U.S. patent application number 14/026268 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-17 for collapsible cup for zero waste applications.
The applicant listed for this patent is Diane Perlman. Invention is credited to Diane Perlman.
Application Number | 20140103036 14/026268 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45095396 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140103036 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perlman; Diane |
April 17, 2014 |
COLLAPSIBLE CUP FOR ZERO WASTE APPLICATIONS
Abstract
The present disclosure teaches a collapsible vessel and also a
method of reducing waste. The collapsible vessel has a mechanism
that maintains its rigidity in its expanded form, yet allows it to
be collapsed when desired. The vessel also has a removable lid, and
the vessel, lid, or both may carry logos or other images or
indicia, particularly those of restaurant or beverage chains.
Inventors: |
Perlman; Diane; (Washington,
DC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Perlman; Diane |
Washington |
DC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45095396 |
Appl. No.: |
14/026268 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13158056 |
Jun 10, 2011 |
8556099 |
|
|
14026268 |
|
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61397536 |
Jun 11, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/086 20130101;
A45F 3/20 20130101; B65D 11/1873 20130101; B65D 11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/8 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/08 20060101
B65D021/08 |
Claims
1. A vessel comprising: a bottom cylindrical ring having an
inwardly protruding groove running from the top of said bottom ring
to a termination in a vicinity of the bottom of said bottom ring,
said termination creating a locking pin; and an inwardly protruding
locking dent running from the top of said bottom ring to the bottom
of said bottom ring, and wherein said locking dent is substantially
parallel to said groove; a middle ring, wherein the middle ring has
a middle wall, the middle wall having upper and lower middle edges,
inside and outside middle surfaces, upper and lower middle
diameters, a groove extending from the upper middle edge to the
lower middle edge, the groove having a pin block, an inwardly
protruding locking dent running from the upper middle edge to the
lower middle edge, and at least one pin located on the middle
inside surface proximate to the middle bottom edge, wherein the
middle ring is sized to be a nestable and twistable fit to the
outer surface of the bottom ring and wherein the middle ring
locking dent is being shaped, sized and located to be matching fit
to said bottom ring locking dent such that when the grooves of the
middle ring and the bottom ring are engaged, said locking dents are
also engaged; and a top cylindrical ring sized to be a nestable and
a twistable fit to the outer surface of said middle ring, wherein
said top ring comprises: an inwardly protruding groove running from
the top of said top ring to a termination in a vicinity of the
bottom of said top ring, said termination creating a locking pin,
said top ring groove being shaped and sized to be a matching fit to
said bottom ring groove; and an inwardly protruding locking dent
running from the top of said top ring to the bottom of said top
ring, and wherein said locking dent is substantially parallel to
said groove, and said top ring locking dent being shaped, sized and
located to be a matching fit to said middle ring locking dent such
that when said grooves are engaged, said locking dents are also
engaged; and wherein said top, middle and bottom rings are shaped
and sized such that in a compact configuration, said rings nest
inside each other with said grooves and locking dents nested inside
each other, and in an extended configuration said top ring extends
up beyond said middle ring and bottom ring, and said middle ring
extends up beyond said bottom ring, and said top ring groove is
aligned by twisting to engage with said middle ring locking dent,
and said middle ring groove is aligned by twisting to engage said
bottom ring locking dent, thereby resisting vertical forces.
2. The vessel of claim 1, wherein the vessel has a plurality of
middle rings, sized to be nestable and twistable fit to each other,
and wherein uppermost of the middle rings locks with the top ring
and lowermost of the middle rings locks with the bottom ring .
3. The vessel of claim 2, wherein the bottom ring upper diameter is
greater than the bottom ring lower diameter, the top ring upper
diameter is greater than the top ring lower diameter and each
middle ring upper middle diameter is greater than the middle ring
lower middle diameter.
4. The vessel of claim 2, wherein the top ring can be extended over
the bottom ring, and each ring has a portion of an image or logo on
the outside or inside surface that is completed with the top ring
is extended.
