Patent Publication Number: US-2009223969-A1

Title: Lid assembly and method for use thereof

Description:
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/929,582, filed Oct. 30, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/544,268, filed Oct. 6, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,419,067, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/442,020, filed on May 25, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,398,893, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/297,959, filed on Dec. 8, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,398,892, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/763,520, filed on Jan. 23, 2004, now abandoned, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is concerned with a lid assembly for a cup, and more particularly to a lid assembly that includes a band with a lid attached thereto by a tether. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is customary to configure disposable soft drink cups so that each cup can be nested in a like cup beneath it in a stack. This greatly reduces the storage space for multiple cups. Such cups are rarely supplied with lids in place on the open mouth of the cups because this would preclude the cups being nested. Hence, the lids are usually supplied and stored in a container separate from the container for the cups. And, thus, the cups and lids must be handled separately and brought together for use. 
     There continues to be a need for a way to provide a cup and lid together so that cups can be stored in a nested condition. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cup and lid combination that includes a cup having a side wall, a closed bottom and an open top and a lid assembly. The lid assembly includes a band secured on the top of the cup, a lid secured on the band, and a tether having first and second ends. The first end of the tether is connected to the band and the second end of the tether is connected to the lid. In a preferred embodiment, the cup has an outer surface and an inner surface and the band has an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface of the band contacts the outer surface of the cup and the band does not contact the inner surface of the cup. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of placing a lid on a cup. The method includes the steps of providing a stack of nestable cups and removing a cup from the stack. The cup includes a lid assembly secured thereto. The lid assembly includes a band secured to the top of the cup, a lid configured to close the open top of the cup, and a tether having a first end of connected to the band and a second end connected to the lid. The method also includes pivoting the lid upwardly, and securing the lid over the band. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stack of cups that includes at least two cups each having a side wall, a closed bottom, an open top and a lip extending around the open top. The cups are oriented in a stacked configuration. Each cup includes a band secured to its lip. The band does not contact the inner surface of the cup. Each cup also includes a tether having first and second ends, and a lid. The first end of the tether is connected to the band and the second end of the tether is connected to the lid. The lid is adapted to be secured on the band such that it closes the open top of the cup. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an elevational view of a first embodiment of a cup/lid combination incorporating this invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the cup/lid combination of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged partial sectional view of the cup/lid combination of  FIG. 1  taken generally as indicated by line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a cup/lid combination; 
         FIG. 5  is another perspective view of the cup/lid combination of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of two of the cups of  FIG. 4  showing that they are nestable; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing the top and lid without the cup; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a cup showing the top and lid of  FIG. 7  secured on the lip of a cup; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the cup/lid combination of  FIG. 4 , showing the lid retained in a slot portion on the side of the cup; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of the cup of  FIG. 4  showing the slot portion without a lid therein; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a cup and lid with a T-bar connection in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the cup and lid of  FIG. 11  with the lid exploded from the cup; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of the cup and lid of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a detailed perspective view of the T-bar recess of the cup of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a detailed perspective view of the T-bar connector in the T-bar recess of the cup of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the lid of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 16   a  is a detailed perspective view of the T-bar connector of the lid of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a cup and lid with a snap fit connection in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the cup and lid of  FIG. 17  with the lid exploded from the cup; 
         FIG. 19  is a detailed perspective view of the snap fit connection of the lid and cup of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a detailed perspective view of the cup and lid of  FIG. 17  with the lid exploded from the cup; 
         FIG. 21  is another detailed perspective view of the snap fit connection of the lid and cup of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a detailed perspective view of the snap fit recess of the cup of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a detailed perspective view of the snap fit member of the lid of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a top plan view of a lid assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a side elevation sectional view of the lid assembly of  FIG. 1  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a side elevational view of the lid assembly of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the lid assembly of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the lid assembly of  FIG. 24  with the lid detached from the band; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the lid assembly of  FIG. 24  secured to the top of a cup; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the lid of  FIG. 24  on a cup with a recess; 
         FIG. 31  is a detailed cross-sectional view taken along line  31  of  FIG. 29  showing the band snap fit on the bottom of the lip; 
         FIG. 32   a  is a top perspective view of a lid assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 32   b  is a bottom perspective view of a lid assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 33  is a detailed cross-sectional elevational view of the lid assemblies of  FIGS. 32   a  and  32   b  showing the band on the lip of the cup and the lid secured over the band; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a plurality of stacked cups with the lid assembly of  FIG. 32   b  thereon; 
         FIG. 35  is exploded view of the lid assembly of  FIG. 32   b  after the tether has been torn; 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a cup after the lid has been secured over the band, with a portion of the cup cut away to show the band; 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view of the lid assembly of  FIG. 32   b  showing the lid being twisted before being secured on the band; 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of the lid assembly of  FIG. 32   b  after the lid has been twisted and secured on the band; 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a cup having the lid assembly of  FIG. 32   a  thereon; 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a cup having the lid assembly of  FIG. 32   a  thereon after the lid has been pivoted and secured over the band; and 
         FIG. 41  is a detailed cross-sectional elevational view showing a band that is secured tightly to the lip of the cup. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the numeral  11  designates generally the cup and numeral  12  designates generally the lid for the cup. 
