or aperture formed opposite the damming feature in a first lower layer of lid material and an opened flap construction hingedly connected to a second upper layer of lid material and extending toward the damming feature. 
         FIG. 14A  is an enlarged top perspective type depiction of a user&#39;s fragmentary hand holding a beverage container according to the present invention, a thumb of the user&#39;s fragmentary hand covering a vertically-oriented tactile reference point structure for providing the user with tactile sensory information outfitted upon the beverage container, which beverage container is further outfitted with fifth lid construction according to the present invention, which fifth lid construction comprises the lower damming feature (as otherwise depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) inserted into an upper lid body (as depicted in  FIGS. 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12 ) (the method of assembly being generally depicted in  FIGS. 73 and 74 ). 
         FIG. 15  is a first fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional diagrammatic type depiction of a sixth lid construction according to the present invention attached to a beverage container assembly, the sixth lid construction comprising an imbedded self-closing damming feature in a relaxed configuration with a separate stopper structure being inserted into an opening to prevent leakage therethrough. 
         FIG. 16  is a second fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional diagrammatic type depiction of the sixth lid construction according to the present invention attached to a beverage container assembly, the sixth lid construction comprising an imbedded self-closing damming feature in an actuated configuration for enabling beverage flow therefrom into a user&#39;s mouth. 
         FIG. 17  is a third fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional diagrammatic type depiction of the sixth lid construction according to the present invention attached to a beverage container assembly, the sixth lid construction comprising an imbedded self-closing damming feature in a relaxed configuration prior to beverage consumption via a user&#39;s mouth. 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom perspective view of a seventh lid construction according to the present invention showing a lower damming insert construction attached to the upper material construction of the ninth lid construction. 
         FIG. 19A  is a reduced top plan view of the seventh lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 19B  is a reduced top perspective view of the seventh lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 19C  is a reduced anterior edge elevational view of the seventh lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 19D  is a reduced bottom plan view of the seventh lid construction according to the present invention showing the lower damming insert construction attached to the upper material construction of the ninth lid construction. 
         FIG. 19E  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the seventh lid construction according to the present invention as sectioned from  FIG. 19C . 
         FIG. 19G  is an enlarged sectional view of the junction site where the lower damming insert construction is attached to the upper material construction of the seventh lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 19E . 
         FIG. 20  is a longitudinal cross-sectional diagrammatic type depiction of an eighth lid construction according to the present invention showing a lower spring-like damming insert attached to an anterior wall of the lid construction in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet. 
         FIG. 21  is a first top perspective view of a ninth lid construction according to the present invention showing a damming depression formed in an inner wall of the lid construction in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet. 
         FIG. 22  is a first top perspective view of a tenth lid construction according to the present invention showing a damming depression formed in an outer wall of the lid construction in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet. 
         FIG. 23  is a first enlarged diagrammatic type fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the ninth lid construction according to the present invention presented to depict beverage flow diversion around the damming depression formed in an inner wall inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet. 
         FIG. 24  is a first enlarged diagrammatic type fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the tenth lid construction according to the present invention presented to depict beverage flow diversion around the damming depression formed in an outer wall in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet. 
         FIG. 25  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tenth lid construction according to the present invention presented to depict beverage flow diversion around the damming depression formed in an outer wall inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet. 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the tenth lid construction otherwise depicted in  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ninth lid construction according to the present invention presented to depict beverage flow diversion around the damming depression formed in an inner wall inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet. 
         FIG. 28  is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the ninth lid construction otherwise depicted in  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 29  is a top perspective view of a first damming insert construction that is insertable into or otherwise cooperable with a S OLO ® brand lid construction for slowing beverage flow from the outfitted beverage container assembly. 
         FIG. 30  is a bottom plan view of the first damming insert construction that is insertable into or otherwise cooperable with a S OLO ® brand lid construction for slowing beverage flow from the outfitted beverage container assembly. 
         FIG. 31  is a top plan view of the first damming insert construction that is insertable into or otherwise cooperable with a S OLO ® brand lid construction for slowing beverage flow from the outfitted beverage container assembly. 
         FIG. 32  is an enlarged fragmentary top perspective view of a second damming insert construction that is insertable into or otherwise cooperable with brand name lid construction(s) for slowing beverage flow from the outfitted beverage container assembly. 
         FIG. 33  is an enlarged fragmentary lateral view of the second damming insert construction that is insertable into or otherwise cooperable with brand name lid construction(s) for slowing beverage flow from the outfitted beverage container assembly. 
         FIG. 34  is a top perspective view of a third damming insert construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  is a frontal or anterior edge elevational view of the third damming insert construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  is a lateral edge elevational view of the third damming insert construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 37  is a first enlarged top perspective view of the first damming insert construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 38  is a second enlarged top perspective view of the first damming insert construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  is a top plan view of an eleventh lid construction according to the present invention showing a relatively narrow, laterally-extending primary beverage outlet. 
         FIG. 40  is a bottom plan view of the eleventh lid construction according to the present invention showing a damming insert construction attached to the lid construction in inferior adjacency to the relatively narrow, laterally-extending primary beverage outlet. 
         FIG. 41  is a bottom plan view of a twelfth lid construction according to the present invention showing a damming insert construction attached to the lid construction in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet. 
         FIG. 42  is a reduced anterior edge elevational view of the twelfth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 43  is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the of the twelfth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 42 . 
         FIG. 44  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional depiction of the primary beverage outlet and damming insert junction site sectioned from  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 45  is a top perspective view of a thirteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 46  is an anterior edge elevational view of the thirteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 47  is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the thirteenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 46 . 
         FIG. 48  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the thirteenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 47 . 
