• Eliminates Plastic Lids
• Improves Security of Closure
• Improves Speed of Service
• Reduces Inventory
• Renewable Bioplastics
• Corn Sugar Coating

The Integral Cup/Lid

A single use cup with an integrated folding closure:

no plastic lids that

• create environmental garbage
• are not secure on cups, leading to spillage
• are difficult to handle
• prevent more uptake in drive-thru service
• reduce inventory space for retailers.

Revolutionary Concepts

• We use the ancient art of origami to design a cup with integral lid closure.
• We are the first to use this art form to advance cup design for a world market.
• We have integrated hot cup insulating sleeves within the cup and lid body.

Resolution

Shamrock innovation solves multiple issues:

• No more plastic lids (shipping, handling, inventory)
• Speed of service is improved.
• Consumer-friendly integral cup/lids are secure
• Recyclable paper eliminates plastic refuse.
• Compatible with renewable/recyclable bioplastics

Benefits for Advertising

Retail Sales

• Retailers will be "first adopters"
• The “green” factor gives the retailer positive market feedback
• Consumer satisfaction creates a comfort zone for users, thus increasing “GO” cup sales

Usability

• Simple pinch-and-press closure is easily executed
• Positive “pop” provides visual/audio confirmation that cup is securely closed
• Closure is easily opened and closed
• Less spillage in vehicles and on clothing
• No more plastic lids popping off as cups are squeezed.
• Easier for children to handle

Technology

• Prior attempts at integrated closures have complex folds and/or insecure locks
• Our unique folding structure offers both simplicity and security
• ...and is patent pending
• Our IP also includes special-purpose design software for retail customization

Variants

Stiffness of lock can be continuously varied in design by changing fold curves and angles

• Loose for open/reclosability
• Tight for no-spill kiddie cups

Spill Resistance

• We have dropped filled cups on their sides from a foot or two height and the closure remains secure
• Greater spill resistance leads to greater customer uptake in drive-through

Straw and Access

• Coffee: sipping hole at fold rim
• Sodas: punch-out straw hole, or peel-off covering

  

Graphics

• Cup blank lid and body can be printed in a single step
• Designated fill line graphic is desirable
• Fold pattern offers unique opportunities: the image “comes together” as the cup is closed.

Materials

• Current prototypes are made from industry-standard poly-coated paperboard
• We are evaluating a range of eco-friendly and green materials (PLA)(PHA)
• Cup samples from microcellular plastics in 2008

Prototype Status

Current prototypes are scored and hand-assembled; however:

• Design is compatible with conventional production equipment
• One additional manufacturing step by scoring folds
• Basic closure works with folded rim
• Cups nest to industry standards.

• Obtain intellectual property rights worldwide
• Listen to customers/continue market research
• License the innovation to industry
• Create additional packaging designs using origami techniques