Leak Proof Collapsible Cup

Abstract

Provided are collapsible compact cups and sealing cup lids for everyday use. The cups are designed with two or more rigid portions that are used to engage with the cup lids and support the cup. The rigid portions are interconnected by one or more flexible middle portions configured to support the upper rigid portion when the cup is in the upper operational position. At the same time, the flexible portion may bend under a certain force exerted by the user during collapsing of the cup and may allow one rigid portion to slide over another rigid portion. Even in this lower collapsed position, all rigid and flexible portions of the cup may remain connected to each other, thereby preventing any spills from the cups (e.g., residual liquids) creating a pocket sized cup with a sealing lid.

Description

FIELD

[0001] This application relates generally to collapsible cups and cup lids for sealing the collapsible cups and, more specifically, to collapsible cups with a flexible center that is co-molded to a ridged top and bottom piece.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional foldable cups typically include a set of individual rings that telescopically expand into a cone-like shape to form a cavity for liquid. However, such cups are difficult to clean, for example, in the areas where two adjacent rings engage to each other, and often leak. Such cups also tend to break easily. Other conventional designs also suffer from similar problems.

[0003] At the same time, collapsible cups can present many benefits to their users. For example, collapsible cups may be used to replace disposable cups, which would substantially reduce the amount of waste. It has been cited by the Clean Air Council that the average American office worker uses about 500 disposable cups every year. Furthermore, collapsible cups are extremely useful for travelers, hikers, and such.

SUMMARY

[0004] Provided are collapsible cups and cup lids for sealing the collapsible cups. The cups are designed with two or more rigid portions that are used to engage with the cup lids and support the cup on the surfaces. These multiple rigid portions are interconnected by one or more flexible middle portions configured to support the upper rigid portion when the cup is in the upper operation position. At the same time, the flexible portion may bend under a certain force exerted by the user during collapsing of the cup and may allow one rigid portion to slide over another rigid portion. Even in this lower collapsed position, all rigid and flexible portions of the cup may remain seamlessly connected to each other preventing any spills from the cups (e.g., residual liquids). The cup lid may include a slidable element configured to move between multiple positions for controlling a size of a liquid delivery opening.

[0005] In certain embodiments, a collapsible cup for storing liquid includes a top portion including a first rigid plastic material, a bottom portion including a second rigid plastic material, and a middle portion including a flexible plastic material. These portions form one unified body consisting of a hard upper and lower portion with a flexible center section forming one seamless unit. The middle portion is seamlessly attached to the top and bottom portions at the two interfaces defined by these three portions (i.e., at a first interface between the top and middle portions and at a second interface between the middle and bottom portions). Furthermore, the middle portion allows the top portion to move between an upper operational position in which the top, bottom, and middle portions are extended with respect to each other resulting in a maximum cup height and a lower collapsed position in which these three portions are collapsed resulting in a minimum cup height. In the upper operational position, the three portions form a closed end cavity configured for storing the liquid. In the lower collapsed position, the top portion is positioned around the bottom portion and the connection between the top and bottom portions is maintained. As such, the collapsible cups may also store liquids or at least prevent some residual liquid from spilling outside of the cup when the cup is the lower collapsed position.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the first rigid plastic material and/or second rigid plastic material includes high density polyethylene (HDPE). In the same or other embodiments, the flexible plastic material includes a flexible polymer. The rigid plastic materials and flexible plastic material may be transparent and allow detecting a liquid level when the cup is used to store liquid. The middle portion of the cup may have a variable thickness of the flexible plastic material along the height of the cup. This variable thickness may be configured to support the top portion of the cup when the top portion is in the upper operational position.

[0007] The minimum cup height may be less than about 2 inch. Specifically, in the collapsed positioned the cup may be sufficiently small to fit into a user pocket, a small bag (e.g., laptop bag), and other similar carrying options. The cup may be configured to store between about 2 ounces and 24 ounces of liquid in the upper operational position and be used as a coffee cup or a juice glass. The cup may be also configured to store the liquid in the lower collapsed position and used as a smaller cup, such as an espresso cup or a shot glass.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the collapsible cup also includes a lid configured for sealing with the top portion of the cup. The lid may include a slidable element configured to move between multiple positions for controlling a size of a liquid delivery opening. For example, the slidable element may be configured to temporary stop and/or lock in at least the three following positions: a fully-closed position, an intermediate open position, and a fully-open position. These positions correspond to three different sizes of the liquid delivery opening. The liquid delivery opening may be configured to accommodate a straw for delivering the liquid out of the collapsible cup when the slidable element is the fully-open position. Furthermore, the cup may be spill proof when the slidable element is the fully-closed position. The cup may remain spill proof, when the slidable element is the fully-closed position, in both the upper operational position and the lower collapsed position of the collapsible cup.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the lid includes a ventilation aperture. The slidable element of the lid, described above, may include a center column knob extending in an upward direction from the lid and configured to assist in moving the slidable element between the multiple positions. In certain embodiments, the lid includes an open channel disposed on a top surface of the lid and in communication with the liquid delivery opening. The channel is configured to maintain the liquid within the channel during delivery of the liquid to a user. The lid may include two protrusions positioned adjacent to the channel for supporting walls defining the channel with respect to an outside rim of the lid. These protrusions are positioned adjacent to the liquid delivery opening to provide comfort to the user during consumption of the beverage. Specifically, the protrusions provide a smooth surface to the lips to rest against to provide additional comfort.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the lid may include a thread configured for engaging with a corresponding thread on the top portion during engaging and sealing the lid with respect to the top portion. The lid or the top portion may also include a sealing gasket for establishing a better seal in between these two components. The gasket may be integrated with co-molding of a softer elastomer into a harder material (e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE), or be a standalone component. In certain embodiments, the lid and/or top portion have sufficiently flexible engaging surfaces to form a seal in between these two components. The lid may include a carrying feature having a protrusion extending from an edge of the lid and a through opening made in the protrusion. This can be used for hanging to display the item or to hook onto a carabineer.

[0011] Also provided is a cup lid configured for use with a cup, such as a collapsible cup described above. However, one skilled in the art will understand that this lid may also be used with other types of cups as well. In certain embodiments, a cup lid includes a lid body forming a sealing edge configured for sealing with a top portion of a cup. The lid body may include a ventilation aperture. The lid body may also include an open channel disposed on a top surface of the lid body and in communication with the liquid delivery opening and configured to maintain the liquid within the open channel during delivery of the liquid. The lid body may also include two protrusions positioned adjacent to the channel for the lips to rest against while drinking to provide comfort, thus defining the channel with respect to an outside rim of the lid. Finally, the lid body may also include a thread configured for engaging with a corresponding thread on the top portion of the cup during engaging and sealing the lid with respect to the top portion.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the cup lid also includes a slidable element supported by the lid body and configured to move between at least three positions with respect to the lid body for controlling a size of a liquid delivery opening, the three positions including a fully-closed position, an intermediate open position, and a fully-open position. The liquid delivery opening is configured to accommodate a straw for delivering the liquid out of the cup when the slidable element is the fully-open position. Furthermore, the cup may be maintained spill proof when the slidable element is the fully-closed position. The cup remains spill proof, when the slidable element is in the fully-closed position, in both the upper operational position and the lower collapsed position of the compact cup. The slidable element may include a center column knob extending in an upward direction from the lid and configured to assist in moving the slidable element between the multiple positions.

[0013] These and other aspects of the invention are described further below with reference to the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an assembly including a collapsible cup and a lid, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic side view of the assembly in an upper operational position, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic side view of the assembly in a lower collapsed position, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a middle portion of the collapsible cup illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic side view of the middle portion, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0019] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate two schematic perspective views of a lid with a slidable element removed from the lid, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0020] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a schematic perspective and bottom views of a slidable element for use with the lid illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, in accordance with certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process operations have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments.

[0022] Provided are to collapsible cups and cup lids for sealing the collapsible cups. The cups are designed with two or more rigid portions that are used to engage with the cup lids and support the cup on the surfaces. These multiple rigid portions are interconnected by one or more flexible middle portions configured to support the upper rigid portion when the cup is in the upper operation position. At the same time, the flexible portion may bend under a certain force exerted by the user during folding of the cup and may allow one rigid portion to slide over another rigid portion. Even in this lower collapsed position, all rigid and flexible portions of the cup may remain seamlessly connected to each other preventing any spills from the cups (e.g., residual liquids). The cup lid may include a slidable element configured to move between multiple positions for controlling a size of a liquid delivery opening.

