REUSABLE DRINKING CUP LID STOPPER AND METHOD

Abstract

A reusable stopper for removably engaging a sipping aperture in a removable drinking cup lid and a method for same, the reusable stopper comprising a stopper body having two body ends, a grasping body end that forms a handle and plug body end that forms a tab projection; the stopper body further forms at least double open-ended aperture; wherein the handle is configured to allow an operator to securely grasp and manipulate the reusable stopper; wherein the tab projection is configured to removably seal the sipping aperture; wherein the at least one double open-ended aperture is configured to removable engage a stopper retaining device.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may relate to reusable cup lid stoppers. More specifically, the present invention may relate to cup lid stoppers that are configured to be retained by the user to be used multiple times with one or more cup lids.

BACKGROUND

There is a heighten sense of awareness in the general conservation of resources to reduce the use of petroleum products, such as plastic, in our lives. Some studies have shown the release of plastics into the environment may impact humanity in a variety of ways such as providing a that environmental microplastics-human interaction may have a negative human fertility. One possible remedial action that can be done on the personal level is a reduction of plastic stirrers used for stirring drinks in take-out drinking cups.

As substantially shown in FIG. 1, drink purveyors (not shown) such coffee shops, take-out restaurants and the like may offer to the consumer public (not shown) take-out drinks contained in containers such as drinking cups 10 (e.g., single use drinking cups) that may removably accept cup lids 12. The drinking cups 10 could comprise a cup body 14 having two cup ends, an enclosed cup end 16 and open cup end 18, the open cup end 18 could connect a cup exterior 20 to a cup interior 22 , the cup interior 22 generally configured to hold a substance such as a consumable liquid 24. The cup body 14 may be further configured to be substantially disposable and recyclable (e.g., generally made from cellulose or plastic substrate.) The removable cup lid 12 may be applied to the cup body 14 to generally removably seal the open cup end 18 and to generally help contain the consumable liquid 14 within the cup interior 22. In at least one embodiment, the said cup lid 12 may be a vacuum-formed plastic clamp-over cup lid. The cup lid 12 may further define a lid rim 26 and proximate to said lid rim 26 may located a sipping aperture 28, allowing the consumer to sip liquid 24 placed in the drinking cup 10.

Additionally, a stirrer 30 (e.g., a plastic stirrer) may be provided for the consumer use in substantially stirring the liquid 24 or other mixing the liquid 24 to which additives (e.g., milk, sugar and the like-not shown) have been added. The stirrer 30 may subsequently be placed within the sipping aperture 28 to removably seal same and generally prevent the drink from splashing through the sipping aperture 28 (e.g., during a transportation of the drink.)

The stirrer 30 may comprise a handle 32 separated from an elongated stirring portion 34 by a flange 36. In this manner, when the elongated stirring portion 34 is removably placed through the sipping aperture 28 to generally contact the liquid 24 contained within the drinking cup 10, the depth of the stirrer 30 within the cup interior 22 could be substantially controlled by the interaction of the flange 36 upon the cup lid 12. The consumer (not shown), by generally grasping the handle 32 and moving about the elongated stirring portion 34 in an open circular manner, can then swirl and mix the liquid 24. When the drink stirring is substantially accomplished, the stirrer 30 may be removed from the drinking cup and could be discarded. Generally, at the time of such stirrer discardment, the drinking cup 10 removably covered by the cup lid 12 could have been removed from the establishment where the drink was purchased as well as being remote from any plastic recycling receptacles as generally found at such drink establishments. The stirrer 30 may instead be then generally disposed through a general waste receptacle, when done by many drink consumers, may significantly add to the plastics environmental issue.

One possible resolution to this stirrer waste issue may be the present invention, a reusable drinking cup lid stopper and a method for same. The reusable drinking cup lid stopper could comprise a stopper body with a grasping body end (generally) configured to form a handle with a pleasing design while the plug body end could form a plug or tab projection. The tab projection could be configured to be removably received and held though friction fit within the sipping aperture to substantially block the sipping aperture and generally prevent passage of liquid from the drinking cup. In this manner, a subsequent swirling of the drinking cup could mix the drink inside without the need of a stirrer.

