WO2002101345A1 - Temperature-indicating disposable lid for beverage container - Google Patents
Temperature-indicating disposable lid for beverage container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2002101345A1 WO2002101345A1 PCT/US2002/019012 US0219012W WO02101345A1 WO 2002101345 A1 WO2002101345 A1 WO 2002101345A1 US 0219012 W US0219012 W US 0219012W WO 02101345 A1 WO02101345 A1 WO 02101345A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- temperature
- container
- lid
- liquid
- accordance
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01K1/00—Details of thermometers not specially adapted for particular types of thermometer
- G01K1/14—Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to disposable lids and, more specifically, relates to disposable lids having means for providing temperature indication of beverages within the associated disposable beverage containers, with the temperature-indicating means providing a reliable method of determining if a beverage is too hot for safe consumption.
- disposable lids have been in use for years. Beverage container lids are well-known to prevent spillage of the liquid in the container. Typically, disposable lids are comprised of the following: (1) A flexible disc-like body; and (2) a slot opening at the periphery through which liquid flows from the beverage container to the user.
- the main problem with conventional disposable lids is that there is no method to determine if the enclosed liquid is too hot to safely drink. In many cases, the users may burn their lips, tongue, and other oral surfaces due to their drinking of a liquid that is too hot. In addition, many people purchase hot beverages at fast food restaurant drive-up windows. These people frequently take their first sip of that beverage while driving their vehicles. If the beverage they ingest is too hot, this can create a hazerdous driving situation. Another problem with conventional disposable lids is that restaurants using these lids have faced lawsuits because they have served, and their clients have thereby ingested, liquids that have caused burns because they were too high in temperature.
- the temperature-indicating disposable lid for beverage containers substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing users of disposable beverage containers with a reliable method of determining if, before they drink it, a beverage is too hot in temperature to safely and comfortably imbibe.
- a primary object of the present invention is to provide a temperature- indicating disposable lid for beverage containers that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature-indicating disposable lid for beverage containers for providing users of these beverage containers with a reliable method of determining if, before they drink it, a beverage is too hot in temperature to safely and comfortably imbibe.
- Another object is to provide a temperature-indicating disposable lid for beverage containers that is inexpensive and cost-effective to produce. Another object is to provide a temperature-indicating disposable lid for beverage containers that can be easily stacked for shipping and storage.
- a temperature-indicating apparatus is provided, and is adapted for use with a liquid container and a lid receivable at an upper portion of the container.
- the apparatus includes recessed means associated with a planar surface of the lid.
- the recessed means includes temperature threshold means for indicating the temperature of a liquid which contacts the threshold means, relative to a threshold temperature.
- the recessed means includes a recess which downwardly projects from the planar surface of the lid.
- the threshold means may be positioned at a recess.
- the threshold means includes a patch of temperature sensitive material secured to the bottom of the recess.
- the recess and the patch form an enclosed structure, with an opening in the planar surface of the lid.
- the recess extends downward into an interior of the liquid container, when the lid is received on the container.
- the recess extends downward a distance sufficient so that the threshold means is in physical contact with the liquid in the container, when the container is substantially full and the container is maintained in a level position.
- the recess extends downward a distance sufficient so that the threshold means can be made to be in physical contact with the liquid in the container by tilting the container, even when the container is less than substantially full with liquid.
- the recess may be of a substantially conical configuration.
- the lid can comprise means for releaseably securing the lid to the container.
- the lid may include means for a user gaining drinking access to the liquid in the container.
- the lids are stackable for shipping and storage.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a disposable lid in accordance with the invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the disposable lid
- FIG. 3 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the lid while placed on a corresponding full beverage container
- FIG. 4 illustrates the lid and beverage container in a tilted position.
- the present invention generally comprises the following: (1) a flexible, disc-like body; (2) a slot opening at the periphery; (3) a non-permeable tapered cylindrical protrusion (NPTCP), at the distal end of which there is a (4) temperature indicating tab, on which is a chemical or substance that is formulated to change color when a liquid that comes into close approximation with it reaches a particular temperature.
- the flexible disc-like body is the main, flat surface of the lid, usually constructed of flexible plastic.
- the slot opening is roughly rectangular or square in shape, and is of sufficient size to allow passage of liquids contained in the beverage container.