[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic perspective view of an assembly 100 including a collapsible cup 102 and a lid 150 attached to cup assembly 100, in accordance with certain embodiments. Lid 150 is shown with a slidable element 152, which is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. Assembly 100 may be used for storing various liquids, including cold and hot drinks such as coffee and juices. In general, assembly 100 may be configured to operate at a temperature range of -30.degree. C. (e.g., for storing frozen liquids) and 100.degree. C. (e.g., for storing boiling liquids). Materials used for assembly 100, which are further described below, may allow microwave heating, sterilization, and other processing of assembly 100. It should be noted that collapsible cup 102 may be used with or without lid 150. Furthermore, lid 150 may be used with collapsible cup 102 or some other types of cups. Various feature of lid 150 are described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the collapsible cup 102 includes a top portion 104, a middle portion 106, and a bottom portion 108. Top portion 104 and bottom portion 108 are generally made from rigid plastic materials, such as HDPE, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), nylon, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyester (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). One skilled in the art will understand some or all materials used for construction of the cup assembly, including the lid, may need to be food grade materials. In certain embodiments, the top and bottom portions 104 and 108 are made from semi-rigid and even flexible materials. Middle portion 106 is generally made from a sufficiently flexible plastic material, such as silicone polymers. Middle portion 106 is attached to top portion 104 and bottom portion 108 and a provides connection at a first interface 105 between top portion 104 and middle portion 106 and another connection at a second interface 107 between middle portion 106 and bottom portion 108. Various details of the connections and these interfaces are further described below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0025] Middle portion 106 allows top portion 104 to move between at least two positions: an upper operational position shown in FIG. 1B and a lower collapsed position shown in FIG. 1C. Specifically, in the upper operational position, top portion 104, middle portion 106, and bottom portion 108 are extended with respect to each other, which results in a maximum cup height and forms a closed end cavity configured for storing the liquid. In this position, the cup may be configured to between about 2 ounces and 24 ounces of liquid. In the lower collapsed position, top portion 104, middle portion 106, and bottom portion 108 are collapsed, which results in a minimum cup height (e.g., less than about 1 inch) In this position, top portion 104 is positioned around bottom portion (not visible in FIG. 1C and therefore schematically shown with a dashed line 110). The size of top portion 104 should be sufficient to accommodate the entire height of bottom portion 108 as well as any folds created by middle portion. The connections between all three portions are maintained in the lower collapsed position. This feature helps to prevent the spilling of residual liquids when the cup is collapsed. In certain embodiments, the collapsed cup or the collapsed cup assembly may be used to hold smaller volumes of liquids and effectively used as a smaller cup, such as an espresso cup or a shot glass. The folding may be specifically designed for certain volumes and, therefore, the collapsible cup may be used as a dual size measuring cup. Furthermore, all three portions may be made from transparent materials that allow detecting a liquid level inside the cup.

[0026] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic perspective view of middle portion 106 of the collapsible cup 102 described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C. Furthermore, FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic side view of this middle portion 106, in accordance with certain embodiments. Middle portion 106 includes a top edge 202, a bottom edge 204, and a side wall 206 extending between top edge 202 and bottom edge 204 and connecting the two. Top edge 202 of middle portion 106 is specifically configured to form a connection with the top portion of the cup 102 (not shown in FIG. 2A). For example, top edge 202 of middle portion 106 may have an interlocking groove for engaging with a similar feature disposed on the bottom edge of the top portion 104. Likewise, bottom edge 204 of middle portion 106 is specifically configured to form a connection with the bottom portion 108 of the cup (not shown in FIG. 2A).

[0027] In certain embodiments, side wall 206 of middle portion 106 has a variable thickness along the cup's height, as schematically shown in FIG. 2B. Specifically, dashed line 208 represents an inside surface of side wall 206. Top portion 210 of the side wall is shown to be thinner than bottom portion 212 of the side wall. In general, the thickness of side wall 206 may be specifically configured to support the top portion 104 of the cup (not shown in FIG. 2B) when the top portion 104 is in the upper operational position. Furthermore, the thickness of side wall 206 should allow the cup to fold as, for example, shown in FIGS. 1B-1C. In certain embodiments, middle portion also has grooved (not shown) that may be used to guide side wall 206 during folding and to achieve the desired fold (as opposed to the random fold). The variable thickness feature described above may also be used to achieve the controlled fold.

