U.S. patent application number 11/811986 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-27 for double rimmed beverage cup and holder.
Invention is credited to Arshad Hussain.
Application Number | 20070295738 11/811986 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38872625 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070295738 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hussain; Arshad |
December 27, 2007 |
Double rimmed beverage cup and holder
Abstract
A double rimmed beverage cup and holder is disclosed. A second
rim encircles the outer surface of the cup a spaced distance below
the rim encircling the cup opening. In use, the cup is secured
within a holder having a handle for convenient hand grasping, and
an annular groove matching the projecting second rim on the cup.
The user manually snap fits the groove within the holder over the
cup's second rim, thereby permitting reliable cup lid securing and
removal while providing the user a more normally pleasant drinking
or eating experience.
Inventors: |
Hussain; Arshad; (Monsey,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARTIN PARKINSON
6 NORTH DELAWARE DRIVE
NYACK
NY
10960
US
|
Family ID: |
38872625 |
Appl. No.: |
11/811986 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60816018 |
Jun 23, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/737 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/2817 20130101;
B65D 1/265 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/737 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A beverage cup and holder, comprising: (a) a cup having a first
frustoconical side-wall defining an enlarged opening at one end and
a radially disposed sealed base at its other end; (b) said enlarged
opening of said first side-wall having a first curled, generally
semicircular rim extending a full 360.degree. about a circumference
of said opening; (c) said first side-wall having a second rim
substantially identical in shape to said first rim affixed a spaced
distance below said first rim, said second rim completely
encircling an external surface of said first side-wall in a
substantially parallel plane to said first rim; and (d) a holder
for securing said cup, said holder being secured to said cup by
means for cooperating with said second rim on said cup affixed
within a main body of said holder, said holder further comprising a
handle confluent with said main body and positioned a spaced
distance away from said main body, said handle designed for
convenient grasping with the finger's of a user's hand, so that
when said holder is secured to said cup utilizing said means for
cooperating with said second rim on said cup, said handle may now
be grasped by said hand of said user and any contents of said cup
consumed in comfort, said opening of said cup being conveniently
covered with a lid or said lid easily removed from said opening at
said user's discretion.
2. The beverage cup and holder according to claim 1, further
comprising said lid in addition to said cup and said holder.
3. The beverage cup and holder according to claim 1 wherein said
cup is fabricated in paperboard.
4. The beverage cup and holder according to claim 1 wherein said
holder is fabricated in paperboard.
5. The beverage cup and holder according to claim 1 wherein said
main body of said holder is comprised of a second frustoconical
side-wall being similar is shape but substantially shorter in
length to that of said cup, said main body having a top edge
circular opening tapering to a slightly narrower in diameter
circular opening at a bottom edge of said main body, said main body
dimensioned so as to enable a user to grasp said handle on said
holder and to slip said top edge of said main body over said sealed
base of said cup and position said main body of said holder in
cooperative engagement with said second rim of said cup.
6. The beverage cup and holder according to claim 1 wherein said
means for cooperating with said second rim on said cup affixed
within said main body of said holder is a laterally positioned
annular depression matching in opposed configuration said generally
semicircular projection of said second rim on said cup.
7. The beverage cup and holder according to claim 1 wherein said
means for cooperating with said second rim of said cup affixed
within said main body of said holder is a plurality of finger like
projections extending upward from said top edge opening of said
main body, each one of said finger like projections containing a
laterally positioned annular depression matching in opposed
configuration said generally semicircular projection of said second
rim on said cup.
8. The beverage cup and holder according to claim 1 wherein said
cup is fabricated in plastic.
9. The beverage cup and holder according to claim 1 wherein said
holder is fabricated in plastic.
