U.S. patent application number 11/405374 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for attachable condiment cup assembly.
Invention is credited to Charlotte Nielsen.
Application Number | 20070241105 11/405374 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38458034 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070241105 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nielsen; Charlotte |
October 18, 2007 |
Attachable condiment cup assembly
Abstract
A condiment cup assembly and methods for attachment to a
beverage container is provided. The assembly includes a beverage
container cover having an outer edge and a perforation centrally
positioned, a drinking straw inserted through the perforation, a
condiment container including a vertical sidewall defining a top
opening for accessing a storage space of the condiment container,
and an integral attachment arm connected to the vertical sidewall,
the integral attachment arm including a coupling portion. The
condiment container is attached to the beverage container cover via
the coupling portion.
Inventors: |
Nielsen; Charlotte; (Valby,
DK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Charlotte Nielsen
13351-D Riverside Drive #537
Sherman Oaks
CA
91423
US
|
Family ID: |
38458034 |
Appl. No.: |
11/405374 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/23.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2222 20130101;
B65D 25/22 20130101; B65D 2231/022 20130101; B65D 69/00 20130101;
B65D 2251/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/023.4 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02 |
Claims
1. A condiment cup assembly for attachment to a beverage container,
comprising: a beverage container cover having an outer edge and a
perforation centrally positioned; a drinking straw inserted through
the perforation; a condiment container including a vertical
sidewall defining a top opening for accessing a storage space of
the condiment container; and an integral attachment arm connected
to the vertical sidewall, the integral attachment arm including a
coupling portion; wherein the condiment container is attached to
the beverage container cover via the coupling portion.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupling portion
is attached to the outer edge.
3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the outer edge
includes a groove and the coupling portion includes a downwardly
extending portion.
4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the downwardly
extending portion is coupled with the groove.
5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupling portion
includes a coupling hole centrally positioned.
6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein the condiment
container is attached to the beverage container via the drinking
straw and the coupling hole.
7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the condiment
container further includes a sealing lid removably attached to the
top opening.
8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein the condiment
container further includes a prepackaged condiment located in the
storage space.
9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the condiment
container has a conical geometry.
10. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the condiment
container has a concave geometry aligned with the beverage
container.
11. A method of attaching a condiment cup assembly to a beverage
container, comprising the steps of: placing a cover on the beverage
container, the cover having an outer edge and a perforation
centrally positioned; inserting a drinking straw through the
perforation centrally positioned; providing a condiment container
including an integral attachment arm having a coupling portion; and
attaching the condiment cup assembly to the beverage container
solely through the integral attachment arm and the drinking
straw.
12. A method of attaching a condiment cup assembly to a beverage
container, comprising the steps of: placing a cover on the beverage
container, the cover having an outer edge and a grove; providing a
condiment container including an integral attachment arm having a
coupling portion; inserting the coupling portion into the grove;
and attaching the condiment cup assembly to the beverage container
solely through the integral attachment arm and the grove.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to food and condiment
containers in the field of fast-food packaging and containers, and
more particularly to a disposable condiment container intended for
use with a conventional beverage container cover.
[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
[0004] Currently in today's fast paced society, food is consumed on
the go. Fast food restaurants profit through their ability to
create food for the public that is both filling and can be prepared
and consumed at an accelerated pace. The majority of such eating
establishments offer drive through services where the consumer can
order, pay for and then consume their food while never leaving
their vehicle. This creates a problem for the consumer by having to
both eat and drink while driving.
[0005] Most fast food meals typically contain a main dish, such as
a burger or sandwich, a secondary dish, such as french fries or
onion rings, and a beverage. Consumers are confronted with the
problem of organizing their meal in such a way that they can eat
and also drive safely. Most of the time, the secondary meal is
accompanied with a condiment. The condiments range from ketchup to
ranch style dressing and are intended for use with the fries or
onion rings. As such, the organizational problem of the consumer is
increased when the consumer desires to dip their fries or onion
rings into the condiment.
[0006] A solution to this problem is to provide a condiment
container that has the ability to attach itself to an already
present container such as the box of fries or beverage container.