- the non- permeable tapered cylindrical protrusion is located across the flexible disc-like body from the slot opening. It projects perpendicularly approximately one and one-half inches from the main body of the flexible disc. It is of solid plastic, and therefore impermeable to liquids in the beverage container. It widest point is at its base on the main body of the flexible disc. From there, the cylindrical structure tapers and narrows uniformly as it moves distally away from the main body of the flexible disc. At the distal end of this structure is a flat surface that is parallel to the main body of the flexible disc. This surface is called the temperature-indicating tab. This flat surface is smaller than the entrance to the NPTCP due to the tapering of the NPTCP.
- the NPTCP can be of varying lengths, of varying sizes (but must be large enough to adequately view the temperature indicating tab at the distal end), and may be of square or rectangular shape instead of cylindrical.
- the temperature indicating tab is a thin flat surface onto which a temperature- sensitive substance or chemical has been absorbed onto a porous or permeable substrate. This substrate is then completely enclosed by a thin, non-permeable layer of plastic.
- the flat surface comprising the temperature-indicating tab is parallel to the main body of the flexible disc.
- the attached figures illustrate a temperature- indicating disposable lid for beverage containers, and, more particularly, to a disposable lid with a non-permeable tapered cylindrical protrusion (NPTCP) that extends into the liquid in a container, with a chemical or substance on the distal end that, upon approximation with the beverage in the corresponding container, changes color in accordance with the temperature of the liquid.
- NPTCP non-permeable tapered cylindrical protrusion
- FIG. 1 illustrates the top view of the disposable lid, featuring the outside rim 10 that snaps onto the rim surrounding the oriface of the corresponding beverage container.
- the slot opening 12 at the periphery allows the beverage to pass from the container to the user.
- the NPTCP (16) Across the main body of the flexible disc 14, towards the periphery, is the NPTCP (16), at the bottom (distal end) of which is the temperature indicating tab 18.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the cross sectional view of the disposable lid, featuring the outside rim 10 of the main body of the flexible disc 14, and the NPTCP 16, at the bottom of which is the temperature indicating tab 18.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the top view of the disposable lid, featuring the outside rim 10 that snaps onto the rim surrounding the oriface of the corresponding beverage container.
- the slot opening 12 at the periphery allows the beverage to pass from the container to the user.
- the NPTCP (16) Across the main body of the flexible disc 14, towards the periphery, is the NPTCP
- FIG. 3 illustrates the cross-sectional view of the disposable lid secured upon a filled beverage container 20, featuring the outside rim 10, the main body of the flexible disc 14, the NPTCP 16, and the temperature indicating tab 18.
- the liquid is filled to a full level in the beverage container 22, which may be marked in some fashion 24 to act as an indicator to insure that the beverage container is filled to an adequate level.
- the temperature indicating tab 18 will be below the surface of the beverage 22, and will be surrounded circumferentially 26 and at the bottom 28, but not at the top, by the beverage 22.
- the user will be able to view 30 down the NPTCP 16 to examine the color of the temperature indicating tab 18.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a partially-filled beverage container with the disposable lid attached. The container in this case is tipped on its axis.
- the NPTCP 16 could be of varying lengths. It could be located at any point on the flexible disc. Several different temperature indicating chemicals or substances could be utilized on the temperature indicating tab, which could turn a varying array of colors upon close approximation with a liquid at a varying array of temperatures.
- the temperature-indicating tab could be located at varying locations on the NPTCP 16.
- the disposable lid has a flexible disc-like body and one slot opening at or near the periphery of the body. Across the body of the flexible disc, near the periphery, is the non- permiable tapered cylindrical protrusion (NPTCP), extending approximately one and onehalf inches perpendicularly away from the main body of the flexible disc. At the distal end of the NPTCP, at the point furthest away from the body of the flexible disc, is the temperature- indicating tab.
- NPTCP non- permiable tapered cylindrical protrusion
- This lid is designed so that, when the beverage container is filled with liquid and this lid is affixed to said container, the NPTCP 16 extends down from the main body of the flexible disc, and its distal end will be submerged below the surface level of the liquid 22 in the container (see FIG. 3).
- the chemical or substance on the temperature indicating tab 18 will be affected by the temperature of the liquid approximating it. Above a certain temperature, this chemical or substance will be, for instance, red in color. Below this temperature, it will be, for instance, blue in color. The colors and the particular temperatures chosen to be indicated can, of course, vary. The user can then view (see FIG.
- the NPTCP could be designed to segmentally retrude into the flat plane of the body of the flexible disc, then be segmentally extended away from the body of the flexible disc during usage.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US29746201P | 2001-06-12 | 2001-06-12 | |
US60/297,462 | 2001-06-12 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2002101345A1 true WO2002101345A1 (en) | 2002-12-19 |
Family
ID=23146415
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2002/019012 WO2002101345A1 (en) | 2001-06-12 | 2002-06-12 | Temperature-indicating disposable lid for beverage container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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WO (1) | WO2002101345A1 (en) |
Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2554557A (en) * | 1948-01-10 | 1951-05-29 | Gould National Batteries Inc | Vent plug and liquid level indicator for batteries |
US2866338A (en) * | 1953-08-31 | 1958-12-30 | Hrand M Muncheryan | Temperature-indicating device and closure cap |
US2951764A (en) * | 1957-01-25 | 1960-09-06 | Kenneth J Chase | Signal device for food package |
US2953921A (en) * | 1957-06-24 | 1960-09-27 | Hrand M Muncheryan | Temperature-indicating device and closure cap |
US3782195A (en) * | 1972-05-25 | 1974-01-01 | J Meek | Temperature indicating vessel |
US3873446A (en) * | 1973-06-01 | 1975-03-25 | James L Greenburg | Swimming pool thermometer |
US4003709A (en) * | 1975-10-02 | 1977-01-18 | Visual Spoilage Indicator Company | Visual spoilage indicator for food containers |
US4064828A (en) * | 1975-11-11 | 1977-12-27 | Trevor Percival Clark | Freeze/thaw indicator |
US4933525A (en) * | 1989-03-22 | 1990-06-12 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Microwaveable container having temperature indicating means |
US5052369A (en) * | 1985-12-13 | 1991-10-01 | Johnson Kendrick A | Heat retaining food container |
US5144112A (en) * | 1989-08-15 | 1992-09-01 | Aladdin Synergetics, Incorporated | Food service indication system |
US5400610A (en) * | 1994-02-22 | 1995-03-28 | Ero Industries, Inc. | Portable insulated container with temperature indicator |
US5484205A (en) * | 1993-07-23 | 1996-01-16 | Asulab S.A. | Temperature indicator and watch provided with such a temperature indicator |
US5678925A (en) * | 1995-10-16 | 1997-10-21 | Garmaise; Ian | Temperature sensing and indicating beverage mug |
US5720555A (en) * | 1996-05-24 | 1998-02-24 | Elele; James N. | Temperature indicating container and lid apparatus |
US5996357A (en) * | 1998-06-01 | 1999-12-07 | Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd. | System for checking an internal temperature of a refrigerator by using a thermochromic member |
-
2002
- 2002-06-12 WO PCT/US2002/019012 patent/WO2002101345A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2554557A (en) * | 1948-01-10 | 1951-05-29 | Gould National Batteries Inc | Vent plug and liquid level indicator for batteries |
US2866338A (en) * | 1953-08-31 | 1958-12-30 | Hrand M Muncheryan | Temperature-indicating device and closure cap |
US2951764A (en) * | 1957-01-25 | 1960-09-06 | Kenneth J Chase | Signal device for food package |
US2953921A (en) * | 1957-06-24 | 1960-09-27 | Hrand M Muncheryan | Temperature-indicating device and closure cap |
US3782195A (en) * | 1972-05-25 | 1974-01-01 | J Meek | Temperature indicating vessel |
US3873446A (en) * | 1973-06-01 | 1975-03-25 | James L Greenburg | Swimming pool thermometer |
US4003709A (en) * | 1975-10-02 | 1977-01-18 | Visual Spoilage Indicator Company | Visual spoilage indicator for food containers |
US4064828A (en) * | 1975-11-11 | 1977-12-27 | Trevor Percival Clark | Freeze/thaw indicator |
US5052369A (en) * | 1985-12-13 | 1991-10-01 | Johnson Kendrick A | Heat retaining food container |
US4933525A (en) * | 1989-03-22 | 1990-06-12 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Microwaveable container having temperature indicating means |
US5144112A (en) * | 1989-08-15 | 1992-09-01 | Aladdin Synergetics, Incorporated | Food service indication system |
US5484205A (en) * | 1993-07-23 | 1996-01-16 | Asulab S.A. | Temperature indicator and watch provided with such a temperature indicator |
US5400610A (en) * | 1994-02-22 | 1995-03-28 | Ero Industries, Inc. | Portable insulated container with temperature indicator |
US5678925A (en) * | 1995-10-16 | 1997-10-21 | Garmaise; Ian | Temperature sensing and indicating beverage mug |
US5720555A (en) * | 1996-05-24 | 1998-02-24 | Elele; James N. | Temperature indicating container and lid apparatus |
US5996357A (en) * | 1998-06-01 | 1999-12-07 | Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd. | System for checking an internal temperature of a refrigerator by using a thermochromic member |
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