[0028] FIGS. 3A and 3 illustrate two schematic perspective views of a lid 150 that may be used in the assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, in accordance with certain embodiments. Lid 150 is shown without the slidable element to better illustrate some additional features. However, as indicated above, lid 150 is generally coupled to the slidable element, which is configured to move with respect to lid 150 between multiple positions for controlling a size of a liquid delivery opening 302.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the slidable element is configured to temporary stop and/or lock in at least the three following positions with respect to lid 150: a fully-closed position, an intermediate open position, and a fully-open position. In the fully-open position, liquid delivery opening 302 may be configured to accommodate a straw for delivering the liquid out of the collapsible cup. The straw may have a diameter of about 5 millimeters, 6 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 8 millimeters, 10 millimeters, and even 12 millimeters. Interlocking may be provided by one or more interlocking features, such as protrusion 308 shown in FIG. 3A. Protrusion 308 is configured to couple with one or more indents 402, 404, and 406 shown of slidable element 152 shown in FIG. 4B. For example, when protrusion 308 is coupled with indent 402, slidable element 152 is temporary locked in the fully open position. This position may be used for consumption of cold drinks and/or viscous drinks (such as smoothies), for protruding a straw through the liquid delivery opening 302, and other purposes when a large orifice to the liquid containing vessel may be needed. When protrusion 308 is coupled with indent 404, slidable element 152 is temporary locked in the intermediate open position. This position may be used for consumption of hot drinks (e.g., when accidental release of large volumes of liquids should be prevented). Finally, when protrusion 308 is coupled with indent 402, slidable element 152 is temporary locked in the fully-closed position. The cup may be spill proof when the slidable element 152 is the fully-closed position.

[0030] In certain embodiments, lid 150 includes a ventilation aperture 310. Ventilation aperture 310 may be used to supply air back into the cup when the liquid is being discharged through liquid delivery opening 302. As such, the cup assembly may be fully discharged without a need for repeatedly tipping the assembly to equalize the pressure inside the assembly and outside the assembly. Ventilation aperture 310 is typically rather small and configured to prevent liquid spills through ventilation aperture 310 when the assembly is tipped over. This is typically due to a rather high surface tension of various liquids, such as coffee, tea, juices, and smoothies. In these embodiments, the side of ventilation aperture 310 may be less than about 1 millimeter or, more specifically, less than 0.5 millimeters, or even less than 0.25 millimeters. In the same or other embodiments, lid 150 and the corresponding slidable element 152 are configured to block ventilation aperture 310 when the liquid delivery opening 302 is in the fully-closed position.

[0031] In certain embodiments, lid 150 includes an open channel 312 disposed on the top surface of lid 150 and in communication with liquid delivery opening 302. This open channel 312 may be configured to maintain liquid within its channel while the liquid is being delivered from liquid delivery opening 302 to the user. In other words, open channel 312 helps to improve the spill proof properties of lid 150 and to contain the liquid within the certain designated area. In certain embodiments, lid 150 also includes two protrusions 304a and 304b positioned adjacent to open channel 312 for supporting walls defining channel 312 with respect to an edge 314 of the lid.

[0032] In certain embodiments (shown in FIG. 3B), lid 150 includes a thread 316 configured for engaging with a corresponding thread on the top portion 104 during engaging and sealing lid 150 with respect to the top portion. The lid 150 or the top portion 104 may also include a sealing gasket for establishing a better seal in between these two components. The gasket may be a part of either one of these components or be a standalone component. In certain embodiments, the lid 150 and/or top portion 104 have sufficiently flexible engaging surfaces to form a seal in between these two components.

[0033] In certain embodiments, lid 150 includes a carrying feature 306a. Carrying feature 306a may be used to hang lid 150 or the cup assembly 100 for display (e.g., in a retail environment) or for carrying the assembly between uses of the cup (e.g., attaching to a belt or back-pack). Carrying feature 306a may include a protrusion 306b extending from edge 314 and a through opening 306c made in protrusion 306b.

[0034] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a schematic perspective and bottom views of slidable element 152 for use with the lid 150 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, in accordance with certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, slidable element 152 includes a center column knob 408 extending in an upward direction and configured to assist in moving the slidable element 152 with respect to the lid. Center column knob 408 is shown with chamfers for additional user's comfort and ease of cleaning the lid assembly. Slidable element 152 also shown with edge rails 410 for engaging with corresponding rails on the lid 150 and allowing for slidable element 152 to move with respect to the lid 150 and stay attached to the lid 150.

[0035] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the processes, systems and apparatus of the present invention. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.

