US20120199584A1

US20120199584A1 - Vapor flow lid

Info

Publication number: US20120199584A1
Application number: US13/363,907
Authority: US
Inventors: David PENSAK
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-03
Filing date: 2012-02-01
Publication date: 2012-08-09

Abstract

A container lid for preventing spills or leaks, which enhances the flow and direction of aromatic vapors of beverages within the container to the consumer's nostrils, is disclosed. The lid comprises vapor ports that provide for aerodynamic redirection of aromatic vapors toward the drinker's nostrils, and one or more spill-preventing mechanisms to keep beverages within the container in case of overfilling or tipping, and an optional manual closure to contain heat and aroma within the container when it is not in use.

Description

Benefit is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1) of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/439,123, filed Feb. 3, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the consumption of foods and beverages. In particular, the invention provides a container lid for preventing spills or leaks, which enhances the flow and direction of aromatic vapors of beverages within the container to the consumer's olfactory system, to improve the consumer's tasting experience.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various publications, including patents, published applications, technical articles and scholarly articles are cited throughout the specification. Each of these cited publications is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety.
In the tasting of foods and beverages, the sense of taste is heavily influenced by the sense of smell. The tongue detects only five tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. When combined with the intense impressionability of the olfactory sense, the result is the characteristic known as “flavor.” Indeed, research indicates that 70 to 75% of what we taste is actually due to our sense of smell. Specialized sensory nerves in the nose are necessary to identify tastes more subtle than sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Thus, for example, in wine or beer tasting, without the sense of smell, one would be unable to detect the delicate flavors of chocolate, herbs, fruits, grasses or smoke in wine and beer.
Coffee and tea are widely consumed beverages that also require the sense of smell for full flavor enjoyment, and the olfactory contact is achieved largely by way of the nose. For instance, it has been shown that approximately ninety percent of the aromatic components of coffee enter the olfactory system through of the nose. Only ten percent arrives by evaporating from the coffee once it is inside the mouth and going upwards through the retro-nasal pathways.
Unfortunately, coffee and tea drinkers must forego the full flavor of their beverages if they choose to consume them “on the go,” in lidded containers or “travel mugs.” To prevent spills, the lids of typical disposable cups or travel mugs block all but a small opening for the beverage to come out, and one or more very small holes for equalization of air pressure. As a result, the subtle flavors that arise largely from olfactory sensation via the nose are not experienced, and the coffee or tea drunk from a covered disposable cup or a travel mug tastes decidedly inferior to coffee or tea drunk from an open cup.
Attempts have been made to solve this problem. For example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,311,863, 6,375,033, 6,578,726 and U.S. Publication No. 2008/0000921 describe various designs for container lids, or for container/lid combinations, purported to facilitate transmittal of vapors from the beverages within the containers to the consumer's nose. However, none of the designs reported in the art possesses the features and advantages of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention features a lid for a beverage container comprising: (a) a drinking side comprising a drink opening along one periphery of the lid; and (b) one or more vapor ports offset to either side of a central longitudinal axis defined by the center of the drink opening and a location on a periphery of the lid substantially opposite the center of the drink opening.
Typically, the vapor port is offset at least about 0.1 cm to either side of the central longitudinal axis, measured from the edge of the vapor port proximal to the central longitudinal axis. The vapor ports can located above, along, and/or below a central latitudinal axis that is perpendicular to and bisects the central longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the lid comprises two or more vapor ports, located to each side of the central longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the vapor ports are movable between the central longitudinal axis and the periphery of the lid.
In certain embodiments, the vapor ports comprise a covering, referred to herein as a membrane that is substantially permeable to vapors escaping from beverages within the container, and substantially impermeable to liquids. The covering typically is composed of a material selected from spunbonded olefins, water-resistant fabrics, porous glass, metal, or polymers. The covering can be affixed to the top side or the underside of the lid. It can also be sandwiched between two layers of lid material.
In certain embodiments, the lid comprises a flap/seal assembly beneath one or more of the vapor ports that seals the vapor port in the event liquid in the container is tipped toward the vapor port. In other embodiments, the lid comprises a float assembly beneath one or more of the vapor ports that seals the vapor port in the event liquid in the container is tipped toward the vapor port. In still other embodiments, the lid comprises a baffle assembly beneath one or more of the vapor ports that diverts liquid from the vapor port the event liquid in the container is tipped toward the vapor port. The lid may also comprise a manual closure for closing the vapor ports and, optionally, the drink opening.
Another aspect of the invention features a lid for a beverage container comprising: (a) a drinking side comprising a drink opening along one periphery of the lid; and (b) one or more vapor ports located in proximity to nostrils of a user drinking from the container, wherein the one or more vapor ports comprises a covering that is substantially permeable to vapors escaping from beverages within the container, and substantially impermeable to liquids. The covering typically is composed of a material selected from spunbonded olefins, water-resistant fabrics, porous glass, metal, or polymers. The covering can be affixed to the top side or the underside of the lid. It can also be sandwiched between two layers of lid material.
In certain embodiments, the aforementioned lid comprises one or more vapor ports offset to either side of a central longitudinal axis defined by the center of the drink opening and a location on a periphery of the lid substantially opposite the center of the drink opening.
Typically, the vapor port is offset at least about 0.1 cm to either side of the central longitudinal axis, measured from the edge of the vapor port proximal to the central longitudinal axis. The vapor ports can located above, along, and/or below a central latitudinal axis that is perpendicular to and bisects the central longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the lid comprises two or more vapor ports, located to each side of the central longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the vapor ports are movable between the central longitudinal axis and the periphery of the lid. The lid may also comprise a manual closure for closing the vapor ports and, optionally, the drink opening.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be understood by reference to the drawings and detailed description that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Schematic diagram of top view of several embodiments of the invention. FIG. 1A shows central longitudinal axis A, bisecting the lid from the drink opening to a point at the periphery of the lid opposite the drink opening; a central latitudinal axis B bisecting and perpendicular to axis A; hashed areas represent locations on the lid in which vapor ports can be placed. FIGS. 1B-1F show particular embodiments of the lid.

