Temperature-indicating disposable lid for beverage container

Abstract

A temperature-indicating disposable lid ( 14 ) for beverage containers ( 20 ) provides 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. The inventive device includes 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.

1 . A temperature-indicating apparatus adapted for use with a liquid container and a lid receivable at an upper portion of said container, said apparatus comprising: 
 recessed means associated with a planar surface of said lid, said recessed means having temperature threshold means for indicating the temperature of a liquid contacting said threshold means, relative to a threshold temperature.    
   
   
       2 . A temperature-indicating apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that said recessed means comprises a recess downwardly projecting from said plane or surface, and said threshold means is positioned in said recess.  
   
   
       3 . A temperature-indicating apparatus in accordance with  claim 2 , characterized in that said threshold means comprises a patch of temperature sensitive material secured to said recess.  
   
   
       4 . A temperature-indicating apparatus in accordance with  claim 3 , characterized in that said recess and said patch form an enclosed structure, having an opening in said plane or surface of said lid.  
   
   
       5 . A temperature-indicating apparatus in accordance with  claim 2 , characterized in that said recess extends downward into an interior of said liquid container, when said lid a received on said beverage container.  
   
   
       6 . A temperature-indicating apparatus in accordance with  claim 5 , characterized in that said recess extends downward a distance sufficient so that said threshold means is in physical contact with said liquid in said liquid container, when said container is substantially full and said container is maintained in a level position.  
   
   
       7 . A temperature-indicating apparatus in accordance with  claim 5 , characterized in that said recess extends downward a distance sufficient so that said threshold means can be made to be in physical contact with said liquid in said container by tilting said container, even when said container is less than substantially full of liquid.  
   
   
       8 . A temperature-indicating apparatus in accordance with  claim 2 , characterized in that said recess is of a substantially conical configuration.  
   
   
       9 . A temperature-indicating apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that said lid comprises means for releaseably securing said lid to said container.  
   
   
       10 . A temperature-indicating apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that said lid comprises means for a user gaining drinking access to said liquid in said container.  
   
   
       11 . A temperature-indicating apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that said recessed means are configured so that said lids are stackable for shipping and storage.