5. A vessel comprising: a bottom cylindrical ring; a top
cylindrical ring sized to be a nestable and a twistable fit to the
outer surface of said bottom ring; and wherein said bottom ring
comprises: an inwardly protruding groove running from the top of
said bottom ring to a termination in a vicinity of the bottom of
said bottom ring, said termination creating a locking pin; and an
inwardly protruding locking dent running from the top of said
bottom ring to the bottom of said bottom ring, and wherein said
locking dent is substantially parallel to said groove; and wherein
said top ring comprises: an inwardly protruding groove running from
the top of said top ring to a termination in a vicinity of the
bottom of said top ring, said termination creating a locking pin,
said top ring groove being shaped and sized to be a matching fit to
said bottom ring groove; and an inwardly protruding locking dent
running from the top of said top ring to the bottom of said top
ring, and wherein said locking dent is substantially parallel to
said groove, and said top ring locking dent being shaped, sized and
located to be a matching fit to said bottom ring locking dent such
that when said grooves are engaged, said locking rings are also
engaged; and wherein said top and bottom rings are shaped and sized
such that in a compact configuration, said rings nest inside each
other with said grooves and locking dents nested inside each other,
and in an extended configuration said top ring extends up beyond
said bottom ring, and said top ring groove is aligned by twisting
to engage with said bottom ring locking dent, thereby resisting
vertical forces.
6. The vessel of claim 5, wherein the vessel further comprises a
removable lid.
7. The vessel of claim 5, wherein the locking dent is a separate
groove.
8. The vessel of claim 5, wherein the vessel is a cup.
9. The vessel of claim 5, wherein there is a volume indication on
the inside surface.
10. The vessel of claim 5, wherein there is a volume indication on
the outside surface.
11. The vessel of claim 5, wherein the vessel is made of
plastic.
12. The vessel of claim 5, wherein the bottom ring upper diameter
is greater than the bottom ring lower diameter and the top ring
upper diameter is greater than the top ring lower diameter.
13. A vessel comprising: a plurality of interlocking concentric
ellipses having a long axis and a short axis wherein the vessel is
readily collapsible when a force is applied to the short axis and
resists collapsing when a force is applied to the long axis.
14. The vessel of claim 13 wherein the vessel is a plastic cup.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a continuation application and claims
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/158,056 filed on
Jun. 10, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. provisional
application No. 61/397,536, filed on Jun. 11, 2010 and both of
which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to collapsible cups useful for
containing beverages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The idea of manufacturing cups which collapse and can be
re-expanded is attractive because of the reduction in storage and
transportation space for the cup. Many attempts have been made in
the prior art to perfect such a cup; examples are cited below.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 988,453 teaches a collapsible drinking cup
that is disposable, and is designed to be used once and then thrown
away.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 1,010,581 teaches a collapsible drinking cup
that has telescoping sections, a folding handle, a base plate, and
a box or container for the cup.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 1,025,380 teaches a collapsible drinking cup
made from water proof material such as sheet rubber, and has a
support for the cup in its extended position.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 1,033,744 teaches a collapsible cup with
flexible walls so that it can be twisted and folded.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 1,049,199 teaches a collapsible drinking cup
with a handle and a spring mechanism that engages to expand the cup
when the handle is released.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 1,482,425 teaches a collapsible drinking cup
composed of telescopic tapering sections which engage each other
when turned such that the head on one section engages against the
edge of the adjoining section and thereby the sections are locked
together.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,736,285 teaches a collapsible container such
as a drinking cup that has a disk-shaped bottom and a disk-shaped
cover which fit one within the other and engage by catches. A
molded inner cup body has its base connected to the bottom and a
mouth surrounded with a ring which seals to the cover and springs
up from the bottom to erect the cup when the catches are
released.
[0011] US Application 20030160055 teaches a collapsible container
such as a drinking cup that has a disk-shaped bottom and a
disk-shaped cover which fit one within the other and engage by
catches. A molded inner cup body has its base connected to the
bottom and a mouth surrounded with a ring which seals to the cover
and springs up from the bottom to erect the cup when the catches
are released.
[0012] US Application 20070029213 teaches an article dispenser
having a detachable base, one or more detachable trays, and a
detachable cup. The base, tray, and cup have corresponding
cylindrical sidewalls to permit vertical stacking, attachment, and
rotation. The tray consists generally of a hollow cavity for
storing articles such as pills or vitamins and an outlet appendage
through which the articles may be dispensed. Stacking a tray atop
the base and then turning the tray with a clockwise, rotating
motion guides the tray to a centered position and secures it to the
base. The base, one or more trays, and the cup may be stacked in
this manner to assemble the device. Rotating a stacked and secured
tray further clockwise, beyond its centered position, reveals the
tray outlet appendage and enables the user to dispense a loaded
item. Conversely, rotating a stacked and secured tray
counter-clockwise, beyond its centered position, releases the tray
and enables it to be removed from the stack and filled. The cup is
configured to contain and dispense liquid for drinking, thus aiding
in the act of consumption.
[0013] International Patent WO1998051186 teaches a collapsible
drinking cup comprising several telescopically movable concentric
engaging ring elements , which cup is provided with a cylindrical
cover and a bottom support, where the innermost concentric ring
element is fastened to the bottom support. The cover comprises at
least a plane part provided with a closing member of the same
material, and the bottom support is provided with at least one
concentric flange.
