U.S. patent application number 11/272373 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for cup caddy.
Invention is credited to Dmitriy Faktorovich, Luke Hillebrecht, Michael J. MacZuzak, Jeffrey Plantz, Erin Q. Riddell.
Application Number | 20060118453 11/272373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36572996 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060118453 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hillebrecht; Luke ; et
al. |
June 8, 2006 |
Cup caddy
Abstract
A caddy for carrying food and drink items includes a mounting
member configured to receive at least a portion of a drinking
vessel and a holding member extending from the mounting member,
configured to hold an item adjacent a drinking vessel. The mounting
member can be configured to receive a bottom, sidewall or top of a
drinking vessel. The holding member can include a bottom wall
extending from the mounting member and a sidewall extending from
the bottom wall, where at least the sidewall and bottom wall
defining a holding space. The holding member can be either hingedly
or rigidly coupled to the mounting member.
Inventors: |
Hillebrecht; Luke; (Kent,
OH) ; MacZuzak; Michael J.; (Bratenahl, OH) ;
Faktorovich; Dmitriy; (Naperville, IL) ; Riddell;
Erin Q.; (Bay Village, OH) ; Plantz; Jeffrey;
(Cleveland, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WINSTON & STRAWN LLP
1700 K STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
36572996 |
Appl. No.: |
11/272373 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60626077 |
Nov 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/562 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/065
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/562 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/34 20060101
B65D001/34 |
Claims
1. A caddy, comprising: a mounting member configured to receive at
least a portion of a drinking vessel; and a holding member
extending from the mounting member, the holding member configured
to hold an item adjacent a drinking vessel.
2. The caddy of claim 1, wherein the mounting member is configured
to receive a bottom of a drinking vessel.
3. The caddy of claim 2, wherein the mounting member has an open
bottom to expose a bottom of a drinking vessel when received
therein.
4. The caddy of claim 2, wherein the holding member includes a
bottom wall extending from the mounting member and a sidewall
extending from the bottom wall, at least the sidewall and bottom
wall defining a holding space.
5. The caddy of claim 4, wherein the holding space includes a
number of holding regions.
6. The caddy of claim 5, wherein at least one holding region is
larger than another holding region.
7. The caddy of claim 5, wherein at least one holding region is
deeper than another holding region.
8. The caddy of claim 5, wherein the mounting member is disposed
between two holding regions.
9. The caddy of claim 4, wherein the sidewall surrounds the
mounting member.
10. The caddy of claim 2, wherein the mounting member is disposed
asymmetrically relative to the holding member.
11. The caddy of claim 1, wherein the mounting member is configured
to receive a top of a drinking vessel.
12. The caddy of claim 11, wherein the mounting member is
configured to cover a mouth of a drinking vessel.
13. The caddy of claim 12, wherein the mounting member includes a
hole defined therethrough to receive a straw inserted therein.
14. The caddy of claim 11, wherein the holding member is hingedly
coupled to the mounting member.
15. The caddy of claim 14, wherein the holding member is a
generally U-shaped member moveable between a first position
adjacent an edge of the mounting member and a second position
extending from the mounting member to define a holding space
therewithin.
16. The caddy of claim 14, wherein the mounting member and the
holding member are a single-piece construction, the holding member
defined by a line of weakness.
17. The caddy of claim 11, wherein the holding member includes a
sidewall defining a holding space.
18. The caddy of claim 17, further comprising a support platform to
support contents within the holding space.
19. The caddy of claim 18, further comprising a support arm
extending between the mounting member and the support platform.
20. The caddy of claim 11, further comprising a second holding
member, the mounting portion disposed between the first holding
member and the second holding member.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application 60/626,077, filed Nov. 9, 2004, the entire disclosure
of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a container for carrying
food items. Particularly, the present invention relates to a
container capable of carrying food items and a drinking vessel
together.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] There is often a need to provide a carrying device, such as
a bag or tray, for carrying food from a restaurant, refreshment
stand or the like. At such establishments, the food is purchased
and often taken away and consumed elsewhere. Carrying devices, such
as trays and bags, have been developed for this express purpose but
are generally awkward and clumsy. For example, bags generally do
not have individual compartments; thus, food and drinks are often
stacked inside and can spill or leak. Trays have been developed
with cup receptacles to minimize spillage but generally are larger
rectangular configurations that require two-handed use due to size.