         FIG. 49  is a bottom plan view the thirteenth lid construction according to the present invention referencing the primary beverage outlet formed in a vertical wall of the thirteenth lid construction. 
         FIG. 50  is an anterior edge elevational view of the thirteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 51  is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the thirteenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 50 . 
         FIG. 52  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the thirteenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 53  is a top perspective view the fourteenth lid construction according to the present invention referencing the primary beverage outlet formed in a vertical wall of the fourteenth lid construction. 
         FIG. 54  is an anterior edge elevational view of the fourteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 55  is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the fourteenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 54 . 
         FIG. 56  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the fourteenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 55 . 
         FIG. 57  is a bottom plan view depiction of a fifteenth lid construction according to the present invention showing a perimeter where a state of the art lid construction is cut and a damming insert according to the present invention is inserted. 
         FIG. 58  is a longitudinal cross-sectional type depiction of the fifteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 59  is a bottom plan view the fifteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 60  is a bottom plan view a sixteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 61  is a top perspective view of a seventeenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 62  is an anterior edge elevational view of the seventeenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 63  is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the seventeenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 62 . 
         FIG. 64  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the seventeenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 63 . 
         FIG. 65  is a first top perspective view of an eighteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 66  is a first anterior edge elevational view of the eighteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 67  is a first longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the eighteenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 66 . 
         FIG. 68  is a first enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the eighteenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 67 . 
         FIG. 69  is a second top perspective view of the eighteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 70  is a second anterior edge elevational view of the eighteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 71  is a second longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the eighteenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 70 . 
         FIG. 72  is a second enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the eighteenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 71 . 
         FIG. 73  is an exploded anterior view of a combination assembly comprising a liquid-damming lower lid construction and a mouth-interfacing upper lid construction, the lower and upper lid constructions being attachable such that the lower lid construction is attached to the upper lid construction for slowing liquid flow from the primary liquid outlet of the upper lid construction. 
         FIG. 74  is an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional type depiction of the combination assembly otherwise shown in  FIG. 73  showing the liquid-damming lower lid construction and the mouth-interfacing upper lid construction, the lower and upper lid constructions being attachable such that the lower lid construction is attached to the upper lid construction for slowing liquid flow from the primary liquid outlet of the upper lid construction. 
         FIG. 75  is a top perspective view of a nineteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 76  is an anterior edge elevational view of the nineteenth lid construction according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 77  is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the nineteenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 76 . 
         FIG. 78  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the nineteenth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 77 . 
         FIG. 79  is an enlarged first sequential fragmentary depiction of a user&#39;s hand grasping a beverage container outfitted with a twentieth lid construction according to the present invention depicting the user&#39;s thumb before the user&#39;s thumb presses outer lid wall. 
         FIG. 80  is an enlarged second sequential fragmentary depiction of a user&#39;s hand grasping a beverage container outfitted with the twentieth lid construction according to the present invention depicting the user&#39;s thumb after the user&#39;s thumb presses and indents the outer lid wall. 
         FIG. 81  is an enlarged first sequential fragmentary depiction of a fragmentary upper portion of a beverage container outfitted with the twentieth lid construction according to the present invention before an indentable portion of the outer lid wall is indented. 
         FIG. 82  is an enlarged second sequential fragmentary depiction of a fragmentary upper portion of a beverage container outfitted with the twentieth lid construction according to the present invention after the indentable portion of the outer lid wall is indented. 
         FIG. 83  is a top plan view of the twentieth lid construction according to the present invention before the indentable portion of the outer lid wall is indented. 
         FIG. 84  is an anterior edge elevational view of the twentieth lid construction according to the present invention before the indentable portion of the outer lid wall is indented. 
         FIG. 85  is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the twentieth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 84 . 
         FIG. 86  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the twentieth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 85 . 
         FIG. 87  is a top plan view of the twentieth lid construction according to the present invention after the indentable portion of the outer lid wall is indented. 
         FIG. 88  is an anterior edge elevational view of the twentieth lid construction according to the present invention after the indentable portion of the outer lid wall is indented. 
         FIG. 89  is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the twentieth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 88 . 
         FIG. 90  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the twentieth lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 89 . 
         FIG. 91  is a top plan view of the twenty-first lid construction according to the present invention before the indentable portion of the outer lid wall is indented. 
         FIG. 92  is an anterior edge elevational view of the twenty-first lid construction according to the present invention before the indentable portion of the outer lid wall is indented. 
         FIG. 93  is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the twenty-first lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 92 . 
         FIG. 94  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the twenty-first lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 93 . 
         FIG. 95  is a top plan view of the twenty-first lid construction according to the present invention after the indentable portion of the outer lid wall is indented. 
         FIG. 96  is an anterior edge elevational view of the twenty-first lid construction according to the present invention after the indentable portion of the outer lid wall is indented. 
         FIG. 97  is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the twenty-first lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 96 . 
         FIG. 98  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the primary beverage outlet site of the twenty-first lid construction as sectioned from  FIG. 97 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings with more specificity, the preferred embodiments of the present invention primarily concern a (hot) beverage container lid construction for preventing scalding of the user from accidentally spilled hot beverage. A further objective of the present disclosures is to provide a lid construction for enabling a user/drinker to effectively transfer heat (as generically referenced at  100 ) from a relatively hot assembly-contained beverage  101  so as to cool the beverage  101  before it enters the user&#39;s/drinker&#39;s mouth. 
     The present inventions and disclosures are thus contemplated to provide certain low-cost, disposable container-based means for safeguarding a user or hot beverage consumer from accidental spillage of hot beverage  101  from a lid-outfitted beverage container for transferring thermal energy from a relatively hot liquid beverage  101  to relatively cool surroundings so as to prevent scalding primarily and/or spillage secondarily. 