The stopper body could further feature one or more retention apertures to removably connect the stopper body to a stopper retention device. This stopper body and stopper retention device combination could encourage the consumer's retainment and multiuse of the present invention as well as act as a child safety device (e.g., substantially preventing a child from ingesting or choking upon a generally small stopper body.)

SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Advantages of One or More Embodiments of the Present Invention

The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

the ability to reduce the waste and environmental impact of a commonly used and discarded plastic item;

provide a cup lid stopper that is non-plastic, reusable plug that may be removably attached to a key chain and is retained by the operator;

the ability to stir a drink kept within a lidded container without the use of a stirrer;

provide a reusable drink lid stopper that may removably attached to a retention device that encourages retainment of the stopper by the drink consumer;

the ability to allow the invention to act as a child safety device by substantially preventing a child from ingesting or choking upon the generally small stopper body; and

provide cup lid that removably plugs a sipping aperture of a removable cup lid to prevent leakage of the drink otherwise held within the drinking cup.

These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

Brief Description of One Embodiment of the Present Invention

One possible embodiment of the invention could be a reusable stopper for removably engaging a sipping aperture in a drinking cup lid comprising: a stopper body having two body ends, a grasping body end that forms a handle and plug body end that forms a tab projection; the stopper body further forms a double open-ended aperture; wherein the handle is configured to allow an operator to securely grasp and manipulate the reusable stopper; wherein the tab projection is configured to removably seal the sipping aperture; wherein the double open-ended aperture is configured to removably engage a stopper retention device.

Another possible embodiment of the invention could be a method of removably sealing a drink aperture of a removable lid of a drinking cup comprising of the following steps: providing a reusable stopper for removably sealing a sipping aperture in a drinking cup lid, the reusable stopper having a stopper body having two body ends, a grasping body end that forms a handle and plug body end that forms a tab projection, the stopper body further forms at least one double open-ended aperture, wherein the handle is configured to allow an operator to securely grasp and manipulate the reusable stopper; wherein the tab projection is configured to removably seal the sipping aperture; wherein the at least one double open-ended aperture is configured to removably engage a stopper retention device; providing a removable drinking cup lid, the said lid forming a sipping aperture; and removably inserting the tab projection into the sipping aperture.

The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is substantially a perspective cutaway view of a drinking cup removably sealed by a cup lid, the drinking cup containing a drink as well as a stirrer.

FIG. 2 is substantially a perspective cutaway view of one embodiment of the reusable drinking cup lid stopper of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is substantially perspective view of another embodiment of the reusable drinking cup lid stopper of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is substantially perspective view of yet another embodiment of the reusable drinking cup lid stopper of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is substantially perspective view of still yet another embodiment of the reusable drinking cup lid stopper of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is substantially perspective view showing one possible embodiment of a stopper retention device.

FIG. 7 is substantially a cutaway perspective view showing one possible embodiment of a combination of the reusable drinking cup lid stopper and stopper retention device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is substantially perspective view of another embodiment of a combination of the and stopper retention device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is substantially a closeup cutaway perspective view showing a combination of the reusable drinking cup lid stopper and stopper retention device in use with a lidded drinking cup.

FIG. 10 is substantially a perspective view of the present invention in use with a drinking cup removably enclosed by a cup lid with the stopper retention device's clasp laying upon the cup lid.