     For exemplary purposes only, described hereinbelow is a preferred embodiment wherein the cups described are of a nestable variety. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. It will be understood that the cup/lid combinations taught herein can by used with any type of cup or vessel that includes a lid. Other uses for the cup/lid combinations described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. 
     It will be appreciated that terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “upwardly” and other such descriptive terms used hereinbelow are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the cup/lid combinations described herein is within the scope of the present invention. 
     Cup  11  is a nestable variety, meaning that it can be stacked with a cup nesting inside a cup therebeneath in a stack. To this end cup  11  has a frustoconical wall  13  with a closed bottom  14  and an open top  15 . The cup preferably has a thickened or rolled lip  16  at the open top  15 . 
     The wall  13  of cup  11  has a circular recess  17  therein for receiving the lid  12 . In the view of the recess  17  there are provided one or more pairs of oppositely disposed nubs  18  which are adapted to overlie and retain the periphery  19  of the lid  12  when it is positioned within recess  17 . (Only one such nub  18  is shown in the drawings at  FIG. 2  and in enlarged section in  FIG. 3 .) 
     Both the cup  11  and the lid  12  are preferably formed of thin wall flexible plastic materials thus enabling the lid  12  to be bent and flexed in placing it in recess  17  beneath cup nubs  18  and to likewise flex when the lid  12  is snapped out of the recess  17  for use in covering the open top  15  of the cup. 
     If desired a tab  20  may be affixed to or be integral with the lid  12  to facilitate removing the lid from the cup wall recess  17 . 
     Also, if desired the combination may include a flexible tether  21  providing a connection between the lid and the cup. The tether  21  prevents the lid from flying free when it is pulled from the recess  17  in the cup wall  13 . 
     From the foregoing it should be apparent that with the cup lid  12  nestled within the recess  17  of the cup wall  13  the cup and lid can be nested within another like cup/lid combination for stacked storage and dispensing. 
     In another embodiment, the recess  17  can include a lip, similar to lip  16  for retaining the lid  12 . In this embodiment, instead of being nestled within recess  17 , the lid  12  is snap fit onto the lip within recess  17 , just as it is typically snap fit onto lip  16  when in use. In this embodiment, the cups are still nestable because the lip is located within recess  17 . In use, the lid  12  is removed from the lip in recess  17  and is then placed on lip  16 . In yet another embodiment, recess  17  can be omitted, and a lip for retaining lid  12  can be formed on the side wall  13  of cup  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , a second embodiment of a cup/lid combination is shown. Cup  40  is similar to cup  11 , but has recess  17  omitted. Cup  40  is preferably a nestable variety. To this end cup  40  has a frustroconical wall  13  with a closed bottom  14  and an open top  15 . The cup preferably has a thickened or rolled lip  16  at the open top  15 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, cup  40  includes flexible tether  42  and band  44 . The band  44  extends around the cup  40  preferably just under lip  16 . The band  44 , tether  42  and lid  12  together form a top for the cup  40 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the tether  42  is connected at one end to the band  44  and at its opposite end to the lid  12 . In an alternative embodiment, the tether  42  can be attached to or formed with the cup  40  itself, thus eliminating the need for band  44 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the band  44  is seated in a shallow channel that is formed in the side wall  13  of the cup  40 . In a preferred embodiment, the channel can be omitted. 
