Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
BEVERAGE CUP LID AND BEVERAGE CUP COMBINATION
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2011/082486
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A combination beverage cup and lid therefor, are provided wherein both of the beverage cups and lids, are preferably both made from a compostable, biodegradable or recyclable material. The cup is preferably a standard beverage cup which is typically formed as an inverted truncated cone having a circular cross- section at any elevation about the bottom of the cup. The lid is such that, in combination with this beverage cup shape, at least a major portion of the lid preferably has a circular periphery. When in place, after a drinkable beverage has been placed in the beverage cup, the lid is located below the upper rim of the beverage cup and is precluded from further downward movement into the beverage cup by a stop means formed therein. An opening through which the beverage may be consumed is either preformed into the lid, or more generally is formed by the consumer. A lift tab for removal of the lid can be provided. The cup and lid are preferably both formed of compostable, biodegradable or recyclable materials such as paper.

Inventors:
DURDON TERRANCE N (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/CA2011/000017
Publication Date:
July 14, 2011
Filing Date:
January 07, 2011
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
AMHIL ENTPR
DURDON TERRANCE N (CA)
International Classes:
B65D43/02; B65D41/16; B65D65/46; B65D81/38
Foreign References:
GB326610A1930-03-20
US5588552A1996-12-31
US2529114A1950-11-07
US2601767A1952-07-01
US3994411A1976-11-30
US6138899A2000-10-31
US20080047966A12008-02-28
US0411368A1889-09-17
GB190811881A1909-01-14
GB190345A1922-12-21
GB426411A1935-04-03
US1885757A1932-11-01
US3128029A1964-04-07
US4039435A1977-08-02
US4127187A1978-11-28
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
GOWAN, Gerald, A. (627 Lyons LaneSuite 20, Oakville Ontario L6J 5Z7, CA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
We claim:

1. In combination, a beverage cup and a lid therefor, where the outer walls of the beverage cup form an inverted truncated circular or oval cone, and where at least a major portion of the outer periphery of the lid is circular or oval;

wherein the lid is placed into the upper region of the beverage cup after it has been filled with a drinkable beverage, whereby the lid is located below the upper rim of the beverage cup when in place;

wherein the lid is secured in place by an interference fit between the outer periphery of the lid and the inside surface of the outer walls of the beverage cup; wherein downward movement of the lid towards the bottom of the cup when it is in place is precluded by the presence of a stop means formed in the outer walls of the cup in the region where the lid will adopt its interference fit therewith;

wherein the lid has an opening through which the beverage may be consumed without removing the lid from a cup; and

wherein at least the lid is formed from a compostable material.

2. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 , wherein each of the cup and the lid is formed from a compostable material.

3. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 , wherein a major portion of the lid is substantially planar.

4. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 , wherein where the outer walls of the beverage cup form an inverted truncated cone, and where at least a major portion of the outer periphery of the lid is circular.

5. The cup and lid combination of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening through which the beverage may be consumed is defined by a perforated outline thereof, and wherein said defined area is subtended by a lift tab extending beyond the periphery of the lid and extending upwardly when the lid is in place, whereby the opening is formed by tearing the material of the lid in the defined area by lifting or tearing the same using said lift tab. 6. The cup and lid combination of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening through which the beverage may be consumed is defined by a scored outline thereof, and wherein said defined area is subtended by a lift tab extending beyond the periphery of the lid and extending upwardly when the lid is in place, whereby the opening is formed by tearing the material of the lid in the defined area by lifting or tearing the same using said lift tab.

7. The cup and lid combination of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening through which the beverage may be consumed is a slot which is formed in the lid near the periphery thereof.

8. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 , wherein said stop means comprises an outwardly extending bead formed in the outer walls of the beverage cup, and having upper and lower shoulders defining said bead.

9. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 , wherein said stop means comprises an inwardly extending step formed in the outer walls of the beverage cup.

10. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 , wherein at least one vent hole is formed in lid in a position distal from said opening.

1 1. The cup and lid combination of claim 3, wherein the opening through which the beverage may be consumed is defined by a perforated outline thereof, and wherein said defined area is subtended by a lift tab extending beyond the periphery of the lid and extending upwardly when the lid is in place; and

wherein a slit is formed in the lid in a position distal from the defined area of the opening and is adapted to receive said lift tab therein;

whereby the opening is formed by tearing and folding the lid material of the defined area at a crease or fold line formed in a location between said slit and said lift tab, and by inserting said lift tab into said slit. 12. The cup and lid combination of claim 3, wherein the opening through which the beverage may be consumed is defined by a scored outline thereof, and wherein said defined area is subtended by a lift tab extending beyond the periphery of the lid and extending upwardly when the lid is in place; and

wherein a slit is formed in the lid in a position distal from the defined area of the opening and is adapted to receive said lift tab therein;

whereby the opening is formed by tearing and folding the lid material of the defined area at a crease or fold line formed in a location between said slit and said lift tab, and by inserting said lift tab into said slit.

13. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 , wherein the central portion of said lid is formed as an upwardly extending dome.

14. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 , wherein said lid comprises stiffening or strengthen ribs

15. The cup and lid combination of claim 8, wherein said outwardly extending bead is formed in the outer walls of the beverage cup after the cup has been produced.

16. The cup and lid combination of claim 9, wherein said inwardly extending step is formed in the outer walls of the beverage cup after the cup has been produced.

17. The cup and lid combination of claim 1 , wherein said beverage cup is a molded plastic cup or an expanded styrene cup. 18. In combination, a beverage cup and a lid therefor, wherein at least a major portion of the lid is planar; and

wherein the lid is placed into an upper region of the beverage cup after it has been filled with a drinkable beverage, whereby the lid is located below an upper rim of the beverage cup when in place;

wherein the lid is secured in place by an interference fit between the outer periphery of the lid and an inside surface of the walls of the beverage cup;

wherein downward movement of the lid towards the bottom of the cup when it is in place is precluded by the presence of a stop means formed in the walls of the cup in the region where the lid will adopt its interference fit therewith;

wherein the lid has an opening through which the beverage may be consumed without removing the lid from a cup; and

wherein said cup and lid are formed from the same or similar compostable and/or recyclable materials so that the beverage cup and lid can be disposed of for recycling and/or composting without the necessity of separating them one from the other.

Description:
Beverage Cup Lid and Beverage Cup Combination

Field of the Invention:

This invention relates to beverage cups and lids therefor, and especially to a combination of a beverage cup and a planar or substantially planar lid, which are preferably both made from a biodegradable or compostable material.

Background of the Invention;

The fast food industry is a very large industry throughout North America; and in particular, that portion of the industry which specializes in dispensing hot beverages along with food, where the hot beverages are typically coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, is very large. This results in literally tens of millions of beverage cups and lids being used every day, all of which must be disposed of. Of course, governments, environmentalists, and the fast food industry itself, encourage the disposal of the beverage cups and the lids into suitable recycling bins or containers, rather than into garbage which may then become landfill. This is especially true when beverage cup lids are considered, because almost universally such lids have heretofore been made of plastic such as molded styrene sheet material.

That fact has manifested itself in several different manners. For example, after the beverage has been consumed— typically through an opening such as a tear- back or fold-back opening, or a drink-through slot, which had been formed in the plastic lid— it is necessary to separate the cup and the lid for disposal into a bin for compostable or paper products, in the case of the cup; and into a separate bin for plastic products, in the case of the lid. This often results in disposal of one or the other of the cup or lid into the wrong bin, or an unwanted disposal of both into a waste or garbage bin. In any event, this results in an inconvenience either to the beverage consumer, or to the recycling authorities.

Of course, it is recognized that some fast food stores may still dispense hot beverages in plastic beverage cups which are formed either from molded plastic or expanded styrene materials. However, often the plastics material which is used in producing those cups is, itself, biodegradable or compostable. Regrettably however, most often the plastics material which is used in the production of plastic cup lids is not biodegradable.

Governments, and indeed consumers, are now demanding the use of environmentally friendly materials in the production of both beverage cups and lids therefor. This results in a requirement for cup lids to be produced using

environmentally friendly materials, that is to say recyclable, compostable or biodegradable materials, such as paper. Since, in general, there is a well-established industry producing environmentally friendly beverage cups which are made of paper, it follows that cup lids that are also made of paper would be acceptable to all those concerned - governments and consumers alike.

It will be understood, of course, that the materials that are used in the production of beverage cup lids in keeping with the present invention will have reasonable strength so that the lids are not flimsy and will withstand some forces being exerted against them ~ such as when the cup lids are put into place in beverage cups. A typical material that may be used is the same paper material that is used for the planar bottoms of beverage cups— especially those that are intended for use with hot beverages. However, the choice of the specific material that may be used for cup lids in keeping with the present invention is outside the scope of the teachings of this application.