10. A method for secure utilization of a beverage cup, comprising
the steps of: (a) forming a cup, said cup comprising a first
frustoconical side-wall defining an enlarged opening at one end and
a radially disposed sealed base at its other end, said enlarged
opening of said cup having a first curled, generally semicircular
rim extending a full 360.degree. about a circumference of said
enlarged opening of said cup; (b) affixing a second rim
substantially identical in shape to said first rim a spaced
distance below said first rim, said second rim similarly completely
encircling an external surface of said first side-wall in a
substantially parallel plane to said first rim; (c) creating a
holder for said cup, said holder having a main body and a confluent
handle dependent from and with a hand grasping portion affixed a
spaced distance apart from said main body, said main body
comprising a second frustoconical side-wall similar to that of said
cup, said main body having a top edge circular opening, said main
body tapering to a slightly smaller circular opening at a bottom
edge of said main body; (d) having a user grasp said handle and
slide said main body of said holder over said cup from said sealed
base of said cup to a position along said external surface of said
first side-wall enabling matching cooperative engagement of said
main body with said second rim; thereby (e) permitting said user to
comfortably consume any contents of said cup, and conveniently
cover or uncover said cup opening with a lid while said user is
holding said cup with one hand.
11. The method for secure utilization of a beverage cup according
to claim 10 wherein said step of enabling matching cooperative
engagement of said main body of said holder with said second rim of
said cup comprises forming a laterally positioned annular
depression matching in opposed configuration to said generally
semicircular projection of said second rim on said cup within said
main body of said holder, and snapping said laterally positioned
annular depression over said second rim.
12. The method for secure utilization of a beverage cup according
to claim 10, wherein said step of enabling matching cooperative
engagement of said main body of said holder with said second rim on
said cup comprises forming a plurality of finger like projections
extending upwards from said top edge circular opening of said main
body, each one of said finger like projections containing a
laterally positioned annular depression matching in opposed
configuration said generally semicircular projection of said second
rim on said cup, and snapping said depressions within said finger
like projections over said second rim.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/816,018, filed on Jun. 23, 2006. This invention
relates to containers, and more particularly to beverage cups and
devices and methods for comfortably hand holding these cups.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Throwaway containers for hot and cold beverages are, of
course, a ubiquitous part of our everyday life. The criteria for
these containers are that they be inexpensive to fabricate and
simple to use. Fast food outlets rush to provide us with a myriad
of types of cups, often overlooking customer convenience. Cups may
be uncomfortable when holding hot or cold beverages, and are
frequently inconvenient while attempting to hand hold a cup while
removing or re-securing a beverage cup lid.
[0003] Devices and methods too numerous to list have been suggested
in the past to overcome container deficiencies. For example, in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,128,029, issued Apr. 7, 1964, a beverage cup
(10--FIG. 1) made out of foamed polystyrene is disclosed. The cup
has the advantage of comfortably holding hot or cold drinks, and
also features a shoulder (12--FIG. 2) which can form a support for
a cup holder.
[0004] Again, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,260, issued Jan. 31, 1995, a
disposable paper cup (12--FIG. 2) for serving cold food products
and beverages is disclosed. Utilizing built-in adhesives, the cold
cup is converted into a hot cup by the addition of a fluted,
insulating sleeve (14--FIG. 1).
[0005] Additionally, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,449 B1, issued May 7,
2003, a two stage beverage cup (10--FIG. 1) is disclosed. An
flanged upper portion (12--FIG. 1) is secured to a smaller lower
portion (14--FIG. 1), the purpose being to secure the smaller base
within standard vehicle cup holders while enlarging cup beverage
capacity by means of the added upper portion. Additionally the
juncture of the upper and lower sections serves the dual purpose of
providing a shoulder for connection to the vehicle cup holder, and
also provides an air gap insulated area for comfortably holding hot
or cold beverages.
[0006] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,557, issued Jan. 19, 1999,
discloses a dual sized container (10--FIG. 2) having an enlarged
upper body portion (18--FIG. 2) and a smaller lower body portion
(14--FIG. 2). A shoulder (16--FIG. 1) at the junction of the upper
and lower portions secured the container 10 to a vehicle cup holder
when the lower portion is placed within a cup holder. Additionally,
fluted sides (15--FIG. 1) provide lateral support to the lower body
portion 14 of the cup 10.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,505,802 B2, issued Jan. 14, 2003, a
beverage cup holder (10--FIG. 1) with an adjustable mounting system
is disclosed. A clamp assembly (12--FIG. 1), integral with the cup
member (11--FIG. 1) permits attaching the beverage holder 10 to a
variety of vehicles, such as golf carts and bicycles.
[0008] While the above noted devices and methods provide useful
solutions for a variety of beverage cup deficiencies, they do not
envision the economy in fabrication, and the significant added
customer conveniences inherent in the present invention.
[0009] It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to
provide for comfortable and secure hand holding of a beverage
cup.
[0010] Still another object is to provide for comfortable and
secure hand holding of beverage cups with either hot or cold
contents.
[0011] An additional object is to provide fast and reliable
beverage cup lid securing and removal while the cup is held in one
hand.
[0012] Yet another object is to provide for greater ease in holding
a large size beverage cup in the small hands of children.
[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide increased
customer security and comfort while consuming the beverage cup
contents.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] These and other objects are obtained with the double rimmed
beverage cup and holder of the present invention.
[0015] As noted above, fast food restaurants in their rush to
supply customers with a simple, inexpensive throwaway beverage cup,
tend to burden users with less than convenient procedures. For
example, it is often necessary to remove a beverage cup lid while
the cup is being held in one hand, or to re-secure the cup lid, a
procedure difficult at best, and often extremely so when attempting
to avoid a rim of a typical cup holder. Further, consuming the
contents of a hand held beverage cup is an inelegant effort,
acceptable only under the most casual of eating experiences. And
the small hands of children often experience difficulty holding a
large size cup.
[0016] It occurred that these minor but troubling inconveniences
associated with throwaway cups could be simply and economically
overcome. To this end a paper cup, comprising the first part of
this invention, and holder, comprising the second part of this
invention, has been devised to eliminate these difficulties.
[0017] The beverage cup can be fabricated in paper such as
paperboard, or in plastic, with influences including economic
considerations deciding the choice. Fabricating methods for
disposable cups of this type are, of course, well known to the art.
Typical cup dimensions can be, for example, 51/2'' in height, with
a 31/4'' top opening, and a 23/8'' closed bottom. The sides of the
cup are frustoconical in shape with a curled, generally
semicircular rim at the top opening of the cup extending a full
360.degree. of the top circumference of the cup opening, and the
cup having a sealed base portion. The significant difference
between the cup of the present invention and prior beverage cups is
the existence of a second curled, generally semicircular rim a
spaced distance below the first rim encircling the top opening of
the cup. This second rim similarly completely encircles the
external surface of the cup in a generally parallel plane to the
first rim. The cup of the present invention, for the purpose of
clarity of description, can be envisioned as being fabricated from
two relatively typical paperboard cups by cutting an approximate
1'' top section off the top of a second cup, this second cup having
a slightly smaller diameter opening in comparison to the first cup,
then sliding the top opening of this cut section of the second cup
over the solid base of the first cup until it is secured a short
distance from the rim of the first cup. This cut section of the
second cup can be constructed to be adhesively connected or
otherwise affixed to the outer surface of the first cup immediately
adjacent the rim of the first cup.
[0018] The second part of this invention comprises a suitable
holder for the above described double rimmed cup. The holder is
separate from the cup and is comprised of a section having matching
tapered sides to that of the cup of the invention for sliding over
the base of the cup and then being manually positioned at a
selected point along the outer surface of the cup. A series of
upwardly extending finger like projections extend from the top edge
of this section. Each of these projections contains a laterally
positioned generally semicircular annular depression matching in
opposed position the outwardly projecting generally semicircular
second rim on the cup. The holder further comprises a handle
depending from this section and extending a spaced distance away
from the section for convenient positioning of the fingers of a
hand around this handle. In a similar alternative holder, an
annular groove comprising a semicircular annular depression
matching in opposed position the second rim of the cup can be
fabricated within the main body of the holder, a spaced distance
below the rim of the holder. The complete holder assembly can be
fabricated in a variety of materials, including plastic and metal,
but paper such as paperboard would be preferred for economy.
