U.S. patent application number 11/058024 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-01 for beverage cup for placement in holder.
This patent application is currently assigned to WinCup Holdings, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bresler, Lewis.
Application Number | 20050189361 11/058024 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34889870 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050189361 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bresler, Lewis |
September 1, 2005 |
Beverage cup for placement in holder
Abstract
A car cup is disclosed. Such a car cup may include a base having
a generally circular perimeter, and a sidewall that extends
upwardly from the base and defines an open end of the cup. The
sidewall may include a lower wall portion having a relatively small
diameter, an upper wall portion having a relatively large diameter,
and a transition portion extending between the upper wall portion
and the lower wall portion. At least a portion of the transition
portion may have a shape that is suitable for having visible matter
disposed thereon. Visible matter may be printed or etched onto any
or all of the upper wall portion, the lower wall portion, and the
transition portion. Methods and apparatus for making such cups are
also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Bresler, Lewis; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOODCOCK WASHBURN LLP
ONE LIBERTY PLACE, 46TH FLOOR
1650 MARKET STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Assignee: |
WinCup Holdings, Inc.
Radnor
PA
|
Family ID: |
34889870 |
Appl. No.: |
11/058024 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60545675 |
Feb 17, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/703 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/265 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/703 |
International
Class: |
B65D 006/08 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A car cup, comprising: a base having a generally circular
perimeter; and a sidewall that extends upwardly from the base and
defines an open end of the cup, wherein the sidewall includes a
lower wall portion having a lower wall portion diameter, an upper
wall portion having an upper wall portion diameter that is larger
than the lower wall portion diameter, and a transition portion
extending between the upper wall portion and the lower wall
portion, and wherein the transition portion has visible matter
disposed on at least a portion thereof.
2. The car cup of claim 1, wherein the lower wall portion has a
lower wall portion pitch and the transition portion has a
transition portion pitch that differs from the lower wall portion
pitch.
3. The car cup of claim 2, wherein the lower wall portion pitch is
constant and the transition portion pitch is constant.
4. The car cup of claim 1, wherein the upper wall portion has an
upper wall portion pitch that differs from the transition portion
pitch.
5. The car cup of claim 4, wherein the upper wall portion pitch is
constant and the transition portion pitch is constant.
6. The car cup of claim 1, wherein the visible matter is printed
onto the transition portion.
7. The car cup of claim 1, wherein the visible matter is embossed
onto the transition portion.
8. The car cup of claim 1, wherein at least one of the upper wall
portion and the lower wall portion has visible matter disposed on
at least a portion thereof.
9. The car cup of claim 1, wherein the transition portion has a
generally frusto-conical shape.
10. The car cup of claim 1, wherein the lower wall portion has a
maximum diameter, the upper wall portion has a minimum diameter,
and the minimum diameter of the upper wall portion is greater than
the maximum diameter of the lower wall portion.
11. The car cup of claim 10, wherein the transition portion has a
maximum diameter that is approximately equal to the minimum
diameter of the upper wall portion and a minimum diameter that is
approximately equal to the maximum diameter of the lower wall
portion.
12. The car cup of claim 1, wherein the sidewall includes a
stacking ring portion.
13. A car cup, comprising: a base having a generally circular
perimeter; and a sidewall that extends upwardly from the base and
defines an open end of the cup, wherein the sidewall includes a
lower wall portion having a lower wall portion diameter, an upper
wall portion having an upper wall portion diameter that is larger
than the lower wall portion diameter, and a transition portion
extending between the upper wall portion and the lower wall
portion, and wherein at least a portion of the transition portion
has a shape that is suitable for having visible matter disposed
thereon.
14. The car cup of claim 13, wherein the portion of the transition
portion that is suitable for having visible matter disposed thereon
has a generally cylindrical shape.
15. The car cup of claim 13, wherein the portion of the transition
portion that is suitable for having visible matter disposed thereon
has a generally frusto-conical shape.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) of provisional U.S. patent application No. 60/545,675, filed
Feb. 17, 2004. The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein is
related to the subject matter disclosed and claimed in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 29/199,673, filed Feb. 17, 2004, and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 29/199,657, filed Feb. 7, 2004.
