TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally tocontainers and more specifically, to leak-resistant lid assemblies for cups.

BACKGROUND

Generally, disposable cups are used by people on a daily basis to consume various types of liquids on-the-go; the liquids including but not limited to, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages, juices, coffee, tea, and the like. Furthermore, such disposable cups may be used by people of all ages including children and elderly people, as well as when people are stationary or moving. It will be appreciated that, when such disposable cups are used by people, for example, for consuming liquids when driving a vehicle, there exists a high chance of spillage of the liquid on the person using the disposable cup. Correspondingly, when the liquid comprises a hot liquid (such as, hot coffee or tea) the spillage of the liquid on the person can injure the person.

Consequently, various prior art solutions have been contemplated to prevent or reduce spillage of liquid during use of disposable cups.

In one prior art solution, provided is a disposable cup is equipped at the cup opening with an integrated spill resistant lid structure formed by at least four identical, inwardly foldable lid flaps. Each lid flap is connected to the cup body in a first arcuate fold line concave towards the cup opening. Adjacent lid flap side edge regions are interconnected pair-wise along second fold lines which in the unfolded condition of the lid flaps extend from the points of intersection between adjacent first arcuate fold lines along cup cone generatrices to the free lid flap edge. Each lid flap further comprises a pair of third fold lines extending straight from the point of intersection to a third fold line end point at the free lid flap edge. The third fold line end point is located between the adjacent second fold line end point and the centre of the free lid flap edge so that symmetrical lid flap side wings are formed. The lid flaps in their inwardly folded condition at least substantially abut one another along two adjacent third fold lines.

In another prior art solution, provided is a security ring mated to a cup lid of a disposable cup for a spill -proof purpose. The security ring, when engaged with the paired cup lid, provides a seal for the disposable cup as well as inseparableness from each other in the event the disposable cup is toppled or falls from a high ground. The engagement in the first embodiment of the present disclosure between the security ring and the cup lid arises from a secure reception of one or more interlocking members on the cup lid by one or more corresponding retaining members on the security ring. The engagement in the second embodiment involves a hitching member and a receiving member on the security ring capable of latching up therein at a plurality of locations so as to accommodate the cup lid having a plurality of heights and shapes.

In yet another prior art solution, provided is a disposable cup has a bottom insert, and a substantially truncated conical body having an integral lid and a cup opening. The lid is movable between a raised position and a closed position, possibly via a semi-closed position. The lid has a free edge, with a liquid passage opening allowing liquid passage when the lid is in said closed position. The lid is fold ably joined to the body along an arcuate first score line. The lid further has second score lines arranged at respective ends of the free edge, the second score lines connecting the free edge and the first score line so that, when the lid is pushed towards the cup opening, the lid flips into a position inside the cup opening, the movement of the lid being substantially aided by the folding of the lid along the second score lines. The lid has a larger cross-dimension than the cross-dimension of the body at the closed position of the lid, so that, when the lid portion is pushed further into the body, the lid is bent into a convex shape to seal liquid access along the inside of the cup, and the lid is partly held in the cup in the closed position by frictional forces between the lid and the inside of the cup, and partly by the second score lines causing outer portions of the lid to bend to a substantially vertical position, thereby increasing the force holding the lid in the closed position.

However, none of the aforementioned prior art provides a satisfactory solution to problems associated with spillage of liquid from cups (such as disposable cups). Moreover, such prior art systems require specialized cups and are not capable of being implemented with cups having any shape or design.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome various problems associated with conventional systems for reducing or preventing spillage of liquid from cups (such as, from disposable cups).

SUMMARY This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

The present disclosure seeks to provide a leak-resistant lid assembly for a cup.

According to an aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a leak-resistant lid assembly for a cup, the lid assembly comprising:

- a lid to be detachably coupled to the cup, the lid comprising:

- a first collar disposed towards a middle portion of the lid, wherein the first collar receives a lower-lip of a person on a top thereof when the person uses the lid assembly for drinking a liquid stored in the cup;

- a second collar disposed above the first collar and towards an upper portion of the lid, wherein the second collar is received between an upper-lip and the lower-lip of the person when the person uses the lid assembly for drinking the liquid stored in the cup;

-a block pivotally disposed on a top-surface of the lid and above the second collar, wherein the block pivots under the top-surface of the lid due to the upper-lip of the person pushing the block when the person uses the lid assembly for drinking the liquid stored in the cup; and

- a first locking-member disposed below the top-surface of the lid; and

- a disc comprising a second locking-member disposed below a top-surface of the disc, wherein the disc is seal ably coupled to the lid by snap-fitting the first locking-member of the lid with the second locking-member of the disc and wherein the block pushes the disc downward to allow flow of liquid from the cup when the person uses the lid assembly for drinking the liquid stored in the cup.