Furthermore, food is often conveyed in one or more bags or trays,
and the drinks, particularly if numbering more than one, are
separately conveyed in a tray specifically configured to carry
multiple drinking cups. Often, the food is taken to or delivered
directly to a car, where there is typically not a suitable place to
stow the food or drink-laden tray or bag.
[0006] While the drinking vessels are typically separated and
placed in cup holders of the vehicle, if present, the food items
generally must be placed on the floor or empty seat of the vehicle,
or otherwise held by a passenger. Alternatively, the food and
beverage may be hand-carried from the establishment. If provided in
a bag, it is difficult to selectively consume the food and beverage
without stopping and unpacking the items. However, it may be
desirable or necessary to consume the items while standing or
walking. Likewise, in certain situations such as at concerts and
sporting events, it may be difficult to unpack the items even while
seated.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a versatile and economical
container for conveying food that is capable of overcoming the
drawbacks of conventional containers set forth above. There is a
particular need for a carrying device that can be supported by a
conventional cup holder or otherwise permits one-handed use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The purpose and advantages of the present invention will be
set forth in and apparent from the description that follows, as
well as will be learned by practice of the invention. Additional
advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the
devices particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.
[0009] The present invention relates to containers that are capable
of integrally holding food and drink in a configuration that
facilitates carrying and consumption of a meal. The present
invention allows a consumer to support a variety of food items in a
single hand or in a cup holder of a vehicle or alternatively, in a
cup holder of a theatre or stadium seat.
[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the subject
caddy comprises a mounting member configured to receive at least a
portion of a drinking vessel and a holding member extending from
the mounting member, where the holding member is configured to hold
an item adjacent a drinking vessel.
[0011] If the mounting member is configured to only receive a
bottom portion of a drinking vessel, the mounting member can have
either an open bottom to expose a bottom of a drinking vessel when
received therein, or a closed bottom, where the mounting member of
the caddy fully surrounds the bottom of the drinking vessel.
[0012] The holding member can include a bottom wall extending from
the mounting member and a sidewall extending from the bottom wall
so that at least the sidewall and bottom wall define a holding
space. The holding space can include one or alternatively a number
of holding regions. If a plurality of holding regions are provided,
at least one holding region can be larger and/or deeper than
another holding region. The mounting member can be disposed between
two or more holding regions. Further, the sidewall can surround the
mounting member. The mounting member can be disposed asymmetrically
relative to the holding member.
[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
mounting member can be configured to receive a top of and can be
configured to cover a mouth of a drinking vessel. A hole can be
defined in the mounting member to receive a straw inserted
therein.
[0014] The holding member can be hingedly coupled to the mounting
member and can be a generally U-shaped member moveable between a
first position adjacent an edge of the mounting member and a second
position extending from the mounting member, to define a holding
space therewithin. The mounting member and the holding member can
be a single-piece construction, and the holding member can be
defined by a line of weakness formed in the construction. The
holding member can include a sidewall defining a holding space
and/or a support platform to support contents within the holding
space. A support arm can be included, extending between the
mounting member and the support platform. The caddy can further
comprise a second holding member, with the mounting portion being
disposed between the first and second holding members.