Prior art containers have been designed to achieve this solution
but their design and functionality do not accomplish a satisfactory
result. The fast food market is still void of any condiment
container that is easy to use and convenient for the consumer.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,297 to Nance describes the idea of
attaching a secondary condiment container with a prong to an
associated food container such as a french fries box. This design
does not solve the problem of allowing the consumer to drive safely
while dipping their food in the condiment container. In a vehicle,
there are typically storage compartments to place beverages while
driving. However, there are no convenient areas to place in a fixed
upright position the french fries box. As such, the consumer still
does not have the ability to conveniently use the condiment with
the meal.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,864 to Asselin discloses a condiment
container that surrounds the drinking straw of the beverage
container. While this does allow for the consumer to have the
condiment fixed to a container which is situated in a cup holder of
the vehicle, such condiment container is not optimal. The container
requires that the consumer dip around the straw, thereby having the
straw as an obstacle in the dipping process. Further, the surface
area is minimal and the amount of condiment which can be
successfully used is hindered.
[0009] The presently claimed invention has many advantages over the
prior art. This invention provides for a disposable condiment
container intended for use with a conventional beverage container
cover. The condiment container is unobstructed and has an ease of
use, as it is attached to the cover via an integral arm. This
allows for the condiment container to be position on the side of
the beverage rather than obstructed by the straw on top of the
beverage or on the side of a fries container which does not sit in
the vehicle cup holder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to a first exemplary embodiment, a condiment cup
assembly for attachment to a beverage container is provided. The
assembly includes a beverage container cover having an outer edge
and a perforation centrally positioned, a drinking straw inserted
through the perforation, a condiment container including a vertical
sidewall defining a top opening for accessing a storage space of
the condiment container, and an integral attachment arm connected
to the vertical sidewall. The integral attachment arm includes a
coupling portion. The condiment container is attached to the
beverage container cover via the coupling portion of the attachment
arm.
[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of attaching a
condiment cup assembly to a beverage container having a top opening
is provided. The method includes the steps of placing a cover on
the beverage container, the cover having an outer edge and a
perforation centrally positioned, inserting a drinking straw
through the perforation centrally positioned, providing a condiment
container including an integral attachment arm having a coupling
portion, and attaching the condiment cup assembly to the beverage
container solely through the integral attachment arm and the
drinking straw.
[0012] In yet another exemplary embodiment is disclosed a method of
attaching a condiment cup assembly to a beverage container. The
method includes the steps of placing a cover on the beverage
container, the cover having an outer edge and a grove, providing a
condiment container including an integral attachment arm having a
coupling portion, inserting the coupling portion into the grove,
and attaching the condiment cup assembly to the beverage container
solely through the integral attachment arm and the grove.
[0013] An advantage of the present invention is to provide the user
the ability to use a condiment container in conjunction with a
vehicle cup holder. The condiment container is unobstructed since
it is not positioned through a drinking straw. It is attached to
the cover via an integral arm which allows for the condiment
container to be position on the side of the beverage so that the
condiment container is fully utilized. Positioning on the side of
the beverage allows the user to utilize the already present vehicle
cup holder rather than being positioned on the associated food
container which does not have a permanent storage placement within
the vehicle.
[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is to allow for
the condiment to be pre-packaged in the container so that the
consumer does not have to add the condiment to the container but
rather only remove the disposable sealing lid. Fast food companies
and condiment manufacturers can then pre-package the condiment
allowing for an ease of use to the consumer.
[0015] Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from a reading of the following detailed description of
embodiments constructed in accordance therewith, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention of the present application will now be
described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments of
the apparatus and method, given only by way of example, and with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective side view of a condiment
cup assembly for attachment to a conventional beverage
container;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective top view of multiple
condiment containers in combination with a conventional beverage
container;
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective side view of another
embodiment of the present invention including a condiment container
coupled to a conventional beverage container by means of an
integral attachment arm and a drinking straw;
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective top view of another
embodiment of the present invention including a condiment container
coupled to a conventional beverage container by means of an
integral attachment arm and a drinking straw;
[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective side view of a curved
concave shaped condiment container in combination with a
conventional beverage container;
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective top view of a curved
concave shaped condiment container in combination with a
conventional beverage container;
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective side view of a cone shaped
condiment container in combination with a conventional beverage
container;
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart useful in describing an
exemplary method of the present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart useful in describing another
exemplary method of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Referring to the drawing figures, like reference numerals
designate identical or corresponding elements throughout the
several figures.