     When viewed in combination with a hot beverage container assembly, the present invention is believed to comprise a container structure as at  10  and a lid structure or construction as variously referenced hereinafter. The essential container structure  10  is believed to preferably comprise a container bottom  12 , a container wall as at  13 , and an upper container rim as at  14 . The upper container rim  14  has a rim perimeter, which rim perimeter preferably extends in a container rim plane. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a lid construction  11  usable in connection with S OLO  brand or type lid constructions having an outer wall portion as at  81  and an inner wall portion as at  79  at a beverage or consumable outlet site of the lid construction  11 . The main or primary opening or beverage-consumable outlet  15  is formed in the inner wall portion  79  having a vertical or non-horizontal orientation when the lid construction  11  is situated horizontally as generally depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 1A . 
     A horizontal plane as at  102  is referenced in  FIG. 1A  and the main or primary outlet  15  is formed for outletting beverage or consumable(s) in directions substantially parallel to plane  102  instead of being formed in a horizontal wall as is most common in the state of the art. This beverage or consumable outlet  15  thus renders flow dynamics more restricted and liquid flows as at  104  up perpendicular to air flow as at  103  when air is inhaled with liquid. 
     This provides an air mixing function with air mixing and the attendant heat transfers via such action more effective. This opening or aperture  15  is preferably formed as a relatively thin prolonged hole or aperture as generally depicted in  FIG. 3  at shape  205  instead of a round or circular or oval shape as is most common in the state of the art. This type of opening shape forces the liquid flow  104  to be spread thinner which increases air to beverage or consumable contact area greater thereby enabling enhanced air mixing activity for creating a greater cooling effect. 
     Referencing  FIG. 2 , the illustration depicts a damming structure  18  imbedded in the main body of the lid construction  17  by configuration of formed plastic or polymeric material. The embodiment of the damming structure  18  is cost effective, does not require an additional insert into the lid construction  17 , and acts as effective damming structure for liquid flow. In cooperation with the thinly sliced horizontally oriented opening (as at shape  205 ) formed in the inner lid wall  79  instead of oval shaped on the top, the primary consumable opening or outlet  15  creates a mixing effect with air as the consumable is consumed. 
     The damming effects occurs between the outer lid wall  81  and the inner lid wall  79  of formed plastic or polymeric material when consumable liquid rushes towards the main or primary opening or outlet  15  it enters as at  105  a narrow channel  19  which restricts amount of liquid that passes through this channel  19 . The relatively narrow space or channel  19  may be preferably formed by stamping or by vacuum molding. 
     A relatively small, liquid-trapping reservoir as at  20  is preferably defined by and formed next to the damming structure  18  in inferior adjacency to the outlet  15 . The liquid-trapping reservoir  20  adds to cooling effect as trapped liquid cools quickly and sequential sips add or revert cooled liquid back to the reservoir  20 . 
     Besides the primary damming effect, the damming structure  18  according to the present invention makes it easier to control liquid flow towards the main opening  15 .  FIG. 3  depicts a damming structure  18 , but in the lid construction  21  shown in  FIG. 3 , the damming structure  18  is disconnected at the bottom as at disconnected portion  206 , and thus has a resilient action or acts like a spring to enable back and forth (e.g. up and down) displacements of the lid top  207  as at  106 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 4-14 , the reader is directed to lid constructions  22 ,  23 , and  24 , according to the present invention showing a first, damming-insert side  25  of the lid construction(s)  22 - 24  and a second relatively large opening side  26  of the lid construction(s)  22 - 24 . The relatively large opening  27  on the second side(s)  26  of the lid construction(s)  22 - 24  is/are opposite the (attached) damming feature as generically referenced at  28  in the noted figures. 
     The relatively large opening  27  is an option that enables users to use the relatively larger opening  27  if desirable or for condiment additions to the container. Further, the relatively large opening  27  may effectively function as an outlet for soup-like consumables or beverages or for beverages or consumables having high viscosity such as milkshakes or the like. The same lid construction(s)  22 - 24  may thus be used for either coffee-like beverages or for thicker liquids such as soup or the like as the user may elect. 
     The lid constructions according to the present invention may preferably comprise a separate material layer construction as at  29  in  FIG. 13 , and thus the damming insert may have a relatively large hole or aperture formed in a first lower material layer  29  to render the relatively large aperture  27 . The second or upper material layer  33  may preferably comprise a hingedly connected flap construction  30  for selectively closing and/or covering the relative large opening  27 . The flap construction  30  is preferably shaped in such a way that it mates with the relatively large opening  27  formed in the insert layer  29  and locks therewith. 
     The flap construction  30  preferably may preferably comprise certain means for selectively retaining the flap construction  30  in an open position. Said means may be preferably exemplified by a gripping bump or protrusion  31 , which bump or protrusion  31  may well function as (1) a manual-gripping device to open the flap construction  30  and (2) a locking device when the flap construction  30  is opened. 
     The gripping device  31  locks in to the opening  32  formed at the damming insert side  25  of the lid construction(s)  22 - 24 . In this case to prevent leakage, it is preferable that the lid construction(s)  22 - 24  preferably be outfitted with certain lid-to-container retention means as may be exemplified by more detailed descriptions appearing in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/908,013. 
     Referencing  FIG. 14A , the reader will there see a depiction of a user&#39;s fragmentary hand  208  holding a beverage container  10  according to the present invention, a thumb  209  of the user&#39;s fragmentary hand  208  covering a vertically-oriented tactile reference point structure  210  for providing the user with tactile sensory information. The tactile sensory information provided by the structure  210  helps the user orient the container  10  about its axis such that the user may align the sides  25  or  26  as the user may elect. 
