At a glance
| Patent number | CN118183050B (application CN202410465959) |
| Type | China invention patent - protects method and product structure |
| Original title | Paper buckle, paper cup cover, paper cup and combined cup cover (一种纸扣片、纸杯盖、纸杯以及组合式杯盖) |
| Patent owner | SUZHOU INDUSTRIAL PARK INTRAMEDIA (SUZHOU) Inc |
| Inventors | Wang Suqing |
| Filing date | 2024-04-18 |
| Grant date | 2025-04-01 |
| Status (China) | Active - In force in China until at most 2044-04-18 (if annual fees are paid) |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 0 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN118183050B) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 defines a combined cup cover comprising a paper buckling piece and a paper cup cover. Key feature: the buckling piece has a buckling piece separation part that clamps the low-stage separation part of the cup cover. This assembly creates two separated air chambers: a first air chamber between the first bottoms of both parts, and a second air chamber between the second bottoms.
Claim 2 details the paper clip (buckling piece), specifying an annular part, an extension, and a fastener. The extension spans the drinking mouth, and the fastener embeds into the mouth to prevent leakage.
Claim 3 adds a first line pressing device (folding or tearing line) between the extension and the loop, allowing the fastener to swing up and down.
Claim 4 specifies height differences: the first and second buckle bottoms are lower than the annular part and separation part.
Claim 5 describes a protruding fitting piece on the second buckle bottom and notches in the annular part, enabling the clip to fold upward and engage with a fixing clip.
Claim 6 defines the paper cup cover, including an outer annular raised portion, inner annular lowered portion, outer sidewall, and annular rib. The rib accommodates the cup body’s upper edge.
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and is currently active. Making or selling products falling within the scope of these claims in China requires the owner’s permission. Since there are no US patents in this family, the specific structure described here is not protected by patent law in the United States. However, other patents may exist in the field of paper cup closures.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. The beverage container market is highly competitive with many existing utility models and design patents for paper lids. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is recommended to ensure your specific mold geometry and assembly method do not infringe on any active US or international patents held by major packaging companies.
- Material Certification. Ensure the vegetable fiber pulp used meets food-contact safety standards required by the FDA, as the patent does not specify chemical treatments or coatings beyond the structural shape.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Diameter and height adjusted to match specific cup sizes (e.g., 8oz, 12oz, 16oz). |
| Pulp Type | Choice of virgin wood pulp, bamboo fiber, or recycled paper pulp based on strength and cost. |
| Coatings | Water-based bio-coatings or wax alternatives for additional water resistance (optional, affects recyclability). |
| Printing | Brand logos and instructions printed on the buckle or cover surfaces before molding. |
| Mechanism | Variation in the depth of the air chambers or the angle of the extension flap for different grip strengths. |
Things to plan for (US market)
- FDA Food Contact Regulations - Materials must comply with 21 CFR regarding substances migrating into food. Testing for heavy metals and chemical residues is mandatory.
- ASTM D6868 - Standard test methods for determining the biodegradability of plastic films and coatings used in packaging (relevant if bio-coatings are applied).
- Labeling Requirements - Clear identification of materials for consumer recycling guidance, adhering to FTC Green Guides if claiming “recyclable” or “compostable.”
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Specify cup size compatibility, volume estimates, and desired material grade.
- Design - Adjust the mold cavity dimensions for the buckle and cover to fit your existing cup inventory.
- Prototype - Create sample molds and produce initial units for fit-testing and leak simulation.
- Certification - Submit prototypes for FDA-compliant migration testing and drop/shake tests.
- Production - Mass production using thermoforming or wet-molding paper pulp machinery.
Quantities & timeline
Tooling for paper pulp molding requires precision steel or aluminum molds. Lead times depend on mold complexity and material sourcing. Initial batches typically range from 10,000 to 50,000 units for pilot runs. Send us your target cup diameter, estimated monthly volume, and preferred pulp material and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings











Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.


