DE20311732U1 - Holder for drink cups has a flat shape with hinged tabs around an aperture into which the conical cup is placed - Google Patents

Abstract

A holder for drink cups has a flat shape with a flat handle (f) and a widened ring shaped end with a central aperture into which a conical cup is placed. Flaps (g) hinged on each side of the ring fold down and provide finger grips to hold the cup. A smaller tab ( c) fold down to prevent spilled drink dripping onto the fingers of the user. The flat handle can be folded down to form a simple cup handle for added support.

Description

Description: Cup holder with lid and coaster function State of the art

Various designs for cup holders made of different materials and cuts have been developed so far. Most of the variants relevant to the invention mentioned in claim 1 were developed and patented in the USA and are partly used there.

Most of the patents consist of more or less complex designs, the majority of which are made of solid materials such as plastic, which neither costly nor ecologically justify the mass use of disposable cups. Others, on the other hand, have to be folded, folded together, fastened or hooked together before the cup can be inserted into the holder. In addition, due to the amount of material used, these act like a second cup, as they cover a large part of the cup, sometimes even the entire cup. Neither the shape, nor the handling, nor the costs associated with the material are therefore suitable for mass use in coffee bars, coffee machines, in catering or at parties. This is particularly true of U.S. patents No. 6,032,826 by Libit et al., No. 5,445,315 by Shelby, No. 6,026,983 by Graham or No. 5,857,615 by Rose.

Other patents are very well suited for mass use with disposable cups, such as US Patent No. 5,205,473 by Coffin, Sr., which consists of glued, conical-cut corrugated cardboard. The cup is inserted into the conical cut. The cannulas of the corrugated cardboard allow insulation from heat and cold. However, the patented cup holder only allows the grip to be around the sleeve, so holding several cups in one hand is not always guaranteed. There is also still the risk of scalding if the cup overflows. Even with cups made of light material such as plastic cups, the pressure exerted on the outer walls of the cup by the cup holder and the hand can lead to overflow. Furthermore, the cup holder does not automatically adjust to other, non-conical cup shapes.

Ward's patent No. 6,273,333 describes a flat blank made of solid cardboard, corrugated cardboard or other materials that is folded together to form a cup holder. This blank is well suited for the mass use of disposable cups due to its material costs. However, it is difficult to use with just one hand, and the use of a second hand is sometimes necessary due to the way some variants are cut. Another disadvantage of the patent is the fact that when solid cardboard is used, the side walls of the cup holder can be folded up due to the

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full-surface adaptation to the outer wall of the cup can heat up very strongly and virtually the same temperatures can be reached as those of the cup itself.

The aim of the utility model listed in claim 1 is to offer a cup holder that

with at least 10% less material consumption than all the above-mentioned patents, its shape automatically adapts to different cup shapes, covers the most common sizes for serving and vending cups for cold or hot drinks with just a few variants, protects the user as far as possible from high heat or cold exposure as well as moisture such as condensation,

allows you to carry several large cups in one hand at the same time, provides a secure hold without accidental opening or tearing, relieves the strain on your hands through several holding options, also has a handle function for comfortable and secure holding, can be immediately brought into the desired initial shape can be used as a coaster and lid

provides partial protection against burns if the liquid overflows

and can also be printed on both sides for advertising purposes.

None of the above or other existing patents enables all of these points simultaneously.

The cup holder described in the claim can be manufactured in different variants and from different materials such as corrugated or solid cardboard, plastic, wood or a combination of these materials.

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Description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows the top view of the flat blank. The dashed lines are folds (a) that are all folded to the same side. The inner sides (b) mark folding wings that rest against the cup wall and allow the cup to be gripped. The folding wing c) provides heat protection for the finger if the cup holder is carried by the handle (f) (see also Figures 7 and 8). The slightly recessed folds (d) of the sides (b) prevent the sides (b) from resting flat against the cup wall and thus prevent the transfer of temperature from the cup wall to the material of the cup holder. The same function is achieved with wing c) by a slightly recessed punching and folding. The number and position of the sides can vary slightly without affecting the temperature protection function. The fold (e) on the handle (f) allows for more comfortable holding options later (see Figures 7 and 8). The lines (g) mark the direction of the wave when using corrugated cardboard. The side parts (h) can be folded down if necessary and allow easier gripping of the edge of the cup holder (see also Figure 5). The flat cut can be used as a lid or coaster.

Figure 2 shows the cut with the wings unfolded (b and c).

Figure 3 shows the function of the cut with a cup and the folded-in handle (f). The recessed punching of the wing (c) creates a gap between the wing (c) and the cup wall to prevent temperature transfer. The heavily folded-in position of the handle (f) only indicates the handle function.

Figure 4 indicates the optimal utilization of the panel during production. Due to the arrangement, the required material expenditure is reduced.

Figure 5 shows the holding possibility on the folded down side parts (h).

Figure 6 shows the possibility of holding the container on the sides (b) and a simultaneous, partial protection of the fingers in case of overflow of the liquid by the protruding edge.

Figure 7 shows the possibility of holding the cup with a handle. The wing (c) prevents the finger from touching the edge of the cup.

Figure 8 shows holding the cup by the handle; this option also allows holding several cups by placing the individual handles on top of each other.

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Claims (1)

Cup holder with lid and coaster function - as flat cut - which automatically adapts to cups with different diameters - with versatile carrying and holding functions of the cup - which allows you to carry and hold several cups in one hand - with heat/cold protection - for cups with hot or cold contents - Can be printed on both sides for advertising purposes - with minimal material expenditure - with additional protection against burns in case of overflow.