     Referencing  FIGS. 15-17 , the reader will consider a sixth lid construction  36  according to the present invention, which lid construction  36  preferably comprises an imbedded self-closing (under resilient spring-like return force) damming structure or feature as at  41 . The lid construction  36  preferably comprises a stopper  37  molded into outer side wall  38  of the lid construction  36 . In order to prevent an inadvertent or accidental large opening by downward depression (as at  108 ) of resilient damming structure  41 , the stopper  37  is formed at a point in the wall  38  so as to provide a stop structure for preventing any further movement past the stopper  37  of damming structure  41 . 
     The bump  42  on the top of the spring like damming structure  41  is designed to be pushed down (as at  108 ) by upper lip  43  of the drinker to open the gap or opening between the lid body and the damming feature  41  and make controllable flow  109  of the consumable liquid or beverage  101 . Because the opening  40  is narrow and liquid flow  109  is restricted, the reader should understand that the spring like damming structure  41  acts to dam liquid flow. Air flow  110  from the between top lid and the cap creates additional cooling effect. When the drinker is finished sipping beverage  101 , the spring like cap or damming structure  41  is released to its original position thereby closing the outlet or opening  40 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 18-19G , the reader will note that a seventh lid construction as at  48  according to the present invention. The lid construction  48  provides a reduced cost version for the lid construction whereby a lower damming insert construction  49  is attached to an upper lid body  50  in inferior adjacency to a primary beverage or consumable outlet formed as at  51 . An eighth lid construction  52  according to the present invention is diagrammatically depicted in  FIG. 20 . The eighth lid construction  52  attempts to depict a spring-like lower or inner damming insert  53  attached to the upper or outer lid body  54 , which insert  53  is attached in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage or consumable outlet as at  55 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 21-24 , the reader is directed to ninth and tenth lid constructions  56  and  57  respectively as may be exemplified by altered S OLO ® brand and D ART ® brand lid constructions. The lid constructions  56  and  57  according to the present invention preferably comprise damming depressions or formations  58  formed in inferior adjacency to primary beverage or consumable liquid outlets  59 . The damming depressions or formations  58  may be formed either in the inner lid wall  64  (as in the ninth lid construction  56 ) or in the outer lid wall  65  (as in the tenth lid construction  57 ). 
     The damming depressions or formations  58  are horizontally oriented in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet(s)  59  for directing beverage flow  104  around the structural formations or damming bridges formed by the depressions or formations  58  so as to delay the final outlet of beverage or consumable liquid for enabling heat  100  to transfer from the beverage or consumable beverage flow  104  during the redirective movements as at  104 ′ and  104 ″, and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. The reader is directed to  FIGS. 30-33  for added details/disclosures relating to this structural development. 
       FIGS. 25 and 26  depict a depression or formation or structure  58  extending inwardly in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage or consumable beverage outlet  59  toward an inner lid wall  64  of lid construction  56 . It will be noted that the depression or formation or structure  58  extends to the inner lid wall  64  and thus that liquid flow (as at  104 ) may be preferably redirected laterally either out of the page as at vector  104 ′ or into the page as at vector  104 ″ for enabling heat  100  transfer from the liquid flow(s)  104 ′ and/or  104 ″, and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described.  FIGS. 27 and 28  depict a depression or formation or structure  58  extending outwardly in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet  59  toward an outer lid wall  65  of lid construction  57 . It will be noted that the depression or formation or structure  58  extends to the outer lid wall  65  and thus that liquid flow (as at  104 ) may be preferably redirected laterally either out of the page as at vector  104 ′ or into the page as at vector  104 ″ for enabling heat  100  transfer from the liquid flow(s)  104 ′ and/or  104 ″, and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. 
     Referencing  FIGS. 29-31 , the reader is directed to a damming insert construction  60  designed to outfit a S OLO ® brand lid construction. The damming insert construction  60  may be preferably inserted into a S OLO ® brand lid construction in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet as at  59  for slowing beverage or consumable liquid flow  104  from the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  59  for enabling heat  100  to transfer therefrom prior to consumption by the user/drinker, and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. 
     Referencing  FIGS. 32 and 33 , the reader is directed to a second damming insert construction  61  designed to outfit other brand name lid constructions. The reader is particularly directed to laterally-opposed beverage-letting apertures  63  formed in the construction  61 . The damming insert construction  61  may be inserted into brand name lid construction(s) in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet(s) (e.g. outlet  59 ) for slowing beverage or consumable liquid flow from the primary beverage or consumable beverage outlet for enabling heat  100  to transfer therefrom prior to consumption by the user/drinker, and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. 
       FIGS. 34-38  depict certain other damming insert constructions usable in connection with certain brand name lid constructions, including those currently used by McDonald&#39;s Corporation.  FIGS. 34-36  depict a relatively more elaborate damming insert construction  69  for effecting various consumable liquid flow cooling channels when fastened in inferior adjacency to an upper lid body. The various contours of the damming insert construction  69  are specifically contoured so as to direct and/or slow consumable liquid flow  104  for transferring heat therefrom, and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. Laterally opposed beverage/air-letting apertures  63  enable transfer of hot consumable liquid  101  from the beverage- or consumable liquid-containing compartment into the cooling channels and formations enabled by the damming insert construction  69 . 
       FIGS. 37 and 38  depict a relatively more basic damming insert construction  70  for basically effecting a liquid damming effect (at relatively reduced manufacturing costs) when fastened in inferior adjacency to an upper lid body. The various contours of the damming insert construction  70  are specifically contoured so as to dam beverage or consumable liquid flow  104  for transferring heat therefrom, and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. For example, an upper liquid spillway  71  enables transfers of hot beverage or consumable liquid  101  from the beverage- or consumable liquid-containing compartment through the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet (e.g. outlet  59 ). 
