Straw gripper and TAB separator for disposable cup or lid and methods of use

The integration of a straw gripper and tab separator into disposable cup lids addresses the challenges of straw transport and lid management, providing a secure, efficient, and hygienic solution for food and beverage service operations.

US20250100765A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-03-27SUSTAINER LLC
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Patent Information

Application Number
US18/974036
Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-09
Publication Date
2025-03-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The inconvenience of carrying and transporting drinking straws with disposable beverage cups, along with the challenges of separating and managing disposable cup lids, lead to inefficiencies and hygiene issues in food and beverage service operations.

Method used

A straw gripper and tab separator apparatus is integrated into the lid of disposable cups, featuring a planar tab with a slit dividing it into two sections, each with a hingeably configured straw contact finger. This design securely attaches the straw to the lid, facilitates easy lid separation, and enhances hygiene.

Benefits of technology

The solution allows for secure attachment and easy transport of straws with cups, reduces the time and effort required for lid separation, and improves hygiene by minimizing contact with the backside of lids, thereby reducing waste and operational costs.

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Abstract

A straw gripper and tab separator for disposable cup or lid having a tab extending from the perimeter of the drink lid / cup, the tab having an exterior edge with a straw capture and alignment port to align the straw with said exterior edge, the straw capture and alignment port having a slit dividing the planar tab into a first tab section and second tab section, the first tab section having a first straw contact finger configured therein and the second tab section having a second straw contact finger configured therein, each straw contact finger separated by said slit, the straw contact fingers cutout endpoints converge on a second slit end, and the straw contact fingers are hingeably configured to removably secure the straw against a straw contact rim formed in the planar tab by a cutout of said first straw contact finger and said second straw contact finger.
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