[0002] The disclosure of each of the above-referenced U.S. patent
applications is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Generally, the invention relates to beverage cups. More
particularly, the invention relates to beverage cups having
relatively wide upper portions and relatively narrow lower portions
such that the cups are suitable for placement in automobile
cupholders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is well-known that take-out beverages are frequently
consumed in automobiles. Many conventional cups, however,
especially those having capacities of 32-ounces or more, are
incompatible with conventional automobile cupholders. Specifically,
the base of such a cup is typically too large in diameter to fit
into a conventional automobile cupholder.
[0005] As a result, cups known as "car cups" were developed.
Typical car cups have a relatively wide upper portion and a
relatively narrow lower portion. The lower portion typically has a
diameter that allows the cup to fit into a typical automobile
cupholder. A transition portion may be provided between the upper
portion and the lower portion. Such cups are typically made of a
polymer material, such as polypropylene, for example.
[0006] It is also well-known that sellers of take-out beverages,
such as fast-food restaurants, for example, typically desire car
cups having visible matter that is disposed on the exterior surface
of the cup. Such visible matter may include, for example, printed
matter, which may be printed onto the exterior surface of the cup,
or embossed matter, which may be embossed into the sidewall of the
cup either during formation of the cup or afterward. The visible
matter may be ornamental in nature, and may include designs, logos,
photos, graphics, or text, for example. The visible matter may be
related to the restaurant, a beverage or other product provided by
the restaurant, a motion picture, or a sports team, for example.
The visible matter may also include advertising.
[0007] Typically, such visible matter is provided only on the upper
portion or the cup. It would be desirable, however, if car cups
were available that allowed for such visible matter to be disposed
on other parts of the cup, such as the transition portion and base
portion, as well as on the upper portion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention provides a car cup, which may be made of a
polymer, such as polypropylene, for example. The cup may have a
base, which may be generally circular, and a sidewall that extends
upwardly from the base and defines an open end of the cup. The
sidewall may include a lower wall portion having a relatively small
diameter, an upper wall portion having a relatively large diameter,
and a transition portion extending between the upper wall portion
and the lower wall portion. The upper wall portion may have a
minimum diameter that is greater than the maximum diameter of the
lower wall portion. The transition portion may have a maximum
diameter that is approximately equal to the minimum diameter of the
upper wall portion and a minimum diameter that is approximately
equal to the maximum diameter of the lower wall portion. The
sidewall may also include a stacking ring portion.
[0009] At least a portion of the transition portion may have a
shape that is suitable for having visible matter disposed thereon.
For example, a portion of the transition portion may be cylindrical
or frusto-conical in shape. The transition portion may have a pitch
that differs from the pitch of the lower wall portion and from the
pitch of the upper wall portion. Any or all of the lower wall
portion pitch, the transition portion pitch, and the upper wall
portion pitch may be constant, or they may vary along the
longitudinal axis of the cup. Visible matter may be printed or
etched onto any or all of the upper wall portion, the lower wall
portion, and the transition portion.
[0010] The invention also provides methods and apparatus for making
such cups.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts an example embodiment of a car cup.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the car cup depicted in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the car cup depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0014] FIGS. 4A-4C provide dimensions for example embodiments of
32, 42, and 44-ounce car cups.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of
a car cup that includes embossing on the upper, lower, and
transition regions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an example embodiment of a car cup 10
may have a base 15, which may have a generally circular perimeter.
The base 15 may have a raised, interior portion 17, and an outer
circumferential foot 18. A sidewall 20 may extend upward from the
perimeter of the base 15 to define an open end of the cup 10. Thus,
the base 15 and sidewall 20 may cooperate to define an open-ended
container. The sidewall 20 may include a stacking ring portion 22,
a lower wall portion 25, an upper wall portion 40, and a transition
portion 30 between the upper wall portion 40 and the lower wall
portion 25. The cup 10 may be radially symmetric about a
longitudinal axis Z.
[0017] The cup 10 may also include a rim 60, which may be curled to
provide a smooth interface with the lips of a person drinking from
the cup. Techniques for forming such curled rims are well known
and, therefore, need not be described herein. The open end of the
cup 10, including the rim 60, may be adapted to receive a
complementary lid (not shown). Many examples of such lids are known
and, therefore, need not be described herein.
