GB2546973A

GB2546973A - Utensil and method

Info

Publication number: GB2546973A
Application number: GB1601619.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ronald Wolfenden Richard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-01-28
Filing date: 2016-01-28
Publication date: 2017-08-09
Also published as: GB2546848B; WO2017129596A1; GB201616505D0; GB201603227D0; GB2546848A; GB201601619D0; GB2546825A

Abstract

A utensil (300, fig 6) for securing a lid (200) to a container (100), including a base 310 forming a pressing portion 316 and a gripping portion 320. The gripping portion is separated from the pressing portion by the base, and is manually engage-able to urge the pressing portion against the lid to thereby secure the lid to the container. The utensil may further include an engaging portion 340 for removing the secured lid from the container, wherein the engaging portion can be arranged to exert a torque on the secured lid in order to remove the lid from the container. The pressing portion may be formed by a lip 314 of the base. The container may be specifically a beverage cup. The base and gripping portion may be formed integrally. The gripping portion of the utensil may be generally frustoconical in shape.

Description

Utensil and method

FIELD

[01] The present disclosure relates in general to a utensil for securing a lid to a container and in particular to a utensil for securing a lid to a beverage container.

BACKGROUND

[02] A beverage may be served to customers in a beverage container such as disposable drinking cup. Particularly when the beverage is served hot, as coffee or hot chocolate etc. traditionally would be, a lid may be fitted to the drinking cup. Thereby, accidental spills may be reduced or entirely avoided, and a hot beverage may be kept hot for longer. Such beverage containers are known and are widely used for packaging drinks in coffee shops for consumers to take out. Furthermore, although predominantly used for beverages, similar packaging could be used elsewhere in the food and drinks industry, particularly for example, where servers are required to add the lid manually in a commercial environment, for instance when serving fresh foods such as soups or noodles.

[03] The lid is typically arranged to snap onto a rim of the drinking cup through a suitable application of force. Without an alternative to secure the lid to the drinking cup, a person may use a hand to fasten the lid to the drinking cup. For example, that person may place the lid on the drinking cup and then press down on the lid with a palm to thereby fasten the lid to the drinking cup. This, however, may be unreliable for securing the lid correctly and may be particularly unreliable where the lid is provided with an extended spout, because the lid or container may be deformed rather than reliably secured. Alternatively, a person may use individual fingers to secure the lid to the drinking cup by pressing certain parts of the lid against the drinking cup. This approach, however, may also be unreliable as securing the lid to the drinking cup in one location may inadvertently dislodge the lid from the drinking cup in another location.

[04] Therefore, it is now desired to provide a utensil for reliably securing a lid to a drinking cup. The example embodiments have been provided with a view to addressing at least some of the difficulties that are encountered with current approaches to securing lids to drinking cups whether those difficulties have been specifically mentioned above or will otherwise be appreciated from the discussion herein.

SUMMARY

[05] It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages. It is an aim of the present invention to provide a utensil for securing a lid to a beverage container. It is a further aim to provide a utensil suitable for quickly and reliably securing a lid to a beverage container.

[06] According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a utensil having a pressing portion and a gripping portion. The pressing portion is arranged to provide an equal pressing force about the periphery of the lid. The gripping portion is manually engageable to urge the pressing portion against the lid in order to thereby secure the lid to the beverage container. The utensil therefore provides a convenient applicator to apply an even pressing force on the lid in order to quickly and easily apply the lip to the container. Furthermore, using the utensil provides a hygenic surface in contact with the cup and lid and removes any potential contamination from, for example, fingers pressing on the lid.

[07] The utensil comprises a base forming the pressing portion. The pressing portion is arrangeable to engage the lid, and may be arrangeable to engage a particular portion of the lid. In one embodiment, the pressing portion is arranged to engage a rim of the lid. Suitably, when suitable for a circular lid, the pressing portion may extend along an arc such that, in use, the pressing portion follows the rim of the lid. Conveniently, the pressing portion may form a closed arc. That is, the pressing portion may form a closed loop. The closed loop may be generally circular or generally oval, but may also be other shapes as necessary to suit the application such as square or rectangular. Here, for instance, the pressing portion may correspond to a substantial portion of a periphery of the lid.