Optionally, the second collar comprises a raised portion having a cavity that allows flow of the liquid from the cup through the lid assembly, wherein the raised portion is received between the upper-lip and the lower-lip of the person when the person uses the lid assembly for drinking the liquid stored in the cup. Optionally, a boundary of the cavity is filleted inwards towards the cup.

Optionally, the block is pivotally disposed on the top-surface of the lid using a valley portion on one side and cut-out portions on other sides.

Optionally, the first locking-member is disposed at a centre of the top-surface of the lid and the second locking-member is disposed at a centre of the top-surface of the disc.

Optionally, the first locking-member is disposed eccentrically with respect to the top-surface of the lid and the second locking-member is disposed eccentrically on the top-surface of the disc to correspond with a position of the first locking-member on the lid.

Optionally, the first locking-member is disposed towards rear-end of the top-surface of the lid and the second locking-member is disposed towards rear-end of the top-surface of the disc to correspond with the position of the first locking-member on the lid.

Optionally, the block is shaped to resemble a human upper-lip.

Optionally, each of the first locking-member and the second locking-member comprise an extruded portion to allow snap-fitting there between. Optionally, a diameter of the disc substantially corresponds to a diameter of the first collar.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers. Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIGs. 1 to 4 are exploded views of a leak-resistant lid assembly, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; FIGs.5 and 6 are perspective views of the lid of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top-view of the lid of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a bottom-perspective view of the disc of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top-perspective view of the disc of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is a top view of the disc of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non- underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to persons skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed. Exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms. Thus, neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, singular forms such as “a,”“an,” and“the” may be intended to include corresponding plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, terms akin to “comprises,” “comprising,”“including,” and“having,” are inclusive and therefore, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

When an element or layer is referred to as being“on,”“engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be disposed directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present therein. However, when an element is referred to as being“directly on,”“directly engaged to,”“directly connected to,” or“directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe a relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like manner (e.g.,“between” versus“directly between,”“adjacent” versus“directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term“and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Spatially relative terms such as“inner,”“outer,”“beneath,”“below,”“lower ,”“above,” “upper,” and the like may be used herein for ease of description, to describe an element’s or a feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Furthermore, spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation, in addition to one or more orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or“beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented“above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term“below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. It will be appreciated that the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as“first,”“second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. The term“user” relates to at least one individual that uses or operates the system or arrangement or device (or other variants thereof) as claimed, such as, by interacting with at least one component of the system or arrangement or device (or other variants thereof).

Moreover, if any method steps, processes, and operations are described, they are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with leak-resistant lid assemblies for cups.

According to an aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a leak-resistant lid assembly for a cup, the lid assembly comprising:

- a lid to be detachably coupled to the cup, the lid comprising:

- a first collar disposed towards a middle portion of the lid, wherein the first collar receives a lower-lip of a person on a top thereof when the person uses the lid assembly for drinking a liquid stored in the cup; - a second collar disposed above the first collar and towards an upper portion of the lid, wherein the second collar is received between an upper-lip and the lower-lip of the person when the person uses the lid assembly for drinking the liquid stored in the cup; -a block pivotally disposed on a top-surface of the lid and above the second collar, wherein the block pivots under the top-surface of the lid due to the upper-lip of the person pushing the block when the person uses the lid assembly for drinking the liquid stored in the cup; and

- a first locking-member disposed below the top-surface of the lid; and

- a disc comprising a second locking-member disposed below a top-surface of the disc, wherein the disc is seal ably coupled to the lid by snap-fitting the first locking-member of the lid with the second locking-member of the disc and wherein the block pushes the disc downward to allow flow of liquid from the cup when the person uses the lid assembly for drinking the liquid stored in the cup.

It will be appreciated that a wide variety of cups specifically designed for use are commercially available, such as, for use as disposable cups by people for consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, for use by infants and children and such like. In such cups, it is advantageous to have a feature that prevents spilling or leaking of liquid stored therein, if the cup is accidentally knocked-over or used in a moving vehicle where the liquid could be spilled by normal movement of the vehicle.

Commercially available cups incorporate a valve feature in a lid thereof to prevent spilling or leaking of liquid from the cup. The valve feature includes a drinking valve that permits the liquid to flow from the drinking cup and optionally, a vent valve to allow ambient air into the drinking cup. Furthermore, when a user using the cup drinks from a drinking spout of the cup, the drinking valve opens and allows liquid to flow out of the cup. Simultaneously, the vent valve responds to suction on the drinking valve and opens to allow ambient air to flow into the cup.

However, it will be appreciated that such drinking cups are relatively complex due to presence of multiple parts requiring assembly, for example, cups having slits forming a circle of tongues, upwardly projecting annular lip seals and the like.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded view of leak-resistant lid assembly lOOfor a cupl02, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lid assembly lOOcomprises a lid 104to be detachably coupled to the cupl02. The lid 104 can comprise internal threads therein that mate with external threads formed on an external surface of the cupl02, for allowing the lid 104 to be rotatably-coupled to the cup 102. The lid 104 prevents spillage of a liquid stored within the cup 102. However, a user of the cup 102 can use the lid 104 to drink the liquid stored in the cup.

The lid 104comprises a first collar 106disposed towards a middle portion of the lidl04.The first collar 106 is a protruding portion formed on the lid 104. The first collar 106receives a lower-lip of a person on a top thereof when the person uses the lid assembly lOOfor drinking a liquid stored in the cupl02. The first collar 106allows the user to rest their lower-lip thereon while using the lid assembly lOOfor drinking the liquid stored in the cup 102.

Furthermore, the lid 104 comprises a second collar 108disposed above the first collar 106and towards an upper portion of the lidl04.The second collar 108 is disposed on the lid 104 above the first collar 106. The second collar 108 is formed as a protruding portion on the lid 104and above the first collar 106. In one embodiment, the first collar 106and the second collar 108 are similarly shaped. Alternatively, the first collar 106and the second collar 108 have different shaped with respect to each other.

The second collar 108is received between an upper-lip and the lower-lip of the person when the person uses the lid assembly lOOfor drinking the liquid stored in the cupl02. For example, a portion of the second collar 108is received between the upper-lip and the lower- lip of the person when the person uses the lid assembly lOOfor drinking the liquid stored in the cup 102.

Optionally, the second collar 108comprises a raised portion 110 having a cavity 112 that allows flow of the liquid from the cup 102through the lid assemblylOO.The raised portion 110 of the second collar 108comprises a spout that enables the user to drink the liquid stored in the cup 102. The cavity 112 is formed on the spout and allows flow of liquid out of the lid 104 when the user turns the cup 102 upside down to drink the liquid stored in the cup 102. The raised portion llOis received between the upper-lip and the lower-lip of the person when the person uses the lid assembly lOOfor drinking the liquid stored in the cupl02.

Optionally, a boundary of the cavity 112is filleted inwards towards the cup 102. Such a filleted portion of the boundary of the cavity 112 allows droplets of liquid on the boundary to flow into the cup 102, thereby, further preventing leakage of the liquid onto the user when the user uses the cup 102 to drink the liquid stored therein. Moreover, the filleted portion allows any droplets of liquid that may have stuck to an underside of the boundary of the cavity 112to flow back into the cup 102.

Moreover, the lid 104 comprises a block 114pivotally disposed on a top-surface of the lid 104and above the second collarl08. The block 114 is a portion of the lid 104 that is formed as a separate portion and pivotably coupled to the cup 102. Alternatively, the block 114 is fabricated as a part of the lid 104. The block 114pivots under the top-surface of the lid 104due to the upper-lip of the person pushing the block 114when the person uses the lid assembly lOOfor drinking the liquid stored in the cupl02.lt will be appreciated that when the user uses the lid assembly 100 to drink from the cup 102, the uses pushes the upper-lip thereof on the top-surface of the lid 104 (and a lower-lip thereof on the cup 102or the lid 104 when drinking from the cup). Consequently, the user pushing the upper-lip on the block 114 moves the block 114 under the top-surface of the lid 104. Optionally, the block 114is pivotally disposed on the top-surface of the lid 104using a valley portion 116on one side and cut-out portions 118on other sides. Such a valley portion 116 allows the block 114 to be coupled to the lid 104 without requiring any external coupling mechanisms for coupling the block 114to the lid 104. Furthermore, the cut-out portions 118allow movement of the block 114 under the top-surface of the lid 104. Optionally, the block 114is shaped to resemble a human upper-lip. For example, the block 114 is shaped to resemble a front portion of the human upper-lip, to allow the user to conveniently push the block 114 downwards.

The lid 104 comprises a first locking-member 120disposed below the top-surface of the lid 104. The first locking-member 120 is fabricated as a part of the lid 104. For example, the first locking-member 120 is fabricated as a cylindrical portion that bulges under the top-surface of the lid 104.

The lid assembly 100 comprises a disc 122. The disc 122 is fabricated as a substantially flat component of the lid assembly lOO.The disc 122comprises a second locking-member 124disposed below a top-surface of the discl22.The second locking-member 124 is fabricated as a part of the lid 104. For example, the second locking-member 124 is fabricated as a cylindrical portion that bulges under the top-surface of the lid 104. Furthermore, a shape and dimensions (such as a radius thereof) of the second locking-member 124 substantially corresponds to a shape and dimensions of the first locking-member 120. The disc 122is sealably coupled to the lid 104by snap-fitting the first locking-member 120of the lid 104with the second locking-member 124of the disc 122. The disc 122 is pushed against the lid 104, such that the first locking-member 120is received into the second locking-member 124, to allow snap-fitting of the first locking-member 120of the lid 104with the second locking- member 124of the disc 122.

The block 114pushes the disc 122downward to allow flow of liquid from the cup 102when the person uses the lid assembly lOOfor drinking the liquid stored in the cupl02.lt will be appreciated that as the disc 122 is coupled to the lid 104, when the upper-lip of the user pushes the block 114 downwards, the block 114 contacts the disc 122. Consequently, the block 114 transmits force applied by the upper-lip of the user to the disc 122 thereby, pushing the disc 122. Optionally, a diameter of the disc 122substantially corresponds to a diameter of the first collarl 06. Correspondingly, the disc 122 is arranged within the lid assembly lOOsuch that when the user does not push the block 114by applying force using the upper-lip thereof, the disc 122sealably couples with the lid 104to prevent flow of the liquid from the cup 102into the lid 104. Moreover, when the force applied by the upper-lip of the user to the block 114 is transmitted to the disc 122, a corresponding portion of the disc 122 is pushed downwards, thereby, allowing flow of the liquid into the lid 104andthereafter, out of the cavity 112.

Optionally, each of the first locking-member 120and the second locking-member 124comprise an extruded portion to allow snap-fitting there between (shown in FIG. 2 herein later). Correspondingly, the extruded portion of the first locking-member 120is received into the extruded portion of the second locking-member 124, thus, allowing secure coupling between the first locking-member 120and the second locking-member 124.

Optionally, the first locking-member 120is disposed at a centre of the top-surface of the lid 104and the second locking-member 124is disposed at a centre of the top-surface of the discl22. Correspondingly, the disc 112 exerts an equal pressure all around when the disc 112 is coupled to the lid 104. It will be appreciated that when the user pushes the block 114 by applying force from the upper-lip thereof, the equal pressure applied by the disc 112 all around the lid 104allows convenient opening of the sealable coupling between the disc 112 and the lid 104 to allow flow of the liquid from the cup 102 into the lid 104. Optionally, the first locking-member 120is disposed eccentrically with respect to the top-surface of the lid 104and the second locking-member 124is disposed eccentrically on the top-surface of the disc 122to correspond with a position of the first locking-member 120on the lidl04.For example, the first locking-member 120 is disposed away from the centre of the lid 104 and a position of the second-locking member 124 on the disc 122 corresponds to such a position of the first locking-member 120 on the lid 104. Optionally, the first locking-member 120is disposed towards rear-end of the top-surface of the lid 104and the second locking-member 124is disposed towards rear-end of the top-surface of the disc 122to correspond with the position of the first locking-member 120on the lidl04. It will be appreciated that when the first locking-member 120is disposed towards the rear-end of the top-surface of the lid 104and the position of the second locking-member 124 on the disc 122corresponds with a position of the first locking-member 120 on the lid 104, the snap-fitting of the first locking-member 120 and the second locking-member 124 allows more pressure to be applied towards the rear-end of the lid assembly 100 as compared to a pressure applied towards a front-end of the lid assembly 100. Consequently, when the upper-lip of the user pushes the block 114, comparatively lesser amount of pressure is required to be applied by the user to push the block 114 and the disc 122 as compared to when the first locking -member 120 and the second locking-member 124 are disposed at the centre of the lid 104 and the disc 122 respectively, thereby, allowing increased convenience of operation associated with the lid assembly 100.

Optionally, the lid 104and the disc 122 are respectively fabricated using plastic, paper, cardboard, plastic PET Glass or other suitable material.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an exploded view of the leak-resistant lid assembly lOOof FIG. 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the first locking-member 120 comprises the extruded portion 200and the second locking-member 124comprisesthe extruded portion 202to allow snap-fitting there between.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an exploded view of the leak-resistant lid assembly 100 of FIG. 2, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an exploded view of the leak-resistant lid assembly 100 of FIG. 3, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shows, FIG. 4 depicts sectional views of each of the cup 102, the lid 104 and the disc 122.

Referring to FIGs.5 and 6, there are shown perspective views of the lid 104 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a top-view of the lid 104 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a bottom -perspective view of the disc 122 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a top-perspective view of the disc 122 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a top view of the disc 122 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.