U.S. patent application number 13/428738 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-11 for enhanced multicompartment cup.
This patent application is currently assigned to QUAKER OATS COMPANY. Invention is credited to Neeraj Sharma.
Application Number | 20120258213 13/428738 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45998669 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120258213 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sharma; Neeraj |
October 11, 2012 |
Enhanced Multicompartment Cup
Abstract
A multicompartment cup may include an upper compartment with a
conical cross-section and a lower compartment with a rectangular
cross-section. The upper compartment may include a main food
product such as cereal, oatmeal, grits, any milled grain product,
yogurt, etc. and the lower compartment may include toppings and
other enhancements for the main food product. The two compartments
may be separated by a divider and a seal may cover the top of the
upper compartment. In addition, a foldable eating utensil may be
affixed to the multicompartment cup so that a user may eat the food
products inside the multicompartment cup anywhere.
Inventors: |
Sharma; Neeraj; (White
Plains, NY) |
Assignee: |
QUAKER OATS COMPANY
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
45998669 |
Appl. No.: |
13/428738 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61472553 |
Apr 6, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/120 ;
220/23.83; 220/359.1; 220/574.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/246 20130101;
B65D 81/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/120 ;
220/23.83; 220/359.1; 220/574.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32; A47G 19/06 20060101 A47G019/06; A47G 19/03 20060101
A47G019/03 |
Claims
1. A multicompartment cup comprising: an upper compartment
configured with a conical cross section; a lower compartment molded
to the upper compartment and separated from the upper compartment
by a divider, wherein the lower compartment is configured with a
rectangular cross-section; and an eating utensil removably affixed
to at least one of the upper and the lower compartments.
2. The multicompartment cup of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the
multicompartment cup increases from bottom to top to facilitate
gripping of the multicompartment cup.
3. The multicompartment cup of claim 1, wherein a height of the
upper compartment is greater than a height of the lower
compartment.
4. The multicompartment cup of claim 1, wherein a first contents of
the upper compartment and a second contents of the lower
compartment are packaged prior to inclusion in the multicompartment
cup.
5. The multicompartment cup of claim 4, wherein the first contents
includes at least one of cereal, oatmeal, grits, and yogurt.
6. The multicompartment cup of claim 4, wherein the second contents
includes at least one of toppings and other enhancements for the
first contents in the upper compartment.
7. The multicompartment cup of claim 1, wherein a first contents of
the upper compartment is free to move throughout the upper
compartment and a second contents of the lower compartment is free
to move throughout the lower compartment.
8. The multicompartment cup of claim 1, further comprising: a seal
affixed to a top of the upper compartment.
9. The multicompartment cup of claim 8, wherein the seal is
configured to be peeled open when a user is ready to consume food
contents of the multicompartment cup.
10. The multicompartment cup of claim 1, wherein contents of the
lower compartment are configured to be removed from the
multicompartment cup by at least one of breaking a secure tape
attaching the contents of the lower compartment to the cup, tearing
open a side of the lower compartment, applying pressure to a
perforated edge along a side of the lower compartment, and pulling
a tab that opens a side of the lower compartment.
11. The multicompartment cup of claim 1, wherein the eating utensil
is configured to be foldable.
12. The multicompartment cup of claim 1, wherein a material of
manufacture for the multicompartment cup is configured to withstand
hot and cold temperatures.
13. The multicompartment cup of claim 1, further comprising: a
label affixed on an exterior surface of the multicompartment
cup.
14. A multicompartment cup comprising: an upper compartment; a
lower compartment; a divider separating the upper compartment from
the lower compartment; and a seal covering a top of the upper
compartment, wherein a diameter of the multicompartment cup
increases from a bottom of the multicompartment cup to a top of the
multicompartment cup.
15. The multicompartment cup of claim 14, further comprising: a
foldable eating utensil attached to the multicompartment cup.
16. The multicompartment cup of claim 14, wherein the upper
compartment has a conical cross-section.
17. The multicompartment cup of claim 14, wherein the lower
compartment has a rectangular cross-section.
18. The multicompartment cup of claim 14, wherein a height of the
upper compartment is greater than a height of the lower
compartment.
19. A cup comprising: a conical upper compartment housing a first
food product; a rectangular lower compartment housing a second food
product; a divider separating the upper compartment from the lower
compartment; and an eating utensil affixed to the cup.
20. The cup of claim 19, further comprising: a seal removably
affixed to a top of the upper compartment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/472,553, filed Apr. 6, 2011, and entitled
"Enhanced Multicompartment Cup," the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to an enhanced multicompartment cup
for separately containing consumables therein and for allowing the
contents of one of the compartments to be accessed, mixed, and
eaten with the contents of another compartment.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Today, cups and bowls exist for food products to be added
with water and/or milk or even microwaved. At times, a second cup
and/or bowl may be available for holding toppings that may be added
to the main food product. Two or more cups may be put together by
using technologies such as shrink wrap and may require additional
operation for use. For instance, before consumption, a user may
have to break the plastic (e.g., film) to reach the two or more
cups. These implementations may thus use more plastic and/or other
packaging than desirable. Also, the user may have to look for a
spoon to eat the food product.
