Sipper lid with straw capability

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a sipper lid with straw capability and includes a cup engaging section, a spout section, and a straw receptacle. The cup engaging section is adapted for securing the lid to a drinking cup; the spout section includes a protrusion and at least one opening that is located at or adjacent to the top of the protrusion; and the straw receptacle, which functions to facilitate the insertion of a drinking straw into the drinking cup, may be spaced from the spout opening or it may be positioned adjacent thereto. In another embodiment, the present lid further includes a groove or channel adapted for accommodating and holding spilled fluid within a confined area of the lid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 61 / 053,750, filed May 16, 2008, entitled SIPPER LID WITH STRAW CAPABILITY, which application is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent permitted by law.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to drink-through cup lids, commonly known as a “sippy lid,” and, more particularly, to a spill-proof lid for drinking containers.[0003]Beverage container lids adapted to fasten over the rim or lip of beverage containers are well known. Such lids reduce spillage and evaporation of the beverage within the container and help insulate the contents of the container from the external ambient temperature. In their most simple form, such beverage container lids comprise a generally flat lid surface in the form of a disk having a peripheral sealing skirt for securing the lid to the rim of the beverage container. Many prior art ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The invention relates to various embodiments of a sipper lid having a straw opening and / or a drainage groove. The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings and limitations of the prior art devices discussed above and teaches the construction and operation of several embodiments of a sipper lid adapted for use with a wide variety of different beverage containers. In one aspect of the present invention, the lid includes a cup engaging section, a spout section, and a straw receptacle. The cup engaging section, adapted for securing the lid to a beverage cup, is generally shaped to engage and extend over the top rim of the beverage cup and typically extends downwardly toward the bottom of the beverage cup for a short distance. The cup engaging section has an exterior skirt portion which includes a peripheral groove to engage the peripheral rim on the upper edge of the cup and to provide sealing of the cup so that the lid is secured to the cup. The spout section comprises a protrusion and at least one drink-through opening that is located at or adjacent to the top of the protrusion. The protrusion extends from the upper surface of the lid. At least one opening enables the user to drink fluid through the spout section when the cup is inverted or angled from the upright position to allow the fluid in the cup to create hydrostatic pressure at the opening. The openings are usually small in diameter to limit outflow if the cup is inadvertently dropped or overturned. Some suction can be applied by the user to increase the flow rate of the fluid. The lid also includes a straw receptacle which functions as a means for facilitating the insertion of a drinking straw into the cup for withdrawing liquid by suction. The straw receptacle is formed in a medial portion of the lid. The straw receptacle includes a receptacle or break lines defining an opening, either of which can accommodate the straw. The break lines allow the straw to be inserted therethrough and facilitate engagement of the straw with the lid such that the engagement minimizes the leakage of the fluid. The straw is inserted through the straw receptacle and provides fluid communication between the beverage cup and an external environment.

Problems solved by technology

While such lids are suitable for the purposes just described, some spills can not be avoided from the drinking of a beverage through such lids, particularly where small children are involved.

Further, some spillage cannot be avoided when drinking the contents of a beverage from the spout of a sipping lid, or from a straw opening.

In addition, unless the opening for the straw is exactly the same diameter as the straw, the fluid within the cup may spill out of the opening between the straw and the sides of the opening.

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