Claims

1. A collapsible cup comprising: a top portion comprising a first rigid plastic material; a bottom portion comprising a second rigid plastic material; and a middle portion comprising a flexible plastic material, the middle portion attached to the top portion and the bottom portion and providing a connection at a first interface between the top portion and the middle portion and at a second interface between the middle portion and the bottom portion, the middle portion allowing the top portion to move between: an upper operational position in which the top portion, the bottom portion, and the middle portion are extended with respect to each other, resulting in a maximum cup height and forming a closed end cavity configured for storing contents; and a lower collapsed position in which the top portion, the bottom portion, and the middle portion are collapsed, resulting in a minimum cup height and in which the top portion is positioned around the bottom portion, wherein a connection between the top portion and the bottom portion is maintained.

2. The collapsible cup of claim 1, wherein the first rigid plastic material and the second rigid plastic material comprise high density polyethylene (HDPE); and wherein the flexible plastic material comprises a flexible polymer.

3. The collapsible cup of claim 1, wherein the first rigid plastic material, the second rigid plastic material, and the flexible plastic material are transparent and allow for detecting a liquid level when the cup is used to store the liquid.

4. The collapsible cup of claim 1, wherein the middle portion has a variable thickness of the flexible plastic material along a height of the cup and the variable thickness is configured to allow for ease of collapsing into designated grooves and for the lower and middle section of the cup to fit into the center portion of the upper ring of the cup when it is in the compact collapsed position.

5. The collapsible cup of claim 1, wherein the minimum cup height is less than about 1.5 inch.

6. The collapsible cup of claim 1, wherein the cup is configured to store between about 2 ounces and 24 ounces of the contents in the upper operational position.

7. The collapsible cup of claim 1, wherein the cup is configured to store the contents in the lower compact position.

8. The collapsible cup of claim 1, further comprising a lid configured for sealing with the top portion, the lid comprising a slidable element configured to move between multiple positions for controlling a size of a liquid delivery opening.

9. The collapsible cup of claim 8, wherein the slidable element is configured to temporary stop and/or lock in at least three positions: a fully-closed position, an intermediate open position, and a fully-open position.

10. The collapsible cup of claim 9, wherein the liquid delivery opening is configured to accommodate a straw for delivering the liquid out of the collapsible cup when the slidable element is the fully-open position.

11. The collapsible cup of claim 9, wherein the cup is spill proof when the slidable element is the fully-closed position.

12. The collapsible cup of claim 11, wherein the cup remains spill proof, when the slidable element is the fully-closed position, in both the upper operational position and the lower compact position of the collapsible cup.

13. The collapsible cup of claim 8, wherein the lid comprises a ventilation aperture.

14. The collapsible cup of claim 8, wherein the slidable element comprises a center column knob extending in an upward direction from the lid and configured to assist in moving the slidable element between the multiple positions.

15. The collapsible cup of claim 8, wherein the lid comprises an open channel disposed on a top surface of the lid and in communication with the liquid delivery opening and configured to maintain the liquid within the channel during delivery of the liquid.

16. The collapsible cup of claim 15, wherein the lid comprises two protrusions positioned adjacent to the channel for supporting the lips to rest against a smooth surface while drinking to provide comfort.

17. The collapsible cup of claim 8, wherein the lid comprises a thread configured for engaging with a corresponding thread on the top portion during engaging and sealing the lid with respect to the top portion.

18. The collapsible cup of claim 8, wherein the lid comprises a carrying feature.

19. The collapsible cup of claim 18, wherein the carrying feature comprises a protrusion extending from an edge of the lid and a through-hole made in the protrusion.

20. A cup lid comprising: a lid body forming a connecting edge configured for connecting with a top portion of a cup, the lid body comprising: a ventilation aperture an open channel disposed on a top surface of the lid body and in communication with a content delivery opening and configured to maintain the conntent within the open channel during delivery of the content; two protrusions positioned adjacent to the channel for supporting walls defining the channel with respect to an outside rim of the lid; a thread configured for engaging with a corresponding thread on the top portion during engaging and sealing the lid with respect to the top portion; and a slidable element supported by the lid body and configured to move between at least three positions with respect to the lid body for controlling a size of the content delivery opening, the three positions including a fully-closed position, an intermediate open position, and a fully-open position, wherein the content delivery opening is configured to accommodate a straw for delivering the content out of the cup when the slidable element is the fully-open position, wherein the cup is spill proof when the slidable element is the fully-closed position and wherein the cup remains spill proof, when the slidable element is the fully-closed position, in both a upper operational position and a lower collapsed position of the cup, wherein the slidable element comprises a center column knob extending in an upward direction from the lid and configured to assist in moving the slidable element between multiple positions of the slidable element.