     A forward, central, and upper liquid spillway  71  is generally depicted and referenced as such in FIG. Nos.  29 - 32 ,  34 ,  35 ,  37 , and  38 . The forward, central, and upper liquid spillway  71  preferably comprises an upper sloped region as at  91  and a lower sloped region as at  92  and is preferably positioned centrally intermediate opposed lid-engaging portions  94  extending laterally and rearwardly from the forward, central, and upper liquid spillway  71 . The upper and lower sloped regions  91  and  92  are differently sloped relative to one another as is readily understood from a comparative inspection of the noted figures. The upper sloped region  91  is preferably laterally bound by laterally opposed upright structures  93  for defining at least one free-flow, liquid-letting pathway over or around the lower damming insert elements there illustrated. Laterally-opposed beverage-letting apertures  63  may preferably be formed in laterally opposed relation relative to the central upper liquid spillway  71  as further depicted in certain embodiments. 
     Referencing  FIGS. 39 and 40 , the reader is directed to a top plan view of a eleventh lid construction  72  according to the present invention (i.e. a DART.RTM. brand lid utilized by Dunkin Brands Group, Inc.) showing a narrow laterally-extending (having a shape  205 ) primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet as at  15  in  FIG. 39 .  FIG. 40  is a bottom plan view of the eleventh lid construction  72  according to the present invention showing a lower damming insert construction  73  attached to an upper lid body as at  211  in inferior adjacency to the narrow laterally-extending primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  15  (not specifically illustrated in  FIG. 40 ). 
       FIG. 41  is a bottom plan view of a twelfth lid construction  74  according to the present invention showing a lower damming insert construction  75  attached to an upper lid body  212  in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet (not specifically shown in  FIG. 41 ).  FIG. 42  is a reduced anterior edge elevational view of the twelfth lid construction  74  according to the present invention.  FIG. 43  is a longitudinal cross-sectional depiction of the of the twelfth lid construction  74  as sectioned from  FIG. 42  showing the damming insert  75  positioned in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  76 .  FIG. 144  is an enlarged fragmentary sectional depiction of the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  76  and damming insert  75  situated in inferior adjacency to the outlet  76 . 
       FIGS. 45-52 , the reader is directed to a thirteenth lid construction  77  according to the present invention. The thirteenth lid construction  77  depicts a primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78  formed in an inner (substantially vertical) wall portion  79  of the thirteenth lid construction  77 . Liquid progresses toward the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78  through channel  80 .  FIGS. 45-52  attempt to depict S OLO ® brand or type lid construction(s) with inner and outer walls  79  and  81  of the forming material formed in such a way that creates a significant flow-restricting damming channel  80  for hot beverage or consumable liquid to pass through to the main opening or primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78 . 
     The primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78  is formed in the inner side of the inner wall  79  of indentation  82  made for a user&#39;s upper lip  43  to fit in and to draw air. The liquid dynamics created by such combination(s) of imbedded damming channel  80 , side wall  79  and prolonged main opening or primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78  not only restrict hydraulic pressure but creates “waterfall” flow of consumable liquid which enables easier or greater mixing up with air intake and creates an additional cooling effect. 
     It is important to note that the space between outer wall  81  and inner wall  79  directly under the main or primary consumable liquid opening  78  is sufficiently narrow to significantly restrict of consumable liquid flow and extends laterally past the main or primary consumable liquid opening  78  just wide enough to restrict liquid flow from the sides of main opening  78 . 
     Note further that the damming channel  80  is preferably made or formed as a single-piece lid construction. There is no separate damming insert used in combination with lid construction  77 . The damming channel  80  is imbedded in the lid construction  77  during the process of forming the lid construction  77 . 
       FIGS. 53-56  attempt to depict D ART ® brand or type lid construction(s)  83  substantially identical to the S OLO ® brand or type lid construction(s) insofar as the lid constructions  83  also preferably comprise an inner lid walls as at  79  and an outer lid wall as at  81 . The wall-forming material is preferably formed in such a way that the opposed walls  79  and  81  provide a significant flow-restricting damming channel  80  for hot beverage to pass through to main opening or primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78 . The primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78  is formed in the inner side of the inner lid wall  79  and the indentation  82  is formed so as to receive an upper lip  43  for enabling the user&#39;s mouth to simultaneously draw air and liquid for effecting heat transfer from the liquid flow. 
       FIGS. 57-60  depict fifteenth and sixteenth lid constructions  84  and  85  respectively according to the present invention. The lid constructions  84  and  85  are preferably formed by removing central portions of state of the art lid constructions at a peripheral cut location as referenced at  86  for forming voids in the state of the art lid constructions. Damming insert constructions  87  and  88  may then be inserted into the aperture or void formed by the removal of centralized prior art lid portions and attached to the outer original peripheral lid portions  89  and  90 . Lid constructions  84  and  85  minimize cost of plastic or forming material since the resulting construction(s)  84  and/or  85  comprise a single layer of material construction instead of two layers. 
     Referencing  FIGS. 61-64 , the reader is directed to a seventeenth lid construction  95  according to the present invention. The seventeenth lid construction  95  depicts a primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78  formed in an inner, substantially vertical lid wall  79  of the seventeenth lid construction  95 . Consumable liquid progresses toward the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78  through a damming channel  80 .  FIGS. 61-64  attempt to depict state of the art type lid construction(s) (e.g. those used and/or sold by way of the McDonald&#39;s Corporation) with inner lid wall  79  and outer lid wall  81  of the forming material formed in such a way that creates significantly restricting damming channel  80  for hot beverage or consumable liquid to pass through to main opening or primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78 . 
