Cup with integral closure flaps restricting spillage

摘要

The present invention relates to a container (1) comprising a wall (2) having a closed base (4) at one end and a generally circular or oval rim (5) of at an opposite end, the rim defining a top opening (6) of the container. The container (1) further comprises an arrangement of flaps (70, 80) whereby the counteracting forces between a rim of a first flap (70) and the inner face of a second flap (80) are sufficient to push the respective rim and the inner face together into a tight contact. A closure arrangement (300a, 300b) is provided to restrict flap openings (100a, 100b) formed at or below the rim (5) of the container between the flaps (70, 80) to prevent splashing and reduce the rate of spillage if the container is knocked over. The present invention thus improves the spill-resistant properties for the container (1), while, if required for drinking or pouring, permitting the container to allow the passage of a liquid when tilted for drinking and pouring.

主权项

1. A container comprising a wall having a closed base at one end and a generally circular or oval rim of at an opposite end, the rim defining a top opening of the container, the container further comprising:
a pair of substantially arcuate crease lines formed in the wall of the container at opposite sides of the wall below the rim; wherein each crease line has first and second ends coinciding with the rim; wherein each crease line and the portion of the rim between the first and second ends of the crease line define a flap having an outer face and an inner face; wherein each crease line is configured to act as a hinge allowing each flap to toggle between two stable positions upon application of an initial external force on the flap, the two stable positions being an open upright position in which the flap is convex and forms part of the wall of the container, and a closed slanted position in which the flap changes its shape to concave; wherein the resilience of the flap material causes the flap to complete the toggle and prevents the flap from stopping in a position intermediate the open upright and the closed slanted positions; and the length of each crease line and the shortest distance between a point of the crease line axially most remote from the rim of the flap and the rim are selected such that when the flaps are closed, each flap assumes a slanted orientation in relation to the base of the container, whereby the rim of a first flap impinges against the inner face of the second flap whereby the second flap remains statically forced against the rim of the first flap due to the resilience of the material of the container thereby forming a seal between the rim of the first flap and the inner face of the second flap, whereby the two flaps form a double slope roof across the top opening of the container, characterised in that the container further comprises a closure arrangement operable to restrict at least one flap opening defined at or adjacent positions where the ends of each crease line coincide with the rim of the container when the flaps are folded, wherein the closure arrangement comprises at least one wing which extends from a location on the container wall downwardly spaced from the flap opening and underneath the flap opening when the flaps are in the closed slanted position, wherein the flap opening remains open for passage of a liquid when the container is tilted, enabling drinking or pouring from the container.