Anti-Spill Disposable Drink-Through Cup Lid

Abstract

This invention relates to anti-spill disposable and reusable drink-through lids for hot and cold disposable and reusable beverage cups. The present invention is directed to drink-through lids which may be placed over and attached to disposable and reusable beverage cups and which provides a drink-through opening near the perimeter of the lid's top surface for easy drinking. The drink-though lid can accommodate a consumer's lips or a beverage disposable or reusable straw. When used with a straw, the lid and straw combination creates a spill-proof seal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An invention as it relates to anti-spill disposable or reusable drink-through lids for mounting on disposable or reusable drinking cups. The lid comprising of: a circular mounting base that attaches to a disposable drinking cup; an outer sidewall; a top of the lids; a recessed area adapted for drinking with human lips; a recessed area adapted for drinking with a straw. 
     
     
         2 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein the disposable or reusable lid can be used for hot and cold beverages and their related disposable or reusable cups. 
     
     
         3 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein the integrated spout includes a spout opening, an inverted conical structure and a conical opening at the bottom of the inverted conical structure. The conical opening is round in shape. 
     
     
         4 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein the spout opening is designed to comfortably fit consumer lips. The spout opening can be configured in many shapes (round, oval, etc.). 
     
     
         5 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein the spout opening is larger than the conical opening at the bottom of inverted conical structure, the spout opening provides the beverage server or consumer with a generous guide for the straw insertion. The straw can be disposable or reusable. 
     
     
         6 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein the conical opening diameter is the exact same size or slightly smaller than the drinking straw diameter. Conical opening is dependent on the lid and straw materials, composition, intended use (hot or cold beverage) and other factors. This conical opening and straw relationship is critical. It is this relationship between the conical opening and the straw which creates a snug and anti-spill seal. The fit between the conical opening and the straw is like “a hand and glove.” 
     
     
         7 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein the disposable or reusable straw is placed within the spout opening, the beverage server or consumer simply pushes the straw down the inverted conical structure and through the conical opening at the bottom of the inverted conical structure. Unlike other inventions, this invention's straw insertion process can easily be done with just one hand. 
     
     
         8 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein a small vent hole can be positioned on the lid surface directly across from the conical structure. 
     
     
         9 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein the disposable or reusable drink-through lid may be configured so that the lid extends above the volume of the cup it covers. This is desirable when beverages are served with whipped cream, foam and other toppings. 
     
     
         10 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein the lid can easily be removed allowing the consumer to add condiments (cream, sugar, cinnamon, etc.). The lid can be easily replaced once the condiments have been added. 
     
     
         11 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein the space-saving nesting feature of the lid is a beverage industry requirement due to the large quantities of lids fast food restaurants, coffee houses and other like establishments must stock. The space-saving nesting feature is appreciated at the point of use as beverage servers typically work in small and congested areas. 
     
     
         12 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein the nesting quality reduces the cost of shipping from the drink-through lid manufacturer to the restaurant, coffee house or other establishment. 
     
     
         13 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein the drink-though lid and straw can include advertisements or other content. 
     
     
         14 . The disposable or reusable lid of  claim 1  wherein the invention is an economical design which can be produced on a mass basis and which permits drinking of the beverage through the lid while eliminating or effectively limiting the amount of beverage spillage in the event the beverage cup is upset, jostled or otherwise moved.