     The primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78  is formed in the inner side of the inner lid wall  79  in adjacency to indentation  82  formed for receiving a user&#39;s upper lip  43  for air-drawing purposes as earlier described. The liquid dynamics created by such combination(s) of imbedded damming channel  80 , inner lid wall  79  and prolonged main opening or primary beverage or consumable beverage outlet  78  (comprising shape  205 ) not only restrict hydraulic pressure but creates waterfall effect flow of liquid as at  303  which enables easier or greater mixing up with air intake and creates additional cooling effect. 
     It is important to note that the space between outer lid wall  81  and inner lid wall  79  directly under main opening  78  is sufficiently narrow to cause significant flow restriction of liquid and extends laterally past the main opening  78  to a sufficient degree to restrict liquid flow from the sides of main opening  78 . Note further that this damming channel  80  is made or formed as a single piece lid construction. There is no separate damming insert used in combination with lid construction  95 . The damming channel  80  is imbedded in the lid construction during the process of forming the lid construction  95 . 
     Lid construction  95  further provides a primary liquid-trapping reservoir as at  96  for collecting or trapping liquid  302  after it has exited the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78 . Reservoir  96  collects liquid  302  after it cascades via a waterfall effect (as at  303 ) down inner lid wall  79  into the reservoir  96  and/or up the inner lid wall  79  into the user&#39;s mouth. The reader will note that when a user consumes the liquid  302 , heat  100  is transferred from the liquid  302  prior to consumption as a means to prevent scalding of the user&#39;s mouth. 
     Referencing  FIGS. 65-72 , the reader is directed to an eighteenth lid construction  97  according to the present invention. The eighteenth lid construction  97  depicts a primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78  formed in an inner substantially vertical lid wall  79  of the eighteenth lid construction  97 . Liquid progresses toward the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78  through a damming channel  80 .  FIGS. 65-72  attempt to depict state of the art type S OLO ® brand or type lid construction(s) with inner lid wall  79  and outer lid wall  81  of the forming material formed in such a way that the damming channel  80  significantly restricts liquid flow therethrough as it progress to the main opening or primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78 . 
     The primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78  is formed in the inner side of the inner lid wall  79  and indentation  82  is formed so as to receive a user&#39;s upper lip  43  for air-drawing purposes as earlier described. The liquid dynamics created by such combination(s) of imbedded damming channel  80 , inner lid wall  79  and prolonged main opening or primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  78  having shape  205  not only restrict hydraulic pressure but create a waterfall effect flow of liquid as at  303  which enables easier or greater mixing up with air intake and creates additional cooling effect. 
     It is important to note that the space between outer lid wall  81  and inner lid wall  79  directly under main opening  78  is sufficiently narrow to significantly restrict liquid flow and extends laterally past the main opening  78  to a sufficient degree to restrict liquid flow from the sides of main opening  78 . Note further that this damming channel  80  is made or formed as a single piece lid construction. There is no separate damming insert used in combination with lid construction  97 . The damming channel  80  is imbedded in the lid construction  97  during the process of forming the lid construction  97 . 
     Lid construction  97  further provides a liquid-trapping reservoir as at  96  and a relatively pronounced lip-receiving indentation as at  307  for receiving the upper lip  43  of a user&#39;s mouth. The lip-receiving indentation  307  basically functions to form-fit the lid construction  97  to the user&#39;s mouth for preventing spillage of liquid during liquid consumption. The indentation  307 , further, however, collects liquid after it cascades via a waterfall effect (akin to effect  303 ) down inner indentation wall  333  into the indentation  307  thereby forming a secondary liquid-trapping reservoir. Heat  100  transfers from the variously pooled liquid prior to consumption as a means to prevent scalding of the user&#39;s mouth. Please note that waterfall effect as at arrows  303  may be directed either upwardly or downwardly along surface of inner lid wall  79  and inner indentation wall  333  depending on the angle of the lid construction  97 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 73 and 74 , the reader is directed to a certain method of lid construction for forming a combination lid assembly as at  309 . The combination lid assembly  309  preferably comprises a liquid-damming lower lid construction as at  98  and a mouth-interfacing upper lid construction or body as at  99 . The lower and upper lid constructions  98  and  99  are attachable such that the lower lid construction  98  is attached to the upper lid construction  99  for slowing liquid flow from the primary consumable liquid outlet as at  300  of the upper lid construction  99 . 
     The lid assembly construction method supported by  FIGS. 73-74  may be said to preferably comprise the steps of forming a lower damming insert construction (as at  98 ) and attaching an upper lid construction as at  99  to the lower damming insert construction  98 , such that the upper lid construction is attached (as at arrows  306 ) to the (lower) damming insert construction  98  in superior adjacency thereto. The reader will please note that the damming insert construction  98  preferably comprises certain rim attachment means as exemplified by the rim receiving groove as at  301 . 
     Referencing  FIGS. 75-78 , the reader is directed to a nineteenth lid construction  310  according to the present invention. The nineteenth lid construction  310  depicts a primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  311  (preferably having a shape  205 ) formed in superior adjacency to a closed or collapsed outer-inner wall construction as at blockage site  312 . In other words, an inner lid wall  313  is attached to an outer lid wall  314  at the blockage site  312  as preferably formed by sound welding, heat welding, or adhesive means, and thus nineteenth lid construction  310  may be said to preferably provide a permanent blockage site  312 . 
     Viewed anteriorly as generally depicted in  FIG. 76 , the nineteenth lid construction  310  appears to comprise an indentation as at  315 . The blockage site  312  is in posterior adjacency to outer lid wall  314  at the central portion  316  of the indentation  315 . A beverage or liquid damming channel  317  is formed in superior adjacency to the blockage site  312  in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  311 . An air intake indentation  318  is preferably formed in posterior adjacency to the outlet  311  for enabling air-drawing and heat transfer functions as earlier described. 