     As is best shown in  FIG. 4 , in a preferred embodiment, the top  15  of cup  40  has a convex/concave shape. In other words, when viewed from one side (as shown in  FIG. 6 ), the top  15  has a concave shape. When the cup  40  is turned 90 degrees from the position shown in  FIG. 6  the top  15  has a convex shape. This configuration is referred to herein as a convex/concave shape and will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. After being stored for a period of time, lid  12  takes on a shape similar to that shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . This is because in storage, lid  12  points upwardly, as shown in  FIG. 6 . When the stack of cups  40  is placed in a sleeve, the lid  12  of a lower cup  40  typically contacts some of the cups  40  above it in the stack. Because the cups  40  are round and the cups  40  and lids  12  are secured in a sleeve, the lids  12  tend to mirror the shape of the cups, thus giving the lids  12  a convex/concave shape. 
     This convex/concave shape substantially corresponds to that of top  15  of cup  40  Therefore, the top  15  of cup  40  and lip  16  are preferably shaped in a non-flat or convex/concave shaped manner to accommodate the shape of lid  12  after storage. In an alternative embodiment, the lid  12  can have a convex/concave shape when manufactured. In this embodiment, the lid  12  and top  15  of cup  40  are both shaped so as to fit one another before the lid  12  is placed in the storage position (as described below). 
     In use, lid  12  is moved between a storage position  60  and a use position  62 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the lid  12  starts in the storage position  60 . A user first removes the cup  40  from the stack. However, the tether  42  keeps the lid  12  attached to the lid  12 , so that it does not drop to the floor, counter, etc. The user then fills the cup  40  with a beverage and places the lid  12  on the cup, which is referred to herein as the use position  62 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the band  44  is disposable. In this embodiment, after removing cup  40  from the stack, the user tears the tether  42 , thereby separating the band  44  from the lid  12  and then places the lid  12  on the cup  40  in the use position  62 . After the lid  12  is separated from the band  44 , the band  44  can then be disposed of. 
     In yet another embodiment, the lid  12  can be stored inside cup  40 . In use, the lid  12  is moved between a storage position, a filling position and a use position. It will be understood that the filling position is any position where the lid  12  is out of the cup  40  and not in the way when the cup  40  is being filled. 
     Preferably, the lid  12 , band  44  and tether  42  are formed of a unitary piece of material. In an alternative embodiment, the lid  12 , band  44  and tether  42  are formed of separate pieces that are attached to one another. Furthermore, the lid  12 , band  44  and the tether  42  are preferably formed of thin wall flexible plastic materials thus enabling the lid  12  and tether to be bent and flexed when the lid is moved from the storage position to the use position. Also, the thin wall flexible plastic material allows for easy tearing of the tether in the embodiment where the band  44  is disposable. In another embodiment, where the band  44  is omitted, the lid  12 , tether  42  and cup  40  are formed of a unitary piece of material. 
     A third preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 7-8 . In this embodiment, a top  70  includes a band  44  that is fitted around the lip  16 , and a lid  12  that is connected to the band  44  by a tether  42 . The band  44  includes a channel  72  for receiving the lip  16  of the cup  40 . As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the lip  16  of the cup  40  is received in the channel  72 . The top  70  is preferably made of an elastomeric material, such as plastic or the like. Accordingly, the top  70  can be snap fit on the top  15  of the cup  40  by mating the channel  72  and the lip  16  of the cup  40 . Preferably, the band  44  also includes a lip  74 . In use, the lid  12 , which is secured to the bottom portion  44   a  of the band  44  is snap fit onto the lip  74  of the band. As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the channel  72  is defined in the bottom portion  44   a  of the band  44  and extends upwardly into the lip  74 . In an alternative embodiment, the channel  72  can be defined only in the bottom portion  44   a  of the band  44 . In this embodiment, the top  70  can be used on a cup without a lip and can therefore provide a lip for the cup and the capability of securing a lid thereon. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 7 , in a preferred embodiment, the top  70  has a non-flat or convex/concave shape similar to that described above with respect to the second embodiment of the present invention. However, the top  70  can also have a flat configuration, as is shown in  FIG. 8 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art, that in this embodiment, the cup  40  can simply be a prior art cup that has the top  70  secured thereon. 