[0018] The stacking ring portion 22 facilitates removal of a cup
that is nested inside another cup. In the stacking ring portion 22,
the sidewall 20 slants inward (i.e., toward the center of the cup
10) and then juts back outward to form a shoulder 24 where the
stacking ring portion 22 meets the lower wall portion 25. Thus, the
foot of one cup may abut the shoulder of a cup into which it is
nested, with air space remaining between the bottoms of the
cups.
[0019] The lower wall portion 25 may extend from the upper end of
the stacking ring portion 22. The perimeter of the lower wall
portion 25 may form a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis Z.
That is, the diameter d.sub.l of the lower wall portion 25, as
measured transverse to the longitudinal axis Z, may vary along the
longitudinal axis Z. As shown, the diameter d.sub.l may vary such
that the lower wall portion 25 has a uniform pitch (i.e., is at a
constant, non-zero angle) relative to the longitudinal axis Z.
Thus, part or all of the lower wall portion 25 may have a generally
frusto-conical shape. The diameter d.sub.l of the lower wall
portion 25 may vary such that the lower wall portion 25 has a pitch
that varies smoothly along the longitudinal axis Z. Thus, part or
all of the lower wall portion 25 may have a convex or concave
surface. The perimeter of the lower wall portion 25 may be
generally parallel with the longitudinal axis Z. That is, the
diameter d.sub.l of the lower wall portion 25 may be constant along
the longitudinal axis Z. Thus, part or all of the lower wall
portion 25 may be generally cylindrical.
[0020] The transition portion 30 may extend from the upper end of
the lower wall portion 25. The perimeter of the transition portion
30 may form a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis Z. That is,
the diameter d.sub.t of the transition portion 30 may vary along
the longitudinal axis Z. As shown, the diameter d.sub.t may vary
such that the transition portion 30 has a uniform pitch relative to
the longitudinal axis Z. Thus, part or all of the transition
portion 30 may have a generally frusto-conical shape. The diameter
d.sub.t of the transition portion 30 may vary such that the
transition portion 30 has a pitch that varies smoothly along the
longitudinal axis Z. Thus, part or all of the transition portion 30
may have a convex or concave surface. The perimeter of the
transition portion 30 may be generally parallel with the
longitudinal axis Z. That is, the diameter d.sub.t of the
transition portion 30 may be constant along the longitudinal axis
Z. Thus, part or all of the transition portion 30 may be generally
cylindrical.
[0021] The upper wall portion 40 may extend from the upper end of
the transition portion 30. The perimeter of the upper wall portion
40 may form a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis Z. That is,
the diameter d.sub.u of the upper wall portion 40 may vary along
the longitudinal axis Z. As shown, the diameter d.sub.u may vary
such that the upper wall portion 40 has a uniform pitch relative to
the longitudinal axis Z. Thus, part or all of the upper wall
portion 40 may have a generally frusto-conical shape. The diameter
d.sub.u of the upper wall portion 40 may vary such that the upper
wall portion 40 has a pitch that varies smoothly along the
longitudinal axis Z. Thus, part or all of the upper wall portion 40
may have a convex or concave surface. The perimeter of the upper
wall portion 40 may be generally parallel with the longitudinal
axis Z. That is, the diameter d.sub.u of the upper wall portion 40
may be constant along the longitudinal axis Z. Thus, part or all of
the upper wall portion 40 may be generally cylindrical.
[0022] The pitch of the sidewall 20 may change abruptly at the
upper end of the lower wall portion, i.e., the point where the
lower wall portion 25 and the transition portion 30 meet. That is,
the transition portion 30 may have a pitch that is significantly
different from the pitch of the lower wall portion 25. Similarly,
the pitch of the sidewall 20 may change abruptly at the upper end
of the transition portion, i.e., the point where the transition
portion 30 and the upper wall portion 40 meet. That is, the
transition portion 30 may have a pitch that is significantly
different from the pitch of the upper wall portion 40.
