System and method for converting beverage containers with removable lids into spill-resistant sippy cups

摘要

Provided in various example embodiments is a system and method for converting beverage containers with removable lids into spill-resistant sippy cups, optionally comprising a punch mechanism comprising a die handle connected with a die and pivotably connected with a punch handle connected with a punch that is positioned opposite the die, the punch and die operable to punch holes through upper surfaces of beverage container lids having longitudinally extending sides, such that the holes have a first cross-sectional size, shape, and area. Also provided are drinking straws each having a second cross-sectional size, shape, and area, the second cross-sectional area being less than the first cross-sectional area by a differential area sufficient in size and shape to allow the passage there through of air but not more than a few drops of a liquid beverage.

主权项

1. A method of converting beverage containers with removable and replaceable lids into spill-resistant sippy cups, comprising the steps of:
removing a lid from a beverage container at least substantially filled with a beverage, the lid comprising a longitudinally extending sidewall and an upper portion having inner and outer surfaces; punching a hole through the upper portion of the lid by placing the upper portion of the lid on a die of a punch mechanism, clasping and pushing together a die handle and a punch handle of the punch mechanism, and causing the punch mechanism to drive a punch through the upper portion of the lid and into a die, thereby creating a hole-punched lid; causing the punch mechanism to remove the punch from the hole-punched lid; removing the hold-punched lid from the die of the punch mechanism; replacing the hole-punched lid on the beverage container containing the beverage; and partially inserting a drinking straw through the hole into the beverage in the beverage container, such that one or more air gaps are formed between the hole and an exterior surface of the drinking straw, the one or more air gaps being sufficiently large in size to facilitate sipping the beverage through the drinking straw, the one or more air gaps being sufficiently small in size to substantially prevent leakage of the beverage out of the container and the drinking straw if the beverage container is tipped over such that the beverage rests against the inner surface of the upper portion of the lid.