Disposable Cup Lid and Collar for Leak-Proof Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable cup lids are expensive to manufacture and often fail to provide an adequate fluid seal, while disposable cup holders are costly and contribute to waste, and there is a need for a cost-effective solution to hold drinks without the need for frequent cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A closure system comprising a cup lid with two annular recesses that engage with beads on the cup and a collar, which includes a handle for easy handling and supports the cup to prevent collapse, providing a secure and cost-effective fluid seal without the need for threading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional disposable cup lids are used, then the cup can be sealed, but the manufacturing cost is high and the fluid seal is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple functional segments: a first annular recess for engaging the cup bead and a second annular recess for engaging the collar bead. This segmentation allows each recess to perform its specific sealing function independently, improving the overall fluid seal reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The lid incorporates localized sealing features at specific positions: the first annular recess creates a seal between the lid and cup bead, while the second annular recess creates a seal between the lid and collar bead. This local quality approach ensures adequate fluid seal at critical interfaces without requiring complex manufacturing throughout the entire lid structure
2Ease of operation
If a disposable cup holder is provided, then the cup can be held comfortably, but the cost increases and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is merged with the lid assembly to form an integrated unit. The collar with handle is attached to the lid, combining the holding function (handle) with the sealing function (lid) into a single reusable component. This eliminates the need for separate disposable cup holders, reducing waste while maintaining ease of operation through the integrated handle design
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable collar assembly serves multiple functions: it provides a handle for comfortable holding, supports the cup to prevent collapse, and works with the lid to provide sealing. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate disposable holders, achieving ease of operation without generating waste
3Strength
If a collar is added to support the cup, then the cup can be held securely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to nest over the cup bead, with the lid's second annular recess engaging the collar bead. This nested arrangement provides secure cup support through the collar structure while maintaining simplicity by utilizing the existing cup bead geometry, avoiding the need for additional complex support mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for attaching a lid to a beverage container is provided. In one embodiment a lid is positioned over the container opening and fastened to a first bead located around the opening. The lid also fastens to a second bead that is either located on the container, or located on a collar that is positioned adjacent to the first bead. The collar may extend around the container, or it may only extend partway around the container. The collar may be removable and may also include a handle. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.