[0015] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention
claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate
and provide a further understanding of the invention. Together with
the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 are side and perspective views of an
embodiment of a cup caddy constructed according to the invention
mounted to a cup;
[0017] FIGS. 3 and 4 are side and perspective views of another
embodiment of a cup caddy with a cavity to permit grasping
therefrom;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cup caddy embodiment with
a retractable holding member in a retracted position;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view thereof with the holding member
extended in a holding position;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view thereof with an item held in
the holding member;
[0021] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective and top views of an embodiment
of a cup caddy with a compartmentalized holding member;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view thereof holding food
items;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view thereof received in a car
console; and
[0024] FIGS. 12-14 are a top view and top and bottom perspective
views, respectively of an embodiment of a cup mounted tray with
opposed holding portions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0026] The present invention is directed to a caddy, comprising a
mounting member configured to receive at least a portion of a
drinking vessel and a holding member extending from the mounting
member, the holding member configured to hold an item adjacent a
drinking vessel. For purpose of explanation and illustration, and
not limitation, an exemplary embodiment of the caddy in accordance
with the invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is designated
generally by reference character 20. The cup caddy 20 includes a
mounting portion 22 that is configured to receive and mount to a
cup 24. The mounting portion 22 is preferably configured to receive
the cup 24 in a press-fit or other snug association that is
sufficient to support the weight of the cup caddy when loaded with
certain items, such as food items 26, most preferably by friction.
Preferably, only the association between the cup caddy 20 and the
cup 24 is used to fully support the loaded cup caddy 20 from the
cup 24.
[0027] The preferred mounting portion 22 includes a sleeve that
extends downwardly from a holding member 30 of the cup caddy 20.
The sleeve 28 extends sufficiently in the downward direction from
the holding member 30 to provide sufficient surface area to contact
the cup 24 and produce sufficient friction to support the loaded
cup caddy 20. The bottom edge 32 of the sleeve 28 can have various
configurations, such as being straight or curved, as shown in FIG.
1. In an alternative embodiment, the mounting portion 22 completely
encloses the cup 24, in which case, the holding member can be
supported without a friction or press-fit with the cup. In another
embodiment, the mounting portion extends over the top of the cup 24
and can be provided with a straw hole to receive a straw. Such an
embodiment can hang from the top of the cup and can be made with or
without a press-fit association with the cup 24.
[0028] A press-fit association is preferably obtained by providing
the axial opening in the mounting portion 22 with a slightly
smaller diameter than the cup 24 at the portion of the cup 24 at
which the cup caddy 20 is desired to be mounted. In one embodiment,
the axial opening of the mounting portion 22 has an elongated shape
extending along a plane that is normal to the axis of the mounting
portion 22 opening, with a narrow dimension that is smaller than
that of the desired portion of the cup 24 to deform and pinch the
cup 24 to produce the press-fit. The shape of the mounting portion
opening is preferably oval, such as an elliptical shape, but can
alternatively have another suitable shape to grip the cup 24.
[0029] The holding member 30 of the preferred embodiment includes a
bottom wall 34 and a side wall 36. Although the height of the side
wall 36 can be substantially uniform, in a preferred embodiment,
the height of the side wall 36 is sloped so that the depth of the
holding member 30 is deeper on one side than on the other.
Preferably, the difference in depth from one side to the other of
the holding member 30 is between about 25-75%. The bottom wall 34
of the preferred embodiment is generally horizontal or
alternatively inclined. The top edge of the holding member 30 or
sidewall 36 is preferably sloped, preferably at an angle of less
than about 45.degree..
[0030] A holding space 40 is thus provided between the bottom wall
34 and the side wall 36, preferably surrounding the cup 24. The
side wall 36 and the bottom wall 34 are preferably configured so
that the holding space 40 has larger regions on two opposite sides
of the cup 24 and the mounting portion 22, with a region of
narrower width disposed between the enlarged areas. Thus, the
bottom wall 34 preferably has an elongated shape, which can be an
oval shape or other suitable shape along which the side wall 36 is
preferably positioned.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the cup 24 is of a standard
size used in the fast food industry, and is preferably made out of
a flexible material, such as a suitable plastic or paper. The held
items 26 in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be food items or other items. Fast
food items 26 are shown, including a filled french-fry container
and a hamburger in a bun. Other food items can be held The weight
and size of items 26 that the cup caddy 20 of this embodiment is
configured to hold are preferably within the range for items of a
standard meal to be consumed by a single person, which range is
known in the art. As can be seen in the figures, the taller of the
items 26, such as the french fries, can be held in the deeper
portion of the holding member 36, shown on the right side in FIG.
1, while the shorter of the items 26 can be held on the shallower
side of the holding member 36, as shown on the left side in FIG.