     In this embodiment, the tether  42  can be tearable or not. However, in the event that the tether  42  is torn, because the band  44  is secured around the lip  16 , the tether  42  is not disposable as it is in the embodiment described above. 
     In use, the cups  40  come in a stack with the top  70  secured to the lip  16  of the cup. The lid  12  is in the open or storage position, so that the cups  40  can all fit in one another. A user pulls a cup  40  from the stack, fills the cup  40  and closes the lid  12 , thus placing the lid  12  in the use position. This method is advantageous for both the user and the establishment selling the cup and/or drink. The user does not have to take a cup from one stack and a lid from a separate stack. Moreover, because the lid is already attached to the cup, there is little chance of lids being wasted. In other words, the user will not pull two lids accidentally from a stack and drop one on the floor. The user saves time and the establishment saves money and inventory. 
       FIGS. 9-10  show the cup  40  as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , but without the tether  42  on the lid  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 4-6  and  9 - 10 , instead of including a circular recess for retaining the lid  12 , as is shown in the embodiment in  FIGS. 1-3 , the side wall  13  of the cup  40  has a slot portion  80  defined therein into which the lid  12  is slid so that it can be retained in the recess  17  in the side of cup  40 . It will be understood that recess  17  is part of slot portion  80 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , cup  40  includes a raised portion  82  and an indented portion  84  that cooperate to define the slot portion  80 . The slot portion  80  includes a closed top  86  and an open bottom or mouth  88  into which the lid  12  is inserted and is then slid up into place in recess  17 . 
     As is best shown in  FIG. 10 , the side wall, and in particular the raised portion  82  includes a flange  90  that extends into and partially defines the slot portion  80 . This flange  90  is adapted to overlie and retain the periphery  19  of lid  12  when it is inserted through mouth  88 , slid into slot portion  80  and secured in place against closed top  86 , as is shown in  FIG. 9 . Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the slot portion  80  and/or recess  17  can also include one or more nubs which are adapted to overlie and retain the periphery  19  of the lid  12  when it is positioned within slot portion  80  and/or recess  17 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the flange  90  extends from raised portion  82  in such a manner that it is flush with the outer surface of raised portion  82 . Such an arrangement allows for multiple cups  40  to be stacked with the lid  12  disposed in the slot portion  80 , if so desired. 
     To store the lid  12 , the lid  12  is flexed appropriately (so that it mimics the shape of the outer surface of side wall  13 ), and then inserted through mouth  88  under flange  90  and is slid into position in slot portion  80  and recess  17 . 
     In use, the cups can come stacked with the lid  12  attached to a tether  42  and band  44  or in a stack with the lid  12  disposed in slot portion  80 . If the lid  12  is attached to the tether, a user pulls a cup  40  from the stack, takes the band  44  off of the cup  44 , tears the tether  42 , discards the band  44 , and then can either place the lid  12  on top of the cup  44  or can slide the lid  12  into the slot portion  80  for storage while filling or drinking from the cup. If the lid is already stored in the slot portion  80 , the user pulls a cup  40  from the stack, slides the lid  12  out of slot portion  80  (through mouth  88 ), fills the cup  40  (these steps can be reversed) and places the lid on the lip  16  of the cup. This method is advantageous for both the user and the establishment selling the cup and/or drink. The user does not have to take a cup from one stack and a lid from a separate stack. Moreover, because the lid is already disposed in the slot portion of the cup, there is little chance of lids being wasted. In other words, the user will not pull two lids accidentally from a stack and drop one on the floor. The user saves time and the establishment saves money and inventory. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the slot portion can be defined in the side wall on the inside of cup. In another embodiment the slot portion can extend from the bottom of the cup to the top of the cup, thereby providing the capability of sliding the lid in from the top or the bottom. In another embodiment, the slot portion can extend horizontally. In another embodiment the mouth of the slot portion can be at the top of the cup. In another embodiment, the flange can extend over the slot portion, thereby covering the lid when it is in its storage position. 