As will appear hereafter, the downward extent of the motion of a cup lid in keeping with the present invention into a beverage cup which is intended to be used in combination with the cup lid, is governed by the presence of a stop means which is formed in the outer walls of the beverage cup. By outer walls, it is meant the side wall or walls of a beverage cup which, in general, takes the shape of an inverted truncated cone. More specifically, reference to outer walls throughout the present specification is reference to the material which extends downwardly from the top rim of the cup to the bottom region of the cup— and typically extends below the planar bottom wall of the beverage cup. At any elevation above the bottom wall of the beverage cup, the outer walls thereof will have a substantially circular cross-section. Typically, the stop means is formed in the outer walls of the beverage cup after it has been produced; but that detail, and the manner in which the stop means is formed into the outer walls of the beverage cup, are beyond the scope of the present invention.

Prior Art:

Several patents are now referred to as being of some general interest.

However, none of the patents which are discussed hereafter is believed to have any specific relevance to the teachings of the present invention.

The use of planar caps or lids for beverage containing jars or bottles has particularly manifested itself previously in milk bottles. Briefly, since the

introduction of milk bottle caps or seals as taught in United States Patent 41 1 ,368, issued to the Barnhart brothers on September 17, 1889, planar milk bottle caps which seated against a cap seat within the neck of the bottle have been widely known and used throughout North America. That is, utilization of the so-called "commonsense milk bottle" throughout North America continued from about the 1890s up to about the mid-1950s. At that time, the use of cardboard milk bottle tops or caps was deemed to be unhygienic. It is interesting to note that the Barnhart brothers suggest that the disk from which the cap is to be formed, could be made out of wood pulp, fiber, paper-board, papier mache, or sliced wood; and that preferably disks of white soft wood would be used, each having a diameter to fit exactly into the opening of the milk bottle. Thus, since the time of the patent, the use of a cap seat against which a milk bottle cap may be seated so as to seal the milk bottle, has been known. United States Patent 5,385,255, issued January 31 , 1995, teaches a disposable biodegradable snap-on lid for use with re-closable food or beverage containers. In this case, however, the snap-on lid is intended particularly for snap-over engagement with the rolled rim of the container.

United States Patent 6,138,899, issued October 31 , 2000, provides a teaching of an inserted lid for a box, which is typically cylindrical. The manner in which the lid is secured in place comes as a consequence of slightly larger dimensions of the lid with respect to the box opening, and ensuring that the closure surface has spring properties which permit an elastic deformation radiantly outwardly in the contact region and/or in a central domed vault region. In any event, the lid is secured to the container at the top thereof.

United States Patent Application Publication 2008/0023503 teaches a liquid- dispensing compartmented lid from which condiments can be dispensed into a closed beverage container from compartments within the lid. Both the container and the lid may be either disposable or reusable. The lid is adapted to fit over the upper edge of the beverage container, and has a substantially flat inner portion into which the compartments for the respective condiments are formed.

United States Patent Application Publication 2008/0047966 is directed to a press-fit compostable beverage cup lid having a low profile, but which is formed so as to present both a raised platform and a drinking spout. The lid fits over the upper rim or bead of a disposable tapered walled beverage cup. The cup lid also includes a means for twisting and pulling the lid off the cup, but it is mentioned that if the cup and the lid are both compostable they may be disposed of together into a compost bin.

As such, while these prior art beverage lids address some issues related to this topic, clearly an improved compostable beverage cup and lid, having improved properties, would be desirable. Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, it is a principal advantage of the present invention to provide a beverage cup and lids therefor, and especially to planar or substantially planar lids, which lids and cups are preferably both made from a recyclable and/or compostable material.

Preferably, in the present invention, the cup is a standard beverage cup which is formed as an inverted truncated cone ~ therefore having a circular cross-section at any elevation about the bottom of the cup. Consequently, in combination with this beverage cup shape, at least a major portion of the lid preferably has a circular periphery, in most embodiments of the lid. Also, in most embodiments, a lift tab preferably extends beyond the circular periphery of the lid.

When in place, after a drinkable beverage has been placed in the beverage cup, the lid is located below the upper rim of the beverage cup and is precluded from further downward movement into the beverage cup by a stop means formed therein. For all those embodiments of the lid which have a lift tab, the lift tab extends upwardly when the lid is in place.

In general, therefore, the present invention is primarily directed to the combination of hot beverage cups and drink-through lids therefor, where the lids which are formed of compostable paper, and in which hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate are dispensed, so that after the beverage has been consumed it is not necessary to separate the lid from the beverage cup for purposes of disposal in a suitable recycling container. Accordingly, preferably in all embodiments of the lid of the present invention, an opening through which the beverage may be consumed is either preformed into the lid, or more generally is formed by the consumer who will drink the beverage contained in the beverage cup at the time when the beverage is to be drunk.

Accordingly, the present invention provides, in combination, a beverage cup and a lid therefor, where the outer walls of the beverage cup preferably form an inverted truncated oval or circular cone, and where at least a major portion of the outer periphery of the lid is preferably oval or circular;

wherein at least a major portion of the lid is preferably planar;

wherein the lid is placed into the upper region of the beverage cup after it has been filled with a drinkable beverage, whereby the lid is located below the upper rim of the beverage cup when in place;

wherein the lid is secured in place by an interference fit between the outer periphery of the lid and the inside surface of the preferably conical outer walls of the beverage cup;

wherein downward movement of the lid towards the bottom of the cup when it is in place is precluded by the presence of a stop means formed in the outer walls of the cup in the region where the lid will adopt its interference fit therewith;

wherein the lid has an opening through which the beverage may be consumed without removing the lid from a cup; and

wherein at least the lid is formed from a compostable and/or recyclable material.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example only in association with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a general view of a combination of a beverage cup and a first embodiment of a beverage cup lid in keeping with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 , but showing a second embodiment of a beverage cup lid in keeping with the present invention;

Figure 3 is a view not unlike those of Figures 1 and 2, showing the cup lid of either figure after the opening has been effected;

Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 3, but showing a further embodiment of a cup lid in keeping with the present invention;

Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figures 3 or 4, but showing a further embodiment of a cup lid in keeping with the present invention; Figure 6 is a view similar to that of Figure 5, but showing the cup lid with the opening having been effected;

Figure 7 is a partial cross-section of a beverage cup and cup lid, showing the stop means in the form of an outwardly extending bead, and also showing the stacking feature of a second filled beverage cup placed on the cup lid of a first filled beverage cup;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7, showing the stop means in the form of an inwardly extending step, and also suggesting an alternative embodiment of a cup lid having a slight dome formed therein; and

Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 , but showing an oval cup and lid, and other optional lid features.

Detailed Description of the Invention:

In the present application, the terms "beverage cup" and "lids" refers to cups and lids for use with a hot beverage. However, the skilled artisan will be aware that the beverage cups and lids of the present invention can be used with a wide variety of beverages, which are served either hot or cold.

It will also be noted that the figures show a circular cup. However, the skilled artisan will be aware that any suitably shaped cup might be used in the practise of the present invention. As such, the cup (and the upper perimeter of the cup) can be round, oval, square, rectangular, or any other suitable shape.

Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features described herein with respect to the present invention, may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example only. In the drawings, like reference numerals depict like elements.

It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

Moreover, in the following discussion, and in the drawings, the numeral 10 is used to designate the general combination of a beverage cup 12 and any embodiment of the cup lid 14. However, the various embodiments of the cup lid 14 are identified in the respective figures with a suffix letter. Thus, in Figure 1 , the cup lid is identified as 14A; whereas in Figure 2, the cup lid is identified as 14B, and so on.

It will be understood that the specifics of the beverage cup 12 need not be discussed in any detail, except to note that in each of the figures of the drawings, the beverage cup 12 is indicated as being a paper cup which has a seam 16. Moreover, the beverage cup generally has a rolled rim as seen at 18 in Figures 7 and 8. Because it is the purpose of those latter figures to illustrate other features of the present invention, the cup lid in each of those figures is identified by its general designation 14.

Of course, it will also be noted in and of the figures that the beverage cup 12 has the general form of an inverted truncated cone, extending downwardly from the rim 18 to the bottom surface 20 of the outer walls of the beverage cup 12. As shown particularly in Figure 7, and as is well known, each beverage cup 12 has a bottom wall 22 which is assembled into the cup 12 during its manufacture. At least in some cases, the material of the bottom wall 22 may be thicker than the material of the side walls of the beverage cup 12, and/or it may be formed from a slightly different material other than the coated paper which is usually used.

The cup and lid are preferably, however, manufactured from the same material so that the combined cup and lid combination can be disposed of together. As such, the combined cup and lid combination can be jointly recycled, composted, or the like, without needing to separate the lid from the cup.

In general, at least the major portion of any cup lid 14 is planar, as can be seen in any of the figures. However, Figure 8 suggests that in some circumstances the center portion of the cup lid may be domed or raised, as seen at 70. It is also to be noted from Figure 7 that the material of any cup lid 14 is strong enough to withstand the weight of another filled beverage cup 12 having been placed upon it so that the bottom surface 20 of the side walls of the beverage cup rests on the upper surface 24 of any cup lid 14. This accommodates the circumstances where a consumer may purchase several cups of beverage at one time for herself or himself, as well as for her or his companion(s).

The lid can also be strengthened in order to provide a stronger lid surface. This can be achieved by providing a lid of sufficient thickness for the intended purpose, or the lid can be strengthened through the use of stiffening or strengthening ribs or rings that can be pressed, formed or embossed onto a surface of the lid.

After any beverage cup 12 has been filled with the respective beverage (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or otherwise), a cup lid 14 is put into place. The placement of any cup lid 14 is not dissimilar to the placement of a usual snap-fitted cup lid which engages the upper rim 18 of the beverage cup. However, it will be understood that a certain amount of dexterity may be required as the cup lid 14 is generally put into place by being centered over the beverage cup 12 and then being gently pushed downwardly until the outer periphery of the cup lid 14 engages a stop means shown generally at 26. The details of the stop means 26 are discussed hereafter in association with Figures 7 and 8. It will also be understood that the downwardly and inwardly sloped upper portion of the outer walls of the beverage cup 12, as seen at 30 particularly in Figures 7 and 8, will assist in ensuring the secure placement of a cup lid 14 in a horizontal orientation. The downwards exertion of any force against a cup lid 14 will cease when the outer periphery 32 of the cup lid 14 engages the stop means 26.

It will also be noted that the cup shown in the figures is a single wall cup. However, it will be understood that the present invention is equally applicable in situations where a double walled cup is used. It will also be understood that the diameter of the cup lid 14 is such that when it is in place and engages the stop means 26, there is an interference fit between the outer periphery of the cup lid 14 and the inside surface of the conical outer walls of the beverage cup 12, as they may be deformed at the stop means 26. It also follows that there is generally a certain resilience in the outer walls of the beverage cup 12 so as to accommodate the passage of a cup lid 14 into place at the stop means 26 for an interference fit engagement therewith.

In order to accommodate the drinking of the beverage which is in the beverage cup 12 without first having to fully remove the cup lid 14 away from the cup/lid combination 10, there must be an opening formed through the thickness of the cup lid 14, through which opening the beverage will be drunk. In most cases, that opening will not be effected until such time as the consumer is ready to drink the beverage within the beverage cup 12; but in the case of cup lid 14C, a drinking slot 34 may be preformed in the cup lid 14C.

Thus, turning for example to Figure 1 , a first embodiment of a specific cup lid

14A is shown. Here, an opening 36 will eventually be made in the defined area therefor, as shown in Figure 3; and the area where the opening 36 will be effected is defined by a series of perforations 38 that are formed in the defined area of the material of the cup lid 14 A, as shown at 35. Moreover, it will be seen that the general area of the region 35 where the opening will be effected is subtended at the periphery of the cup lid 14A by a lift tab 40. It is also seen that when the cup lid 14A is in place, the lift tab 40 extends upwardly; and of course it will be understood that before the cup lid 14A is put into place, the lift tab 40 generally extends outwardly from the periphery of the cup lid in the same plane thereof.

The ease with which the opening 36 may be effected by grasping the lift tab

40 and lifting or tearing the material of the cup lid 14A so as to remove the material in the area 35, is assisted by the presence of the perforations 38. The small piece of cup lid material which is removed when the opening 36 is effected may easily be disposed of, or it may be retained to be put back into the empty beverage cup 12 after the beverage has been consumed.

Tab 40 is shown to be located near the centre of area 35 in the lid perimeter. However, tab 40 could instead be positioned on the lid perimeter so as to be offset from the center of area 35.

Turning now to Figure 2, the only difference between the cup lid 14B and cup lid 14A of Figure 1 , is that the area 37 where the opening 36 is to be effected is defined in this case by a scored line 42 which is formed into the material of the cup lid 14B. Otherwise, as is now shown in Figure 3, once the material of the cup lid has been removed, the opening 36 is formed and drinking the beverage within the beverage cup 12 may now be accomplished.

Figures 1 and 2 also indicate a vent hole 44. The placement of the vent hole 44 has no great relevance, and it may or may not be formed into the cup lid 14.

However, if the vent hole 44 is formed in a cup lid 14, it will be understood that it must be in a location which is distal from the opening 36 (or 34, or 48). Indeed, it will be noted that no vent hole is shown In Figure 3.

An advantage to be obtained by the use of cup lids 14A or 14B, as opposed to use of the cup lid 14C, is that before the opening 36 is effected, the beverage cup is completely sealed. Thus, loss of heat through the drinking opening as a consequence of steam rising off the beverage in the beverage cup 12, is precluded. Moreover, the chance of spillage or sloshing of the beverage within the beverage cup 12 is also precluded, as opposed to the possibility of the risk of heat loss and/or spillage or sloshing of the beverage which may occur when the cup lid 14C is employed.

Turning now to Figures 5 and 6, yet an alternative embodiment of a cup lid is shown at 14D. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to remove the material of the cup lid in the region where the opening 48 will be formed. Here, the material of the cup lid in the region 54 is defined at the sides 53 and 55 thereof by scoring or perforations. Moreover, a fold line 50 may be formed in the material of the cup lid 14D such as by embossing. A slit 52 is formed in the material of the cup lid 14D at a position which is distal from the area of the opening 48 and beyond the fold line 50; and the width of the slit 52 is sufficiently wide so as to accommodate the lift tab 46. Thus, as can be seen by a comparison of Figures 5 and 6, the opening 48 may be effected by grasping the lift tab 46, tearing upwardly along the perforations or scoring at edges 53 and 55, and folding the material of the cup lid in the region 54 over the fold line 50 so as to insert the lift tab 46 into the slot 52.

The region 56 may be embossed upwardly in the material of the cup lid 14D, so as to more easily accommodate the placement of the lift tab 46 therein.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two different embodiments of stop means which are typically employed in keeping with the present invention. They are an outwardly extending bead 58, which is defined at its upper and lower limits by shoulders 60 and 62, as seen in Figure 7; and an inwardly extending step 64, as seen in Figure 8. It will be seen from Figure 7 that the outer periphery 32 of a cup lid 14 is easily

accommodated within the outwardly extending bead 58; and it will be seen in Figure 8 that downward movement of a cup lid 14 is precluded by interference of the bottom of the cup lid 14 near its outer periphery 32 with the inwardly extending step 64. Of course, it is also understood that there is an interference fit between the outer periphery 32 of the cup lid 14 and the inner surface of the outer walls of the beverage cup 12 in the region immediately above the inwardly extending step 64.

It is a matter of choice when the stop means may be formed in a beverage cup 12. However, it is typically easier and more expeditious to form the stop means 26 in the outer walls of a beverage cup 12 as it is being manufactured. However, stop means 26 can also be added to the cup after it has been manufactured. This accommodates the machinery used for such manufacture without having to modify the same.

Figure 9 illustrates an alternative cup and lid combination 10A, wherein an oval cup 12A is shown with a corresponding oval lid 14E which is adapted to fit within an essentially oval opening at the top of cup 12A. The opening in cup 12A can be oval to correspond to lid 14E, or can be partially deformed to form the oval opening, by the force of lid 14E being pressed into the cup opening. Lid 14E is still adapted to fit within stop means 26A, when pressed into place.

Lid 14E includes a vent hole 44A, which is located in a raised section 71. Around the surface of lid 14E are strengthening ribs 72, which are pressed into lid 14E and extend downwardly from the surface of lid 14E.

Lid 14E is provided with a lift tab 40A, which is aligned with the edge of perforations 38 A, so as to facilitate tearing along the line formed by perforations 38 A, when tab 40A is lifted.

Finally, it will be understood that in any embodiment of a cup lid 14 (A to E) in keeping with the present invention, the cup lid is made of a compostable material and is therefore biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Likewise, in general the beverage cups 12 and 12A are made from a material which is environmentally friendly. Thus, after any beverage has been consumed from a beverage cup 12 through the opening formed in the cup lid 14, the lid/cup combination may be easily disposed of without the necessity of separating them one from the other.

For instances where the cup and lid are made solely of paper, the cup and lid combination is suitable for direct recycling or composting. Alternatively, if the cup and lid have been treated with a polymeric material to improve water resistance, the cup and lid combination can be treated to remove the polymeric material. In any case, the cup and lid combination is treated (e.g. recycled or composted, or the like) without the need for separating them, one from the other.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a beverage cup and lid which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word "comprise" and variations of the word such as "comprising" and "comprises", when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Moreover, the words "substantially" or "essentially", when used with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element.

Further, use of the terms "he", "him", or "his", is not intended to be specifically directed to persons of the masculine gender, and could easily be read as "she", "her", or "hers", respectively.

Also, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present application.