FIG. 2: Schematic diagram of cross-section of embodiments utilizing an arm/float/seal (FIG. 2A), float (FIG. 2B) or baffle system (FIG. 2C) to prevent spills via the vapor ports. Cross section is shown at a vapor port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention arises in part from the inventor's design of a container lid that enables and enhances the flow and direction of vapors from beverages within the container through the lid and toward the nostrils of the user. This novel and innovative design allows for fuller enjoyment of the flavor of the beverage by the user, while substantially preventing spills or leaks from the container.
The designs and constructions described and claimed herein can be applied to any type of lid for any type of beverage container, including disposable and non-disposable beverage containers and lids currently in use, or any henceforth developed. Non-limiting examples of disposable container/lid systems include disposable cups that utilize a snap-on type lid typically composed of a plastic. Such lids can be substantially flat, or they can be symmetrically or asymmetrically raised, typically along the drinking edge. Disposable lids may contain a hinged flap or similar device for covering/closing the drink opening when the beverage is not being consumed. Non-limiting examples of a non-disposable container/lid system include the wide variety of “travel” mugs or cups available to the consumer of coffee, tea and any other beverages or liquid food. The lids for such containers include snap-on and screw-on lids composed of numerous different types of materials, such as plastics and metals. They may also comprise various mechanisms for opening and closing the drinking aperture, to prevent spills when the container is not in use. These include sliding or twisting closures of a variety of styles.
The container lid design is most suitably used with containers intended for beverages or other liquid foods. The term “beverages” as used herein is intended to include any typical beverage, including but not limited to coffee, tea, juice, milk, soft drinks, wine, beer, liquor, mixed drinks and the like, and also to include any food sufficiently liquid to be consumed from a lidded container, such as soups, broths, shakes, and the like.
The container lid design employs at least one vapor port (an opening in the lid that allows aroma vapors from the beverage within to escape) positioned to direct the vapors to the nostrils of a person consuming the beverage. While such vapor ports may be placed in any location, it is preferred that they are not aligned along the central axis of the lid, but instead are offset to either side of that axis. The reason for this pertains to the positioning of the nostrils in relation to the ports. Since the nostrils of the nose are bilaterally symmetrically placed, the aerodynamics of vapor rising from a centrally located vent hole is not optimally placed to reach the nostrils. Therefore, the lid of the present invention typically comprises two or more ports arranged individually or in rows or clusters juxtaposed to one side or the other with the cover of the opening on the lid or where the opening mechanism is placed in lids having an opening mechanism. The ports direct the aromatic vapors upwards and inwards towards the nostrils.
Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1A shows a schematic top view of a container lid 10 of the present invention, comprising a rim 12 that defines the periphery of the lid 10. FIG. 1A shows a central longitudinal axis A, bisecting the lid 10 from the drink opening 14 to a point at the periphery of the lid opposite the drink opening 14, and a central latitudinal axis B bisecting and perpendicular to axis A. The hashed areas represent locations on the lid in which vapor ports can be placed. As can be envisioned, vapor ports can be placed anywhere on the lid to either side of axis A, between axis A and the rim 12. In certain embodiments, the vapor ports are placed such that the edge of the port proximal to axis A is at least 0.1 cm offset from axis A. In particular embodiments, the vapor ports are placed such that the edge proximal to axis A is at least 0.2 cm, or at least 0.3 cm, or at least 0.4 cm, or at least 0.5 cm, or at least 0.6 cm, or at least 0.7 cm, or at least 0.8 cm, or at least 0.9 cm, or at least 1.0 cm offset from axis A. In other embodiments, the vapor ports are placed such that the edge proximal to axis A is more than 1.0 cm offset from axis A, e.g., 1.1 cm, 1.2 cm, 1.3 cm, 1.4 cm, 1.5 cm, 1.6 cm, 1.7 cm, 1.8 cm, 1.9 cm, 2.0 or more offset from axis A. The vapor ports can be arranged in pairs, pairs of rows or pairs of clusters, or a combination of such arrangements, symmetrically or asymmetrically offset to either side of axis A. With respect to axis B, the ports can be located above, along, and/or below axis B.
