Non-spill container closure
Abstract
Abstract An improved non-spill drinking cup cover is formed in one section wherein a radially extending central web portion is joined a reentrantly-shaped rim section in the cover member. The juncture of the web portion with the rim section defines a relatively deep annular trough extending around the cover section in constant relationship with the outer periphery of the rim section. A plurality of slits in the web portion of the cover member define a plurality of radially extending fingers which are normally integral with the web portion of the cover member. The radially extending fingers are urged downwardly and away from the web portion of the cover member when a user presses down on any part of the central area of the web portion in the cover member and thus resiliently deforms the cover member. The downward extension of the radially extending fingers away from the web portion of the cover member exposes a series of liquid discharge slots in the web portion. The annular trough may then be filled with liquid, from the cup interior, discharged through slots in the web by conventionally tilting the cup, and the user may drink from any angular position on the rim of the annular trough. The cover member may be formed of thermoforming plastic or other thin flexible, resilient materials. Sanitization of the closure drinking surface may be achieved by providing the external surface of the closure with a strippable sanitary coating of plastic film that may be stripped from the surface of the closure by a user just prior to consumption of the liquid content of the container.
Inventors
- 👤 J Dibrell
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-18 | 1977-09-17 | 1978-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-18 | 1981-09-17 | 1982-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-18 | 1985-09-17 | 1986-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |