A beverage cup lid for enhanced organoleptic properties

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a lid (1) for closing the upper opening of a cup (2), said cup (2) containing a cold or hot, liquid or semi-liquid, food or beverage product, said lid (1) comprising a substantially flat body (3) and a peripheral rim extending downwardly for attaching said lid to the upper edge (5) of the cup, said lid further comprising a drinking spout (6), characterized in that it comprises a coating (7) comprising at least one volatile aromatic product, said coating (7) being adapted to release said volatile aromatic product with the air that is mixed to said liquid or semi-liquid edible product, at the time the latter is sipped through said drinking spout (6).

1 . A lid for closing the upper opening of a cup, said lid comprising a substantially flat body and a peripheral rim extending downwardly for attaching said lid to the upper edge of the cup, said lid further comprising a drinking spout and comprising a coating comprising at least one volatile aromatic product, said coating being adapted to release said volatile aromatic product with the air that is mixed to said liquid or semi-liquid edible product, at the time the latter is sipped through said drinking spout and/or release said aromatic product by contact with steam generated by said product if the latter is hot. 
     
     
         2 . A lid according to  claim 1 , wherein the volatile aromatic product is microencapsulated in the coating. 
     
     
         3 . A lid according to  claim 1 , wherein the volatile aromatic product is entrapped in a jellified matrix coating for controlled release mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . A lid according to  claim 1 , wherein the volatile aromatic product is stored within a capsule which is coated or similarly attached to the surface of the lid, said capsule being adapted to melt at a predetermined temperature to release the volatile active product. 
     
     
         5 . A lid according to  claim 1 , wherein the volatile aromatic product is selected from the group consisting of: aroma, extract or essential oil of fruits, flowers, plants, spices, green or roasted coffee, chocolate, candies, and a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         6 . A lid according to  claim 1 , which is manufactured from a sustainable material selected from the group consisting of: cellulosic fibers, paper (white or Kraft), cardboard, bamboo fibers, apple fibers, sugarcane fibers, bagasse, avocado fibers, rice or wheat fibers, pectin, a mineral powder, (such as stone powder or sand), biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoate (PHA), polybutyrate adipate terepthalate (PBAT), polysuccinate butylene (PBS), or recycled polyolefin or polyesters, and a mixture thereof. 
     
     
         7 . A lid according to  claim 1 , which is manufactured by thermoforming a flat blank of material into the desired shape of a lid. 
     
     
         8 . A lid according to  claim 1 , wherein the internal surface of the lid body is coated with a thin hydrophobic coating. 
     
     
         9 . A closed package for packing and dispensing a food or beverage liquid or semi-liquid product, said package comprising a cup closed by a lid for closing the upper opening of a cup, said lid comprising a substantially flat body and a peripheral rim extending downwardly for attaching said lid to the upper edge of the cup, said lid further comprising a drinking spout and comprising a coating comprising at least one volatile aromatic product, said coating being adapted to release said volatile aromatic product with the air that is mixed to said liquid or semi-liquid edible product, at the time the latter is sipped through said drinking spout and/or release said aromatic product by contact with steam generated by said product if the latter is hot.