     Liquid flow around the blockage site  312  is very much akin to liquid flow patterns earlier discussed in connection with damming depressions  58 . In this case the blockage site is situated inferior adjacency to the primary beverage or consumable beverage outlet  311  for directing beverage flow  104  around the blockage site  312  so as to delay the final outlet of beverage or consumable liquid for enabling heat  100  to transfer from the beverage or consumable liquid flow  104  during redirective movements analogous to movements  104 ′ and  104 ″, and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. The reader is re-directed to  FIGS. 25-28  for added details/disclosures relating to these movements. Liquid flow may thus be preferably redirected laterally around the blockage site  312  identified anteriorly as at collapsible central portion  316  through damming channel  317  and outlet via outlet  311  into the user&#39;s mouth. 
     Referencing  FIGS. 79-80 , the reader is directed to a twentieth lid construction  320  according to the present invention. The twentieth lid construction  320  depicts a primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  321  (preferably having a shape  205 ) formed in superior adjacency to an optionally closable or collapsible outer wall construction  324 , which collapsible outer wall construction  324  may thus optionally form a blockage site as at  322  by being manually depressed as at arrows  319  via a user&#39;s thumb  209  (or other digit) at a collapsible central portion  316  into engagement with the indented inner wall construction  323 . 
     In this regard, the reader may comparatively reference  FIG. 79  versus  FIG. 80  and  FIG. 81  versus  FIG. 82 .  FIG. 79  is an enlarged first sequential fragmentary depiction of a user&#39;s hand  208  grasping a beverage container  10  outfitted with a twentieth lid construction  320  according to the present invention depicting the user&#39;s thumb  209  before the user&#39;s thumb  209  presses collapsible outer lid wall construction  324 . 
       FIG. 80  is an enlarged second sequential fragmentary depiction of the user&#39;s hand  208  grasping the beverage container  10  outfitted with the twentieth lid construction  320  according to the present invention depicting the user&#39;s thumb  209  after the user&#39;s thumb  209  presses (as at force arrows  319 ) and indents or collapses the outer lid wall construction  324  into engagement with the indented inner lid wall construction  323  so as to manually form blockage site  322 . 
       FIGS. 81 and 82  depict the lid construction  320  in before and after collapsible outer lid wall construction  324  depression.  FIGS. 83-86  depict a before depression state of the lid construction  320 , and  FIGS. 87-90  depict an after depression state of the lid construction  320 . Referencing  FIG. 86 , the reader will there see an open flow channel  325  and an air draw indentation  326 . Referencing  FIG. 90 , the reader will there see a closed flow channel or blockage site  322  with a damming channel  327  formed in superior adjacency to the blockage site  322  in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage or consumable liquid outlet  321 . An air intake or draw indentation  326  is preferably formed in posterior adjacency to the outlet  321  for enabling air-drawing and heat transfer functions as earlier described. 
     Liquid flow around the blockage site  322  is very much akin to liquid flow patterns earlier discussed in connection with damming depressions  58 . In this case the blockage site is situated inferior adjacency to the primary beverage or consumable beverage outlet  321  for directing beverage flow around the blockage site  322  so as to delay the final outlet of beverage or consumable liquid for enabling heat  100  to transfer from the beverage or consumable liquid flow during redirective movements analogous to movements  104 ′ and  104 ″, and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. The reader is re-directed to  FIGS. 25-28  for added details/disclosures relating to these movements. Liquid flow may thus be preferably redirected laterally around the blockage site  322  and outlet via outlet  321  into the user&#39;s mouth. 
     Referencing  FIGS. 91-98 , the reader will there see a twenty-first lid construction  334  according to the present invention. The twenty-first lid construction  334  according to the present invention is substantially identical to the twentieth lid construction  320  according to the present invention except for the pre-collapsed structure  335  of the collapsible outer lid wall  324 . 
     The pre-collapsed structure  335  is relatively less pronounced as compared to pre-collapsed structure  336  of the twentieth lid construction  320  for enhancing nestability of a series of pre-collapsed lid constructions  334 . The open flow channel  337  is also relatively slimmer as compared to open flow channel  325  for comparatively restricting liquid flow therethrough to a greater extent in lid construction  334  as compared to lid construction  320 . 
     The pre-collapsed structure  335  of the outer lid wall construction  324  of lid construction  334  thus comprises a substantially vertical header portion (as compared to the lid rim  16 ) as at  338  and an obliquely angled footer portion  339 , which footer portion is obliquely angled relative to the header portion  338 . The pre-collapsed structure  335  thus basically functions to enable enhanced nestability of successive lid constructions and for providing a relatively narrow flow channel  337  defined by the inner surface of the header portion  340  and an inner surface  341  of the inner lid wall  323 . 
     While the foregoing specifications set forth much specificity, the same should not be construed as setting forth limits to the invention but rather as setting forth certain preferred embodiments and features. The foregoing specifications are believed to support a number of inventive concepts, which concepts may be said to essentially define certain lid constructions for enhancing heat transfer from a relatively hot (container-contained) liquid, and for preventing inadvertent spillage as previously described. 
     The various lid constructions according to the present invention may be said to essentially comprise a lid rim as at  16 ; an outer lid wall as variously referenced; and an inner lid wall opposite the outer lid wall as variously referenced. A primary outlet as various referenced may be preferably formed in the inner lid wall. The lid rim preferably extends in a rim plane as at  120 , and the primary outlet may preferably function to outlet liquid in directions substantially parallel to the rim plane  120 . The various lid constructions being attachable to a liquid container as at  10 , and the primary outlet basically functions to increase air with liquid or air-liquid turbulence for increasing heat transfer  100  from the liquid as said liquid exits the primary outlet. 