     A fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 11-16 . In this embodiment, the lid  12  and a cup  100  include a T-bar connection  102 . The T-bar connection  102  comprises a connector  104  that extends from the lid  12  and a recess  106  in the cup  100 . The connector  104  is removably received in the recess  106 . 
     As is best shown in  FIGS. 16 and 16   a , connector  104  includes an extension  108  that extends from lid  12 , and a pair of pegs  110  that extend outwardly extension  108 . In a preferred embodiment, extension  108  includes a bend  108   a  therein. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. As is best shown in  FIG. 14 , recess  106  includes a wide portion  112  and a pair of knobs  114 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  15 , to establish the T-bar connection, the pegs  110  are inserted into the wide portion  112  of recess  106  and then the extension  108  is snapped past the knobs  114  an into place, as is shown in  FIG. 15 . It will be understood that the distance between the knobs  114  is less than the width of the extension  108 . Because the extension  108  is made of a pliable material, it deforms as it is pressed past the knobs  104 . To remove the connector  104  from the recess  106 , the extension  108  is pulled back past the knobs  104 . As is shown in  FIG. 11 , the bend  108   a  in extension  108  in combination with the location of the knobs  104  and the pegs  110  allows the lid  12  to rest in a downwardly extending position. This position is advantageous for stacking and dispensing of the cup  100  and lid  12  together. 
     As can be seen  FIGS. 11-12 , in a preferred embodiment, the cup  100  has a non-flat or convex/concave shape similar to that described above with respect to the second embodiment of the present invention. However, the top of cup  100  can also have a flat configuration. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, that in this embodiment, the cup  100  and lid  12  can simply be a prior art cup and lid that include the components of the T-bar connection  102 . In this embodiment, the connector  104  can be tearable from lid  12  or not. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the knobs  104  can be omitted and the wide portion  112  can include knobs or the like into which the pegs  110  can be snap fit. 
     A fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 17-23 . In this embodiment, the lid  12  and a cup  120  include a snap fit connection  122 . The snap fit connection  122  comprises a connector  124  that extends from the lid  12  and a recess  126  in the cup  120 . The connector  124  is removably received in the recess  126 . 
     As is best shown in  FIGS. 19-23 , connector  124  includes an extension  128  that extends from lid  12 , and a U-shaped member  130  that extends outwardly from extension  128 . The U-shaped member  130  includes two elongated ridges  130   a  on an inside surface thereof. In a preferred embodiment, extension  128  includes a bend  128   a  therein. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. As is best shown in  FIG. 14 , recess  126  includes a protrusion  132  that has a pair of indentations  134  defined therein. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 19-22 , to establish the snap fit connection, the U-shaped member  130  is pressed over the protrusion  132 . Due to the material of the U-shaped member, the elongated ridges  130   a  cause the U-shaped member to spread until the elongated ridges  130   a  snap into place in the indentations  134 . It will be understood that the distance between the elongated ridges  130   a  is less than the width of the protrusion  132 . To remove the connector  124  from the recess  126 , the extension U-shaped member  130  is pulled backwards so that the elongated ridges  130   a  come out of the indentations  134  and U-shaped member  130  comes off of protrusion  132 . In a preferred embodiment, protrusion  132  also includes a blocker  136  for preventing the connector  104 , and specifically U-shaped member  130  from being pulled downwardly and sliding off of protrusion  132  and out of recess  126 . 
     As is shown in  FIG. 17 , the bend  128   a  in extension  128  allows the lid  12  to rest in a downwardly extending position. This position is advantageous for stacking and dispensing of the cup  120  and lid  12  together. 
