Protective layer for disposable lids and methods of use

Abstract

A disposable film for use with a lid for use with beverage containers. The film includes an adhesive layer partially extending in a predetermined arrangement, separated by air pockets, the film can be attached to the lid preferably by applying a heat. The film is contoured to the shape of the lid and includes a tab to assist in removing the film from the lid. The air pockets assist in removing the film from the lid without the lid being removed from the container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a film for attachment to a beverage container lid to prevent contamination of the lid, the film to be removed prior to drinking the beverage. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to protective films used on drinking containers. In particular, it relates to a protective film having an adhesive surface suitable for application onto and subsequent removal from a disposable drinking container lid, such as a coffee cup.

[0003] Disposable cups, such as those commonly used for coffee, are widely utilised for holding beverages intended for takeaway consumption. These cups typically include a separate lid that features at least drinking aperture. The lid is typically push-fitted and snaps onto the cup to provide a secure closure, facilitating easy transport and consumption.

[0004] However, these lids are uncovered and upon to the air. They are not provided with any protective, film, covering, or coating, leaving them exposed to potential contamination. Furthermore, unpacked and stored lids can be exposed to elements such as dirt, insects, or other environmental contaminants, which may pose health risks to consumers.

[0005] Additionally, the process of attaching the lid to the cup in a fast-paced, high-volume setting, such as a QSR (Quick Service Restaurant), coffee shop and / or cafe, often occurs without proper hygiene practices, such as handwashing or the use of gloves, which can further increase the risk of contamination. If gloves are used, they may have been in contact with other surfaces beforehand and still pose a risk of contamination. For example, during the coffee making process, when the barista places his or her hands over to force the lid to seal onto the cup, issues pertaining transmissible contaminants arises, causing a risk of transmission from mild to more severe infections to the consumer

[0006] Consequently, there is a need for an easily applied and removable protective layer barrier film that can conform to a range of lid shapes and sizes to provide an effective barrier against contamination, while also being simple for both vendors and consumers to use.

[0007] There is therefore a need to improve upon existing. It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate a problem of the prior art or at least provide the public with a useful alternative. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one form of the invention there is proposed a disposable film for use with a lid for use with beverage containers, the film including an adhesive layer partially extending in a predetermined arrangement, separated by air pockets under the film for attachment to the lid.

[0009] Preferably the film is contoured to the shape of the lid.

[0010] Preferably the film includes an aperture to allow for the passage of steam therethrough.

[0011] Preferably the adhesive layer is a food grade adhesive.

[0012] Preferably the film includes a tab to assist in removing the film from the lid.

[0013] Preferably the film the film extends over the whole of the lid.

[0014] Preferably the film the film extends around and beyond the shape of the lid.

[0015] Preferably the film is temporarily adhered to the lid via heating.

[0016] Preferably the predetermined arrangement is in a matrix pattern.

[0017] Preferably the film is at least partially transparent.

[0018] In a further form of the invention there is proposed a disposable beverage container lid film system comprising a film attached to the lid, using an adhesive that extends in a predetermined arrangement on the bottom of the film.

[0019] In a yet further form of the invention there is proposed a protective layer, comprising: a substantially planar surface; and a gripping means; wherein the planar surface comprises an adhesive surface comprising a repeated arrangement of adhesive regions and air pockets; and wherein the protective layer is suitable for application to a disposable lid.

[0020] Preferably the planar surface is formed from polyolefins.

[0021] Preferably the repeated arrangement of adhesive regions and air pockets includes an array of circular adhesive regions surrounding by air pocket regions.

[0022] Preferably the repeated arrangement of adhesive regions and air pockets include repeated lines of adhesive, in between the vertical lines being air pockets.

[0023] Preferably the thickness of the gripping means is greater than a thickness of the planar surface.

[0024] Preferably the gripping means extends laterally from the planar surface.

[0025] It should be noted that any one of the aspects mentioned above may include any of the features of any of the other aspects mentioned above and may include any of the features of any of the embodiments described below as appropriate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following detailed description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The detailed description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding summary of the invention in any way. The detailed description will refer to several drawings as follows: Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a protective layer according to a preferred embodiment of the invention applied onto a disposable cup and lid; Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the protective layer, disposable cup, and lid; Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the protective layer being removed from the disposable cup and lid; Figure 4 provides a front perspective view of the protective layer being removed from the disposable cup and lid; Figure 5 provides a close-up view of adhesive applied to the protective layer according to a preferred embodiment; Figure 6 provides another close-up view of adhesive applied to the protective layer; Figure 7 provides a close-up view of adhesive applied to the protective layer according to another preferred embodiment; and Figure 8 provides a close-up view of adhesive applied to the protective layer according to another preferred embodiment. LIST OF COMPONENTS

[0027] The drawings refer to the following reference numerals: 10 protective layer 12 cup 14 lid 16 body portion 18 gripping portion 20 ridge 21 aperture 22 ridge 24 ridge 26 recess 28 aperture 30   adhesive surface 32    adhesive region 34 air pockets DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The accompanying drawing figures are included to provide further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate particular embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation thereof. Other embodiments of the invention and many of the attendant advantages will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

[0029] It will be appreciated that common and / or well understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a more abstracted view of the embodiments. It will also be understood that certain actions and / or steps in an embodiment of a method may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrences while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence may not actually be required.

[0030] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and / or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration.

[0031] As shown in the numbered drawings, and firstly with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a preferred embodiment of a protective layer 10, alternatively referred to as a protective film or protective cover, is provided applied onto an exemplary lid 14 of an exemplary cup 12. In preference the cup 12 and lid 14 are suitable for storage and consumption of common takeaway beverages, such as but not limited to coffee, tea, hot drinks, cold drinks, and the like, and are formed from materials commonly used in the art. It is to be appreciated that disposable cups and lids, and their various forms are commonly known in the art and that their description is not necessary to perform the present invention.

[0032] The protective layer 10 is typically provided in a substantially planar configuration (not pictured) having a body portion 16 and a gripping portion 18, alternatively known as a lift tab or pull tab, extending laterally from the body portion 16. Body portion 16 is configured to be placed atop lid 14 and subsequently conformed to the lid 14 typically by heat shrinking, heat stretching, heat activation and / or post memory heat. Applicant has found that in conjunction with applying heat to protective layer 10, sufficient pressure must be applied onto the layer 10 or lid 14 into each other so as to induce sufficient conformity of the layer 10 to protrusions and ridges (20, 22, 24) or recesses 26 present on the lid 14. It is to be appreciated that the lid 14 provided in the Figures is an exemplary configuration, and that the present invention may be applied to other lid variations having any configuration of ridges while having a sufficiently fitted contour. Once applied to the lid the film remains stable.

[0033] Because the film is contoured to follow the shape of the lid and forms a tight fit, the film has an aperture 21 that is generally co-axial with an aperture (pin hole) in the lid. This allows for the ventilation of steam to gradually escape and does not pressurise the container that could potentially cause the lid to be dislodged.

[0034] The film also has dimensional stability so that it resists shrinking or elastic rebound after it is formed and retains its shape.

[0035] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a user, prior to consuming the beverage contained within cup 12, may engage the gripping portion 18 to partially or completely remove layer 10 from the lid 14. The user is then free to consume the beverage, typically from an aperture 28 present on the lid 14 as is known in the art.

[0036] The layer 10 may be formed from a heat-activated material, such as but not limited polymer plastics including polyolefins, polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and the like. Such heat-activated materials are commonly known in the art and are alternatively referred to as shrink wrap and / or stretch wrap film, which, when heat is applied, is caused to tightly shrink and / or mould over whatever it is covering.

[0037] Preferably, the layer 10 may also be transparent to enable users to view any potential contaminants or damage to the underlying lid 14. however, it is appreciated that any suitable colour and / or opacity may be applied, depending on the desire of the end-user. The layer 10 may comprise on its top surface an integrally formed, or sticker consisting of a logo or branding element. Other informational elements, such as a nutritional panel, beverage specifications, or QR codes may be displayed, such as for reordering purposes, customer loyalty programs and / or capturing customer data.

[0038] The gripping means 18 may be formed from the same material and the same thickness as the remainder of layer 10. Alternatively, the gripping means 18 may be provided with an added non-stick material when compared to the remainder of layer 10, so as to maintain its structural integrity when heat is applied to the layer 10. More alternatively, the gripping means 18 may be formed from a different suitable material that also maintains its structural integrity when heat is applied to the layer 10. The gripping means 18 may comprise a non-stick region wherein no adhesive is applied and therefore this region does not stick to the cup 12 or lid 14.

[0039] Preferably, the layer 10 is manufactured using techniques known in the art, such as but not limited to extrusion manufacturing processes. Preferably, layer 10 is manufactured and applied onto lids 14 prior to distribution to end destinations such as (QSR) coffee shops, cafes, and the like, thereby enabling end users, such as a barista, to quickly and conveniently place the lids 14 with layer 10 already applied onto cups 12.

[0040] Of course, it is to be understood that the layer 10 may be obtained separately from the lid and applied just before it is to be used.

[0041] The underside of protective layer 10, that is, the side of layer 10 that is applied onto, and contacts lid 14, comprises an adhesive surface which assists to affix the layer 10 to the lid 14. In preference, the adhesive is a food-safe glue. More preferably, the food-safe glue is odourless.

[0042] In preference, the adhesive layer is provided in an arrangement having adhesive regions and non-adhesive regions, alternatively referred to as “air regions” or “air pockets” that allow release of air. Referring to Figures 5 to 8, there is provided a close-up view of an adhesive surface 30 according to a number of preferred embodiments. Surface 30 comprises a plurality of adhesive regions 32, which in this embodiments can be hexagonal, circular, linear, and square, although the invention is not limited to the shape of adhesive regions. Any suitable shape may be used while still falling within the scope of the invention. These adhesive regions are arranged in a matrix-like arrangement, that is, a repeated arrangement of adhesive regions 32. In between each adhesive region 32 are air pockets 34 which lack any adhesive.

[0043] Thus, referring to Figure 7 for example, there is provided an adhesive surface 30 according to a further preferred embodiment. The adhesive surface comprises repeated lines of adhesive 32, in between which are situated air pockets 34.

[0044] Air pockets 34 serve multiple purposes. When heat is applied to film 12, such as during application to lids 14, the air pockets 34 create localised regions where air is released that allow the film to better conform to the contours of a surface, ensuring a tight and even fit. Additionally, when the film needs to be removed, the air pockets 34 reduce the overall stickiness compared to a continuous adhesive surface, making it easier to peel the film away without excessive resistance or damage to the surface. This combination of heat-responsive flexibility and easy removability offers a practical solution for applications requiring temporary adhesion or repositioning.

[0045] Although preferred embodiments for the adhesive surface 30 and arrangement of adhesive regions 32 and air pockets 34 have been described, it is to be appreciated that the present invention is not to be limited by such embodiments. Other suitable arrangements of adhesive regions 32 and air pockets 34 may be suitable to enable superior contouring and application of layer 10 to lid 14, as well as subsequent removal thereof. That is, during the contouring, or moulding process, air is allowed to escape from air pockets 34 enabling better contouring of layer 10 to lid 14. Similarly, when layer 10 is peeled from lid 14, air pockets also act as a loosening mechanism which aids in weakening the adhesive bond and therefore the removal of layer 10 from lid 14. Put differently, air may escape from air pockets 34 resulting in a smoother and easier peel.

[0046] The reader will now appreciate the advantages of present invention which provides for an improved layer to be attached to a cup lid, or a cup lid integral with such a layer.

[0047] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that each exemplary embodiment is an example only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0048] For example, although the described embodiment of layer 10 has been made for applications to disposable lids, the present invention may be applied to any suitable surface, such as but not limited pharmaceutical containers, beverage cans and bottles, food packaging, and the like. Other suitable applications of layer 10 may be envisaged which would fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] It will also be appreciated that, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", "including", "contain", "containing", "have", "having", and any variations thereof, used in this document are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus, or system described herein is not limited to the features, integers, parts, elements, or steps recited but may include other features, integers, parts, elements, or steps not expressly listed and / or inherent to such process, method, device, apparatus, or system. Further, the terms "a" and "an" used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0050] Moreover, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on or to establish a certain ranking of importance of their objects. In addition, any reference to positional terms, such as “lower”, “upper”, “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “above” and the like used in the above description are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee in the appropriate context.

[0051] The phrase “and / or”, as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

Claims

1. A protective layer for a disposable beverage container lid, the protective layer comprising:a film body configured to overlie at least a drinking portion of the lid;an adhesive surface on an underside of the film body for releasably adhering the film body to the lid;a gripping tab extending laterally from the film body to permit removal of the protective film from the lid; anda vent aperture extending through the film body and positioned to be generally co-axial with a vent aperture of the lid;wherein the film body is formed from a heat-activated polymer material such that, upon application of heat, the film body conforms to a three-dimensional contour of the lid; andthe adhesive surface comprises a repeated arrangement of adhesive regions and non-adhesive regions, the non-adhesive regions defining air pocket regions lacking adhesive when the protective layer is adhered to the lid.

2. The protective layer of claim 1, wherein the non-adhesive regions permit localised air release during application of heat so that the film body conforms to the three-dimensional contour of the lid.

3. The protective layer of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the non-adhesive regions are configured to reduce peel resistance during removal of the protective layer from the lid.

4. The protective layer of any one of the previous claims, wherein the adhesive regions are arranged in a matrix pattern.

5. The protective layer of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adhesive regions comprise lines of adhesive and the non-adhesive regions are positioned between the repeated lines of adhesive.

6. The protective layer of any one of the previous claims, wherein the adhesive layer is a food grade adhesive.2025312111   25 Aug 20267. The protective layer of any one of the previous claims, wherein the gripping tab comprises a non-stick region free of adhesive.

8. The protective layer as in any one of the previous claims, wherein the film body is at least partially transparent.

9. The protective layer as in any one of the previous claims, wherein the film body extends around and beyond a perimeter of the lid.

10. The protective layer as in any one of the previous claims, wherein the heat-activated polymer material comprises one or more of polyolefin, polyethylene, low-density polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride.

11. A disposable beverage container lid, comprising the protective layer as in any one of the previous claims adhered to the lid.

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