FIG. 11 is substantially showing a flowchart for a process or method for operating the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present invention 40 could comprise a reusable drinking cup lid stopper 40 and a method 100 for same. As substantially shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9,and 10, the present invention 10 may further comprise a stopper retention device 54 that works in combination with the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 40. As substantially shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 40 could comprise a stopper body 44 forming a grasping body end 46 and a plug body end 48. In at least one version, the stopper body 44 could be made of suitable material such as resin such as an organic or plant-based resin that could be biodegradable. The grasping body end 46 may be further configured to form a handle 50 which may be grasped by a consumer (not shown) to manipulate the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 4o, such as to removably place into or remove the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 40 from to the sipping aperture 28 (as substantially shown in FIGS. 9 and 10). In one embodiment, the handle 50 may further form a decorative or design element, or novelty form such as a figurine, partial figurine or the like. Such a design element may enhance the consumer's desire for the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 42 and may aid in the consumer's retention and multi-use of the invention 40.

One version of the invention 10 may further comprise at least one double-open-ended retention aperture. One such double-open-ended retention aperture could be a first retention aperture 52 that pierces through the handle 50 to allow a stopper retention device 54, such as a key chain or like, could comprise a clasp 60 and a fob 62 (e.g., a key ring) combination (as substantially shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10) to be removably attached to the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 42 to generally allow the consumer (not shown) to retain and hold onto the invention 10 when in non-use. Such a combination of the stopper retention device 54 and reusable drinking cup lid stopper 42 could be considered a safety feature or device to prevent a small item such as the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 42, due to reusable drinking cup lid stopper's overall size, from being a possible choke or ingestion hazard to a child.

As substantially shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 9 and 10, the handle 50 could define the first retention aperture 52 whose location and engagement of the stopper retention device 54 could allow the stopper retention device 54 to be continuously and removably combined with the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 42 while the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 42 removably engages the sipping aperture 28.

The plug body end 48 may form a tab projection 56 that may be configured to allow the tab projection 56 to be removably retained by friction fit and to substantially removably seal or plug the sipping aperture 28. Generally, the length of the tab projection 56 could being significantly less than the length of the elongated stirrer portion 34. As such the length of the tab projection 56 is the tab projection 56 such that during use, would generally not be contacting the liquid 24 (as substantially shown in FIGS. 1 and 9) inside the drinking cup. The length of the tab projection 56 could prevent the tab projection 56 from being effectively used as a stirrer 30 (as substantially shown in FIG. 1.)

The tab projection 56 may be configured to removably engage sipping apertures 28 of different shapes and sizes. One such tab projection configuration could further comprise feathered splines 59 (substantially shown in FIG. 2) projecting out from the tab projection sides to removably engage the various sized and shaped sipping apertures 28.

In other embodiments, the tab projection 56 may further define another double-open-ended retention aperture or a second retaining aperture 58 (as substantially shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 7) in combination with or alternatively to the first retaining aperture 52. The second retention aperture 58 may pierce through the tab projection 56 to allow a stopper retention device 54 to be removably attached to the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 42 to allow the consumer (not shown) to retain and hold onto the invention 40 when the stopper retention device 54 is in non-use. The location of the second retention aperture 58 could generally require the operator or consumer (not shown) to disengage the stopper retention device 54 from the tab projection 56 before the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 42 could be used to removably engage the respective sipping aperture 28.

In another embodiment, as substantially shown in FIG. 4, the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 40 could feature both a first and second retaining apertures 52, 58. In yet another embodiment, as substantially shown in FIG. 5, the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 40 may feature neither a first retaining aperture 52 nor a second retaining aperture 58.

As substantially shown in FIG. 6, one possible embodiment of the stopper retention device 54 could comprise an openable clasp 60 connected to a fob 62 (e.g., a key ring). The openable clasp 60 could comprise a clasp hook 64 protruding from a clasp body 66 with an open-end clasp portion 68 of the clasp hook 64 could be removably connected otherwise to the clasp body 64 by a spring-biased clasp lever 70 pivotally attached to the clasp body 64. The open-end clasp portion 68 could have a portion diameter that is smaller than a first retention aperture diameter, the second retention aperture diameter or both. In this manner, the first retention aperture 52, second retention aperture 58 or both could be capable of removably accepting the open-end clasp portion 68 to removably connect to the reusable drinking cup lid stopper 42 to the stopper retention device 54 to form a combination (said combination could be stored in an operator's or consumer's clothing pocket [not shown] when in non-use.)