     As can be seen  FIGS. 17-18 , in a preferred embodiment, the cup  120  has a non-flat or convex/concave shape similar to that described above with respect to the second embodiment of the present invention. However, the top of cup  120  can also have a flat configuration. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, that in this embodiment, the cup  120  and lid  12  can simply be a prior art cup and lid that include the components of the snap fit connection  122 . In this embodiment, the connector  124  can be tearable from lid  12  or not. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other temporary connections between the cup and lid are within the scope of the present invention. Any connection that includes a connector extending from the lid and a recess in the cup or vice versa is within the scope of the invention. For example, VELCRO™, buttons, other snap fit connections or the like are possible. 
       FIGS. 24-31  show another embodiment of the invention wherein a lid assembly  140  is secured on the cup  40 . Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4-8 , lid assembly  140  includes a lid  12  and a band  144  that are connected by a tether  142 . The band  144  is formed such that it can be secured on the lip  16  of a cup  40 . In other words, the band  144  is snap fit on the top of a cup  40  in the same manner that the lid  12  is. The band  144  includes a channel  146  that receives the lip  16  of the cup  40 . As shown in the figures, the tether  142  is connected at one end to the band  144  and at its opposite end to the lid  12 . In an alternative embodiment, the band can be formed so as to fit onto a cup with a non-flat top. For example, it could fit on a convex/concave shaped top. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the band  144  is snap fit onto the cup  10  from the bottom. This works particularly well with paper or plastic cups that have a rolled lip  16 , such as that shown in  FIGS. 29 and 31 . As is best shown in  FIGS. 25 and 31 , the band  144  includes an upper portion  144   a  that has a greater circumference than a lower portion  144   b . The upper and lower portions  144   a  and  144   b  partially define the channel  146 . The upper portion  144   a  fits snugly on the lip  16  and the lower portion  144   b  fits snugly against the outer surface of the cup. To put the lid assembly  140  on the cup  40 , the hoop is slid up the cup  40  from the bottom and the upper portion  144   a  is snap fit onto the bottom of the lip  16  such that the lip  16  is received in channel  146 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the band  144  is disposable. In use, the cups  40  come in a stack with the lid assembly  140  secured to the lip  16  of the cups  10 . The lid  12  extends outwardly, as shown in  FIG. 29 , so that the cups  40  can all fit in one another in a nested fashion. A user pulls a cup  40  from the stack and then tears the tether  142  (preferably along score marks  148 ), thereby separating the lid  12  from the band  144 . The band  144  is then removed from the top of the cup  40  and can then be disposed of. In a preferred embodiment, the band  144  extends high enough above the top of cup  40  that a user can push the band  144  downwardly thereby separating the lip  16  from the channel  146  and causing the band to drop downwardly for disposal thereof. After disposal of the band  144 , the user fills the cup  40  and places the lid  12  on the top  15  thereof. 
       FIG. 7  shows the lid  12  on a cup  40  with a recess  126  that is used for a lid with a connector, such as the connectors described above. 
     Preferably, the lid  12 , band  144  and tether  142  are formed of a unitary piece of material. In an alternative embodiment, the lid  12 , band  144  and tether  142  are formed of separate pieces that are attached to one another. Furthermore, the lid  12 , band  144  and the tether  142  are preferably formed of thin wall flexible plastic materials thus enabling the lid  12  and tether to be bent and flexed. Also, the thin wall flexible plastic material allows for easy tearing of the tether. 
       FIGS. 32-41  show another embodiment of the invention wherein another lid assembly  240  is secured on the cup  40 . Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 24-31 , lid assembly  240  includes a lid  12  and a band  244  that are connected by a tether  242 . The band  244  is formed such that it can be secured on the lip  16  of a cup  40 . In other words, the band  244  is snap fit on the top of a cup  40  in the same manner that the lid  12  is. As shown in  FIG. 33 , the lip  16  has a top surface  16   a , and a portion of the band  244  contacts the top surface  16   a . And, when on the cup, the inner surface of the lid  12  contacts the outer surface of the band  244 . Also, the lid  12  and the band  244  each include a downwardly depending skirt  12   a  and  244   b . The downwardly depending skirt  12   a  of the lid  12  contacts the downwardly depending skirt  244   b  of the band  244  when the lid  12  is secured on the band  244 . In some embodiments, the bottom of the skirts can be in alignment (e.g.,  FIG. 33 ) and in other embodiments, they can be out of alignment (e.g.,  FIG. 38 ). 