1.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, another cup caddy embodiment 42,
within the scope of the invention, is shown with a holding member
44 that has a slanted bottom wall 46 to provide a deeper holding
space region 48, shown on the right side of FIG. 3, and a shallower
holding space region 50 shown at the left side of FIG. 3. Viewed
from the top, the holding member 44 can have a substantially round
or circular plan form. A mounting portion 52 extends downwardly
from the holding member 44, and is positioned preferably
eccentrically towards the shallow region 50 of the holding space
within the circular plan form of the holding member 44. An inner
wall 54 connects the mounting portion 52 with the holding member 44
and provides a cavity 56 beneath the holding member 44 configured
and dimensioned to allow a user to insert his or her fingers
therein around the cup 24 and mounting portion 52 to grip and lift
the coupled cup 24 and caddy 42. The inner wall 54 of the holding
member 44 preferably separates the held items 26 in the holding
space 56 from the cup 24.
[0033] The slant of the bottom wall 46 is preferably configured so
that the opening to the cavity 54 is elevated at one side to allow
a user to insert a hand therein when the cup 24 and caddy 42 are
resting on a table or other surface. The mounting portion 52 and
holding member 44 are preferably configured so that, when the caddy
42 is coupled with the cup 24, the bottom of the cup 24 and of the
holding member 42 are both substantially in a shared horizontal
plane to rest upon a surface. Alternatively, the lowest portion of
the holding member 48 is elevated from the bottom of the cup 24
when the caddy 42 is mounted to the cup 24.
[0034] The embodiment of caddy 58 shown in FIG. 5, in accordance
with another aspect of the invention, preferably has a mounting
portion 60 that is configured to attach to the top of a cup 24. The
mounting portion 60 in this embodiment is also configured as a lid
and includes a lid portion 62 that can cover the opening at the top
of the cup 24. The lid portion 62 can comprise features of lids
known in the art, such as an opening 64 for inserting a straw. In
an alternative embodiment, the mounting portion 60 is configured to
mount over and preferably attach to an existing lid that is fitted
thereunder on the cup 24.
[0035] A holding member 66 is shown in FIG. 5 in a retracted
position extending around the mounting portion 60 in a compact
arrangement. The holding member preferably includes a U-shaped
strap of flexible material mounted at the open end of the U-shape,
such that the U-shape substantially surrounds a portion of the
mounting portion 60 in the retracted position. As shown in FIGS.
5-7, the holding member can be formed as a single piece with the
mounting portion if desired. The holding member is defined from the
mounting portion by a line of weakness. A slit 68 can be provided
between the holding member and the mounting portion. The slit 68
can be provided by a cutting operation to form the holding member
60 as a unitary piece with a mounting portion 60.
[0036] The holding member 68 thus can be flipped over the top of
the cup 24 and holding member 60 to a holding position, shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7, in which the holding portion 66 extends outwardly
from the cup 24 to hold an item 26 and depends from the mounting
portion 60 at hinges 69, which are preferably living hinges.
Holding space 70 is configured such that a tapered item 26 can be
inserted and held therein. As depicted, the holding space 70,
therefore, is bounded by the U-shaped member of the holding member
68 and by an edge 72 of the holding member, which can be an
extension of the mounting portion 60. Alternatively, the holding
space 70 can be bounded by the U-shaped portion of the holding
member and the cup 24 or a portion of the cup lid, with the holding
member 66 holding the item 26 thereagainst.
[0037] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, as shown
in FIGS. 8-11, a caddy 74 is provided with a compartmentalized
holding member 6 defining at least one compartmentalized holding
space 78 positioned substantially on one side of the mounting
portion 80. The mounting portion 80 is configured to attach to or
otherwise receive a cup 24, and the holding space 78 includes
compartments 82 which can include sub-compartments 84, such as
provided by varying the depth of the compartments 82 at selected
locations.