[0027] The invention provided is a condiment cup assembly for
attachment to a beverage container. FIG. 1 illustrates a
perspective side view of a condiment cup assembly 10 for attachment
to a conventional beverage container 14. By way of example and not
by limitation, the assembly 10 may include a beverage container
cover 16, a drinking straw 22, a condiment container 24 and an
integral attachment arm 30. The beverage container cover 16
includes an outer edge 18 and a perforation 20 centrally
positioned. The drinking straw 22 may be inserted through the
perforation 20. The condiment container 24 includes a vertical
sidewall 26 which defines a top opening 28 for accessing a storage
space 32 of the condiment container 24. The integral attachment arm
30 is connected to the vertical sidewall 26 and includes a coupling
portion 34 located opposite of the vertical sidewall 26. The
condiment container 24 is attached to the beverage container cover
16 via the coupling portion 34.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling portion 34 is
attached to the outer edge 18. By way of example and not
limitation, the outer edge 18 of the beverage container cover 16
may include a grove 19. The coupling portion 34 of the integral
attachment arm 30 includes a downwardly extending portion 36. The
downwardly extending portion 36 is coupled with the grove 19
creating an attachment of the condiment container 24 to the
beverage container cover 16 through frictional connection.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective top view of multiple
condiment containers 24 in combination with a conventional beverage
container 14. The condiment containers 24 are attached to the
beverage container cover 16 by inserting the downwardly extending
portion 36 of the integral attachment arm 30 coupling portion 34
into the grove 19 of the beverage container cover 16. The
downwardly extending portion 36 is best viewed in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective side view of another
embodiment of the present invention including a condiment container
24 coupled to a conventional beverage container 14 by means of an
integral attachment arm 30 and a drinking straw 22. FIG. 4
illustrates a perspective top view of the embodiment. The coupling
portion 34 includes a coupling hole 38 centrally positioned. The
condiment container 24 is attached to the beverage container 14 by
means of the drinking straw 22 placed through the coupling hole
38.
[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
condiment container 24 further includes a sealing lid 40 removably
attached to the top opening 28. The condiment container may then be
prepackaged with a condiment 42 located in the storage space 32. By
way of example and not limitation, the prepackaged condiment may be
ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, salsa, or other types of
condiments commonly found in the fast food industry.
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective side view of the condiment
container 24 that is a curved concave shape. FIG. 6 illustrates a
perspective top view of the curved concave shaped condiment
container 24 in combination with a conventional beverage container
14. FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective side view of the condiment
container 24 that is coned shaped.
[0033] Now referring to FIG. 8 which illustrates a flowchart useful
in describing an exemplary method of the present invention.
Provided is a method 200 for attaching a condiment cup assembly 10
to a beverage container 14. The method 200 begins with placing a
cover 16 on the beverage container 14, the cover having an outer
edge 18 and a perforation 20 centrally positioned, as indicated in
step 210. Next is inserting a drinking straw 22 through the
perforation 20, as indicated in step 220. Then providing a
condiment container 24 including an integral attachment arm 30
having a coupling portion 34, as indicated in step 230. Next is
attaching the condiment cup assembly 10 to the beverage container
14 solely by means of the integral attachment arm 30 and the
drinking straw 22, as indicated in step 240.
[0034] Now referring to FIG. 9 which illustrates a flowchart useful
in describing another exemplary method of the present invention.
Provided is a method 300 for attaching a condiment cup assembly 10
to a beverage container 14. The method 300 begins with placing a
cover 16 on the beverage container, as indicated in step 310. The
cover 16 includes an outer edge 18 and a grove 19. Next is
providing a condiment container 24 including an integral attachment
arm 30 having a coupling portion 34, as indicated in step 320. Then
inserting the coupling portion 34 into the grove 19, as indicated
in step 330. Finally attaching the condiment cup assembly 10 to the
beverage container 16 solely through the integral attachment arm 30
and the grove 19, as indicated in step 340.
[0035] While the invention has been described in detail with
reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to
one skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and
equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *