Container lid with one or more cavities

Description

1.0 TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to lids for disposable containers, and particularly to a new and novel lid with one or more cavities.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The increased popularity of fast food establishments, coupled with the popularity for consumption of food on-the-go has led to the need for more convenient carrying of condiments and food.

Billions of disposable beverage containers are used every year. Often those containers are part of a larger meal, and current technology dictates placing a lid on the beverage container, and packing the food and condiments in a separate and detached containers. This may be satisfactory for a consumer seated at a table. However, when the consumer must eat on-the-go, use of the current technology is problematic. Consider, for example, a consumer that is drinking the beverage and would like to access a French fry and ketchup. The consumer must set aside a beverage, and then use one hand to hold the bag and the other hand to access the ketchup packet, then set aside the bag and use both hands to open the packet, and finally free up one hand to access the fry and dip it into the packet. As shown in this example, current technology does not allow for convenient on-the-go eating.

Some prior art references have attempted to address these problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,558 discloses a container lid with a single reservoir that is configured to proceed downward from the top horizontal plane that is formed by the rim of the beverage container. The condiment reservoir projects downward into the floating ice or cold beverage that is contained within the beverage container such that the condiment within the downward reservoir becomes slightly chilled. The structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,558 does not extend upwardly away from the plane defined by the rim. This has several shortcomings. First, since the disclosure only addresses a reservoir that extends downwardly into the beverage container, if the reservoir was to be substantially large or deep the liquid capacity of the beverage container would be adversely decreased because of fluid displacement. Second, the low position of the reservoir makes it difficult and messy to access. If, for example, a user were to fill the reservoir with ketchup, dipping into the reservoir would most likely cause the ketchup to spill onto the straw. Third, the low position of the reservoir interferes with the straw location and placement. For example as shown in FIG. 2A, when a straw is inserted it is likely that the bottom of the straw could not access the entire bottom surface of the beverage container. While this may be surmountable when the beverage is thin (like water), when the beverage is thick (like a milkshake) the user must be able to manipulate the straw along the entire bottom surface to extract all of the beverage. And again, as the size and/or depth of the reservoir increases, the more the reservoir will interfere with the straw location and placement.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,748 has some of the same shortcomings. In several embodiments, the outer ring that attaches to the beverage container rim has a perforated pour tab that can be lifted such that a user sip the beverage through the pour tab. This pour tab, however, substantially compromises the structural integrity of the lid rendering it structurally unable to support a large food container. In another embodiment, a pour hole is disclosed but that hole is at the same elevation as the reservoirs, again interfering with the straw location and placement.

What is therefore needed is a lid that overcomes these shortcomings, and fosters convenient on-the-go eating.

3.0 SUMMARY

The present invention provides an elegant solution to the needs described above and provides numerous additional benefits and advantages as will be apparent to persons of skill in the art. One aspect provides a container lid with a first cavity, the lid including a continuous outer coupling trough for attachment of the lid to the open top of a container where the trough circumscribes a footprint of the container lid. The lid also includes a straw-hole planar surface with a hole for drinking a liquid in the container. A riser wall may extend away from the straw-hole planar surface and defines a first planar surface above the straw-hole planar surface. The straw-hole surface and the first planar surface are within the footprint. The first planar surface includes a first opening that forms the first cavity, the first cavity further includes first cavity side walls connected to the first planar surface and extending from the first planar surface to a position lower than the first planar surface and a first cavity bottom connected to the first cavity side walls. The first planar surface may also have a second opening that forms a second cavity. The lid may also have a second planar surface that is above the straw-hole plane and below the first plane, and the second planar surface may have a second opening that forms a second cavity. The second planar surface may also be generally in the same plane as the outer coupling trough.

Another aspect provides a container lid with a first and second cavity, the lid includes a continuous outer coupling trough for attachment to the open top of a container where the trough circumscribes a footprint of the container lid. A hole extends through the lid for drinking a liquid in the container. A riser wall extends away from the outer coupling trough and defines a first planar surface above the outer coupling trough. The first planar surface is within the footprint and has a first opening that forms the first cavity. The first cavity further has first cavity side walls connected to the first planar surface and extending from the first planar surface to a position lower than the first planar surface and a first cavity bottom connected to the first cavity side walls. The first planar surface may also have a second opening that forms the second cavity, where the second cavity includes second cavity side walls connected to the first planar surface and extending from the first planar surface to a position lower than the first planar surface and a second cavity bottom connected to the second cavity side walls. The first cavity maybe located closer to the hole than the second cavity, and the first cavity is smaller than the second cavity.

