Splash-inhibiting beverage container lid

Abstract

A lid for a beverage container. The lid is changeable from a closed to an open position by depressing a drink opening portion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 60 / 951,904, filed Jul. 25, 2007.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to beverage container lids, and more specifically to splash-inhibiting beverage container lids.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The use of disposable lids on beverage cups in order to prevent the spilling of the liquid in the cup is well known in the art. These can take the form of a thin top having an x-shaped punch out portion for inserting a straw as used with soda pop to the more complicated lids used in association with hot beverages such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate.[0004]The spilling of hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate provides a two-fold hazard: first, the hot drink can be a burn hazard with the possibility of causing serious injury to the drinker if it is spilled accidentally either by burning the individual or by startling the individual (say while driving) resulting in an ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The spilling of hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate provides a two-fold hazard: first, the hot drink can be a burn hazard with the possibility of causing serious injury to the drinker if it is spilled accidentally either by burning the individual or by startling the individual (say while driving) resulting in an accident; and secondly, the coffee, tea or hot chocolate will stain clothing or upholstery it comes into contact with and can be difficult to remove.

However, this slit is problematic as it provides a vertical opening through which liquid can splash when the cup is jostled.

While providing good splash-prevention characteristics, this is a complicated design and likely involves a costly, two-step manufacturing process.

In addition, the drink opening is located in the top surface of the lid, such that any liquid to spill out of the opening could drip off the lid, staining whatever it comes into contact with.

Unfortunately, this design is ineffective when the level of liquid within the cup decreases to such a level that it can no longer flow through the channels (it is blocked by the splash guard).

However, any membrane that is permeable enough to allow suitable flow of liquid to the opening when drinking would be ineffective at preventing splashing.

Alternatively, if the membrane is effective for spill prevention, it is likely too impermeable to allow sufficient liquid flow to the lid opening.

A user would be inclined to remove the lid to finish the drink, increasing the risk of a spill.

Also, with the top opening design, any liquid to accidentally pass through will likely spill off the top of the lid.

While providing the benefit of a closed lid cover, when in the open position, the lid is entirely ineffective at preventing splashing and spilling.

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