[0038] The holding member 76 in this embodiment extends in a
pie-shape from the mounting portion 80, preferably with the
mounting portion 80 disposed substantially at an apex thereof with
sides extending at an angle of less than 90.degree. therefrom to an
arcuate edge that is disposed distally from the mounting portion
80. Other angles and shapes can be used.
[0039] The mounting portion 80 of this embodiment is configured to
grip the cup 24 near its bottom edge so that the holding member 76
can rest against a surface adjacent to the cup. FIG. 11 shows the
caddy 74 used in an automobile, with the bottom of the cup 24 or
mounting portion 80 received within a cup holder 86 of a car
console 88. Preferably, in one embodiment the press-fit between the
holding member 80 and the cup 24 is such that the entire caddy 74
and cup 24 can be lifted together when the driver lifts either the
cup 24 or caddy 74 to drink from the cup 24. In an alternative
embodiment, the mounting portion extends around the bottom of the
cup 24 and is configured to be received in a cup holder 86, but the
association with the cup 24 can be of sufficiently reduced
friction, if desired, so that the cup 24 can be easily removed
therefrom. In one embodiment, the mounting portion 80 substantially
does not grip the cup 24, and is configured to remain in the cup
holder 86 of the car console 88 to stabilize the position of the
holding member 76 when the cup 24 is removed therefrom.
[0040] In accordance with an alternative aspect, as illustrated by
the embodiment of caddy 90 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the caddy is
configured to replace or mount directly to the lid that is
positioned on a cup 24. For example, mounting portion 92 preferably
has side walls 94 that are configured to grip the lid.
Alternatively, the mounting portion 92 can be configured to attach
and secure directly to the cup itself, serving also as a lid. The
top of the mounting portion 92 preferably has a surface 94 that
covers the mouth of the cup 24 or the lid. A straw hole 96 can be
provided in the surface 94 for inserting a straw.
[0041] In one embodiment, the mounting portion can comprise a
stepped interior with sections 109 of different radii to be
attached selectively to various standard lid sizes, as shown in
FIG. 14. The sections 109 can be provided as ledges or concentric
rings, for example. The preferred holding member 98 in this
embodiment includes one or more holding portions 100, each of which
is located on a side of the mounting portion 92. The holding
portions 100 define holding spaces 102, which are configured for
holding items, such as food items to be consumed with the beverage
in the cup 24. The holding spaces 102 are preferably surrounded
laterally by a continuous side-wall 108 above each of the holding
portions 100.
[0042] Support platforms 104, which are connected to the side walls
108 and preferably the mounting portion 92 by arms 106, or by
another suitable member, provide a bottom wall to support items
that are held in the holding spaces 102. As shown in FIG. 12, the
cross-dimension of the platform 104 can be smaller in plan view
than that of the opening 102 at the level of the side walls 108.
The arms 106 are preferably sloped and are extensions of one or
both of the bottom and side walls. Other shapes and arrangements of
the arms, platforms, and sidewalls are possible, such as with
angular configurations. The slopes of the arms 106 are preferably
selected to enable a user to grip the cup with his or her hand with
fingers inserted at the height of the platforms 104 or higher,
adjacent the arms 106, if desired.
[0043] The cup caddy embodiments shown and described herein can be
made using materials and processes known to those of ordinary skill
in the art, such as, but not limited to, the materials and the
processes described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,257,401 and 6,349,847, the
contents of which patents are expressly incorporated by reference
herein in their entireties. For example, the cup caddies can be
formed from one or more insulating foams, one or more plastics, one
or more paper stocks, combinations thereof, and/or one or more
other materials known by those of ordinary skill in the art to be
suitable for storage or holding of food items. Also for example,
the caddies can be thermoformed, vacuum-formed, molded, and/or
otherwise formed using one or more processes known by those of
ordinary skill in the art to be suitable for the fabrication of
food containers or holders.
[0044] While illustrative embodiments of the invention are
disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that numerous
modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled
in the art. For instance, various features of the different
embodiments can be combined or used in other embodiments. The
mounting portions that are press-fit to the cup, for example, can
extend in an upward or downward direction, or both, from the
holding member of the corresponding caddy. Also, additional holding
portions may be provided in various embodiments. Therefore, it will
be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all
such modifications and embodiments that come within the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
* * * * *