     A damming depression, formation, or structure as variously depicted and referenced may be preferably formed in adjacency to the primary outlet for redirecting liquid movement and enhancing heat transfer therefrom before it exits the primary outlet. The damming structure may preferably comprise a resilient portion, which resilient portion enables the damming structure to be placed into either an actuated position or a relaxed position.  FIGS. 2, 3A, and 16 , for example, depict an actuated position for providing a liquid outlet via the primary outlet. FIGS.  15  and  17 , by contrast, generally depict the damming structure returned to a relaxed position. 
     The reader will thus understand that the primary outlet is formable by way of a spring-biasable material construction or damming structure as at  41 , which spring-biasable material construction  41  is preferably displaceable intermediate a relaxed configuration and an actuated configuration such that the actuated configuration functions to provide a primary outlet. In certain preferred embodiments, the lid construction may further preferably comprise certain (lower) stop structure formed in inferior adjacency to the spring-biasable material construction. 
     A lower stop structure, as referenced at  37  for example, functions to prevent downward displacement of the spring-biasable material construction and thus to restrict (excessive) liquid flow. The spring-biasable material construction may be further preferably contoured or formed for cooperative engagement with a user&#39;s upper lip as at  43 . The spring-biasable material construction may thus enable the user to more effectively depress the spring-biasable material construction by way of the user&#39;s upper lip. 
     The outer lid wall may preferably comprises a collapsible portion as generally and comparatively depicted in  FIGS. 79-90 , or may alternatively comprise a more permanently depressed or indented outer wall formation generally and comparatively depicted in  FIGS. 75-78 . The collapsible portion may be manually depressable for selectively and/or manually forming a damming structure as at blockage site  322 . 
     The lid constructions according to the present invention may further preferably comprise a liquid-trapping reservoir as at  96 . The liquid-trapping reservoir  96  may be preferably located in adjacency to the primary outlet for receiving and pooling liquid exiting the primary outlet, and basically functions to enable heat transfer from the pooled liquid prior to liquid consumption. Further, the lid constructions may preferably comprise a lip-receiving indentation as at  307 . The lip-receiving indentation  307  is preferably located in adjacency to the primary liquid-trapping reservoir for (a) receiving and pooling liquid exiting the primary liquid-trapping reservoir  96  thereby forming a secondary liquid-trapping reservoir, and (b) form-fitting the lid construction to the upper lip  43  of a user&#39;s mouth for preventing spillage of liquid during liquid consumption. 
     Certain embodiments of the lid constructions further function to provide plural container access points, and thus may be said to preferably comprise a primary outlet as variously referenced, a secondary outlet as exemplified at  27  and a lid rim as at  16 . The primary and secondary outlets are preferably formed opposite one another within the circular lid construction(s). The primary outlet comprises a first aperture, and the secondary outlet comprises a second aperture, which second aperture is preferably relatively larger than the first aperture for enabling a user to selectively access consumable material via the lid construction via a select outlet, the select outlet being selected from the group consisting of the primary and secondary outlets. 
     In this last regard, it is contemplated that the primary outlet may well function to dispense or outlet relatively low viscosity consumable material such as hot coffee and the like while the secondary outlet may well function to dispense or outlet relatively high viscosity consumable material such as soup or stew type material. These types of lid constructions may preferably further comprise a flap construction as at  30 , which flap construction  30  may well function to selectively cover the secondary outlet as the user may elect. 
     The flap construction may preferably comprise certain means for selectively retaining the flap in an open position, which means may be exemplified by a gripping bump or protrusion as referenced at  31 . The protrusion  31  preferably mates with structure at the opening  32  formed at the damming insert side  25  of the lid construction(s). The secondary outlet may be preferably formed in first lower material layer as referenced at  29 , and the flap construction  30  may be preferably formed or hingedly connected to a second upper material layer as at  33 . 
     Certain other lid constructions according to the present invention preferably comprise certain particularly formed damming formations as preferably exemplified by formations  58  for enhancing heat transfer from a relatively hot container-contained liquid. These lid constructions may be said to essentially comprise a lid rim, a primary outlet, and a damming formation, such that the damming formation is preferably located intermediate the lid rim and the primary outlet for redirecting liquid flow prior to outletting through the primary outlet. By redirecting liquid around the damming formation so formed, heat may be effecting transferred from the liquid prior to exiting the primary outlet and consumption by the user. The damming depressions or formations may either extend in a radially outward direction or a radially inward direction. 
     Certain other lid constructions according to the present invention comprise an upper lid construction and a lower damming insert. In these embodiments the upper lid construction comprises a primary outlet, and the lower damming insert is attached to the upper lid construction in inferior adjacency to the primary outlet for defining liquid-letting apertures intermediate the upper lid construction and lower damming insert. Together, the damming insert and liquid-letting apertures slow liquid flow prior to outletting through the primary outlet, and thus the damming insert(s) basically function to enhance or increase heat transfer(s) from the liquid prior to its exiting the primary outlet. 
     The present invention further contemplates certain lid construction methodologies whereby a central portion of a state of the art lid construction is removed to expose a central void in the state of the art lid construction; and a damming insert construction according to the present invention is utilized to fill that void for forming an improved lid construction. Further, the lid assembly construction according to the present invention may be said to comprise the steps of forming a damming insert construction (with optional container rim attachment means as at  301 ); and attaching a lid construction to the damming insert construction, the lid construction being attached to the damming insert construction in superior adjacency thereto as generally and comparatively depicted in  FIGS. 73 and 74 . 
     Accordingly, although the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred embodiments and certain methodologies, it is not intended that the novel arrangement and methods be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosures, and the appended claims and drawings.