[0004] Furthermore, it is increasingly common for foods to be
purchased in containers from grocery stores, convenience stores,
and fast food outlets in packages that also act as the container
from which the foods are consumed. As a result of this general
trend, a particular need exists for multicompartment containers
that allow the packaging of two or more consumables which are
intended to be consumed together, but cannot be packaged together
in direct contact with each other, because to do so would
compromise the freshness, crispness, or texture of one or more of
the consumables.
[0005] The need also exists for a multicompartment container which
is easy to grip, provides a space convenient for mixing the
consumables together without spilling, and is convenient to eat
from once the consumables are mixed together. Moreover, such a
container needs to be relatively compact, attractive, simple and
inexpensive to manufacture. A further need of the multicompartment
container is that it must be capable of efficient filling of each
of the separate consumables during mass processing, and thereafter
be provided with a reliable and secure seal to close the
container.
[0006] A need exists for a multicompartment container device
wherein the compartments are positioned together in a manner which
does not create any voids or crevices into which food or foreign
products might enter. When this occurs, it results not only in an
unsightly appearance, but also presents the possibility of the
development of an unhealthy or unsanitary condition.
[0007] A number of multicompartment container packages have been
disclosed in the prior art, each with their own particular
shortcomings For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,349,941 discloses an
upper container suitable for storing fresh fruit and removably
mounted within a larger lower container suitable for storing
cottage cheese. This patent, however, does not provide a lower
compartment with reduced diameter for the purpose of allowing the
container to be conveniently gripped during the consumption of its
contents. This patent also does not provide a container having an
upper compartment of increased diameter relative to the lower
compartment for conveniently receiving and mixing the food product
from the removed lower compartment.
[0008] The need exists for a multicompartment container device for
storing two or more consumables that is convenient to grip and
minimizes spilling when the two consumables are combined and
consumed from the container device. The multicompartment container
device also needs to have one container removably secured to the
other container in a manner which does not create voids or crevices
in places that might allow unwanted food or foreign products to
accumulate.
SUMMARY
[0009] In light of the foregoing background, the following presents
a simplified summary of the present disclosure in order to provide
a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This
summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not
intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or
to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary
merely presents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form
as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below.
[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a
multicompartment cup that allows two or more different consumables
to be stored separately. During use, the contents of one of the
compartments may be detached from the multicompartment cup and
mixed with the contents of another compartment.
[0011] In certain aspects, an upper compartment may be conical in
shape and a lower compartment may be rectangular in shape.
[0012] In certain aspects, a removable seal may cover each of the
compartments and a spoon may be attached to the multicompartment
cup to allow the contents of the cup to be eaten.
[0013] This summary is intended to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. The summary is not intended to be used to
limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A more complete understanding of aspects of the present
disclosure and the advantages thereof may be acquired by referring
to the following description in consideration of the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features,
and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a first side view of a multicompartment
cup in accordance with certain aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a first top-down view of a
multicompartment cup in accordance with certain aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a second top-down view of a
multicompartment cup in accordance with certain aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a third top-down view of a
multicompartment cup in accordance with certain aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a second side view of a multicompartment
cup in accordance with certain aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth top-down view of a
multicompartment cup in accordance with certain aspects of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In the following description of the various embodiments,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part
hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various
embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be
understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural
and functional modifications may be made.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a first side view of a multicompartment
cup in accordance with at least one aspect of the present
disclosure. Cup 100 may be manufactured from a variety of
materials, including plastic, paper, citrus-based fiber,
biodegradable materials, metal, etc. FIG. 1 shows one possible set
of dimensions (e.g., in inches) for various parts of the cup 100.
Although any number of compartments may be present, FIG. 1 shows
cup 100 with an upper compartment 101 and a lower compartment 103.
As is shown in FIG. 1, upper compartment 101 may have a conical
cross-section and lower compartment 103 may have a rectangular
cross-section. As shown, the diameter of cup 100 may increase from
bottom to top to allow a user of cup 100 to easily grip the cup 100
at the bottom. Moreover, the larger diameter size of the upper
compartment 101 may allow more food product to fit into the upper
compartment 101 and may aid in minimizing spilling when the
contents of the two compartments that are mixed together in the
upper compartment 101. Also, the smaller diameter of the cup 100 at
the bottom may allow the cup 100 to more easily fit into a cup
holder.
[0023] The height and size of cup 100 may be adjusted according to
a given application. In addition, the height and size of the upper
compartment 101 and the lower compartment 103 may be adjusted as
needed. In some embodiments, the height of the upper compartment
101 may be greater than the height of the lower compartment 103, as
shown in FIG. 1. In certain aspects, the contents of the upper
compartment 101 and/or the lower compartment 103 may be packaged
prior to inclusion in cup 100. For instance, if cereal or oatmeal
is present in the upper compartment 101, a pouch of raisins may be
packaged and placed into the lower compartment 103 for use as a
topping on the cereal in upper compartment 101. In other
embodiments, the contents of compartments 101 and 103 may not be
packaged prior to being housed in the cup 100. Rather, the food
products placed into upper compartment 101 and lower compartment
103 may be free to move throughout the confines of their respective
compartments.