[08] The utensil is a hand tool. Suitably, the utensil comprises a gripping portion which a person may manually engage in order to use the utensil. The gripping portion may be a handle or may be a knob. Conveniently, the gripping portion may be generally conically shaped, for example frusto-conically. Thereby a secure and comfortable grip may be achieved.

[09] The pressing portion and the gripping portion are spatially separated. Suitably, the utensil comprises a base extending between the pressing portion and the gripping portion. The base may have a generally frusto-conical shape.

[10] The pressing portion, the base and the gripping portion may be formed integrally.

[11] The pressing portion and the gripping portion may be located at opposite ends of the base.

[12] The pressing portion may be formed by a generally planar portion of the base.

[13] The pressing portion may be arranged to extend along an arc. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressing portion extends along a closed loop.

[14] The utensil may have a shape which is generally cylindrical or generally conical.

[15] The utensil may be arranged to receive an extended spout of the lid. Suitably, the utensil may form an opening. Conveniently, the pressing portion may define the opening.

[16] In an exemplary embodiment, the utensil may further be configured for removal of a secured lid from the beverage container. Suitably, the utensil may comprise a lid remover. The lid remover comprises an engaging portion which is arrangeable to exert a torque onto the secured lid in order to thereby remove the secured lid from the beverage container. Suitably, the lid remover provides opposing edges for engaging spaced portions of the lid on alternative sides thereof. The method of removal comprise arranging one of the opposed edges to contact a top of the lid and the other edge to contact underneath the lid and applying a force to the utensil to conveniently remove the lid. The lid remover is sized to easily contact the lid. Advantageously, the a portion of the utensil is spaced from the lid remover so as to increase the leverage of the removal action. For example, the spaced portion reduces the force required to remove the lid.

[17] The lid remover is preferably an aperture. The aperture forms the opposed edges. In one embodiment, one or both edges may provide an engaging portion for contacting the underside of the lid. The engaging portion may be substantially flat, or may be curved or may comprise a tooth which is insertable, in use, between the secured lid and the beverage container. Here, the tooth may cooperate with an abutment portion of the engaging portion to exert the torque onto the secured lid.

[18] The utensil may comprise a pair of teeth.

[19] In an exemplary embodiment there is provided a utensil for securing a lid to a container. The utensil comprises a base forming a pressing portion. The utensil comprises a gripping portion which is separated from the pressing portion by the base. The gripping portion is manually engageable to urge the pressing portion against the lid in order to thereby secure the lid to the container.

[20] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a method of securing a lid to a container. The method comprises providing a container and a lid. The method comprises placing the lid on the container. The method comprises manually engaging a gripping portion of the utensil. The method comprises engaging the lid with a pressing portion of the utensil. The method comprises urging the lid against the container, thereby securing the lid to the container in an efficient, convenient and secure manner.

[21] The method of securing a lid to a beverage container may comprise urging a lip of the beverage container into a preformed recess of the lid.

[22] The method of securing a lid to a beverage container may comprise manually engaging the gripping portion with a single hand.

[23] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a method of removing a lid from a container. The method comprises providing a container with a secured lid. The method comprises manually engaging a portion of the utensil. The method comprises inserting an edge of a lid remover formed on the utensil between a secured lid and the container. The method comprises pivoting the utensil about the edge such that an opposed edge also abuts the lid. The method comprises exerting a torque onto the secured lid in order to thereby remove the lid from the container.

[24] The method of removing a secured lid from a beverage container may comprise removing a lip of a drinking cup from a preformed recess of the secured lip.

[25] The method of removing a secured lid from a beverage container may comprise manually engaging the gripping portion with a single hand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[26] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: [27] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a drinking cup and a lid; [28] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a utensil for securing a lid to a cup; [29] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a utensil for securing a lid to a cup [30] Fig. 4 is a perspective view a utensil for securing a lid to a drinking cup, a lid and a drinking cup; [31] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a utensil for securing a lid to a drinking cup, a lid and a drinking cup; [32] Fig. 6 illustrates a method of securing a lid to a drinking cup; [33] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a drinking cup having a lid secured thereto and a utensil comprising a lid remover; [34] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a drinking cup having a lid secured thereto and a utensil comprising a lid remover being used in an alternative embodiment; and [35] Fig. 9 illustrates a method of removing a secured lid from a drinking cup.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[36] At least some of the following example embodiments provide a utensil for securing a lid to beverage container. The example device is simple and convenient for the user and readily cleanable. At least some examples may be lightweight. Many other advantages and improvements will be discussed in more detail herein.

[37] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an example drinking cup 100 and, separately, an example lid 200. As will be appreciated, although the examples described herein relate to applying and removing a lid to a beverage container, containers of other types of food or drink, or other contents are envisaged. The embodiments are particularly useful for use in serving environments.

[38] The drinking cup 100 is one example of a beverage container. A beverage container is configured to contain a beverage, which may be hot or cold, and may comprise an opening through which the beverage may be consumed. The beverage container may have any shape or size suitable for beverage consumption. In some examples, the beverage container may have a cross-section that is generally oval, while in other examples it may be generally rectangular. In this example, the drinking cup 100 has a generally circular cross-section.

[39] The drinking cup 100 comprises a cup rim 110 which defines an opening 120 through which the drinking cup 100 may be filled with a beverage and through which said beverage may be consumed. In this example, the drinking cup 100 is arranged for consuming a beverage contained therein either directly from the drinking cup 100 or through the lid 200. Suitably, a cup rim 110 of the drinking cup 100 and a lid rim 210 of the lid 200 are configured to cooperate to secure the lid 200 relative to the drinking cup 100. Conveniently, the cup rim 110 may form a lip 112 arranged to receive and retain the lid 200. The lip 112 extends along a radial direction with respect to the side wall 130. In this example, the lid 200 is configured to receive the lip 112 of the drinking cup 100. Suitably, the lid rim 210 forms a recess 212 arranged to receive the lip 112.

[40] Force may be required in order to secure the lid 200 to the drinking cup 100. In particular, it may require force to urge the lid 200 onto the lip 112. In this example, the lid 200 is arranged to snap onto the drinking cup 100, but in other examples the lid 200 may be arranged to fasten to the cup 100 in alternative ways requiring force to fasten the lid 200 to the drinking cup 100.

[41] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an example utensil 300 for securing the lid 200 to the drinking cup 100.

[42] The utensil 300 is a manual tool and its shape and configuration is chosen suitable for manual operation. Conveniently, the utensil 300 is shaped to provide a secure grip such that a user may lift, handle, operate, place or otherwise manipulate the utensil 300. In this example, the utensil 300 is lightweight to improve manual operation. Suitably, the utensil 300 is generally hollow.

[43] The utensil 300 is configured for securing the lid 200 to the beverage container 100. Suitably, the utensil 300 is arrangeable to engage the lid 200, and is manually engageable to exert a force onto the lid 200. Thereby, the lid 200 may be forced into engagement with the drinking cup 100.

[44] Through normal use, the utensil 300 may become dirtied. However, as the utensil 300 is intended for beverage preparation, strict hygiene requirements may apply. Suitably, the utensil 300 is readily cleanable, and configured to withstand repeated and thorough cleaning. Conveniently, the utensil 300 may be manufactured from a material suitable for regular cleaning. Suitable materials may include metals, such as stainless steel or aluminium, and also plastics, such as polypropylene. In another example, the utensil 300 is a disposable manual tool and a suitable choice of material may further include, for example, cardboard.

[45] The utensil 300 comprises a base 310 and a gripping portion 320. In this example, the base 310 and the gripping portion 320 are formed integrally and the utensil 300 has a generally smooth surface, further making the utensil 300 readily cleanable.

[46] In this example, the base 310 comprises a side wall 312 forming a cavity 318 inside the base 310. In other examples, the side wall 312 may be formed from one side wall or section or, alternatively, from multiple side wall sections which may be joined or may be spaced apart.

[47] In this example, the base 310 has a generally circular cross-section, while in other examples the base 310 may have a different cross-section. For example, the cross-section of the base 310 may be generally oval or polygonal.

[48] In this example, the base 310 is tapered. That is, the cross-section is larger at one end of the base 310 such that the base 310 has a generally conical shape. In this example, a distal end of the base 310 has a larger circular cross-section than a proximal end of the base 310.

[49] A lip 314 is located at the distal end of the base 310. The lip 314 extends along a generally radial direction with respect to the side wall 312 of the base 310. In this example, the lip 314 extends along the entire circumference of the base 310, but in other examples the lip 314 may extend along a section of the side wall 312 or, generally, along an arc. In this example, the lip 314 defines an opening of the cavity 318 inside the base 310.

[50] In this example, the lip 314 forms a pressing portion 316. In this example, the pressing portion 316 is generally circular, but in other examples the pressing portion 316 may be formed along a segment of a circle or along an arc. The pressing portion 316 is arrangeable, in use, to engage the lid 200. Conveniently, the lip 314 defines a generally planar portion of the base 310. Through the pressing portion 316, force may be exerted onto the lid 200. Thereby the lid 200 may be urged against the drinking cup 100, in order to secure the lid 200 to the drinking cup.

[51] The proximal end of the base 310 is joined to the gripping portion 320. In this example, the gripping portion 320 comprises a neck 322 and a head 324. Suitably, the base 310 is joined to the neck 322. In other examples, the head 324 may be joined directly to the base 310.

[52] The utensil 300 is arranged to make manually handling the utensil 300 convenient and safe. Suitably, the utensil 300 comprises the neck 322. When a user manually exerts a force onto the utensil 300, there may be a risk of the user’s hand slipping off the head 324. Conveniently, the neck 322 provides a guard which may help to prevent a user’s hand from slipping off the gripping portion 320. Suitably, the neck 322 is a region of the utensil 300 along which the cross-section of the utensil 300 changes significantly, thereby providing the guard.

[53] In this example, the head 324 is joined to the neck 322. A user may manually engage the head 324 in order to handle the utensil 300. The head 324 may have any suitable shape. For example, the head 324 may have an elongate shape, for example generally cylindrical, so as to provide a handle which a user may grasp. In this example, the head 324 is generally conical. Alternatively the head may be a knob type handle arrangement.

[54] The utensil 300 is configured for convenient and safe manual operation. Suitably, the head 324 forms a smooth surface. Thereby a risk of suffering an injury may be reduced as no sharp edges are present.

[55] A user may place their hand on the head 324 in order to exert a force using the utensil 300. Conveniently, a user may hold the utensil 300 by the head 300 in order to lift, place or otherwise manipulate the utensil 300.

[56] Figs. 4 and 5 show the drinking cup 100, the lid 200, and the utensil 300, wherein Fig. 4 shows a perspective view while Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view.

[57] In use, the utensil 300 is engageable to urge the lid 200 onto the drinking cup 100. In some examples, the lid 200 may comprise an extended spout 220. Suitably, the base 320 of the utensil 300 forms an opening by which the extended spout 220 may be received. Suitably, the base 310 has a generally conical or cylindrical shape and forms a cavity 318 inside the base 310 configured to receive the extended spout 220.Thereby, the pressing portion 316 may engage the lid rim 210.

[58] The utensil 300, the lid 200 and the drinking cup 100 are shown aligned about a vertical axis X. Thereby, the cup rim 110 and the lid rim 210 are aligned so that the lid 200 may be urged into engagement with the drinking cup 100. The pressing portion 316 is aligned with both the cup rim 110 and the lid rim 210.

[59] In some examples, the pressing portion 316 may be sized so as to substantially correspond to the cup rim 110. In other examples, the pressing portion 316 may be larger or smaller than the cup rim 110. Conveniently, the pressing portion 316 is sized such that it is approximately equal in size to the cup rim 110. Thereby, the lid 200 may be readily secured to the drinking cup 100.

[60] The utensil 300 is engageable to urge the lid rim 210 onto the cup rim 110. In this example, the pressing portion 316 is arranged to engage the lid rim 210 around a full circumference of the lid rim 210. Axes A and B illustrate two points where the pressing portion 316 engages the lid rim 210. In other examples, the pressing portion 316 may be arranged to engage the lid rim 210 about a section of the full circumference of the lid rim 210. In this example, the pressing portion 316 is arrangeable to engage the lid along direction X.

[61] Fig. 6 illustrates a method of securing the lid 200 to the drinking cup 100.

[62] The method comprises providing a beverage container, such as the drinking cup 100, and, separately, a lid 200 (S400). The method comprises placing the lid 200 on the drinking cup 100 (S402). Suitably, the lid 200 is placed such that the lid rim 210 engages the cup rim 110. The method comprises manually engaging a gripping portion 320 of the utensil 300 (S404). The method further comprises engaging the lid 200 with the pressing portion 316 (S406). The method comprises urging the lid 200 against the drinking cup 100, thereby securing the lid 200 to the drinking cup 100 (S408).

[63] The method may further comprise urging a lip 112 of the drinking cup 100 into the recess 212 of the lid 200.

[64] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the drinking cup 100 with the lid 200 secured to the drinking cup 100. The utensil 300 engages the lid 200 and the drinking cup 100 in order to remove the lid 200 from the drinking cup 100.

[65] When access to contents of the drinking cup 100 is desired, the lid 200 may first need to be removed from the drinking cup 100. Conveniently, the utensil 300 comprises the lid remover 340. In this example, the lid remover 340 is provided in the base 310 of the utensil 300. A portion of the side wall 312 is cut away in order to form the lid remover 340.

[66] The lid remover is configurable to engage the lid 200 when secured to the drinking cup 100. Here, one edge of the aperture forming the lid remover is arranged to contact the lid at or under the rim, and an opposed edge of the aperture is arranged to contact the top of the lid. The utensil can then be used to remove the lid by acting as a lever to peel off the lid. It will be appreciated that the aperture forming the lid remover is sized suitably to easily contact the lid in the required manner. Preferably, the aperture is sized so as to contact the lid at around a midpoint of the lid. As shown in the exemplary embodiments, the opposed edges are preferably arranged across the axis of the utensil so that the gripping portion or pressing portion can be used to apply the leverage on the utensil. For instance, in the exemplary embodiment showing a generally circular utensil, the opposed edges are arranged to extend circumferentially. In Figure 2, the lid remover is shown wherein the two opposed edges of the aperture forming the lid remover are substantially straight. The aperture may vary according to specific applications. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, one or both opposed edges may comprise engaging features such as teeth 342. The teeth 342 are formed by a tapered portion of the side wall 312 of the base 310, such that each tooth is insertable between the drinking cup 100 and the lid 200.

[67] In this example, the lid remover 340 comprises a pair of teeth 342. In other examples, the lid remover 340 may comprise a different number of teeth, such as a single tooth, three teeth or any other plurality of teeth.

[68] The pair of teeth 342 is insertable between the drinking cup 100 and the lid 200 secured thereto. Suitably, the pair of teeth 342 may be inserted between the cup rim 110 and the lid rim 210. When inserted, the utensil 300 is pivotable about the pair of teeth 342 in order to engage the lid 200 with an abutment portion 344 of the lid remover 344. In this example, the abutment portion 344 is formed by the base 310.

[69] The pair of teeth 342 and the abutment portion 344 are arranged to cooperate for removing the lid 200 from the drinking cup 100. Suitably, when the pair of teeth 342 and the abutment portion 344 are arranged to engage the lid 200, the utensil 300 is rotatable in order to exert a torque onto the lid 200. Conveniently, the utensil 300 is thereby arrangeable to lift the lid 200 from the drinking cup 100. Thereby the lid 200 may be removed from the drinking cup 100.

[70] Optionally, the lid remover may include an edge protector (not shown). For instance, a silicone or other pliable ring that engages adjacent either side of the edge to provide a cover thereto.

[71 ] In some examples, the lid 200 is removable without detriment to the lid 200, such that the lid 200 can again be secured to the drinking cup 100.

[72] Fig. 7 and 8 illustrates alternative methods of removing the secured lid 200 from the drinking cup 100. The alternative embodiments involve spinning the utensil through 180° so that the removal is caused by respective lifting of the pressing portion or lifting of the gripping portion.

[73] The method, as explained with reference to Figure 9, comprises providing a drinking cup 100 with a lid 200 secured thereto. The method comprises providing the utensil 300, and manually engaging the head 324 of the utensil 300. The method comprises inserting an engaging portion between the lid 200 and the drinking cup 100. Suitably, the engaging portion is inserted between the lid rim 210 and the cup rim 110. The method comprises pivoting the utensil 300 about the engaging portion. The method comprises engaging the secured lid 200 with the abutment portion of the utensil 300. The method comprises exerting a torque onto the secured lid 200 in order to remove the secured lid 200 from the drinking cup 100.

[74] The utensil may be manufactured industrially. For example, the utensil may be spun, pressed, rolled, or moulded. An industrial application of the example embodiments will be clear from the discussion herein.

[75] Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A utensil for securing a lid to a container, the utensil comprising: a base forming a pressing portion, and a gripping portion, wherein the gripping portion is separated from the pressing portion by the base; wherein the gripping portion is manually engageable to urge the pressing portion against the lid in order to thereby secure the lid to the container.

2. The utensil according to claim 1, wherein the utensil is further configured for removing a secured lid from the beverage container; the utensil further comprising an engaging portion, wherein the engaging portion is arrangeable to exert a torque onto the secured lid in order to remove the secured lid from the container.

3. The utensil according to claim 2, wherein the engaging portion comprises first and second opposed edges, wherein one edge is insertable between the secured lid and the container and the other edge is an abutment portion, and wherein the gripping portion is engageable such that the first edge cooperates with an abutment portion of the engaging portion to exert the torque onto the secured lid.

4. The utensil according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the base forms the engaging portion.

5. The utensil according to any previous claim, wherein the pressing portion is formed at a first end of the base and wherein the gripping portion is located at a second end of the base.

6. The utensil according to any previous claim, wherein the pressing portion is formed by a generally planar portion of the base.

7. The utensil according to any previous claim, wherein the pressing portion extends along an arc.

8. The utensil according to any previous claim, wherein the base and the gripping portion are formed integrally.

9. The utensil according to any previous claim, wherein the base comprises a lip forming the pressing portion.

10. The utensil according to any previous claim, wherein the utensil has a generally conical shape.

11. The utensil according to claim 10, wherein the gripping portion has a generally frusto-conical shape.

12. A method of securing a lid to a container using a utensil, the method comprising: providing a container and a lid; placing the lid on the container; manually engaging a gripping portion of the utensil; engaging the lid with a pressing portion of the utensil; urging the lid against the container, thereby securing the lid to the container.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein urging the lid against the container comprises urging a lip of the container into a preformed recess of the lid.

14. A method of removing a lid secured to a container using a utensil, the method comprising: providing a container with a secured lid; manually engaging a gripping portion of the utensil; inserting a top or bottom edge of an engaging portion between the lid and the drinking cup; pivoting the utensil about the edge; engaging the secured lid with an abutment portion of the engaging portion; exerting a torque onto the secured lid, thereby removing the secured lid from the container.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein exerting the torque onto the secured lid is arranged to remove a lip of the drinking cup from a preformed recess of the secured lid.

16. A utensil for securing a lid to a container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

17. A method of securing a lid to a container using a utensil, substantially as hereinbefore described.

18. A method of removing a lid from a container using a utensil, substantially as hereinbefore described.