[0014] The present invention is an improvement over the prior art
in a number of ways. The present invention is not only a
collapsible cup, but also is, in one embodiment, a method of
reducing waste. The present invention can be substituted for
disposable cups made of plastic, paper or cardboard, therefore
relieving the burden on landfills. The collapsible cup of the
present invention can be made out of durable materials that can be
used over and over again, materials that may not have even existed
when some of the prior art was published. The cup's collapsible
nature allows it to be conveniently transported in a user's pocket
or purse. The present design of the collapsible cup is unique,
because it has a removable lid and an era bottom. These features
allow the cup to be placed in a cup holder in a vehicle.
[0015] Several embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein
below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention is a vessel. The vessel has a bottom
ring having a bottom wall, the bottom wall having upper and lower
bottom edges, inside and outside bottom surfaces, upper and lower
bottom edge diameters, and a bottom disposed on the bottom wall.
The invention also has at least one groove extending from the upper
bottom edge to the lower bottom edge, the groove having a pin
block, at least one locking dent in proximity to the upper bottom
edge. The vessel has a top ring having a top wall, the top wall
having upper and lower top edges, inside and outside top surfaces,
upper and lower top edge diameters, and at least one groove
extending from the upper top edge to the lower top edge. The groove
has a pin block, at least one locking dent in proximity to the
upper top edge, and at least one pin located on the top inside
surface proximate to the top bottom edge.
[0017] Since the cup can be extended and locked into the open
position by twisting, it is also foreseeable that advertising
pictures or puzzles may be disposed on the inner or outer surfaces
of the rings to form a picture when the cop is in a fully open
position. The cup may also have markings on the internal surface to
indicate the volume of the beverage or other substance placed in
the cup.
[0018] The cup is ideally suited to be used as a promotional or
advertising tool for large restaurant or coffeehouse chains that
wish to promote their concern for the environment, specifically, by
reducing waste and the consumption of forest products.
[0019] The design of the present invention can also be expanded to
include other types of vessels as well such as bowls or vases, and
also could be used for animal dishes, which would be particularly
useful when traveling with an animal or taking a dog to a park or
other area for exercise. The vessel could also be used to contain
or house utensils or other items.
[0020] It is an object of the invention to be reusable.
[0021] It is an object of the invention to aid the environment by
reducing waste.
[0022] It is an object of the invention to be easily portable.
[0023] It is an object of the invention to be easily stored.
[0024] It is an object of the invention to be an advertising
medium.
[0025] It is an object of the invention to have a volume indication
on the outside surface.
[0026] It is an object of the invention to have a volume indication
on the inside surface.
[0027] It is an object of the invention to be used by a commercial
organization.
[0028] It is an object of the invention to be used by a beverage or
restaurant chain.
[0029] It is an object of the invention to be a method of reducing
waste by creating an incentive by an organization to use a
collapsible cup instead of disposable cups.
[0030] It is an object of the invention for the vessel to be made
of materials that aren't easily breakable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] A variety of the designs suitable for the cup and the
present invention are attached as drawings. There are five
embodiments illustrated in the drawings.
[0032] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the first embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention in an extended
configuration.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention in a collapsed
configuration.
[0035] FIG. 3A is top view of the invention showing the interaction
between the top ring and middle ring.
[0036] FIG. 3B is a side view of the invention showing the
interaction between the top ring and the middle ring.
[0037] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the invention showing the
top ring and middle ring.
[0038] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the invention.
[0039] FIGS. 5-6 illustrate the second embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 5 is perspective view of the invention in a collapsed
configuration.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a side view of the invention in an extended
configuration.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates the third embodiment, and is a side view
of the invention in an extended configuration.
[0043] FIGS. 8-13 illustrate the fourth embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the invention in an
extended configuration.
[0045] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the invention in a
collapsed configuration.
[0046] FIG. 10 is a side cut-away view of the invention in an
extended configuration.
[0047] FIG. 11 is an inside cut-away view of the invention in an
extended configuration.
[0048] FIG. 12 is an inside cut-away view of the invention in a
collapsed configuration.
[0049] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a component of the
invention.
[0050] FIGS. 14-18 illustrate the fifth embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the invention in an
extended configuration.
[0052] FIG. 15 is a front view of the invention in an extended
configuration.
[0053] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the invention in a
collapsed configuration with a lid.
[0054] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the invention in a
collapsed configuration with the lid removed.
[0055] FIG. 18 is a front view of the invention in a collapsed
configuration.
[0056] FIGS. 19-20 illustrate the sixth embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 19 is a top view of the invention having an elliptical
shape and being held by the short axis.