Yet another aspect provides a container lid with a first and second cavity, the lid includes a continuous outer coupling trough for attachment to the open top of a container where the trough circumscribes a footprint of the container lid. A hole extends through the lid for drinking a liquid in the container. A riser wall extends away from the outer coupling trough and defines a first planar and a second planar surface above the outer coupling trough. The first planar surface is within the footprint and has a first opening that forms the first cavity. The first cavity further has first cavity side walls connected to the first planar surface and extending from the first planar surface to a position lower than the first planar surface and a first cavity bottom connected to the first cavity side walls. The second planar surface is within the footprint but below the first planar surface. The second planar surface has a second opening that forms the second cavity, where the second cavity includes second cavity side walls connected to the second planar surface and extending from the second planar surface to a position lower than the second planar surface and a second cavity bottom connected to the second cavity side walls. The first cavity maybe located closer to the hole than the second cavity, and the first cavity is smaller than the second cavity.

The riser wall may form an inward indent, and the first cavity maybe located closer to the hole than the second cavity. Also, the second cavity side walls maybe constructed to exert compressive force on a food container when the food container is disposed of in the second cavity. The first cavity may be adapted to receive a condiment container and the second cavity to receive a food container.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not meant to be exhaustive. Other aspects, objects, and advantages of this invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

4.0 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components within the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on clearly illustrating example aspects of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views and/or embodiments. It will be understood that certain components and details may not appear in the figures to assist in more clearly describing the invention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a novel lid with two cavities attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 1, wherein the lid is not attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a novel lid with two cavities, wherein the lid is not attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 2C is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a novel lid with two cavities, wherein the lid is not attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 2D is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a novel lid with two cavities, wherein the lid is not attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 2E is an isometric view of a fifth embodiment of a novel lid with two cavities, wherein the lid is not attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIGS. 1 and 2A.

FIG. 3B is an isometric view of the first embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIGS. 1 and 2A, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 3C illustrates the first embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIGS. 1 and 2A, in an exploded and isometric view with a beverage container.

FIG. 3D illustrates a side view of the first embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIGS. 1 and 2A, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 3E illustrates a cross-sectional view along line 3E-3E of the first embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIGS. 1 and 2A, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2B.

FIG. 4B is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2B, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 4C illustrates the second embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2B, in an exploded and isometric view with a beverage container.

FIG. 4D illustrates a side view of the second embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2B, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 4E illustrates a cross-sectional view along line 4E-4E of the second embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2B, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of the third embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2C.

FIG. 5B is an isometric view of the third embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2C, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 5C illustrates the third embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2C, in an exploded and isometric view with a beverage container.

FIG. 5D illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2C, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 5E illustrates a cross-sectional view along line 5E-5E of the third embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2C, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of the fourth embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2D.

FIG. 6B is an isometric view of the fourth embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2D, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 6C illustrates the fourth embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2D, in an exploded and isometric view with a beverage container.

FIG. 6D illustrates a side view of the fourth embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2D, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 6E illustrates a cross-sectional view along line 6E-6E of the fourth embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2D, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of the fifth embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2E.

FIG. 7B is an isometric view of the fifth embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2E, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 7C illustrates the fifth embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2E, in an exploded and isometric view with a beverage container.

FIG. 7D illustrates a side view of the fifth embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2E, attached to a beverage container.

FIG. 7E illustrates a cross-sectional view along line 7E-7E of the fifth embodiment of the novel lid with two cavities of FIG. 2E, attached to a beverage container.

5.0 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Following is a non-limiting written description of example embodiments illustrating various aspects of the invention. These examples are provided to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the full scope of the invention without having to engage in an undue amount of experimentation. As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, further modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Particular example embodiments of the present invention may be implemented without some or all of these features or specific details. In other instances, components well known to persons of skill in the art have not been described in detail in order not to obscure unnecessarily the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a lid 100 is shown connected to a beverage container 1000. The lid 100 contains a first cavity 105 intended to hold a condiment container 1010 and a second cavity 110 intended to hold a food container 1020. Optionally, the first cavity 105 may hold the condiment directly without the use of a condiment container. Similarly, the second cavity 110 may hold the food directly without the use of a food container.

The lid 100 may be removable attached to the beverage container 1000 by an outer coupling trough 115 that mates with and locks onto the lip of the beverage container 1000. The outer coupling trough 115 continuously circumscribes the lid 100 and defines a footprint of the lid 100. What is meant by a footprint is essentially the area the lid 100 would project onto a horizontal surface when the lid 100 is placed on a horizontal surface. The continuous outer coupling trough 115 adds structural integrity to the lid 100 such that the lid 100 resists undue deformation that would render it difficult to properly install onto the lip of the beverage container 1000. Additionally, the outer coupling trough 115 provides a liquid-proof seal so as to prevent spillage.

The lid 100 also has a straw hole 120 that allows a straw 1030 to access the liquid held by the beverage container 1000. The straw hole 120 is located on the straw-hole planar surface 125 that may be substantially parallel to the plane defined by the outer coupling trough 115 (i.e., would be substantially horizontal). The straw-hole planar surface 125 may connect to the outer coupling trough 115.

Riser wall 130 may extend away from the straw-hole planar surface 125 and also away from the outer coupling trough 115. It would be apparent to one of skill in the art that the riser wall 130 may be a single uninterrupted wall or a series of walls. The top of the riser wall 130 defines a first planar surface 135 that is above the straw-hole planar surface 125. Throughout this disclosure the terms “above” and “below” will be used, and are intended to mean the following: “above” is a location that is vertically higher when the lid 100 is attached to a beverage container 1000 resting on a horizontal surface; and “below” is a location that is vertically lower when the lid 100 is attached to a beverage container 1000 resting on a horizontal surface. The first cavity 105 is formed into the first planar surface 135.

The top of the riser wall 130 may also define a second planar surface 140 that is above the straw-hole planar surface 125, but below the first planar surface 135. The second cavity 110 is formed into the second planar surface 140.

The riser wall 130 may also have an inward indent 145, shown in an arched shape. It would be apparent to those of skill in the art that the inward indent 145 may be of any suitable shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the inward indent 145 allows room for the straw-hole planar surface 125, while allowing the riser wall 130 to continuously follow the outer edge of the lid 100. And because the riser wall 130 follows the outer edge, it provides more structurally stability to the lid 100. This stability is necessary given the torsional forces imparted onto the lid by the food container's 1020 high center of gravity.

Not only does the placement of the inward indent 130 provide room for the straw-hold planar surface 125 and the straw 1030 when inserted, but it also provides the user of the lid 100 an easy way to remove a condiment container 1010. Specifically, condiment containers 1010 often have an outer flange for structural reinforcement, and that flange may hang over the inward indent 130 such that the user can manipulate their finger in the direction of arrow 150, thus lifting the condiment container 1010 out of the first cavity 105.

The relative elevations and locations of the straw-hole planar surface 125, the first planar surface 135 and the second planar surface 140 address several issues. Because the height of the first planar surface 135 is higher than the second planar surface 140, the opening of the condiment container 1010 placed in the first cavity 105 would be closer to the opening of the food container 1020, allowing a user to more easily access the condiment without a mess. Also elevating the first cavity 105 prevents the bottom of the first cavity 170 from interfering with the straw (this is shown in FIG. 3E); thus allowing a user unfettered access (via the straw) to the entire bottom of the beverage container 1000. The lower elevation of the straw-hole planar surface 125 lowers the location of the straw such that the condiment is less likely to be spilt onto the straw, causing a mess for the user. Also, the elevated first planar surface 135 provides a longer vertical side wall 155 for the second cavity 110, which further stabilized the food container 1020 which has a high center of gravity. Finally, the first cavity 105 is located closer to the straw hole 120, than the second cavity 110. A user can thus hold the beverage container 1000 with one hand and take a drink from the straw 1030, then with his other hand grab a French fry from the food container 1020, dip it in the ketchup from the condiment container 1010 and continuing in the same motion bringing the dipped French fry to their mouth. It should be apparent that the container lids described herein may be used for a variety of food items, such as by non-limiting example, chicken strips, chick nuggets, potato wedges, and fish sticks.

FIG. 2A illustrates the lid 100 of the embodiment just describe with reference to FIG. 1, while FIGS. 2B through 2E illustrate other embodiments. Each of these embodiments will be discussed in detail below as follows:

FIGS. 3A through 3E detail the lid 100 shown in FIG. 2A

FIGS. 4A through 4E detail the lid 100-2 shown in FIG. 2B

FIGS. 5A through 5E detail the lid 100-3 shown in FIG. 2C

FIGS. 6A through 6E detail the lid 100-4 shown in FIG. 2D

FIGS. 7A through 7E detail the lid 100-5 shown in FIG. 2E

Turning now to FIGS. 3A through 3E, a lid 100 is shown which is the same embodiment just described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 3A shows just the lid 100 without the straw, the food container, the condiment container, or the beverage container. The lid 100 may be removable attached to a beverage container by an outer coupling trough 115 that mates with and locks onto the lip of the beverage container. The lid 100 also has a straw hole 120 located on the straw-hole planar surface 125 that may be substantially parallel to the plane defined by the outer coupling trough 115. The straw-hole planar surface may connect to the outer coupling trough 115.

The first cavity 105 has a first opening 160 in the first planar surface 125. Riser wall 130 which extends away from the straw-hole planar surface 125 supports the first planar surface 125. Extending downwardly away from the first planar surface 125 are first cavity side walls 165 and a first cavity bottom 170 (FIG. 3E); the side walls 165 and the bottom 170 form the first cavity 105.

The second cavity 110 has a second opening 175 in the second planar surface 140. Riser wall 130 supports the second planar surface 140. Extending downwardly away from the second planar surface 140 are second cavity side walls 180 and a second cavity bottom 185 (FIG. 3E); the side walls 180 and the bottom 185 form the second cavity 110. The riser wall has an arch-shaped inward indent 145.

The first cavity side walls 165 may be constructed to exert compressive force on the condiment container when the condiment container is placed in the first cavity 105. This may be done, for example, by making first cavity side walls 165 taper to a width that is narrower that the condiment container. Because the first cavity side walls 165 are constructed of a semi-compliant material, the first cavity side walls 165 would slightly flex when the condiment container is inserted and that flexing would cause the first cavity side walls 165 to exert compressive force on the condiment container. The second cavity side walls 180 may be constructed in the same fashion. This compressive force stabilizes the condiment container and food container, thus preventing spilling.

The edge of the first cavity 105 may be beveled 190, to allow for the easier insertion of the condiment container. Likewise the edge of the second cavity 110 may also be beveled 195, to allow for the easier insertion of the food container.

FIG. 3B illustrates the lid 100 attached to the beverage container 1000, with a straw 1030, condiment container 1010 and food container 1020 inserted into the lid 100. FIG. 3C shows an exploded view of the lid 100, with the straw 1030 inserted, but the lid 100 is not attached to the beverage container 1000, and the condiment container 1010 and food container 1020 are not inserted. FIG. 3D is a side view.

FIG. 3E is a cut away cross section take along the line 3E-3E of the FIG. 3B. This view illustrates how the first cavity side walls 165 extend downwardly away from the first planar surface 135, with a first cavity bottom 170 forming the bottom of the first cavity 105. Similarly, the second cavity side walls 180 extend downwardly away from the second planar surface 140, with a second cavity bottom 185 forming the bottom of the second cavity 110. This view also shows how the elevation of the first cavity 105 and the first cavity bottom 170, provide a clear path through which a user can insert the straw 1030 and access the entire bottom surface of the beverage container. Further, the lower elevation of the second cavity 110 lowers the center-of gravity of the relatively tall food container 1020, adding stability.

FIG. 3E also illustrates that the second cavity side walls 180 extend downwardly past the outer coupling trough 115. Stated another way, the outer coupling trough 115 defines a plane 200 and the second cavity sidewalls 180 extend downwardly to an elevation lower than the plane 200.

It should be noted that because the second cavity side walls 180 extend downwardly past the outer coupling trough 115, the second cavity 110 displaces some of the volume of the beverage container 1000. If the beverage container 1000 is filled to the brim, then attaching the lid 100 to the beverage container 1000 would cause the liquid to spill. To prevent this, it may be advantageous to include a fill line indicator 205 such that when the liquid is filled below the fill line indicator 205 the lid 100 will not displace the liquid and will not cause a spill. This may be a line printed on the beverage container 1000 or a structure, such as a ring or a step.

To prevent the transfer of heat between the beverage and the food in the food compartment, the underside of the lid may include an insulation layer 210, or alternatively, the insulation layer may float on the top of the beverage contained in the beverage container 1000.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A through 4E, a second embodiment is shown. This lid 100-2 is substantially similar to the first embodiment (i.e., lid 100) described with reference to FIGS. 1, and 3A through 3E. The difference is that the riser wall 130-2 is taller, thus elevating the first planar surface 135 and the second planar surface 140. This is shown in more detail in FIG. 4E, which is a cut away cross-section take along the line 4E-4E of the FIG. 4B. The second cavity side walls do not extend downwardly past the plane 200 defined by the outer coupling trough. Because the second cavity side walls do not extend past the plane 200, the second cavity will not displace the volume of the beverage container 1000, and no fill line indicator would be needed.

FIGS. 5A through 5E illustrate a third embodiment. This lid 100-3 does not have a second planar surface as did the embodiments (i.e., lid 100 and lid 100-2) described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3A through 3E, and 4A through 4E. Rather, both the first cavity 105 and the second cavity 110 are formed into the first planar surface 135, and the first planar surface is at an elevation that is lower than in previous embodiments. This is shown in more detail in FIG. 5E, which is a cut away cross-section take along the line 5E-5E of the FIG. 5B. Both the first cavity side walls 165 and the second cavity side walls 180 extend downwardly past the plane 200 defined by the outer coupling trough. Thus both the first cavity 105 and the second cavity 110 displace some of the volume of the beverage container 1000. A fill line indicator 205 on the beverage container 1000 would be preferable when using the lid 100-3.

FIGS. 6A through 6E detail a fourth embodiment. This lid 100-4 is substantially similar to the third embodiment (i.e., lid 100-3) described with reference to FIGS. 5A through 5E. The difference is that the riser wall 130-4 is taller, thus elevating the first planar surface 135. This is shown in more detail in FIG. 6E, which is a cut away cross-section take along the line 6E-6E of the FIG. 6B. The second cavity side walls 180 do not extend downwardly past the plane 200 defined by the outer coupling trough. Because the second cavity side walls do not extend past the plane 200, the second cavity 110 will not displace the volume of the beverage container 1000, and no fill line indicator would be needed.

FIGS. 7A through 7E detail the fifth embodiment. The lid 100-5 includes a first cavity 105, a second cavity 110, a straw-hole planar surface 125 and an outer coupling trough 115. Riser wall 130-5 extends from the straw-hole planar surface 125 and defines a first planar surface 135, into which the first cavity 105 is disposed. The outer coupling trough 115 defines a plane 200 (FIG. 7E), and a second planar surface 140 is generally within the plane 200. The second planar surface 140 is connected to the outer coupling trough 115 on its outer edge. It is within this second planar surface 140 that the second cavity 110 is disposed.

The riser wall 130-5 forms part of the second cavity side walls 180-5 (shown at position 215), which adds stability to the food container because the second cavity bottom 185-5 is not as deep into the second cavity 110. Without the riser wall 130-5, the food container would rock and potentially dislodge from the second cavity 110.

To further stabilize the food container, the lid 100-5 may include a stability structure 220 that allows a portion of the second cavity side walls 180-5 to extend above the second planar surface 140. FIG. 7E illustrates how a portion of the second cavity side walls 180-5 extend above the second planar surface 140.

It should also be noted that a portion of the second cavity side walls 180-5 also extend downwardly past the plane 200 defined by the outer coupling trough; thus the second cavity 110 displaces some of the volume of the beverage container 1000. To prevent spillage, a fill line indicator 205 on the beverage container 1000 would be preferable when using the lid 100-5.

The embodiments described herein can be constructed using a variety of methods, including by non-limiting example thermoformed (thin gauge) and thin wall injection molding. The types of material would be apparent to one of skill in the art and may include by non-limiting example PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), CPET, RPET Polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE), styrene, HIPS, HMWPE, PP/PE blends, custom blends of thermoplastics (which may or may not include post-consumer or post-industrial content) and other proprietary blends of thermoplastics.

The invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments that illustrate examples of the invention but do not limit its scope. Various example systems have been shown and described having various aspects and elements. Unless indicated otherwise, any feature, aspect or element of any of these systems may be removed from, added to, combined with or modified by any other feature, aspect or element of any of the systems. As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, modifications and adaptations to the above-described systems and methods can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined only by the following claims. Moreover, the applicant expressly does not intend that the following claims “and the embodiments in the specification to be strictly coextensive.” Phillips v. AHW Corp., 415 F.3d 1303, 1323 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc).