Featured in ThePackHub’s Patent Zone, the design uses folding flaps extending from the cup rim to create an integrated closure. The concept is intended particularly for beverage vending machines, where the cup can be dispensed and filled before the flaps are folded to close the top.
The patent was published on 9 July 2026.
Folding flaps create the cup closure
The proposed cup consists of a base, a wall and two closure flaps attached to its upper edge.
The first closure flap incorporates two opposing side flaps and an intermediate flap. These fold along oblique and transverse fold lines to form a partial lid with curved sealing lips.
A second closure flap then folds over the first. It is secured using a locking tab that engages with an opening in the first flap, creating the finished closure without requiring a separate lid.
The patent drawing illustrates how the flaps extend from the rim before folding across the cup opening. This approach effectively makes the closure part of the cup structure rather than an additional packaging component.
Designed with vending machines in mind
The cup measures approximately 15 centimetres tall and is designed to fit within beverage dispensing machines.
During filling, one flap can remain open in the machine’s dispensing area, allowing the beverage to be delivered into the cup before the closure is completed.
The rim is described as having a generally rectangular shape with straight and curved sides, rather than the conventional circular opening associated with many disposable beverage cups. This geometry supports the folding arrangement used to form the integrated lid.
By removing a separate plastic lid from the proposed format, the design addresses packaging material reduction in hot beverage applications, particularly coffee vending.
Removing a separate packaging component
ThePackHub’s Vanessa Newcomb sees potential in the idea of turning the cup itself into the lid, removing a separate component and potentially reducing plastic and litter.
The practical performance of the design would be particularly important. As Vanessa notes, leak resistance and drinking comfort will be key considerations, alongside the recyclability of the coated cup.
For vending applications, the concept also has to work within the physical constraints of dispensing equipment. Integrating the closure into the cup could simplify the number of separate packaging components involved, while the folding mechanism is designed to allow the cup to remain compatible with the filling process.
Want to discover more packaging innovations?
Explore the latest standout international patents featured in ThePackHub’s Patent Zone.