[0024] Cup 100 may be a compact, simple, attractive, and
inexpensive structure molded to have two or more compartments that
are sealed to allow different food products to be stored
separately. The upper compartment 101 of cup 100 may include a main
product (e.g., cold cereal, oatmeal, grits, any milled grain
product, yogurt, etc.). In certain embodiments, the product may be
a dry product and may be sealed over the upper compartment 101. The
lower compartment 103 may include another food product (e.g.,
toppings, enhancements, etc.) separated from the food product of
the upper compartment 101. In addition, the cup 100 may include an
eating utensil (e.g., spoon, fork, etc.) attached to the cup 100.
In certain aspects, the eating utensil may be foldable so that a
user may eat the food products inside cup 100 anywhere (e.g., home,
school, office, on-the-go, etc.).
[0025] When a user is ready to eat the contents of cup 100, the
user may peel open a seal covering the upper compartment 101 (e.g.,
by pulling a tab, by cutting the seal open, by puncturing the seal,
etc.). The user may then remove the contents of the lower
compartment 103 from the cup 100. The contents of the lower
compartment 103 may be removed from cup 100 in a variety of ways;
for instance, a user may break a secure tape attaching the contents
of the lower compartment 103 to the cup 100, may tear open a side
of lower compartment 103, may apply pressure to a perforated edge
along the side of lower compartment 103, and/or may pull on a tab
that opens a side of lower compartment 103, among other things Then
the user may add water/milk as necessary to the contents of the
upper compartment 101 and microwave or otherwise heat the contents
of the upper compartment 101 as necessary. Thus, the cup 100 may be
manufactured to withstand hot/cold temperatures and may be
configured to hold solid as well as liquid food products.
[0026] In other embodiments, water, milk, or other liquids may be
added to the contents of the lower compartment 103 and/or the
contents of the lower compartment 103 may be heated/microwaved as
necessary.
[0027] Once the contents of the lower compartment 103 are opened,
the contents of the lower compartment 103 may be poured and/or
otherwise added to the upper compartment 101. The eating utensil
provided with the cup 100 may be used to mix the contents of the
two compartments and to eat the mixed contents.
[0028] Thus, cup 100 does not require shrink wrap to hold the two
compartments 101 and 103 together. As a result, less plastic may be
needed to seal cup structure 100. Finally, the inclusion of an
eating utensil may allow a user to consume the contents of cup 100
at any time, without having to look for an eating utensil.
[0029] As mentioned earlier, the cup 100 may be molded to include
two or more compartments. Because the molding process produces a
sturdy divider between the compartments, no voids or crevices that
may allow food or foreign products to enter are created. In other
words, the consumable in one compartment may be reliably separated
from the contents of the other compartments without the possibility
of food particulates being lodged in between the compartments. In
addition, cup 100 may be capable of efficient filling of each of
the separate consumables during mass processing.
[0030] Cup 100 may also include a label on an exterior surface; the
label may allow users to follow directions printed thereon for
using cup 100. In addition, as discussed previously, cup 100 may
comprise a package that includes a main food item, a topping, and a
spoon for an all-in-one, eat anywhere, eat anytime product.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a first top-down view 200 of a
multicompartment cup in accordance with at least one aspect of the
present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2 shows one possible set of
dimensions (e.g., in inches, etc.) for the circumference of the
upper compartment 101 in cup 100. Similarly, FIG. 3 illustrates a
second top-down view 300 of a multicompartment cup in accordance
with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In particular,
FIG. 3 shows one possible set of dimensions (e.g., in inches, etc.)
for the inner and outer circumferences of the lower compartment 103
in cup 100. Here, the inner circumference may refer to the
circumference when the wall thickness of the compartment is not
included and the outer circumference may refer to the circumference
when the wall thickness of the compartment is included. FIG. 4
illustrates a third top-down view 400 of a multicompartment cup in
accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In
particular, FIG. 4 shows a possible set of dimensions (e.g., in
inches, etc.) for the circumference of cup 100 at a given point
along the height of cup 100. FIG. 5 illustrates a second side view
500 of a multicompartment cup in accordance with at least one
aspect of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 5 shows a
possible set of lateral dimensions (e.g., in inches, etc.) of the
cup 100 at a given height (with and without wall thicknesses).
Finally, FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth top-down view 600 of a
multicompartment cup in accordance with at least one aspect of the
present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 6 shows a possible set of
dimensions (e.g., in inches, etc.) for the circumference of cup 100
at a given point along the height of cup 100.
[0032] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the
scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the
invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative
combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or
evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different
combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present
invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes
known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled
in the art to utilize the invention.
* * * * *