The vapor ports can be of any size or shape amenable to manufacture and conducive to permitting vapors to pass through the lid to the nostrils of the consumer, including square, rectangular, circular, oval, triangular, heptagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, star-shaped, odd-shaped, or combinations thereof. For example, FIG. 1B shows an embodiment of lid 10 comprising rim 12, drink opening 14, air equilibration vent 18 and two vapor ports 16 of substantially rectangular shape with rounded ends, symmetrically offset to either side of axis A, and below axis B. FIG. 1C shows an embodiment of lid 10, comprising two rows of small, circular vapor ports 16, each row substantially parallel to axis A and offset symmetrically to either side of axis A, extending from below to above axis B. FIG. 1D shows an embodiment of lid 10, comprising two clusters of small, circular vapor ports 16, each cluster substantially parallel to axis A and offset symmetrically to either side of axis A, located below axis B. FIG. 1E shows an embodiment of lid 10, particularly suitable to covering containers intended for wine or beer, where the flavor and character of the beverage is appreciated differently from sampling vapors from different areas of the container, e.g., the edge versus the center. Lid 10 contains a variety of vapor ports 16 symmetrically offset from axis A, with two series of small circular ports disposed near rim 12 on either side of axis A, two clusters of small circular ports located approximately midway on either side of axis A between axis A and the periphery of the lid 10, and a central vapor port 16 located along axis A.
In another embodiment, one or more of the vapor ports is slidable or movable over a portion of the lid. This sort of lid is also particularly suitable for the consumption of beverages such as wine or beer, where the flavor and character of the beverage is appreciated differently from sampling vapors from different areas of the container, e.g., the edge versus the center. In this embodiment, instead of being permanently attached to the lid the vapor ports are placed on sliders that can move back and forth across a portion of the lid, so that they are either closer to the edge of the glass or closer to the middle. In lids designed for wine or beer, the lid may also contain a vapor port in the center, so that after the consumer has swirled the beverage in the glass, he can selectively smell the center vapors or the edge vapors, or both. FIG. 1F depicts an example of this embodiment. In FIG. 1F, lid 10 comprises rim 12, drink opening 14, air equilibration vent 18 and sliders 20, comprising vapor ports 16. The sliders 20 enable positioning of vapor ports 16 in a range between the center and periphery of the lid.
Another aspect of the container lid design is the presence of at least one mechanism for inhibiting or preventing spills or leaks through the vapor ports. Thus, the container lid is fashioned with one or more floats, sealing mechanisms or baffle systems, a manually closable lid or a differentially permeable cover to prevent the beverage from spilling out onto the drinker regardless of angle or orientation of the container.
In one embodiment, the mechanism for spill- or leak-proofing the vapor ports comprises a differentially permeable covering or layer, referred to generally as a membrane. The membrane comprises a material that serves as a selective barrier in that it is substantially permeable to vapors, gases or aerosols that carry the aroma of a beverage, but is substantially impermeable to the bulk liquid of the beverage itself. Thus, the membrane allows passage of aroma-carrying vapor through the vapor port, while substantially preventing leaking or spilling of the container contents in the event of tipping or over-filling of the container.
A number of materials are suitable as a membrane for the container lid, depending in some instances on the material from which the lid is constructed. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, spunbonded olefins, such as Tyvek® products, water-resistant fabrics such as Gore-Tex®, EPIC® or Ultrasuede®, or nylon coated with a water repellant (e.g., silicone), porous glass, metal or other polymer. It is preferred that the material is safe and/or approved for use in conjunction with food products.
The membrane can be fastened directly to the lid, using glue, heat, compression or other techniques well known in the art. It can also be fastened to an auxiliary insert that is then secured to the underside or top of the lid. Depending on the needs/desires of the ultimate customer, the membrane can be sandwiched between layers of fabric, plastic or other material to camouflage the membrane from the drinker's perception and/or to secure the membrane onto the lid.
In a particular embodiment, the lid is a disposable plastic lid and the membrane is Tyvek®. In another embodiment, the lid is a reusable lid comprised of a high-density poly, such as that found on a typical travel cup or mug, and the membrane is Tyvek® or a water resistant fabric (e.g., Gore Tex® or silicone-coated nylon).
In another embodiment, the spill- or leak-proofing is accomplished by way of a float, seal and/or baffle assembly beneath each vapor port or vapor port cluster/row. The assembly can have a structure similar to the flapper valve in the tank of a toilet or it can have a separate floating valving mechanism similar to what are used in some diving snorkels. Examples of such assemblies are shown in the schematic diagrams of FIG. 2, showing cross sections of a lid 10 in a plane through a vapor port 16. FIG. 2A shows an example of a float/arm/seal assembly similar to the flapper valve in a toilet tank. Float 22 is affixed to the bottom side of a float arm 28, which carries seal 24 on its top side, aligned with vapor port 16. Float arm 28 is attached to a spacer 26 on the bottom of lid 10 via hinge 30. If liquid in the container (not shown) tips toward the vapor port 16, the float 22 rises, pressing seal 24 into vapor port 16, as shown by the arrow. FIG. 2B shows an example of a float assembly operating in a manner similar to a diving snorkel. Float housing 36 is attached beneath vapor port 16, and contains float 22. If liquid in the container (not shown) tips toward the vapor port 16, the float 22 will rise and block the escape of liquid from the vapor port 16. FIG. 2C shows an example of a baffle assembly. Horizontal and vertical baffles 40 defining a baffle vapor opening 42 that is offset from the vapor port 16 are affixed to the lower side of lid 10. Vapor is able to escape from the container via the baffle vapor opening 42 in a path to and through the vapor port 16. However, in the event the container is tipped, liquid in the container is substantially prevented from exiting via the vapor port, 16 due to the presence of the baffles 40.
In addition to, or instead of, the membrane or float/seal/baffle assemblies described above, the lid can be fitted with a manual closure for the vapor ports. The manual closure can be fastened to the container lid either through a friction fit, via a hinge, or in a sliding channel, similar to the manner in which many travel mug lids open and close the drink opening. Alternatively, the manual closure may utilize a press/twist seal such as the type used, for example, on disposable salt/pepper or grated cheese dispensers. In an embodiment suitable for, but not limited to, lids intended for consuming wine or beer, the manual closure may comprise one or more stoppers, such as a cork stopper, which can be placed into one or more vapor ports at the consumer's discretion.
To summarize, the container lid design of the present invention represents an advance in the art for a variety of reasons. Among other advantages, the design provides for aerodynamic redirection of the volatile components, a spill preventer to keep beverages from getting to the drinker in case the container has been overfilled or tipped significantly towards the horizontal, and the option to keep the aroma in the cup except when drinking, to provide a broader aromatic experience.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and exemplified above, but is capable of variation and modification within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lid for a beverage container comprising:

a. a drinking side comprising a drink opening along one periphery of the lid; and

b. one or more vapor ports offset to either side of a central longitudinal axis defined by the center of the drink opening and a location on a periphery of the lid substantially opposite the center of the drink opening.

2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the vapor port is offset at least about 0.1 cm to either side of the central longitudinal axis, measured from the edge of the vapor port proximal to the central longitudinal axis.

3. The lid of claim 2, wherein the vapor ports are located above, along, and/or below a central latitudinal axis that is perpendicular to and bisects the central longitudinal axis.

4. The lid of claim 3, wherein the vapor ports are located below the central latitudinal axis.

5. The lid of claim 3, wherein the vapor ports are located above the central latitudinal axis.

6. The lid of claim 1, comprising two or more vapor ports, located to each side of the central longitudinal axis.

7. The lid of claim 1, wherein the vapor ports are movable between the central axis and the periphery of the lid.

8. The lid of claim 1, wherein the vapor ports comprise a covering that is substantially permeable to vapors escaping from beverages within the container, and substantially impermeable to liquids.

9. The lid of claim 7, wherein the covering is composed of a material selected from spunbonded olefins, water-resistant fabrics, porous glass, metal, or polymers.

10. The lid of claim 7, wherein the covering is affixed to the top side of the lid.

11. The lid of claim 7, wherein the covering is affixed to the underside of the lid.

12. The lid of claim 1, comprising a seal assembly beneath one or more of the vapor ports that seals the vapor port in the event liquid in the container is tipped toward the vapor port.

13. The lid of claim 1, comprising a float assembly beneath one or more of the vapor ports that seals the vapor port in the event liquid in the container is tipped toward the vapor port.

14. The lid of claim 1, comprising a baffle assembly beneath one or more of the vapor ports that diverts liquid from the vapor port the event liquid in the container is tipped toward the vapor port.

15. The lid of claim 1, comprising a manual closure for closing the vapor ports and, optionally, the drink opening.

16. A lid for a beverage container comprising:

b. one or more vapor ports located in proximity to nostrils of a user drinking from the container, wherein the one or more vapor ports comprises a covering that is substantially permeable to vapors escaping from beverages within the container, and substantially impermeable to liquids.

17. The lid of claim 16, wherein the covering is composed of a material selected from spunbonded olefins, water-resistant fabrics, porous glass, metal, or polymers.

18. The lid of claim 16, wherein the covering is affixed to the top side of the lid.

19. The lid of claim 16, wherein the covering is affixed to the underside of the lid.

20. The lid of claim 16, comprising one or more vapor ports offset to either side of a central longitudinal axis defined by the center of the drink opening and a location on a periphery of the lid substantially opposite the center of the drink opening.

21. The lid of claim 20, wherein the vapor port is offset at least about 0.1 cm to either side of the central longitudinal axis, measured from the edge of the vapor port proximal to the central longitudinal axis.

22. The lid of claim 21, wherein the vapor ports are located above, along, and/or below a central latitudinal axis that is perpendicular to and bisects the central longitudinal axis.

23. The lid of claim 22, wherein the vapor ports are located below the central latitudinal axis.

24. The lid of claim 22, wherein the vapor ports are located above the central latitudinal axis.

25. The lid of claim 20, comprising two or more vapor ports, located to each side of the central longitudinal axis.

26. The lid of claim 20, wherein the vapor ports are movable between the central axis and the periphery of the lid.

27. The lid of claim 16, comprising a manual closure for closing the vapor ports and, optionally, the drink opening.