U.S. patent application number 15/605256 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-29 for method and apparatus for food and drink receptacle.
The applicant listed for this patent is John W. Choi, SeEun J. Choi. Invention is credited to John W. Choi, SeEun J. Choi.
Application Number | 20180339804 15/605256 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64400822 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180339804 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Choi; SeEun J. ; et
al. |
November 29, 2018 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FOOD AND DRINK RECEPTACLE
Abstract
An apparatus for holding food having a first inner chamber; and
a cup having a top opening leading to an inner chamber, wherein the
inner chamber of the cup is enclosed by a peripheral wall and a
bottom. The apparatus for holding food and the cup may be
configured to fit at least partially in the inner chamber of the
cup, while the apparatus for holding food and the cup are both in
an upright state, in a manner to allow liquid to sit on the bottom
of the cup without being contacted by the apparatus for holding
food, and to allow food to sit in the first inner chamber of the
apparatus for holding food without falling through. The apparatus
for holding food may have a circular shape, which covers the top
opening of the cup, except for one or more indentations, through
which a straw can be inserted.
Inventors: |
Choi; SeEun J.; (South
Plainfield, NJ) ; Choi; John W.; (South Plainfield,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Choi; SeEun J.
Choi; John W. |
South Plainfield
South Plainfield |
NJ
NJ |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64400822 |
Appl. No.: |
15/605256 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3205 20130101;
B65D 1/36 20130101; A47G 19/065 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02; A47G 19/22 20060101 A47G019/22; A47G 21/18 20060101
A47G021/18; B65D 1/36 20060101 B65D001/36 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: an apparatus for holding food having a
first inner chamber; and a cup having a top opening leading to an
inner chamber, wherein the inner chamber of the cup is enclosed by
a peripheral wall and a bottom; and wherein the apparatus for
holding food and the cup are configured so that the apparatus for
holding food fits at least partially in the inner chamber of the
cup, while the apparatus for holding food and the cup are both in
an upright state, in a manner to allow liquid to sit on the bottom
of the cup without being contacted by the apparatus for holding
food, and to allow food to sit in the first inner chamber of the
apparatus for holding food without falling through the apparatus
for holding food.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus for holding food
has a circular shape, which covers the top opening of the cup,
except for one or more indentations, through which a straw can be
inserted into the inner chamber of the cup to allow an end of the
straw to contact the bottom of the cup, when the apparatus for
holding food is at least partially inserted into the inner chamber
of the cup
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus for holding food
has a peripheral wall with an angle which is substantially parallel
to an angle of the peripheral wall of the cup, to allow the
peripheral wall of the apparatus for holding food to snugly fit
into the cup when the apparatus for holding food is at least
partially inserted into the inner chamber of the cup.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus for holding food
has a first section and a second section; wherein the first section
of the apparatus for holding food has a diameter which increases
from a junction with the second section to a top of the apparatus
for holding food; and wherein the second section of the apparatus
of holding food has a diameter which is less than the diameter of
the first section at the junction with the second section, and
which decreases to a bottom of the apparatus for holding food.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus for holding food
has ledge, and there is an opening in the ledge through which a
straw can be inserted into the inner chamber of the cup in order to
access liquid at the bottom of the cup.
6. A method comprising: inserting an apparatus for holding food
into a cup, such that the apparatus for holding food does not touch
an inner bottom surface of the cup; wherein the apparatus for
holding food has a first inner chamber; and the cup has a top
opening leading to an inner chamber, wherein the inner chamber of
the cup is enclosed by a peripheral wall and a bottom; and wherein
the apparatus for holding food and the cup are configured so that
the apparatus for holding food fits at least partially in the inner
chamber of the cup, while the apparatus for holding food and the
cup are both in an upright state, in a manner to allow liquid to
sit on the bottom of the cup without being contacted by the
apparatus for holding food, and to allow food to sit in the first
inner chamber of the apparatus for holding food without falling
through the apparatus for holding food.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the apparatus for holding food has
a circular shape, which covers the top opening of the cup, except
for one or more indentations, through which a straw can be inserted
into the inner chamber of the cup to allow an end of the straw to
contact the bottom of the cup, when the apparatus for holding food
is at least partially inserted into the inner chamber of the
cup
8. The method of claim 6 wherein the apparatus for holding food has
a peripheral wall with an angle which is substantially parallel to
an angle of the peripheral wall of the cup, to allow the peripheral
wall of the apparatus for holding food to snugly fit into the cup
when the apparatus for holding food is at least partially inserted
into the inner chamber of the cup.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein the apparatus for holding food has
a first section and a second section; wherein the first section of
the apparatus for holding food has a diameter which increases from
a junction with the second section to a top of the apparatus for
holding food; and wherein the second section of the apparatus of
holding food has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the
first section at the junction with the second section, and which
decreases to a bottom of the apparatus for holding food.
10. The method of claim 6 wherein the apparatus for holding food
has ledge, and there is an opening in the ledge through which a
straw can be inserted into the inner chamber of the cup in order to
access liquid at the bottom of the cup.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus
concerning receptacles for holding foods and drinks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The current items that allow people to carry drink and food
in one hand are large and bulky. They're often cup holders with
wings to hold food, and the drink cup is placed inside. This makes
the items heavy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One or more embodiments of the present invention, provide an
apparatus comprising an apparatus for holding food (or an
additional liquid in some embodiments) having a first inner
chamber; and a cup having a top opening leading to an inner
chamber, wherein the inner chamber of the cup is enclosed by a
peripheral wall and a bottom. The apparatus for holding food and
the cup may be configured so that the apparatus for holding food
fits at least partially in the inner chamber of the cup, while the
apparatus for holding food and the cup are both in an upright
state, in a manner to allow liquid to sit on the bottom of the cup
without being contacted by the apparatus for holding food, and to
allow food to sit in the first inner chamber of the apparatus for
holding food without falling through the apparatus for holding
food.
[0004] In at least one embodiment, the apparatus for holding food
has a circular shape, which covers the top opening of the cup,
except for one or more indentations, through which a straw can be
inserted into the inner chamber of the cup to allow an end of the
straw to contact the bottom of the cup, when the apparatus for
holding food is at least partially inserted into the inner chamber
of the cup
[0005] In at least one embodiment, the apparatus for holding food
has a peripheral wall with an angle which is substantially parallel
to an angle of the peripheral wall of the cup, to allow the
peripheral wall of the apparatus for holding food to snugly fit
into the cup when the apparatus for holding food is at least
partially inserted into the inner chamber of the cup.
[0006] In at least one embodiment, the apparatus for holding food
has a first section and a second section. The first section of the
apparatus for holding food may have a diameter which increases from
a junction with the second section to a top of the apparatus for
holding food; and the second section of the apparatus of holding
food may have a diameter which is less than the diameter of the
first section at the junction with the second section, and which
decreases to a bottom of the apparatus for holding food.
[0007] One or more embodiments of the present invention may also
include a method including inserting an apparatus for holding food
into a cup, such that the apparatus for holding food does not touch
an inner bottom surface of the cup. The apparatus of holding food
and the cup may be configured as previously described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1A shows a top perspective view of an apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 1B is the same as FIG. 1A, except FIG. 1B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 1B;
[0010] FIG. 2A shows a bottom perspective view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1A;
[0011] FIG. 2B is the same as FIG. 2A, except FIG. 2B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 2B;
[0012] FIG. 3A shows a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;
[0013] FIG. 3B is the same as FIG. 3A, except FIG. 3B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 3B;
[0014] FIG. 4A shows a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;
[0015] FIG. 4B is the same as FIG. 4A, except FIG. 4B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 4B;
[0016] FIG. 5A shows a right side view of the apparatus of FIG.
1A;
[0017] FIG. 5B is the same as FIG. 5A, except FIG. 5B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 5B;
[0018] FIG. 6A shows a left side view of the apparatus of FIG.
1A;
[0019] FIG. 6B is the same as FIG. 6A, except FIG. 6B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 6B;
[0020] FIG. 7A shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;
[0021] FIG. 7B is the same as FIG. 7A, except FIG. 7B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 7B;
[0022] FIG. 8A shows a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;
[0023] FIG. 8B is the same as FIG. 8A, except FIG. 8B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 8B;
[0024] FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of a cup of the prior
art;
[0025] FIG. 10 shows a top perspective view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1A, with a lip of the apparatus of FIG. 1A resting on an edge
of the cup of FIG. 9, and with the majority of the apparatus of
FIG. 1A inserted into a chamber of the cup of FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view as shown in FIG. 10 and
additionally with a straw shown inserted into the cup of FIG. 9,
and into liquid within the chamber of FIG. 9;
[0027] FIG. 12 shows a top perspective view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1A with a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1A sitting above a
further known cup, and a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1A
sitting inside of the further known cup;
[0028] FIG. 13A shows a top perspective view of another apparatus
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 13B is the same as FIG. 13A, except FIG. 13B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 13B;
[0030] FIG. 14A shows a front view of the apparatus of FIG.
13A;
[0031] FIG. 14B is the same as FIG. 14A, except FIG. 14B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 14B;
[0032] FIG. 15A shows a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 13A;
[0033] FIG. 15B is the same as FIG. 15A, except FIG. 15B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 15B;
[0034] FIG. 16A shows a left side view of the apparatus of FIG.
13A;
[0035] FIG. 16B is the same as FIG. 16A, except FIG. 16B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 16B;
[0036] FIG. 17A shows a right side view of the apparatus of FIG.
13A;
[0037] FIG. 17B is the same as FIG. 17A, except FIG. 17B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 17B;
[0038] FIG. 18A shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 13A;
[0039] FIG. 18B is the same as FIG. 18A, except FIG. 18B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 18B;
[0040] FIG. 19A shows a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG.
13A;
[0041] FIG. 19B is the same as FIG. 19A, except FIG. 19B does not
include any numbering or lead lines, except for the overall
apparatus designation number and lead line, to allow all viewable
features and curves to be clearly seen in FIG. 19B; and
[0042] FIG. 20 shows a top perspective view of the apparatus of
FIG. 13A with a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 13A sitting above
a known cup, and a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 13A sitting
inside of the known cup.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] FIG. 1A shows a top perspective view of an apparatus 1 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A
shows a bottom perspective view of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1A. FIG.
3A shows a front view of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 4A shows
a rear view of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 5A shows a right
side view of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 6A shows a left side
view of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 7A shows a top view of the
apparatus 1 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 8A shows a bottom view of the
apparatus 1 of FIG. 1A.
[0044] The apparatus 1 includes a substantially circular lip,
flange or rim 2, having indented sections 2a and 2b, wherein the
indented sections 2a and 2b are opposite one another or
substantially opposite one another. The indented sections 2a and 2b
allow sufficient space to insert a straw through the apparatus 1
into a chamber of a cup, as will be described with reference to
FIG. 11.
[0045] The apparatus 1 also includes a section 4 and a section 8
which are separated by a wall or divider 6. The apparatus 1 also
includes a peripheral lower wall 10 and a peripheral upper wall 12.
Wall 10 includes indented sections 10a and 10b; and wall 12
includes indented sections 12a and 12b. The upper wall 12 also
includes indented sections or ridges 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, and
12h, which may be located substantially uniformly about the
periphery of the wall 12, and may be used to strengthen the wall
12.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 2A, the apparatus 1 also includes a bottom
14, gap or slot 16, and a bottom 18. There is an inner chamber
formed in section 4, between the wall 10, the divider 6, and the
bottom 14, wherein the inner chamber of section 4 is closed except
for at the top in FIG. 1A. Similarly, there is an inner chamber
formed in section 8, between the wall 10, the divider 6, and the
bottom 18, wherein the inner chamber of section 8 is closed except
for at the top in FIG. 1A. Thus the inner chambers of sections 4
and 8, can hold food or liquid in the FIG. 11 combination
configuration, to be described, without food or liquid passing
through the apparatus 1 and into the inner chamber of the cup
100.
[0047] The apparatus 1 may be made entirely or substantially of a
molded plastic. FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of the cup 100
of the prior art. The cup 100 may include a peripheral wall 102, a
bottom 104, and an edge 106. An inner chamber 108 of the cup 100 is
enclosed by wall 102, and bottom 104, and is only open at the
top.
[0048] FIG. 10 shows a top perspective view of the apparatus 1 of
FIG. 1A, with a lip 2 of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1A resting on the
edge 106 of the cup 100 of FIG. 9, and with the majority of the
apparatus 1 of FIG. 1A inserted into a chamber 108 of the cup 100
of FIG. 9. The apparatus 1 is thus supported and suspended by the
lip 2 resting on the edge 106. Food or liquid can be placed in
either the inner chamber of section 4 or the inner chamber of
section 8, and it does not fall through the apparatus 1. While the
majority of apparatus 1 is in the chamber 108 of the cup 100, the
apparatus 1 remains suspended above the bottom 104 of the cup 100,
allowing liquid to remain in the cup 100 in the chamber 108, with
apparatus 1 suspended above the liquid so apparatus 1 does not
touch the liquid.
[0049] FIG. 11 shows a top perspective view as shown in FIG. 10 and
additionally with a straw 200 shown inserted into the cup 100 of
FIG. 9, and into liquid (having a height shown by dashed line 110)
within the chamber 108 of FIG. 9. The straw 200 includes an end
200a and an opposing end 200b inserted into the liquid, whose
height is shown by dashed line 110, in the inner chamber 108. A
part 202 of the straw 200 is outside of the cup 100 and a part 204
shown by dashed lines is inside the chamber 108 of the cup 100. The
straw 200 in FIG. 11 is shown inserted through an opening bounded
by the section 2a of the lid, rim, or flange 2, and the edge 106 of
the cup 100. Thus in one or more embodiments of the present
invention, a liquid may be provided in the inner chamber 108 of the
cup 1, below the apparatus 1, and food and/or liquids can be
provided in the inner chambers of sections 4 and 8 of the apparatus
1, separated from the liquid below the apparatus 1.
[0050] FIG. 12 shows a top perspective view of the apparatus 1 of
FIG. 1A with a portion of the apparatus 1 sitting above a further
known cup 300, and a portion of the apparatus 1 sitting inside of
the further known cup 300. The portion of the apparatus 1 sitting
above the further known cup may be substantially or entirely
defined by upper wall 12, and the portion of the apparatus 1
sitting within a chamber 308 of the cup 300 may be substantially or
entirely defined by the lower wall 12. The cup 300 and apparatus 1
combination of FIG. 12 may be preferred to allow more liquid, whose
extent or height is shown by dashed line 310 to be located inside
of the inner chamber 308, without being touched by the apparatus 1,
as opposed to the combination of FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 12 also
shows the straw 200 inserted, at least partially, in between region
2a of the lip 2 and the edge 306 of the cup 300 and at least
partially into inner chamber 308 of the cup 300 and into the liquid
in the inner chamber 308, whose height or extent is shown by dashed
line 310.
[0051] The cup 300 may be identical to the cup 200, except for
difference in size. The cup 300 may include edge 306, wall 302,
bottom 304, in addition to inner chamber 308.
[0052] The apparatus 1 may be substantially or entirely circular
with the exception of regions near 2a and 2b. As shown in FIG. 4,
the lip or flange 2 may have an outer diameter of D1, which may be
about five and five eighths inches, and an inner diameter of D2
which may be about five and one quarter inches. The portion,
substantially or entirely defined by the upper wall 12, may have an
inner diameter of D3 which may be about four and three eighths
inches. The portion substantially or entirely defined by the lower
wall 10, may have a bottom diameter of D4, which may be three and
three quarters inches. The diameter of the lower wall 10 may
gradually decrease from D3 at a junction with upper wall 12 to D4
where bottoms or bottom surfaces 14 and 18 are in FIG. 2. The
diameter of the upper wall 12 may gradually decrease from D2 at the
top where lip or flange 2 is to D3 at the junction with the lower
wall. 10.
[0053] In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the outer diameter D1
of the lip or flange 2 is at least greater than the inner diameter
D6 of the cup 100 shown in FIG. 9, which causes the apparatus 1 to
be suspended by lip or flange 2 resting on the edge 106 in FIGS. 10
and 11. The outer diameter D1 is typically greater than the outer
diameter D5 of the cup 100, and the inner diameter D2 of the lip or
flange 2 is typically about the size of the diameter D6 or less
than D6 in at least one embodiment to allow a substantial portion
or the entire lip 2 to be supported by and to rest on the edge
106.
[0054] In addition, the cup 100 and the apparatus 1 are preferably
carefully designed so that the angle of the wall 202 of the cup 100
corresponds to the angle of the upper wall 12 in FIGS. 10 and
11.
[0055] In the embodiment of FIG. 12, which is preferred, the angle
A of the lower wall 10 corresponds to the angle A of the wall 302
(with respect to vertical), when the apparatus 1 is partially
inserted as shown in FIG. 12. This keeps a snug fit and prevents
the apparatus 1 from substantially moving or falling out of the cup
300. In addition, in FIG. 12, the diameter D3, at the junction
between upper wall 12 and lower wall 10, shown in FIG. 4, is
slightly less than the inner diameter (corresponding to D6 of cup
100 shown in FIG. 9) of the cup 300, and the inner diameter D2 of
the lip or flange 2 is greater than the inner diameter
(corresponding to D6 of cup 100 shown in FIG. 9) of the cup 300, so
that the portion defined substantially or entirely by the upper
wall 12 is outside of the inner chamber 308 of the cup 300, and has
its weight resting on the edge 306 in the embodiment of FIG.
12.
[0056] The apparatus 1 and/or combination of apparatus 1 and cup
100, and/or combination of apparatus and cup 300, in one or more
embodiments, provides a drink and food combination that people can
carry easily with them. The apparatus 1 may be an insert that is
placed at the top of the cup 100, or at the top of cup 300 with an
opening or space for straw 200 so people can access the drink
underneath the food and/or apparatus 1, without lifting up the
apparatus 1.
[0057] The apparatus 1 may be a plastic container and can be used
to hold a variety of items, such as french fries, popcorn chicken,
dumplings, chicken cutlets, and chicken nuggets, etc. The food can
be cold or hot food--mini salads can be fit on top as well. The
apparatus 1 is designed to fit on top of plastic cups, such as cup
100 or cup 300 designed for cold drinks. However, the apparatus 1
can also be used on top of paper or Styrofoam cups for hot drinks;
and cup 100 or cup 300 may be any type of known cup. In one or more
embodiments, the diameter of the apparatus 1 may be of appropriate
dimension to fit on top of the appropriate cup openings, since cold
and hot drinks have different standard sizes. The apparatus 1 and
cup 100 or cup 300 combinations are ideal for places where people
are mobile while eating, or where convenience is important, such as
boardwalks, the beach, sporting stadiums, and concert venues.
[0058] The apparatus 1 may be made from a material such as PETE
(Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic or LDPE (Low-density
polyethylene) plastic. The apparatus 1 may be substantially
circular in size and shape (typically except for area around
indentations 2a and 2b). The outer diameter of the rim, lip, or
flange 2 may range from 3.75 to 5.5 inches, for different size
cups. The bottom diameter of the apparatus 1 may range from 2.75
inches to 4.25 inches. The apparatus 1 may have a total height of
about two and three quarters inches (including height of walls 10
and 12).
[0059] Different sizes for the apparatus 1 may be provided to fit
into top of plastic, disposable cups, such as Solo (trademarked)
cups, which hold a cold drink underneath. They can also be used
with paper cups holding hot drinks as well.
[0060] Instead of two indentations 2a and 2b, one indentation or
opening may be provided for insertion of a straw.
[0061] The apparatus 1 is ideal for a person to carry both the
drink and snack in one hand and have the other hand free for other
needs.
[0062] FIG. 13A shows a top perspective view of another apparatus,
apparatus 400, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0063] FIGS. 14A, 15A, 16A, 17A, 18A, and 19A show front, rear,
left, right, top, and bottom views of the apparatus 400 of FIG.
13A. FIGS. 14B, 15B, 16B, 17B, 18B, and 19B are the same as FIGS.
14A, 15A, 16A, 17A, 18A, and 19A, respectively, except FIGS. 14B,
15B, 16B, 17B, 18B, and 19B do not include any numbering or lead
lines, except for the overall apparatus designation number and lead
line, to allow all viewable features and curves to be clearly
seen.
[0064] The apparatus 400 includes a lip or flange 402, a pocket or
section 404, an upper wall 406, and a ledge 405, having a section
405a which may be perforated or cut in by an X cut or into four pie
sections, so a straw can be easily inserted through section 405a
into an inner chamber of a cup.
[0065] The apparatus 400 may also include a middle wall 403, and a
lower wall 408. The lower wall. 408 may have sections 408a, 408b,
408c, 408d, and 408e. The apparatus 400 may also include indented
step sections or ridge sections 407a, 407b, 407c, 407d, and 407e.
The pocket or section 404 may have an inner chamber which is bound
or defined by a bottom or bottom surface 410, lower wall. 408, and
step or ridge sections 407a, 407b, 407c, 407d, and 407e.
[0066] FIG. 20 shows a top perspective view of the apparatus 400 of
FIG. 13A with a portion of the apparatus 400, including upper wall
406, sitting above the known cup 300, and a portion of the
apparatus 400, including lower wall 408 and pocket section 404 of
FIG. 13A sitting inside of an inner chamber, similar or identical
to inner chamber 108 of cup 100, of the known cup 300. In FIG. 19,
food or liquid can be placed in the inner chamber of the pocket
section 404 without falling through the pocket section 404, and
into a liquid in the inner chamber of the cup 300, whose extent or
height is defined by dashed line 330. The straw 200 is shown,
partially inserted into the inner chamber of the cup 300. A section
200f of the straw 200 sits above the breakaway or bendable section,
and/or opening 405a of the ledge 405, and a section 200g of the
straw 200 sits below the upper wall 406. Part of the apparatus 400,
not shown, is inside of the inner chamber of the cup 300. The first
end of the straw 200a, is accessible for a person to use to drink
the liquid, whose extent is shown by dashed line 330, and a second
end of the straw 200b sits in the liquid in the inner chamber of
the cup 300. A person, can thus drink liquid from the inner chamber
of the cup 300 below the apparatus 400, and also eat food or obtain
liquid from the section 404 of the apparatus 400.
[0067] In at least one embodiment the lip 402 of the apparatus 400
has an outer diameter D8 shown in FIG. 14A; the upper wall 406 has
an inner diameter D9; and the middle wall 403 has an outer diameter
D10. In at least one embodiment, the inner diameter D9 of the upper
wall is about equal to the outer diameter of the cup 300
(corresponding to D5 in FIG. 9) and the middle wall 403 diameter
D10 is about equal to the inner diameter of the cup 300
(Corresponding to D6 in FIG. 9). This provides a snug fit, without
having the upper wall 406 be too large which might cause apparatus
400 to fall out of cup 300.
[0068] Although the invention has been described by reference to
particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and
modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled
in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent
all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly
be included within the scope of the present invention's
contribution to the art.
* * * * *