[0058] FIG. 20 is a top view of the invention having an elliptical
shape and being held by the long axis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0059] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention in its expanded state. FIG. 1 shows a vessel
100 with a groove 110, a pin block 120, and a locking dent 140. The
locking dent 140 is a separate groove from the groove 110. These
features allow the cup to be collapsed and expanded.
[0060] FIG. 1 also shows a bottom ring 200, bottom ring bottom wall
upper bottom edge 220, bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge
230, bottom ring bottom wall outside bottom surface 250, and a
bottom disposed on bottom wall 280.
[0061] Also shown in FIG. 1 is a top ring 300, with a top lip 305,
top ring top wall upper top edge 320, top ring top wall lower top
edge 330, top ring top wall outside top surface 350, a top ring top
wall upper top edge diameter 360, and a top ring top wall lower top
edge diameter 370. The top ring top wall upper top edge diameter
360 is larger than the top ring top wall lower top edge diameter
370; this allows the rings to nestle inside each other when the
vessel 100 is collapsed.
[0062] There is also a removable lid 380. The removable lid 380 may
be completely removable, or may be tethered to the vessel 100 so
that it is partially removable. It may be tethered in any number of
ways, including but not limited to, using a hinge, a rivet, a snap,
a hook and loop fastener, or any means that allows the removable
lid 380 to be tethered to the vessel 100, either in a permanent way
or in a way such that it can be fastened on and later removed if
desired. For instance, a hook and loop fastener or snap on the
outside of the vessel 100 corresponding to a mate on the removable
lid 380 may be employed to keep the removable lid 380 tethered to
the vessel 100 when the removable lid 380 is removed from the top
of the vessel to allow drinking or eating. A hinge or rivet would
keep the removable lid 380 tethered to the vessel 100 in a more
permanent manner.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, the vessel 100 has a middle ring 400,
with a middle ring middle wall upper middle edge 420, a middle ring
middle wall lower middle edge 430, and a middle ring middle wall
outside middle surface 450. The figure shows four middle rings, but
there can be any number of middle rings, from one to 100. The
preferred number of middle rings is [4]
[0064] Although the preferred shape for the vessel 100 is round, it
can be any shape, including but not limited to, square,
rectangular, star shaped, pyramid shaped, shaped like a figure,
such as but not limited to, a tree, a bird, a vehicle, or any
figure desired.
[0065] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the rings of the vessel are
different shades. The rings and removable lid may be any color or
colors, may be the same for all rings and the removable lid,
different for each ring and the removable lid, or any combination
thereof, and may contain indicia, figures, patterns, or images on
the inside, outside, or both, and on the entire vessel or removable
lid, or any portion thereof.
[0066] The indicia may take a wide variety of forms, including but
not limited to, advertisements, names (for instance, a company such
as a restaurant chain, or a person's name), other personalized
information, astrological signs, slogans, logos or trademarks,
birthdates, or any other desired indicia.
[0067] The figures may include but are not limited to,
advertisements, logos, media or other characters, animals, plants,
drawings, inanimate objects, or any other desired figure.
[0068] The patterns may include but are not limited to, patterns,
designs, color patterns, or any desired pattern.
[0069] The images may include but are not limited to, images of
people, plants, animals, places, storefronts, media images,
holographic images, digitally created or captured images, or any
image desired. In addition, combinations of the media forms above
may be employed. For instance, combinations of media include but
are not limited to, comic strips, jokes, logos that contain both
figures or images with indicia, characters with indicia, or any
combinations desired. The indicia, figures, patterns, images or
other media may be placed on the vessel such that they are
completed and viewable when the vessel is extended, either on the
outside or inside of the vessel or on both.
[0070] The vessel may contain a volume indication, either on the
outside, inside, or both. The volume indication may include, but is
not limited to, a color change or change to translucence caused by
liquid inside the vessel, markings on the vessel, a window in the
vessel, or the vessel may be entirely transparent so the volume is
easily discernable.
[0071] The indicia, figures, patterns, images or other media may be
placed on the vessel through any process, including but not limited
to, printing, stamping, engraving. In addition, the indicia,
figures, patterns, images or other media may be two dimensional or
three dimensional on any portion or on all of the vessel or
removable lid.
[0072] The vessel and removable lid may be made from or contain any
material, and need not be made from the same material. A preferred
material is plastic, but other materials that may be used include
but are not limited to, rubbers, thermoplastics, elastomers,
fabrics, glass products such as but not limited to fiberglass,
animal products such as but not limited to leather, plant products
such as but not limited to bamboo, foams, metals such as but not
limited to aluminum, wood or wood products, paper or paper
products, waxes, or any combination of these or other
materials.
[0073] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention in a collapsed
configuration. Shown in FIG. 2 is a vessel 100 with a groove 110, a
pin block 120, and a locking dent 140. These features allow the cup
to be collapsed and expanded.
[0074] FIG. 2 also shows a bottom ring 200, a bottom ring bottom
wall inside bottom surface 240, a bottom disposed on bottom wall
280, a top ring 300, with a top lip 305, a removable lid 380, and a
middle ring 400.
[0075] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an invention component; there
are three views in FIG. 3: FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, and FIG. 3c. They show
a detailed view of the mechanism that allows the vessel 100 to
expand and collapse.
[0076] FIG. 3a shows a portion of the vessel 100 with a groove 110,
a pin block 120, and a locking dent 140. Also shown in FIG. 3a is a
top ring 300, top ring top wall lower top edge 330, top ring top
wall outside top surface 350; and a middle ring 400, with a middle
ring middle wall upper middle edge 420, and a middle ring middle
wall outside middle surface 450.
[0077] FIG. 3b shows a portion of the vessel 100 with a groove 110,
a pin block 120, and a locking dent 140. Also shown in FIG. 3b is a
top ring 300, top ring top wall lower top edge 330, top ring top
wall outside top surface 350; and a middle ring 400, with a middle
ring middle wall upper middle edge 420, and a middle ring middle
wall outside middle surface 450.
[0078] FIG. 3c shows a portion of the vessel 100, with groove 110,
pin block 120, pin 130, and locking dent 140. FIG. 3c also shows
top ring 300, with top ring top wall upper top edge 320, top ring
top wall lower top edge 330, top ring top wall inside top surface
340, top ring top wall outside top surface 350; and middle ring
400, with middle ring middle wall upper middle edge 420, middle
ring middle wall lower middle edge 430, middle ring middle wall
inside middle surface 440, and middle ring middle wall outside
middle surface 450.
[0079] The pin 130 may be attached to the vessel 100 in any manner
and in any place on the vessel, but it is preferred that the pin
130 be welded to the top wall inside surface.
[0080] As can be seen from the three views in FIG. 3, the
expand/collapse operation of the vessel 100 is enabled by the pin
and groove assembly. When the vessel 100 is collapsed, the pin
block 120 is not blocking the pin 130, and the pin block 120 slides
through the groove 110 to allow the rings of the vessel to nestle
inside each other. When rings of the vessel 100 are pulled upward
and twisted to expand the vessel 100, the pin block 120 blocks the
pin 130 and the locking dent 140 to keep the vessel from
collapsing. FIG. 3a shows the vessel 100 partially twisted, so that
the pin block 120 is not blocking the pin 130 and locking dent 140.
FIG. 3b shows the vessel 100 twisted to its full capacity, so that
the pin block 120 is now blocking the pin 130 and the locking dent
140. FIG. 3c shows the vessel twisted to full capacity, and also
shows the pins 130 on the middle ring middle wall inside middle
surface 440.
[0081] FIG. 4 shows the vessel 100 with groove 110, locking dent
140, bottom ring 200, bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge
diameter 260, bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter
270, bottom disposed on bottom wall 280, top ring 300, top ring top
wall upper top edge diameter 360, top ring top wall lower top edge
diameter 370, removable lid 380, middle ring 400, middle ring
middle wall upper middle diameter 460, and middle ring middle wall
lower middle diameter 470.
[0082] FIG. 4 illustrates how a vessel 100 with a plurality of
rings may be assembled. As can be seen in FIG. 4, if all of the
grooves 110 are lined up such that the locking dents 140 and pins
(shown in FIG. 3) are blocked by the pin block (shown in FIG. 3),
then the vessel 100 is expanded to its full capacity. This figure
also illustrates that vessel 100 may be partially expanded if the
user doesn't wish to use the full capacity of the vessel.
[0083] FIGS. 5-6 show an alternative embodiment of the invention.
The major differences between this embodiment and the first
embodiment are that a handle replaces the pin and groove as a
stabilizing feature, and an era bottom is added to this
embodiment.
[0084] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention in a collapsed
configuration. FIG. 5 shows vessel 100 with bottom ring 200, bottom
ring bottom wall upper bottom edge 220, bottom ring bottom wall
inside bottom surface 240, bottom disposed on bottom wall 280, era
bottom 290, top ring 300, top ring top wall upper top edge 320, top
ring top wall lower top edge 330, top ring top wall outside top
surface 350, middle ring 400, middle ring middle wall upper middle
edge 420, handle 500, and hinge 510.
[0085] FIG. 6 is side view of the invention in an extended
configuration. FIG. 6 shows the vessel 100 with bottom ring 200,
bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge 220, bottom ring bottom
wall lower bottom edge 230, bottom ring bottom wall outside bottom
surface 250, bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter
260, bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter 270, bottom
disposed on bottom wall 280, and era bottom 290.
[0086] Also shown in FIG. 6 is top ring 300, top ring top wall
upper top edge 320, top ring top wall lower top edge 330, top ring
top wall inside top surface 340, top ring top wall outside top
surface 350, top ring top wall upper top edge diameter 360, and top
ring top wall lower top edge diameter 370.
[0087] FIG. 6 also shows middle ring 400, middle ring middle wall
upper middle edge 420, middle ring middle wall lower middle edge
430, middle ring middle wall outside middle surface 450, middle
ring middle wall upper middle diameter 460, and middle ring middle
wall lower middle diameter 470.
[0088] Also illustrated in FIG. 6 is handle 500, vessel/handle
interface 505, and hinge 510.
[0089] FIGS. 5 and 6 show that the vessel 100 may be collapsed due
to the increasing diameters of the rings, which allows them to
nestle inside each other. In FIG. 5, the vessel 100 is collapsed,
and the handle 500 rests across the nestled rings. To extend the
vessel 100, the handle 500 is rotated upward using the hinge 510,
and the rings are pulled upward. After the vessel 100 is expanded,
the handle 500 is aligned such that it interfaces with the top ring
top wall outside top surface 350, using the vessel/handle interface
505. The reverse procedure is used to collapse the vessel 100.
[0090] The handle 500 may be adjustable to any height so that it
may be interfaced with any spot or spots on the vessel 100, and any
ring may contain the vessel/handle interface 505. The vessel/handle
interface 505 may be any interface that adds stability to the
vessel 100 in the expanded configuration, including but not limited
to, an indentation, a slot, a magnetic interface, in which the
magnet could be in the handle or the vessel or in both, a pressure
interface, or any other interface desired.
[0091] The material components and dimensions are the same for this
embodiment as described above for the first embodiment.
[0092] FIG. 7 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention,
which is different from the previous embodiments because of the
handle 500. FIG. 7 is side view of the invention in an extended
configuration. FIG. 7 shows the vessel 100 with bottom ring 200,
bottom disposed on bottom wall 280, top ring 300, top ring top wall
inside top surface 340, and middle ring 400. Also illustrated in
FIG. 7 is handle 500, vessel/handle interface 505, and hinge
510.
[0093] FIG. 7 shows a handle 500 that is used to stabilize the
vessel 100 in the extended configuration, much as the second
embodiment discussed above. This embodiment differs from the
previous embodiment in that the handle 500 has the hinge 510 at the
top instead of at the bottom, and the vessel/handle interface 505
at the bottom of the vessel 100, although it could be anywhere on
the vessel as discussed above. In this embodiment, the handle 500
is curved so that it can wrap around the ring 300 of the vessel 100
in the collapsed configuration.
[0094] FIGS. 8-13 illustrate the fourth embodiment. This embodiment
is different from the other embodiments in the manner in which the
extended configuration is stabilized and maintained. As in all the
other embodiments discussed previously, the diameters of the rings
are such that they may nestle inside each other when the vessel is
collapsed, with the top ring having the largest diameter, and the
upper edge diameter of any specific ring being greater than its
lower edge diameter.
[0095] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the invention in an
extended configuration. Shown is vessel 100 with bottom ring 200,
bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge 220, bottom ring bottom
wall lower bottom edge 230, bottom ring bottom wall outside bottom
surface 250, bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter
260, bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter 270, and
bottom disposed on bottom wall 280.
[0096] Also shown is top ring 300, with top lip 305, top ring top
wall upper top edge 320, top ring top wall lower top edge 330, top
ring top wall inside top surface 340, top ring top wall outside top
surface 350, top ring top wall upper top edge diameter 360, and top
ring top wall lower top edge diameter 370.
[0097] FIG. 8 also shows middle ring 400, middle ring middle wall
upper middle edge 420, middle ring middle wall lower middle edge
430, middle ring middle wall inside middle surface 440, middle ring
middle wall outside middle surface 450, middle ring middle wall
upper middle diameter 460, and middle ring middle wall lower middle
diameter 470.
[0098] FIG. 8 shows the outside of the vessel only. The stabilizing
mechanism is inside the walls of the vessel, and will be discussed
when shown in a cut-away view.
[0099] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the invention in a
collapsed configuration. FIG. 9 shows vessel 100, with bottom ring
200, bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge 220, bottom ring
bottom wall lower bottom edge 230, bottom ring bottom wall inside
bottom surface 240, bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge
diameter 260, and bottom disposed on bottom wall 280. Also shown
are top ring 300, top lip 305, top ring top wall upper top edge
320, top ring top wall lower top edge 330, top ring top wall
outside top surface 350, middle ring 400, and middle ring middle
wall upper middle edge 420.
[0100] FIG. 10 is a side cut-away view of the invention in an
extended configuration. Shown in FIG. 10 is vessel 100 sliding
groove 150, interlocking pin block 160, bottom ring 200, bottom
ring bottom wall upper bottom edge 220, bottom ring bottom wall
lower bottom edge 230, bottom ring bottom wall inside bottom
surface 240, bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter
260, bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter 270, and
bottom disposed on bottom wall 280.
[0101] FIG. 10 also shows top ring 300, top lip 305, top ring top
wall upper top edge 320, top ring top wall lower top edge 330, top
ring top wall inside top surface 340, top ring top wall upper top
edge diameter 360, and top ring top wall lower top edge diameter
370.
[0102] Also shown is middle ring 400, middle ring middle wall upper
middle edge 420, middle ring middle wall lower middle edge 430,
middle ring middle wall inside middle surface 440, middle ring
middle wall upper middle diameter 460, and middle ring middle wall
lower middle diameter 470.
[0103] FIG. 11 is an inside cut-away view of the invention in an
extended configuration. FIG. 11 shows vessel 100 with sliding
groove 150, interlocking pin block 160, bottom ring 200, bottom
ring bottom wall upper bottom edge 220, bottom ring bottom wall
lower bottom edge 230, bottom ring bottom wall inside bottom
surface 240, bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter
260, bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter 270, bottom
disposed on bottom wall 280,
[0104] FIG. 11 also shows top ring 300, top lip 305, top ring top
wall upper top edge 320, top ring top wall lower top edge 330, top
ring top wall inside top surface 340, top ring top wall upper top
edge diameter 360, top ring top wall lower top edge diameter
370.
[0105] Also shown in FIG. 11 is middle ring 400, middle ring middle
wall 410, middle ring middle wall upper middle edge 420, middle
ring middle wall lower middle edge 430, middle ring middle wall
inside middle surface 440, middle ring middle wall upper middle
diameter 460, middle ring middle wall lower middle diameter
470.
[0106] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the stabilizing mechanism of the
vessel, which is a sliding groove 150 and interlocking pin block
160. In order to expand the vessel 100 from the collapsed
configuration, the vessel 100 is twisted while pulling up, thus
enabling the interlocking pin block 160 to slide in the sliding
groove 150 until it reaches pin 130, which holds the expanded
configuration stable. To collapse the vessel, the vessel is twisted
in the opposite direction while pushing down.
[0107] FIG. 12 is an inside cut-away view of the invention in a
collapsed configuration. FIG. 12 shows vessel 100 with sliding
groove 150, interlocking pin block 160, bottom ring 200, bottom
disposed on bottom wall 280, top ring 300, top lip 305, and middle
ring 400. This figure illustrates that the stabilizing mechanism
resides in the wall of the vessel 100, thus reducing possibility of
damage to the mechanism.
[0108] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the stabilizing component of
the invention. FIG. 13 shows a middle ring 400 with sliding groove
150 and interlocking pin block 160, and pin 130. As described
above, the interlocking pin block 160 slides along the sliding
groove 150 as the vessel 100 is twisted and pulled up, until the
interlocking pin block 160 encounters the pin 130, at which point
the vessel 100 is fully expanded and stabilized.
[0109] FIGS. 14-18 illustrate the fifth embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment, the middle ring(s) is the smallest
in diameter, the top ring is smaller in diameter than the bottom
ring, and the middle and top rings nestle in the bottom ring. This
differs from the previous embodiments, in that in the other
embodiments all of the rings nestled in the top ring.
[0110] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the invention in an
extended configuration. FIG. 14 shows the vessel 100 with bottom
ring 200, top ring 300, middle ring 400, and removable lid 380.
[0111] FIG. 15 is a front view of the invention in an extended
configuration. FIG. 15 shows vessel 100 with bottom ring 200,
bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge 220, bottom ring bottom
wall lower bottom edge 230, bottom ring bottom wall outside bottom
surface 250, bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge diameter
260, bottom ring and bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter
270.
[0112] Also shown in FIG. 15 is top ring 300, top ring top wall
upper top edge 320, top ring top wall lower top edge 330, top ring
top wall outside top surface 350, top ring top wall upper top edge
diameter 360, top ring top wall lower top edge diameter 370, and
removable lid 380.
