Disposable cup lid with integral toothpick

Abstract

A disposable cup lid (such as those used to seal the tops of cups used to dispense drinks in restaurants) has a toothpick retention portion integrally formed therewith configured to releasably retain a toothpick. The disposable cup lid may take several forms such as for various types for hot and cold drink cups. In one form, the toothpick is contained within a recess in the cup lid and attached thereto by means of a securing slit. Pulling the toothpick away from the lid causes its release from the securing slit so that the toothpick may be used. The securing slit also allows return receipt of the used toothpick for disposal with the cup lid or storage for later use. The cup lid is preferably formed of a disposable material such as plastic. Of course, other materials suitable to carry out the principles of the present invention may be used.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A cup lid comprising: 
 a cup lid body; and    a toothpick releasably retained by said cup lid body.    
     
     
         2 . The cup lid of  claim 1 , wherein said toothpick is releasably retained in a pocket that is integrally formed in said cup lid body.  
     
     
         3 . The cup lid of  claim 2 , wherein a retention mechanism is formed in said pocket and is dimensioned to releasably hold the toothpick within said pocket.  
     
     
         4 . The cup lid of  claim 3 , wherein said retention mechanism is formed of one or more flexible configured ridges.  
     
     
         5 . The cup lid of  claim 2 , further comprising an egress depression formed on one side of said pocket.  
     
     
         6 . The cup lid of  claim 1 , wherein said cup lid body is formed of plastic.  
     
     
         7 . A cup lid comprising: 
 a cup lid body;    an elongated linear pocket integrally formed in said cup lid body and dimensioned to accommodate a toothpick therein; and    a toothpick retention mechanism formed in said cup lid body adjacent said elongated linear pocket and dimensioned to hold the toothpick within the elongated linear pocket.    
     
     
         8 . The cup lid of  claim 7 , wherein said cup lid body is formed of plastic.  
     
     
         9 . The cup lid of  claim 7 , wherein said toothpick retention mechanism is formed of one or more configured ridges extending into said elongated linear pocket.  
     
     
         10 . The cup lid of  claim 9 , wherein said one or more configured ridges are flexible.  
     
     
         11 . The cup lid of  claim 7 , wherein said toothpick retention mechanism retains a portion of the toothpick while holding the toothpick within said elongated linear pocket.  
     
     
         12 . The cup lid of  claim 7 , further comprising an egress depression formed on one side of said elongated linear pocket.  
     
     
         13 . A cup lid comprising: 
 a cup lid body;    a recess formed in said cup lid body and having a generally arcuate bottom surface, said recess formed as one piece with said cup lid body; and    a toothpick retention mechanism formed in said recess and dimensioned to hold the toothpick within said recess.    
     
     
         14 . The cup lid of  claim 13 , wherein said cup lid body is formed of plastic.  
     
     
         15 . The cup lid of  claim 13 , wherein said toothpick retention mechanism is formed of one or more configured ridges extending into said recess.  
     
     
         16 . The cup lid of  claim 15 , wherein said one or more configured ridges are flexible.  
     
     
         17 . The cup lid of  claim 13 , wherein said toothpick retention mechanism retains a portion of the toothpick while holding the toothpick within said recess.  
     
     
         18 . The cup lid of  claim 13 , further comprising an egress depression formed on one end of said recess.