Lid

Abstract

Novel lids and containers are disclosed. The lids generally include a seam fault sealing structure, and are thus generally adapted to be sealingly mounted on a cup having a vertical seam. The container includes a cup having a vertical seam and a lid having a seam fault sealing structure.

1 . A lid for a cup that has a vertical seam, the lid formed comprising:
 a top wall having a generally circular periphery;   an annular side wall depending from said top wall about its periphery;   a mounting surface on said annular side wall, said mounting surface being adapted to substantially sealingly engage the rim of a cup;   a seam fault sealing structure disposed on said mounting surface, said seam fault sealing structure being adapted to stopper the fault created by the seam on the rim of said cup.   
   
   
       2 . The lid of  claim 1  wherein the seam fault sealing structure comprises a topographical feature adapted to match the topography of the reciprocal surface of the fault created by the seam on said cup's rim such that said topographical feature substantially eliminates any gap when the lid properly engages the rim of the cup. 
   
   
       3 . The lid of  claim 2  wherein the seam fault sealing structure defines a wedge. 
   
   
       4 . The lid of  claim 2  wherein the seam fault sealing structure defines a fin. 
   
   
       5 . The lid of  claim 4  wherein the fin has a shape, size and conformation adapted to abut the fault created by the seam on the cup's rim when the lid is properly installed on a cup, such that the fin substantially sealingly stoppers the gap that would otherwise be present in the absence of said fin. 
   
   
       6 . The lid of  claim 5  wherein the fin is substantially rigid. 
   
   
       7 . The lid of  claim 5  wherein the fin is substantially flexible. 
   
   
       8 . The lid of  claim 4  wherein the fin has a shape, size and conformation adapted to traverse the fault created by the seam on the cup's rim when the lid is properly installed on a cup, such that the fin substantially sealingly stoppers the gap that would otherwise be present in the absence of said fin. 
   
   
       9 . The lid of  claim 8  wherein the fin is substantially rigid. 
   
   
       10 . The lid of  claim 8  wherein the fin is substantially flexible. 
   
   
       11 . The lid of  claim 1  further comprising an indicator adapted to indicate the proper position of the lid relative to the seam of the cup. 
   
   
       12 . In combination, a cup having a vertical seam and a generally circular rim with a bead formed thereon, and a lid cooperative with said drinking cup for mounting thereon, the lid formed comprising:
 a top wall having a generally circular periphery;   an annular side wall depending from said top wall about its periphery;   a mounting surface on said annular side wall, said mounting surface being adapted to substantially sealingly engage the rim of a cup;   a seam fault sealing structure disposed on said mounting surface, said seam fault sealing structure being adapted to stopper the fault created by the seam on the rim of said cup.