     The band  244  preferably includes a channel  246  that receives the lip  16  of the cup  40 . However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. Channel  246  is similar to the channel on a typical plastic lid that is sold in convenient and fast food stores. When the lid  12  is placed on the band  244 , the channel on the lid  12  contacts or corresponds to the channel  246  on the band. As shown in the figures, the tether  242  is connected at one end to the band  244  and at its opposite end to the lid  12 . In an alternative embodiment, the band can be formed so as to fit onto a cup with a non-flat top. For example, it could fit on a convex/concave shaped top. 
     The difference between this embodiment and that described above and shown in  FIGS. 24-31  is that the band  244  is designed so that it fits onto the lip  16  from the top (as opposed to the bottom) so that the lid  12  can be secured over the band  242  while the band  242  is still secured on the lip  16 . 
     As is shown in  FIGS. 32   a  and  32   b , the lid  12  can be connected to the tether  242  so that it is oriented upwardly or downwardly. As is best shown in  FIG. 33 , the band  244  includes an upper portion  244   a  that contacts the top of the lip  16  and a lower portion or downwardly depending skirt  244   b . The upper and lower portions  244   a  and  244   b  partially define the channel  246 . To secure the band  244  on the lip  16 , the band  244  is pressed downwardly until it is snap fit onto the cup and the lip is received by the channel. This is similar to a typical lid being secured on the top of a cup in a convenient store and the like. Essentially, the band  244  is a lid with the center removed so that another cup can fit therethrough and be nested within. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the band  244  remains on the cup after the lid  12  has been placed “on the cup” and someone takes a drink. In use, the cups  40  come in a stack with the lid assembly  240  secured to the lip  16  of the cups  40 . The lid  12  extends outwardly, as shown in  FIG. 34 , so that the cups  40  can all fit in one another in a nested fashion. In one embodiment, a user pulls a cup  40  from the stack and then tears the tether  242  (preferably along score marks), thereby separating the lid  12  from the band  244  (as shown in  FIG. 35 ). The user then fills the cup  40  and places the lid  12  over the band  244 , which is still on the lip  16  of the cup  40  (as shown in  FIG. 36 ). 
     In another embodiment where the lid assembly  240  has the orientation shown in  FIG. 32   b , instead of tearing the tether  242 , the tether  242  and lid are pivoted and twisted (as shown in  FIG. 37 ) and the lid  12  is placed over the band  244  and snap fit onto the lip  16  of the cup  40  (as shown in  FIG. 38 ). 
     In yet another embodiment where the lid assembly  240  has the orientation shown in  FIGS. 32   a  and  39 , instead of tearing the tether  242 , the lid  12  is pivoted and the lid  12  is placed over the band  244  and snap fit onto the lip  16  of the cup  40  (as shown in  FIG. 40 ). 
     Leaving the band  244  on the cup in use prevents waste by having to discard the band. Preferably the band  244  does not contact the inside surface of the cup. However, in another body, a portion of the band can contact the inside surface of the cup, provided another cup can still nest in the cup. Generally, the bands must be able to fit over the lips of each cup so that a plurality of cups can be stacked, as shown in  FIG. 34 . Any orientation of the band and attached lid is within the scope of the present invention as long as the above goal is met. 
     In these embodiments, it is anticipated that the typical user will place the lid  12  over the band  244  and onto the cup  40  and will use a straw to drink the liquid therein.  FIG. 41  shows another embodiment, where the band  344  is secured tightly to the lip  16 , e.g., by vacuum sealing or the like, so that a user could drink out of the cup without a lid and not have any of the liquid spill because of a loose fit between the band and the lip. 
     In each of the above described embodiments, the lid  12 , band  244  or  344  and the tether  242  are preferably formed of thin wall flexible plastic materials thus enabling the lid  12  and tether  242  to be bent and flexed. Also, the thin wall flexible plastic material allows for easy tearing of the tether. However, the material of which the lid assembly is made is not a limitation on the present invention. 
     The embodiments described above are exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses of, and departures from, the above-described embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the present invention is to be defined solely by the scope of the following claims.