[0019] To use the double rimmed beverage cup and holder of the
present invention, the holder is simply slipped over the solid base
of the cup and raised upwards over the outer surface of the cup
until the annular depressions in each of the projecting fingers on
the holder (or the annular groove of the above noted alternative
holder) snap into place over the extending second rim on the cup.
The cup is now firmly secured for virtually any use the individual
handling the cup desires. The contents of the cup may now be
consumed in a normal, comfortable manner. And the previously
difficult procedure of removing or securing a cup lid is now
performed with confident ease.
[0020] While paperboard is recommended for economy in fabricating
both the cup and holder of the present invention, more durable
materials can also be employed. In this case the holder can be
repeatedly re-used, and the cups can be cleaned for additional
service. Further, it is envisioned that the holder may be found
useful for securing a number of different but similar sized
cups.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one version of the double
rimmed beverage cup and holder of the present invention, shown with
the holder secured in place on the second rim of the cup.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross section of the double rimmed beverage cup
as depicted in FIG. 1, without the holder in place.
[0023] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the double rimmed beverage cup
and holder of FIG. 1, illustrating the three basic components of
the invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a side elevational, schematic view of the double
rimmed beverage cup and holder of FIG. 1, illustrating the holder
being secured over the full circumference of the second rim.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cup and holder depicted
in FIG. 1, illustrating a beverage cup lid in place on the first
rim.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of two cups similar to FIG. 2
being nested together.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 1,
illustrating an alternative holder shown partially broken away to
depict the placement of the snap on annular groove within the
holder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Turning now to the drawings wherein similar structures
having the same function are depicted with the same numerals, in
FIG. 1 a version of the double rimmed beverage cup 10 and holder 40
of the invention is depicted. As best seen in FIG. 2 the cup itself
has a first rim 14 encircling an opening 23 to the cup, with a
second rim 16 integral with and encircling the outer surface of the
cup positioned a spaced distance below the first rim. Typical
dimensions for the cup can be, for example, 51/2'' in height, with
a 31/4'' top opening, and a 23/8'' closed base. The cup has
frustoconical side walls, with a first curled, outwardly projecting
rim radially disposed around the circumference of the opening, and
a similar outwardly projecting second rim encircling the outer
surface of the cup positioned parallel to and a spaced distance,
as, for example, 1'', below the first rim.
[0029] In FIGS. 2 and 3 one method for fabricating the beverage cup
and holder of the invention is illustrated. The cup 10 can be
fabricated in a variety of materials including plastic or metal,
with paperboard an obvious choice for economy. The paperboard used
can be coated with a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene to
permit heat sealing of components. In this method the cup can be
fabricated from a first section 20 and a second section 30 affixed
together via, for example, heat sealing to form a complete cup. The
first section is in the shape of a typical disposable beverage cup,
having frustoconical side walls 12, with an opening 23 defined by
an outwardly curled rim 14 encompassing the circumference of the
opening. The cup opening can measure approximately 31/4'' in
diameter. The tapered sides 12 of the first section can extend
approximately 51/2'' from its rim to a radially disposed sealed
bottom 26. The sealed bottom 26 can have a portion of its outer rim
bent perpendicular to form a wall 28 for facilitating heat sealing
to the inner surface of the bottom edge of the first section's side
wall so as to form a leak proof base for the cup. This sealed
bottom can measure approximately 21/4'' in diameter.
[0030] The second section 30 has a similar opening with a
circumference encompassing outwardly curled rim 16, and an open
base. The top opening can measure approximately 31/8'' in diameter.
The tapered sides 13 of the second section 30 can depend, for
example, approximately 1'' for the top edge 17 to a bottom edge 15
of the second section, defining an approximate 27/8'' diameter base
opening.
