Disposable cup lid having a tear-resistant straw slot
US5147065A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 1991 |
| Grant date | Sep 15, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65D2231/02
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A disposable cup lid has intersecting straw insertion slits and rip-stop end cuts located transversely to and spaced from the ends of the straw insertion slits. In a preferred embodiment, the rip-stop end cuts are stamped lines of weakness or perforations, located perpendicularly to, and between about 1/32 and 1/16 inch beyond, the ends of the straw insertion slits. In another preferred embodiment, the end cuts are portions of the arc of a circle with a diameter slightly larger than the length of the straw insertion slits. The rip-stop end cuts, together with the straw insertion slits, define frangible reinforcing webs connecting wedge-shaped lid portions defined by the straw insertion slits. The webs strengthen the cup during shipment, during mounting on the cup, and during transportation of the filled cup prior to insertion of the straw. The webs are broken by insertion of the straw, resulting in a structure that effectively prevents the force of straw insertion from tearing the top surface of the lid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.