[0113] FIG. 15 shows middle ring 400, middle ring middle wall upper
middle edge 420, middle ring middle wall lower middle edge 430,
middle ring middle wall outside middle surface 450, middle ring
middle wall upper middle diameter 460, middle ring middle wall
lower middle diameter 470.
[0114] As discussed above, one difference between this embodiment
and the other embodiments is the relative ring diameters. Not only
are the diameters equal in each of the rings, they are such that
bottom ring 200 is the largest. The largest diameter is the bottom
ring bottom wall lower bottom edge diameter 270, which in this
embodiment is equal to the bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom
edge diameter 260. The next largest diameter is the top ring top
wall lower top edge diameter 370, which is equal to the top ring
top wall upper top edge diameter 360. The smallest diameter is for
the middle ring 400, in which the middle ring middle wall upper
middle diameter 460 and middle ring middle wall lower middle
diameter 470 are equal.
[0115] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the invention in a
collapsed configuration with a lid. FIG. 16 shows vessel 100 with
bottom ring 200, bottom ring bottom wall upper top edge 220, bottom
ring bottom wall lower top edge 230, bottom ring bottom wall
outside top surface 250, and removable lid 380.
[0116] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the invention in a
collapsed configuration with the lid removed. FIG. 17 shows vessel
100 with bottom ring 200, bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge
230, bottom ring bottom wall outside bottom surface 250, and bottom
280. This figure illustrates that the middle ring 400 and top ring
300 nestle in the bottom ring 200.
[0117] Also shown in FIG. 17 is top ring 300, top ring top wall
upper top edge 320, top ring top wall lower top edge 330, top ring
top wall inside top surface 340, and middle ring 400 with middle
ring middle wall upper middle edge 420.
[0118] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the invention in a
collapsed configuration with the lid removed. FIG. 18 illustrates
the relative diameters of the top ring 300 and bottom rings 400,
and shows how the rings nestle. FIG. 18 shows vessel 100 with
bottom ring 200, bottom ring bottom wall upper bottom edge 220,
bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge 230, bottom ring bottom
wall outside bottom surface 250, top ring 300, top ring top wall
upper top edge 320, and top ring top wall outside top surface 350.
Also shown are the bottom ring bottom wall lower bottom edge
diameter 270, and the top ring top wall upper top edge diameter
360.
[0119] This embodiment is extended by pulling straight up on the
vessel 100. The rigidity of the construction materials are such
that the vessel stays extended until it is pushed down into the
collapsed configuration.
[0120] FIG. 19 is a top view of the invention being held in a
collapsible position. The vessel 100 has a series of interlocking
concentric ellipses 610. The ellipses 610 by definition have a
short axis (denoted by A-A') and a long axis (denoted by B-B') (see
FIG. 20). The user 600 consumes fluid or other food items from the
vessel 100 as previously described. Additionally, the vessel 100 is
readily collapsible without having to dismantle the entire
apparatus. The short axis A-A' is designed to flex in response to
an external force. Thus, a user 600 who squeezes the vessel along
the short axis A-A' can collapse the vessel 100 with little effort.
This makes the vessel 100 ideal for use amongst individuals of all
ages and health. The vessel 100 may simply fold flat in half or may
fold further to decrease the size of the vessel 100 for storage or
transportation.
[0121] FIG. 20 is a top view of the invention being held in the
drinking position. The vessel 100 is being held by the user 600
along the long axis B-B'. There is a spring like quality to the
vessel 100 when held in this position. The vessel 100 exerts a
force that must be overcome by the user 600 in order to collapse
the vessel 100 in this position. Thus, the vessel 100 will remain
open under normal circumstances when held in this position and used
for consuming fluid or other food items. When the user 600 is done
with the vessel 100 and it is emptied, the user 600 simply applies
a force to the short axis A-A' and the vessel 100 collapses for
transportation and storage.
[0122] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a cap that
seals the cup when collapsed and not in use. Cap may be removed and
used as housing of snack type food while user drinks from the
cup.
[0123] Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a cup that
may be squeezed to collapse. According to this embodiment one axis
of the cup resists flexing while the other one is more easily
flexed.
[0124] According to still another embodiment the cup can be
collapsed in relation to its vertical axis. According to this
embodiment one half of the cup is flexible rubber and the other
half is rigid piece so as to enable grasping the cup.
[0125] An even further embodiment provides a cup that opens like a
Chinese paper lantern.
[0126] According to another embodiment the cup opens to a cone.
According to this embodiment the cup may be made of waterproof
fabric.
[0127] Although this invention has been described with a certain
degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present
disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that
numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of
parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *