Lid with Stopper

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/636,496, filed Apr. 19, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for a lid for a cup, such as, in certain embodiments, a lid for a cup has a stopper that can rotate around the circumference of the lid.

Certain beverages are contained in cups. For the user's convenience, a lid can be provided to seal the cup for easier transport or to prevent spilling. The open end of the cup is sealed with a lid. The lid can include a drink opening for a user to drink through the lid. However, the beverage can leak out of the drink opening of the lid, such as during transport of the cup.

The systems, methods and devices of this disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

Some aspects of the disclosure relate to a lid for a beverage cup, the lid can include a base with a top surface and an upper sidewall extending upward from edges of the top surface. The lid can include a drinking aperture in the top surface configured to allow a user to drink. The lid can further include a stopper coupled to an upper sidewall. The stopper can be configured to rotate around an outer circumference of the lid along the upper sidewall. The stopper can be configured to selectively cover the drinking aperture. The lid can include at least two protrusions. Each of the at least two protrusions can extend at least from an inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall towards a center of the lid. The at least two protrusions can be configured to limit rotation of the stopper. The at least two protrusions can be configured to support a second lid or a second beverage cup stacked on the lid.

In some configurations, the drinking aperture can be positioned near an edge of the top surface. The stopper can include a flat portion and a curved portion. The flat portion can cover a portion of the top surface. The curved portion can be configured to cover an inner circumferential surface of a portion of the upper sidewall, a top surface of the portion of the upper sidewall, and an outer circumferential surface of the portion of the upper sidewall. The curved portion can be configured to snap fit to the portion of the upper sidewall. The flat portion of the stopper can include a coupling mechanism. The flat portion can be coupled to a center portion of the base. The coupling mechanism can include two or more arms extending downward from a bottom surface of the flat portion of the stopper. The center portion of the base can include an aperture configured to receive the two or more arms of the stopper. A terminal end of the curved portion can extend to at least a height of a top surface of the flat portion. The top surface of the base can be planar.

In some configurations, each of the at least two protrusions can be a thin wall or fin. Each of the at least two protrusions can be L-shaped. Each of the at least two protrusions can include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be positioned between the upper sidewall and the second portion. A height of the first portion can be greater than a height of the second portion. The first portion can be positioned radially inward from the upper sidewall. The second portion can be positioned radially inward from the first portion. Each of the at least two protrusions can be configured to extend from the top surface of the base. Each of the at least two protrusions can have a profile that matches a portion of the stopper. The at least two protrusions can include a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion can be spaced in a first rotational direction from the drinking aperture. The second protrusion can be spaced in a second rotational direction from the drinking aperture. The second rotational direction can be opposite the first rotational direction. The first protrusion can be positioned 90° from the drinking aperture. The second protrusion can be positioned 90° from the drinking aperture. The at least two protrusions can include a third protrusion. The third protrusion can be positioned 180° from the drinking aperture. The lid can include a lower sidewall that extends from a bottom planar surface of the base. An outer circumference of the lower sidewall can be less than an outer circumference of the upper sidewall. A clearance between a bottom surface of the stopper and a top surface of the base can be between 0.010 inches and 0.060 inches.

Some aspects of the disclosure relate to a set of at least two lids can include a first lid and a second lid. The second lid can be stacked on the first lid. Each of the first lid and the second lid can include a base with a top surface, a bottom surface, and an upper sidewall extending upward from edges of the top surface. Each of the first lid and the second lid can include a drinking aperture in the top surface configured to allow a user to drink. Each of the first lid and the second lid can include a stopper coupled to an upper sidewall. The stopper can be configured to rotate around an outer circumference of the lid along the upper sidewall. The stopper can be configured to selectively cover the drinking aperture. Each of the first lid and the second lid can include at least two protrusions. Each of the at least two protrusions can extend at least from an inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall towards a center of the lid. The at least two protrusions can be configured to limit rotation of the stopper. The at least two protrusions of the first lid can be configured to support the bottom surface of the second lid. The stopper of the first lid can be configured to not contact the bottom surface of the second lid.

Various lids for lids for cups are described below to illustrate various examples that may achieve one or more desired improvements. These examples are only illustrative and not intended in any way to restrict the general disclosure presented and the various aspects and features of this disclosure. The general principles described herein may be applied to embodiments and applications other than those discussed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments shown, but is instead to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features that are disclosed or suggested herein.

For example, many of the embodiments are described in the context of lids for cups for beverages. However, certain features and aspects of the disclosure may also have utility in lid for other types of containers for other items, such as foods or other liquids. Many of the embodiments described herein involve a beverage such as coffee, tea, juice, or other edible liquids.

Beverages can be placed in a container and covered with a lid. The lid can provide a number of functions, such as prevent leaking during transport. The lid can also assist in maintaining the beverage at the desired temperature and prevent contamination of the beverage within the container. The lid can also provide an opening for the user to drink from the lid, which can assist the user in more easily drinking from the container. Additionally, for ease of storage, it can be desirable for storage purposes to be able to stack the lids on one another or to stack containers with the lids on one another. Additionally, it can be desirable for a user to be able to cover the opening of the lid to seal the lid.

Disclosed herein are lids that, in some variants, can include features that, with two or more lids stacked, can suspend a bottom surface of a top lid at a spaced-away position relative to an upper surface of a bottom lid. Similarly, in some variants, the features of a bottom lid can suspend a bottom surface of a cup stacked on the bottom lid at a spaced-away position relative to an upper surface of a bottom lid. The features of the bottom lid can protect a rotatable stopper from pressure that would otherwise be applied by a cup or top lid stacked on the bottom lid. The lids herein can include features to limit rotation of the rotatable stopper.

illustrates an embodiment of a lid.illustrates a bottom perspective view of the lidof.illustrates a top view of the lidof.illustrates a cross sectional view of the lidof. The lidcan include a baseand a stopper. The basecan include a top surface. The top surfacecan be planar. In some examples, the top surfacecan be domed or curved. The basecan further include upper sidewallthat extend upward from the edges of the top planar surface. The upper edge or surface of the upper sidewallcan be considered the rim or lip of the lid. The upper sidewallcan be a circumferential wall or a cylindrical shaped wall. The outer circumference of the upper sidewallcan be the same outer circumference of the base. In some examples, the upper sidewallcan be entirely vertical or straight. In some examples, the upper sidewallcan be slanted or angled.

The basecan further include a lower sidewallthat extend from the bottom planar surface. The lower sidewallcan be circumferential wall or a cylindrical shaped wall. The outer circumference of the lower sidewallcan be smaller than the outer circumference of the base. The lower sidewallhaving a smaller outer circumference can allow the lower sidewallsto fit within an opening of the cup and act as a plug to close the opening of the cup. In some examples, the lower sidewallcan be entirely vertical or straight. In some examples, the lower sidewallcan be slanted or angled.

The top surfaceof the basecan be generally planar. The top surfacecan include a first or drinking aperturepositioned near the edge of the top surface, adjacent to the upper sidewalland the lower sidewall. The drinking aperturecan extend through the entire thickness of the lid, such that a user could drink the beverage from the drinking aperture. In some examples, the drinking aperturecan be triangular. In other examples, the drinking aperturecan be oval, elliptical, circular, rectangular, or another shape.

The lidcan further include a stopper. The stoppercan be attached or coupled to the base. The stoppercan have a generally triangular outer shape. In other examples, the stoppercan have an outer shape that is rectangular, circular, or any other shape. The stoppercan include a flat portion. The flat portioncovers a portion of the top planar surfaceof the base. When the stopperis in a closed position, the flat portionof the stoppercan be positioned to cover the drinking apertureof the base. In this manner, the stoppercan selectively cover the drinking aperture. When the stopperis in an open position, the flat portionof the stoppercan be positioned away from the drinking aperturesuch that the flat portiondoes not cover the drinking apertureof the lid. The stoppercan rotate between the open position and the closed position. The stopperand the basecan be made of plastic, such as polypropylene. This can advantageously allow the entire lidto be recycled without requiring disassembly.

The stoppercan extend to the edge of the base. The stoppercan extend to and cover a portion of the upper sidewall. The stoppercan include a first endthat can reach or be closer to the center of the lid than the second end. The first endcan be a part of the flat portion. The second endcan be coupled to the upper sidewallof the base. The second endof the stoppercan be a curved portion that can extend over a portion of the upper sidewall. Specifically, the second endof the stoppercan curve to cover the inner circumferential surface of a portion of the upper sidewall, the top surface of the portion of the rim, and the outer circumferential surface of the portion of the rim.shows the cross-sectional view of the lidis taken along a radial direction of the lid. As shown in, the profile of the second endcan be u-shaped, which can surround the three sides of a portion of the upper sidewallof the base. The terminal endof the second endcan extend to at least the same level or height of the top planar surface of the flat portion. In some examples, the terminal endof the second endcan extend below the top planar surface of the flat portion, such as shown in. The terminal end of the second endcan be positioned adjacent to an outer circumferential surface of the upper sidewall. Due to the u-shape configuration of the curved portionof the stopper, the curved portioncovers the portion of the sidewall that the user's mouth touches. This can advantageously increase the cleanliness of the area that contacts the user's mouth. The second endcan act as a coupling mechanism of the stopperto couple the stopperto the base. The second endcan clip onto or snap fit onto the upper sidewallof the base. The stoppercan be anchored or secured to the baseat the second endof the stopper.

The stoppercan rotate around the base. The second endcan rotate around the upper sidewallof the base. As the second endrotates around the upper sidewallof the base, the flat portionof the stopperrotates around the top planar surfaceof the base. When the stopperis in the closed position, the flat portionof the stoppercan cover the drinking apertureand the curved portionof the stoppercan cover the portion of the sidewalladjacent to the drinking aperture.

In some examples, such as shown in, the stoppercan reach the center or a central portion of the cup. The stoppercan have a first endcan reach the center portion of the base. The first endof the stoppercan be rounded. The stoppercan have a secondary coupling mechanismthat is positioned near the first endof the stopper. The secondary coupling mechanismcan anchor or fasten the stopperto the basenear the first endof the stopperto the center of the base. As shown in, the basecan include a second or central aperture. The secondary coupling mechanismcan include two or more armsthat extend from a bottom surface of the stopperand extend in a downward direction. The two or more armsare configured to extend through the second apertureof the base. The two or more armscan also be configured to lock the stopperto the base. In other examples, the secondary coupling mechanismcan take other forms, such as a screw and bolt, a snap fit, or any other suitable coupling mechanism.

This secondary coupling mechanismcan advantageously allow the stopperto be anchored to the basein two places, at the sidewalland at the center of the base. The stoppercan be constrained at both ends, at the first endand at the second end. This can allow the stopperto be securely anchored to the basewhile also allowing the stopperto rotate around the base. This can prevent the stopperfrom popping off the base. The stopperbeing anchored at its two ends can also allow the clearance between the bottom surface of the stopperand the top surface of the baseto be adjusted to allow liquid to pass therethrough. This can advantageously allow the lidto be cleaned thoroughly without requiring the stopperto be removed from the lid. Additionally, the lidcan be cleaned with the stopperin any position relative to the lid. Furthermore, the clearance between the stopperand the basecan allow the lidto be machine washed in any position. In some examples, the clearance or spacing between the bottom surface of the stopperand the top planar surfaceof the basecan be between 0.010 inches and 0.060 inches, and in some examples between 0.020 inches and 0.050 inches.

The lidcan further include two or more protrusions. The protrusionscan extend from an inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewallin a radial direction towards the center of the cup. The protrusionscan be thin walls or fins that are L shaped.illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the lid of.illustrates a close up view of one of the protrusions. The protrusioncan have a first portionand a second portion. The first portioncan be a tall portion and the second portioncan be a short portion. The height of the first portioncan be greater than the height of the second portion. The first portionand the second portioncan be adjacent to one another. The first portioncan be adjacent to the upper sidewall. The first portioncan be positioned between the second portionand the upper sidewall. The second portioncan be positioned adjacent to and radially inward from the first portion. The first portioncan have a height of at least the height of the upper sidewall. The second portioncan have a height that is less than the height of the first portion.

The protrusionscan each have a first surface or a bottom surface that is attached to or extends from the top planar surfaceof the base. The protrusionscan also each have a second surface or a side surface that is attached to or extends from inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall. The protrusionscan each extend perpendicular from the top planar surfaceof the baseand substantially perpendicular from the inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall.

The overall profile or shape of the protrusionsof the basecan match a shape or profile to a portionof the stopperadjacent to the upper sidewall.illustrates a close up view of another portion of the lid of. The portionof the stoppercan be located on sides of the stopper. As shown in, the stoppercan include two portionson opposing sides of the stopper. The two portionscan be each located adjacent to the upper sidewall.

Each portionof the stoppercan include a first portionand a second portion. The first portioncan be a sidewall of an inner wall of the curved portionof the stopper. Thus, the first portionis adjacent to the upper sidewall. The first portioncan be positioned adjacent to the inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall. The second portioncan be an extension of a sidewall of the stopper. The second portioncan be positioned adjacent to the first portionof the stopper. The second portioncan be positioned radially inward from the first portion. The second portioncan be a thin wall or fin. The second portioncan have a first end or edge that is connected to or extends from the first portion. The second portion can have a second end or edge that is connected to or extends from a sidewall of the flat portionof the stopper. The second portioncan have a height that is less than the height of the first portion. The second portioncan extend perpendicular to the top planar surface of the flat portionof the stopper. The second portioncan also extend substantially perpendicular from the inner circumferential surface of the inner wall of the curved portionof the stopper, the inner circumferential surface being positioned closer to the center of the cup than the outer circumferential surface of the inner wall of the curved portionof the stopper. The outer circumferential surface of the inner wall of the curved portioncan face the inner circumferential surface of the upper sidewall. The inner circumferential surface of the inner wall of the curved portioncan be positioned radially inward relative to the outer circumferential surface of the inner wall of the curved portion.

As previously described, the overall profile or shape of the protrusionsof the basecan match a shape or profile to a portionof the stopperadjacent to the upper sidewall. As the stopperrotates around the circumference of the base, the portionof the stopperadjacent to the upper sidewallcan contact one of the protrusionson the base. As the portionof the stopperis positioned against the protrusion, the protrusioncan stop rotation of the stopper. As described above, the basecan include several protrusions. In some examples, the basecan have two protrusionsspaced circumferentially on either side of the stopper. The first protrusion can be positioned or spaced in a first rotational direction from the drinking apertureand the second protrusion can be positioned or spaced in a second rotational direction from the drinking aperture. The first rotational direction and the second rotational direction being opposite one another. In some examples, the first rotational direction is clockwise and the second rotational direction is counter clockwise. Thus, the stoppercan be confined to rotate between the two protrusions. The protrusionscan be spaced from or positioned to allow the stopperto rotate far enough away from the drinking apertureto provide access to the drinking aperture.

In some examples, a first protrusioncan be positioned 90° from the drinking aperturein a first rotational direction and a second protrusioncan be positioned 90° from the drinking aperture in a second rotational direction, the second rotational direction opposite from the first rotational direction. In this manner, the first protrusioncan be positioned 180° away from the second protrusion. In some examples, the lidcan further include a third protrusionthat is positioned between the first protrusionand the second protrusion. The third protrusioncan be positioned 90° from each of the first protrusionand the second protrusion. The third protrusioncan be positioned 180° from the drinking aperture. Other configurations and positions of the protrusionsare possible. In some examples, the protrusionscan include 5 protrusions, which can be positioned 60° from the drinking aperture and from one another.

In addition to the protrusionsacting as rotational stoppers or limiters for the stopper, the protrusionscan also act to support stacking of other lids or cups thereon. It can be desirable, such as for storage purposes and transport purposes, to be able to stack lids on one another or for a cup to be stacked on a lid.

illustrates two lids in a stacked configuration.shows a first lidA supporting a second lidB. When two lidsA,B are stacked on one another, the protrusionsA of the first lidA can receive the bottom surface of the lower sidewallB of a second lidB. The protrusionsA of the first lidA can elevate and support the bottom surface of the lower sidewallB above the top planar surfaceA of the baseA and above the top planar surface of the flat portionA of the stopper. The top surfaces of the second portionsA of the protrusionsA of the first lidA can each come into contact and support the bottom surface of the lower sidewallB of the second lidB. The second portionsA can each have a height that is greater than the height of the flat portionA of the stopperA of the first lidA. In this manner, the protrusionsA can support the bottom surface of the second lidB while the stopperA does not support the bottom surface of the second lidB. The stopperA can not be in contact with the bottom surface of the lower sidewallB of the second lidB.

As shown in, the lower sidewallB of the second lidB can be positioned radially inward from the first portionsA of the protrusionsA of the first lidA. As discussed above, the lower sidewallB can be a cylindrical sidewall that has a smaller diameter than the outer circumference of the lidB. The second portionsA of the protrusionsA are positioned radially inward relative to the first portionsA of the protrusionsA and the upper sidewallA of the first lid, thus can be positioned to support the lower sidewallB of the second lidB. As described above, the first portionsA of the protrusionsA can have a larger height than the second portionsA of the protrusionsA. Furthermore, the first portionsA of the protrusionsA of the first lidA can further act to support the lower sidewallB of the second lidB as inner sidewalls of the first portionsA of the first lidA can contact the outer circumferential surface of the lower sidewallB of the second lidB and constrain movement of the second lidB in a radial direction.

The protrusionsA of a first lidA providing support for a stacked second lidB advantageously prevents pressure from being applied to the stopperA during stacking. This also allows the second lidB to be stacked on top of the first lidA in a stable manner, such that the second lidB remains level relative to the first lidA. This also allows the stopperA to be oriented in any direction without affecting the stacking of the lidsA,B.

The protrusionsof the lid can also support a bottom surface of a cup in a similar manner as the lower sidewallof a second lid. In this manner, a first cup can be stacked on a second cup with a lid.

illustrates another embodiment of a lid with a stopper. In, like numbers are used to refer to parts similar to those of. In some examples, a lid can include a stopperthat does not extend to a center of the baseof the lid. Instead of the stopper being attached in two locations to the base, at the center and at the upper sidewallof the lid, the stoppercan be attached to the baseat the upper sidewallof the lid. The stoppercan similarly rotate around the circumference of the base as the curved portionof the stopper can snap fit onto the upper sidewallof the lid. The stoppercan have a shortened flat portionthat does not extend to the center of the base.

illustrates a portion of a cross-sectional view of the lidwith example non-limiting dimensions. As illustrated, the thickness of the basebetween the upper surfaceand the bottom planar surfacecan be about 0.050 inches. In some variants, the thickness of the basebetween the upper surfaceand the bottom planar surfacecan include any value or range between about 0.020 and 0.090 inches. As described elsewhere herein, the lidcan include protrusionsthat can extend upward from the upper surfaceof the baseand/or radially inward from the inner surface of the upper sidewall. The protrusionscan include the first portionand second portion.

The second portioncan include an angled surfacethat extends upward and/or radially outward from the upper surface. The second portioncan include an upper surface, which can be oriented perpendicularly relative to the central axis of the lid. The second portioncan include a radius that connects the angled surfaceand the upper surface. The radius that connects the angled surfaceand the upper surfacecan be about 0.080 or 0.090 inches. In some variants, the radius that connects the angled surfaceand the upper surfacecan at least be any value or range between about 0.040 and 0.120 inches. The distance in an axial direction between the upper surfaceand the top planar surfacecan be about 0.203 inches. In some variants, the distance in the axial direction between the upper surfaceand the top planar surfacecan at least be about 0.150 and 0.250 inches. In some variants, the angled surfacecan be angled relative to the upper surface(e.g., 90-135 degrees, such as 102 degrees). In some variants, the angled surfaceand upper surfacecan form a corner. In some variants, a radius (e.g., 0.005-0.040 inches, such as 0.010 inches) can connect the angled surfaceand the upper surface.

The first portioncan include an angled surfacethat extends upward and/or radially outward from the upper surfaceof the second portion. In some variants, the angled surfaceand upper surfacecan form a corner. The angled surfaceand upper surfacecan be angled (e.g., 90-135 degrees, such as 96.1 degrees) relative to each other. In some variants, a radius (e.g., 0.005-0.040 inches, such as 0.010 inches) can connect the angled surfaceand upper surface. The first portioncan include an upper surface. The upper surfacecan extend radially outward to the top of the upper sidewall. A radius can connect the upper surfaceand angled surfaceof the first portion. The radius that connects the upper surfaceand angled surfaceof the first portioncan be about 0.030 inches. In some variants, the radius that connects the upper surfaceand angled surfaceof the first portioncan at least be any value or range between 0.010 and 0.060 inches. The distance in an axial direction between the upper surfaceand the upper surfacecan be about 0.131 inches. In some variants, the distance in the axial direction between the upper surfaceand the upper surfacecan at least be about 0.080 and 0.200 inches.

The upper sidewallcan include a radiusthat curves down from the upper surface. The radiuscan be concave. The radiuscan define the radially outermost surface of the lid, excluding features of the stopperin some variants.

The distance in a radial direction between the radially outermost surface of the radiusand a theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the angled surfaceand upper surfacecan be about 0.136 inches. In some variants, the distance in a radial direction between the radially outermost surface of the radiusand the theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the angled surfaceand upper surfacecan at least be between about 0.090 and 0.180 inches.

The distance in a radial direction between the radially outermost surface of the radiusand a theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the angled surfaceand upper surfacecan be about 0.270 inches. In some variants, the distance in a radial direction between the radially outermost surface of the radiusand the theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the angled surfaceand upper surfacecan at least be between about 0.200 and 0.320 inches.

The distance in a radial direction between the radially outermost surface of the radiusand the corner created by the angled surfaceand top planar surfacecan be about 0.310 inches. In some variants, the distance in a radial direction between the radially outermost surface of the radiusand the corner created by the angled surfaceand top planar surfacecan at least be any value or range between about 0.250 and 0.370 inches. The distance in a radial direction between the corner (e.g., theoretical sharp corner) created by the angled surfaceand top planar surface(e.g., projections thereof) and the theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the angled surfaceand upper surfacecan be 0.010-0.090 inches or any value (e.g., 0.043 inches) or range of values therebetween. The distance in a radial direction between the corner (e.g., theoretical sharp corner) created by the angled surfaceand top planar surface(e.g., projections thereof) and the theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the upper surfaceand angled surfacecan be 0.100-0.500 inches or any value (e.g., 0.173 inches) or range of values therebetween. The distance in a radial direction between the corner (e.g., theoretical sharp corner) created by the angled surfaceand top planar surface(e.g., projections thereof) and the theoretical sharp corner created by projections of the angled surfaceand the upper surfacecan be 0.100-0.600 inches or any value (e.g., 0.187 inches) or range of values therebetween.

The upper sidewallcan include a radiusthat curves down from the radius. The radiuscan be convex. The radiuscan curve from the radiusto an angled surfaceof the upper side wall. The radiuscan be about 0.020 inches. In some variants, the radiuscan at least be any value or range between about 0.010 to 0.030 inches. The angled surfacecan extend downward and radially inward. The angled surfacecan extend to a radius. The radiuscan be about 0.018 inches. In some variants, the radiuscan be any value or range between about 0.010 and 0.030 inches. A surfacecan extend radially inward from the radius. The surfacecan, in some variants, be coplanar with the bottom planar surface. The surfacecan, in some variants, be oriented perpendicularly relative to the central axis of the lid.

A radiuscan connect the surfaceto the lower sidewall. The lower sidewallcan extend downward relative to the surfaceand/or bottom planar surface, which an include being parallel relative to a central axis of the lid. In some variants, a radiuscan connect the bottom planar surfaceand the lower sidewall. The radiuscan be about 0.125 inches. In some variants, the radiuscan include any value or range between about 0.015 and 0.160 inches.

The lower sidewallcan include a protrusion. The protrusioncan be disposed on an outer surface of the lower sidewall. The protrusioncan be tapered in an axial direction. For example, the upper portion of the protrusioncan be thicker in a radial direction relative to the lower portion of the protrusion. The protrusioncan catch on a corresponding feature of a cup to engage the lidwith a cup. For example, the protrusioncan be received by a corresponding annular recess of an inner portion of a cup, which can help engage the lidwith the cup.

illustrates a portion of a cross-sectional view of the lidthat does not section the one of the protrusions.illustrates the lidwith example non-limiting dimensions. An inner surfaceof the upper sidewallcan extend downward from the upper surfaceof the upper side wallto a radiusthat can connect the upper surfaceand the inner surface. The inner surfacecan face inward toward the central longitudinal axis of the lid. The inner surfacecan, in some variants, be angled (e.g., acute angle) relative to the central axis of the lid. The inner surfacecan, in some variants, curve inward when approaching the radius. The radiuscan be about 0.080 inches. In some variants, the radiuscan be any value or range between about 0.020 and 0.160 inches. The upper surfacecan be rounded, which can include rounding downward and inward toward the inner surface. The upper surface, in some variants, can be flat (e.g., perpendicular relative to the central axis of the lid). The upper surfacecan define the upper-most surface of the lid. The distance in the axial direction between the upper-most surface of the upper surfaceand the upper surfacecan, in some variants, be about 0.334 inches. In some variants, the distance in the axial direction between the upper-most surface of the upper surfaceand the upper surfacecan, in some variants, be any value or range between about 0.100 and 0.700 inches. The upper surfacecan span between the inner surfaceand the radius.

The radiuscan curve from the upper surface. The radiuscan be convex. The radiuscan curve downward toward the angled surfaceof the upper side wall. The radius, as described elsewhere herein, can be disposed between the radiusand the angled surface. The angled surfacecan extend downward and inward toward the radius. The surface, as described herein, can extend radially inward from the radius. The angled surfacecan be disposed at an angle relative to the surface. For example, in some variants, the angled surfacecan be disposed at an angle of 78.893 degrees relative to the surface. In some variants, the angled surfacecan be disposed at an angle of any degree or range of degrees between about 45 and 90 degrees.

The radiuscan connect the surfaceto the lower side wall. The radiuscan, in some variants, include a radius of about 0.015 inches. In some variants, the radiuscan include a radius of any value or range between about 0.005 and 0.060 inches.

The lower side wallcan, as described herein, include the protrusion. The protrusioncan catch on a corresponding feature (e.g., recess) of a cup to engage the lidwith the cup. The protrusioncan protrude radially outward from an outward-facing surfaceof the lower side wall. The protrusioncan include an angled surfaceand an angled surface. The angled surfacecan extend downward and radially outward from the outward-facing surface. The angled surfacecan be disposed at an angle relative to the central axis of the lid. The angled surfacecan be disposed at an angle relative to the surface, which can include an angle of about 45 degrees. In some variants, the angled surfacecan be disposed at any angle or range of angles between about 10 and 80 degrees. The angled surfacecan be disposed at an angle relative to the central axis of the lid. The angled surfacecan be disposed at an angle relative to the angled surface. The angled surfacecan extend downward and inward relative to the angled surface. A radiuscan connect the outward-facing surfaceand the angled surface. In some variants, the radiuscan be about 0.010 inches. In some variants, the radiuscan be any value or range between about 0.003 and 0.040 inches. A radiuscan connect the angled surfaceand the angled surface. In some variants, the radiuscan be about 0.010 inches. In some variants, the radiuscan be any value or range between about 0.003 and 0.040 inches. The radius, in some variants, can define a radially outermost portion of the lower side walland/or protrusion. The angled surfacecan extend downward and inward toward a lower surface(e.g., bottom surface) A radiuscan connect the angled surfaceand the lower surface. In some variants, the radiuscan be about 0.005 inches. In some variants, the radiuscan be any value or range between about 0.001 inches and 0.020 inches. In some variants, the lower surfacecan define a bottom-most surface of the lower side wall. In some variants, the lower surfacedcan be oriented perpendicular relative to the central axis of the lid. In some variants, the distance in the axial direction between the lower surfaceand the bottom planar surfacecan be about 0.238 inches. In some variants, the distance between the lower surfaceand the bottom planar surfacecan be any value or range between about 0.100 and 0.500 inches.

A surface, which can be angled and/or curved, can extend inward and upward from the inner end of the surface. The surfacecan connect the surfaceto a radius. The radiuscan connect the surfaceto an inward-facing surfaceof the lower side wall. The inward-facing surfacecan, in some variants, be disposed at an angle relative to the central axis of the lid(e.g., extend upward and inward from the surface). In some variants, the inward-facing surfacecan be disposed parallel relative to the central axis of the lid. The radiuscan connect the inward-facing surfaceand the bottom planar surface. The radiuscan, in some variants, be about 0.025 inches. In some variants, the radiuscan be any value or range between about 0.015 and 0.160 inches. The lower side wallcan be biased radially outward, which can include a lower portion of the lower side wall(e.g., portion including the protrusion) being disposed more radially outward relative to an upper portion of the lower side wall.

Features of the lidcan define various diameters of different sizes. For example, in some variants, the theoretical sharp corner (TSC) formed by the angled surfaceand surfacecan define a diameter of about 4.258 inches. In some variants, the TSC formed by the angled surfaceand surfacecan define a diameter of any value or range between about 3.100 and 5.100 inches. In some variants, the TSC formed by the angled surfaceand angled surfacecan define a diameter of about 4.145 inches. In some variants, the TSC formed by the angled surfaceand angled surfacecan define a diameter of any value or range between about 3.000 and 5.000 inches. In some variants, the TSC formed by the angled surfaceand the surfacecan define a diameter of about 4.082 inches. In some variants, the TSC formed by the angled surfaceand the surfacecan define a diameter of any value or range between about 2.900 and 4.900 inches. In some variants, the inner end of the surfacecan define a stripper ring diameter (STR) of about 4.068 inches. In some variants, the inner end of the surfacecan define a STR of any value or range between about 2.800 and 4.850 inches. During the manufacturing process, the surfacedefining the STR can help to eject the lidfrom a core during formation.

illustrates an upper lidand lower lidstacked on top of each other in a nested arrangement, which can be convenient for handling, storing, and/or shipping. The upper and lower lidscan be the same. The upper and lower lids,can include any of the features of the liddescribed here. In the stacked arrangement (e.g., nested arrangement), the lower wallcan contact the upper surfaceof the protrusionof the upper lidIn the stacked arrangement, the upper surfaceof the upper lidand the upper surfaceof the lower lidcan be axially spaced apart by 0.2-0.9 inches (e.g., nest height), which can include any value (e.g., 0.491 inches) or range of values therebetween.

As used herein, the term “beverage” has its ordinary and customary meaning, and includes, among other things, any edible liquid or substantially liquid substance or product having a flowing quality (e.g., juices, coffee beverages, teas, milk, beer, wine, cocktails, liqueurs, spirits, cider, soft drinks, flavored water, energy drinks, soups, broths, combinations of the same, or the like).