Leak resistant lid assembly for a beverage container

Abstract

A leak resistant lid for a beverage container is formed with a depending skirt portion having one or more progressively decreasing diameter rings between a lower extremity and a sealing channel adapted to fit over the rim bead of the container. An inner wall of the channel extends downwardly inside the inner surface of the side wall of the container in a plug fit relationship. The relatively deep inside plug fit provides added surface area contact for sealing the interface between the lid and the container. An elevated and rigid central plateau supports a drinking orifice and is connected to the inner wall of the channel by a reinforced, rigid flange or web which maintains the channel and its inner wall in leak resistant relationship with the rim bead and container wall.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] This invention relates to containers for liquids, to lids for such containers and, more specifically, to replaceable, leak resistant lids for containers or cups having a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical shape. [0004] Although the invention described herein is particularly suitable for application to beverage drinking cups, a person skilled in this art readily may apply the invention to other similar containers which require a removable, leak resistant lid. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] In accordance with the present invention, a highly leak resistant “sipper” lid suitable for paper beverage cups is provided. The unintentional passage of liquid between the mating surfaces of a cup and a lid is effectively suppressed. This feature meets consumer expectations in that, when consumers purchase drinks in ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] In accordance with the present invention, a highly leak resistant “sipper” lid suitable for paper beverage cups is provided. The unintentional passage of liquid between the mating surfaces of a cup and a lid is effectively suppressed. This feature meets consumer expectations in that, when consumers purchase drinks in cups with lids applied, they expect the cup / lid combination to prevent leakage between the mating surfaces when the cup is inclined for drinking. However, many designs fall short of this important objective.

Problems solved by technology

However, many designs fall short of this important objective.

A particular problem arises in connection with some containers which are formed such that each of their side wall and rim are formed into a closed vessel by overlapping the material (relatively thick paper) at a joint or seam.

When a lid having a spout or orifice for drinking is placed over such a thick seam, there is a tendency for leakage out of the lid in that area of the rim.

This approach is not entirely successful since many users do not receive, understand or remember this instruction.

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