Method or Process of Use

As substantially shown in FIG. 11, the method or process 100 of operating the invention 40 could start with step 102, procuring the invention. The operator could select a pleasing reusable drinking cup lid stopper based on the handle displaying an ornamental or novelty design, color, translucent and other suitable factors. To make the reusable drinking cup lid stopper larger overall and harder to misplace or lose when not in use, the stopper could be removably attached to the stopper retention device. This combination of reusable drinking cup lid stopper and stopper retention device could further effectively work as a child safety device by substantially preventing a child from ingesting or choking upon the generally small stopper body.

In this manner, the clasp could be opened to allow the open-end clasp portion of the clasp hook to removably engage a first or second retention aperture. The clasp could be then closed to removably secure via the spring biased pivotally attached lever to substantially and removably combine the reusable drinking cup lid stopper with the stopper retention device. Once this step is substantially completed, the process 110 could proceed to step 104, procuring the drink.

In step 104, procuring a drink, the operator could go to drink purveyor or other restaurant establishment (e.g., coffee shop, juice bar or the like) or while at home select a drink to take outside or for transporting over a distance. The drink could be poured into suitable drinking cup with a removable cup lid. As needed or desired, drink additives (e.g., creamers, sweeteners, taste enhancers and the like) could be selected and added to the drink and stirred. In certain instances, the removable cup lid could have a sipping aperture along an edge or rim of the removable cup lid. Once this step is substantially completed the process 100 could proceed to step 106, applying the invention to removable cup lid.

At step 106, applying the invention to removable cup lid, the operator could retrieve the invention combination of the reusable drinking cup lid stopper and retention device from the consumer's storage space (e.g., a pocket, purse, backpack or alike where the consumer stores the said combination when not in use.) For the combination utilizing the first retention aperture, the clasp does not need to be released from the reusable drinking cup lid stopper to be applied to the removable drinking lid if so desired. The tab projection may be directly inserted into the sipping aperture to removably plug and other generally seal the sipping aperture and prevent spillage of the drink. The fob may be draped upon and be support by the removable cup lid as the drinking cup is carried by the operator.

In another embodiment using the second retention aperture, the combination of reusable drinking cup lid stopper and the stopper retention device could have the clasp be removed from the tab projection by moving the clasp lever away from the open-end clasp portion and sliding the tab projection off of the open-end clasp portion. The tab projection may then be inserted into the sipping aperture to removably plug the sipping aperture and prevent spillage of the drink (e.g., consumable liquid) from the drinking cup. The stopper retention device may be replaced in the consumer's storage space from which the invention combination was originally retrieved.

For yet another embodiment of the invention lacking both and first and second retention apertures, the reusable drinking cup lid stopper could be retrieved from a consumer's storage space and be directly removably inserted in the sipping aperture of the cup lid.

In at least one embodiment, the tab projection may have side splines that movably engage the edge of the sipping aperture to help removably hold the tab projection in place in the respective sipping aperture. These side splines may help the tab projection removably engage a wide varieties of sipping apertures of different sizes and shapes. These side splines may be in addition to or in replacement of the fiction fit used to removably hold the projection tab within the sipping aperture.

When a drinking cup, covered by a removable lid, contains a drink, the application of the stopper to the sipping aperture and a subsequent swirling of the drinking cup could mix the drink inside without the need of a stirrer. The placed stopper keeps the drink from sloshing out of through the sipping aperture.

The reusable drinking cup lid stopper maybe removed from the removable cup lid by the consumer to allow sipping of the drink and could be replaced according. After the consumption of the drink, the reusable drinking cup lid stopper may be permanently removed from the removable lid before the drinking cup and removable cup lid are suitably disposed. If invention attaches to the stopper retention device to the first retention aperture, the stopper retention device and reusable drinking cup lid stopper combination may be replaced in the operator's storage place from which the combination was originally retrieved.

If the reusable drinking cup lid stopper uses a second retention aperture, the stopper retention device may be retrieved from the operator's storage place, the open-end clasp portion may reengage the tab projection to form the invention combination of the reusable drinking cup lid stopper and stopper retention device. The invention combination may then be placed back in the operator's storage place.

CONCLUSION

Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A reusable stopper for removably engaging a sipping aperture in a drinking cup lid comprising: a stopper body having two body ends, a grasping body end that forms a handle and plug body end that forms a tab projection; the stopper body further forms at least one double open-ended aperture;wherein the handle is configured to allow an operator to securely grasp and manipulate the reusable stopper;wherein the tab projection is configured to removably seal the sipping aperture;wherein the double open-ended aperture is configured to removably engage a stopper retention device.

2. The reusable stopper of claim 1 wherein the reusable stopper and a stopper retention device, form a reusable stopper and a stopper retention combination, the said combination is configured to otherwise reduce the likelihood of a loss of the reusable stopper by the operator.

3. The reusable stopper of claim 2 wherein the double open-ended aperture is located on the stopper body to allow the said formed combination to be removably attached to the sipping aperture.

4. The reusable stopper of claim 2 wherein the formed combination is further configured to be a child safety device.

5. The reusable stopper of claim 4 wherein the overall size of the formed combination provides the configuration need to allow the formed combination to be a child safety device.

6. The reusable stopper of claim 4 wherein the handle forms a first double open-ended aperture and the tab projection forms a second double-open aperture.

7. The reusable stopper of claim 2 wherein the handle further forms the double open-ended aperture.

8. The reusable stopper of claim 1 wherein the handle further forms a figurine or a portion of a figurine.

9. The reusable stopper of claim 1 wherein the tab projection forms the double open-ended aperture.

10. The reusable stopper of claim 1 wherein the tab projection is configured to removably engage and seal a variety of drink apertures having different sizes and configurations.

11. The reusable stopper of claim 1 further comprising a stopper retention device, the stopper retention device comprises a clasp connected to a fob, the clasp removably engages the stopper body to form a stopper retention device and reusable stopper combination, the said configuration is further configured to be a child safety device.

12. The reusable stopper of claim 11, wherein the said formed combination when attached to sipping aperture presents a least a portion of the stopper retention device to a top of the drinking cup lid.

13. A method of removably sealing a drink aperture of a removable lid of a drinking cup comprising of the following steps: (A) providing a reusable stopper for removably sealing a sipping aperture in a drinking cup lid, the reusable stopper having a stopper body having two body ends, a grasping body end that forms a handle and plug body end that forms a tab projection, the stopper body further forms a double open-ended aperture, wherein the handle is configured to allow an operator to securely grasp and manipulate the reusable stopper; wherein the tab projection is configured to removably seal the sipping aperture; wherein the double open-ended aperture is configured to removably engage a stopper retention device;(B) providing a removable drink cup lid, the lid forming a sipping aperture; and(C) removably engaging the tab projection with the sipping aperture.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising a step of providing a stopper retention device, the stopper retention device further configured to removably attach to the double open-ended aperture.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprises a step of forming a combination of the stopper retention device and the reusable stopper.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of forming a combination further comprises a step of presenting at least a portion of the stopper retention device upon a top of the removable cup lid when the said combination is removably engaged to the sipping aperture.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein a step of forming a combination of the stopper retention device and the reusable stopper further comprises a step of forming a child safety device.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the stopper retention device further comprises a clasp connects to a fob, wherein the clasp removably engages the double open-ended aperture.

19. The method of claim 13 wherein the handle forms the double open-ended aperture.

20. The method of claim 13 wherein the tab projection forms the double open-ended aperture.