[0023] The lower wall portion 25 may have a maximum diameter that
is less than the minimum diameter of upper wall portion 40. The
diameter d.sub.l of the lower wall portion 25 may be at a maximum
at the point where the lower wall portion 25 meets the transition
portion 30. The diameter d.sub.u of the upper wall portion 25 may
be at a minimum at the point where the transition portion 30 meets
the upper wall portion 40. The diameter of the transition portion
30 may vary from a diameter that is approximately equal to the
maximum diameter of the lower wall portion, to a diameter that is
approximately equal to the minimum diameter of the upper wall
portion 40. The minimum diameter of the transition portion 30 may
be approximately equal to the maximum diameter of the lower wall
portion. The maximum diameter of the transition portion 30 may be
approximately equal to the minimum diameter of the upper wall
portion 40.
[0024] In order for the cup 10 to function as a car cup, the lowest
portion of the cup may be adapted to fit within a typical cup
holder in a vehicle, such as an automobile, for example. A typical
automobile cup holder may have a receiving diameter (i.e., the
diameter of the hole in the cup holder into which the cup is to be
placed) of less than about three inches, though it could be more
less. Accordingly, in an example embodiment, the lowest portion of
the cup (i.e., that portion of the cup that is to be received into
the cup holder) may have a diameter of less than about three inches
for about one to two inches from the bottom of the cup. In another
embodiment, the lowest portion of the cup (including the stacking
ring portion) may have a diameter of less than about three inches
for about one to two inches from the bottom of the cup. It should
be understood that the maximum diameter and distance from the
bottom of the cup until the maximum diameter is reached may be
selected depending on the particular requirements of the
holder.
[0025] FIGS. 4A-4C are partial cutaway views that provide certain
dimensions for example embodiments of 32-, 42-, and 44-ounce car
cups, respectively. All dimensions are given in inches. It should
be understood that the specific dimensions provided herein are
provided for purposes of illustration, and that the dimensions of
the cup may be chosen to produce any desired results. For example,
the dimensions may be chosen so that the cup stands upright when
empty, so that the cup stands upright when filled, so that the cup
contains a desired volume, and so that the cup fits into a typical
automobile car cup holder.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, visible matter may be disposed on any or
all of the lower wall portion 25, the transition portion 30, and
the upper wall portion 40. FIG. 5 depicts an example embodiment of
a car cup 10 having visible matter 26, 31, and 41 embossed on each
of the lower wall portion 25, the transition portion 30, and the
upper wall portion 40, respectively. As shown, the embossing 26,
31, and 41 may be in the form of circumferential horizontal ridges.
It will be appreciated that embossing may provide any type of
wording or design. It will also be appreciated that, even if the
transition portion 30 were to have a varying pitch, embossing may
still be disposed on the lower wall portion 25.
[0027] To facilitate the disposition of visible matter on the cup,
at least a portion of the sidewall may have a shape that is
suitable for having visible matter disposed thereon. For example,
at least a portion of the transition portion 30 may have a uniform
pitch relative to the longitudinal axis of the cup. Thus, a portion
of the transition portion 30 may be cylindrical or frusto-conical
in shape. The portion of uniform pitch may be of at least a minimum
height to allow for the embossing of visible matter thereon. In an
example embodiment, the minimum height of the portion of uniform
pitch may be at least about 0.25 inches, though it may be greater
or less.
[0028] It should be understood that any or all of the lower wall
portion pitch, the transition portion pitch, and the upper wall
portion pitch may be constant, and that any or all may vary along
the longitudinal axis of the cup 10. Visible matter may be printed
or etched onto any or all of the upper wall portion 40, the lower
wall portion 25, and the transition portion 30.
[0029] The cup 10 may be made of a polymer, such as polypropylene,
for example, though it should be understood that the cup may also
be made of other materials, such as polystyrene, for example. The
cup 10 may be manufactured as a single piece by thermoforming.
Techniques for thermoforming polypropylene are well known and,
therefore, need not be described herein. Such techniques typically
employ the use of a mold, the inner surfaces of which provide a
negative of the outer surfaces of the cup. In order to provide
embossing, the negative of the design or wording to be embossed on
the sidewall of the cup may be provided in the mold, or in an
insert in the mold.
* * * * *