[0031] In this method, the beverage cup 10 of the invention is
fabricated by sliding the top opening of the second section 30 over
the sealed base 26 of the first section 20 to a predetermined
position along the side walls 12 of the first section. The first
and second cup section are designed so that the inner surface of
the second section's side walls 13 and the outer surface of the
first section's side walls 12 are in contact, with the second
section's rim 16 positioned a spaced distance below and
substantially parallel to the rim 14 of the first section. Heat
sealing or other appropriate means can then be employed to affix
the two sections together to form the complete cup 10.
[0032] Also depicted in FIG. 3 is a version of the beverage cup
holder 40 of the invention. As noted above, paperboard would be an
obvious choice for fabricating this throwaway item. The beverage
cup holder 40 is comprised of a main body 18 with a confluent
handle 24 for convenient grasping with the fingers of a user's
hand, and a series of upwardly extending finger like projections
22. The main body 18 of the holder has similar frustoconical side
walls to that of the cup 10, with a circular opening 42 at the top
edge of the main body, with the side wall 34 tapering to a slightly
smaller diameter circular opening 44 at the bottom edge of the main
body. The main body can measure approximately 11/2'' in width, with
a 3'' top edge opening 42, and a 23/4'' bottom edge opening. The
integral handle 24 can be positioned to extend about 1'' away from
and perpendicular to the main body, and extend 2'' below and
parallel to the bottom edge 44 of the main body. Each one of the
series (as, for example, 4) of the finger like projections 22,
which extend approximately 3/4'' above the top edge of the main
body, contain a laterally positioned annular depression matching in
opposite configuration the curled, generally semicircular
projection of the second rim 16 on the cup.
[0033] As best seen in FIG. 4, a user simply slips the holder 40
over the base of the cup 10, manually guiding the main body 18
until the annular depressions 32 in the finger like projections 22
snap over the projecting second rim 16 on the cup, firmly securing
the holder to the cup.
[0034] It should be noted that the above description of the cup 10
and holder 40 is but one possible structure for obtaining a secure
snap fit between holder and cup. For example, in FIG. 7 an
alternative holder 46 for the beverage cup is shown. This holder is
fabricated similarly to holder 40, being comprised of a main body
48 with a confluent handle 24. In place of the above mentioned
finger like extensions, a circular groove 50 is formed within the
main body 48 a spaced distance below the opening rim of the holder
46, the circular groove mimicking in opposed position the curled,
semicircular projection of the second rim on the cup. Again, this
holder is simply slipped over the base of the cup and manually
raised upwards until the annular groove 50 and second rim 16 snap
cooperatively into place. And as for the cup 10, a slightly larger
second section (not shown) can be affixed adjacent to and
positioned above the first rim of the cup to provide the double rim
necessary to enable said secure snap fit. Or alternatively, a
second rim can be impressed within the body of the cup itself
during initial fabrication.
[0035] In FIG. 5 the beverage cup 10 and holder 40 are shown
secured together, with the cup opening 23 closed with a typical
beverage cup lid 36. The lid encloses the cup opening in typical
fashion by having a generally semicircular annular depression 38 at
its periphery designed to snap fit over the generally semicircular
projecting first rim 14 of the cup. With the holder firmly securing
the cup, the often bothersome procedure of securing the lid to the
cup, or alternatively removing the lid from the cup, is now
performed with confident ease.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates an important consideration for commercial
use of the cup 10 and holder 40. The cups can be fabricated for
convenient nesting to facilitate storage of quantities of the
cups.
[0037] Thus it can be seen that the beverage cup and holder of the
present invention offers new and significant improvements for
commercial or home use. Lid removal or securing is now a snap
on-snap off comfortable procedure. And user ambience is restored to
a virtual quality restaurant experience.
[0038] While the present invention has been disclosed in connection
with shown in detail, various modifications and improvements will
become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the
spirit an scope of the invention is to be limited only by the
following claims.
* * * * *