Single-Use Ergonomic Chalice

Abstract

The present invention is a single-use ergonomic chalice that has the ability to store both a liquid and a wafer commonly served during the religious ceremony known as Communion. The present invention comprises an ergonomic cup and a cup lid. The ergonomic cup is shaped to easily fit into the fingers or the hand of an individual using the ergonomic cup. Also, the fluid is stored within the ergonomic cup. The cup lid should store the wafer. The present invention may comprise multiple embodiments. Each embodiment is configured to have the cup lid attach to the ergonomic cup. A first embodiment has each the cup lid and the ergonomic cup hermetically sealed with only a single seal. A second embodiment has a seal for each the cup lid and the ergonomic cup. The cup lid may also serve as a supplemental base support for the ergonomic cup.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/517,799 filed on Apr. 26, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a chalice. More particularly, the present invention is a Communion cup that both hermetically seals the Communion wafer and wine, preventing contamination or leakage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically, Communion cups have been design to utilize two seals, with the second overlapping the first, in order to hermetically cover the portion of the Communion cup that contains the liquid and the wafer. The first seal is used to seal the liquid within the cup. The second seal is sealed directly over the first seal. A wafer is typically sandwiched between both of these seals. There have been several improvements to the design previous design, each incorporating a similar seal-on-seal design. There have been minimal advancements in the way the cups are sealed or in the manufacturing methods of the Communion cup. The problems associated with this seal-on-seal design and the existing manufacturing methods have resulted in a Communion cup that is prone to inconsistent sealing. Typically, the second seal is heat sealed over the first seal. By sealing a second heat seal over the first seal (thus re-heating the first seal), the delicate peel-able bond is weakened, which can result in leakage. In addition these cups have a reduced oxygen barrier, which causes the juice to have a shorter shelf life and an increased chance of spoilage. The process of performing a seal-on-seal requires a delicate balance of heat and pressure, which in turn requires the use of more porous materials, inherently creating a less efficient barrier. This inability to manufacture the cup to be shelf-stable without refrigeration reduces the safety of the juice and wafer when consumed by the user. It is desirable to have a hermetically sealed Communion cup with a wafer packaged in a compact delivery system that is safe, sanitary and simple to prepare. It is desirable to have a product that will eliminate time consuming handling of food products served to a large congregation by persons who are not equipped to do so. This provides a sanitary, pasteurized serving of wine or juice along with a wafer that can be easily distributed to a congregation without spillage. The use of such a chalice would increase protection from contamination—germs or disease for example, because the product will be completely sealed and have the ability to be tested for any safety anomalies before delivery. It is also an object of the present invention to increase the shelf life of the sealed fluid or wafer without refrigeration. Also, it is an object of the present invention to facilitate the handling of the cup by applying knowledge of ergonomics. These improvements are necessary in order to make the presentation of the religious Communion ceremony simple, sanitary and safe.

The present invention is unique in comparison to other known devices and solutions because the manner in which the present invention is sealed. The present invention may implement multiple embodiments. One embodiment may only require the need for a single seal that effectively seals both the compartment containing the Communion wafer and the compartment containing the liquid. Therefore, a single seal can provide multiple functions. This ensures that the separate seals are not compromised. Because an embodiment of the present invention only utilizes a single seal, there is only the need to remove one seal to open the Communion cup; thus, making it easier to open, less prone to spillage and it decreases the amount of materials to be disposed. The present invention is designed to fit each part of the Communion service and to assist a church staff and its congregation in efficiently participating in this religious ceremony.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention, showing the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention, showing the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the present invention, showing the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the plane, 5-5, upon which a cross-sectional view is taken and shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the cross section taken along the plane 5-5.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ergonomic cup, showing the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cup lid, showing the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cup seal.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention, showing the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the present invention, showing the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the present invention, showing the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the plane, 13-13, upon which a cross-sectional view is taken and shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the cross section taken along the plane 13-13.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the ergonomic cup, showing the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cup lid, showing the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is alternative perspective view of the cup lid, showing the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the cup seal.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lid seal.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the present invention, showing an alternate configuration of the second embodiment.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a single-use ergonomic chalice that is designed for the consumption of a liquid and a wafer in the religious ceremony known as Communion. It is assumed that the liquid may be wine, juice or any similar liquid served during Communion. Also, it is assumed that the wafer may be a Communion wafer, which is typically served during Communion as well. The present invention may form multiple embodiments. As can be seen in FIG. 1-FIG. 5, the first embodiment of the single-use ergonomic chalice comprises an ergonomic cup 1, a cup lid 2 and a cup seal 3. The ergonomic cup 1 is capable of receiving the cup lid 2, while also being able to store a liquid. The cup lid 2 is used to store the wafer. Both the ergonomic cup 1 and the cup lid 2 are hermetically sealed using the cup seal 3.

The ergonomic cup 1 comprises a first cup surface 4, a second cup surface 5, and a lateral ergonomic wall 6 in which the first cup surface 4 further comprises a cup opening 7, a cup seal receiving surface 9, and a recessed tray groove 8. The first cup surface 4 is positioned atop the lateral ergonomic wall 6, while the second cup surface 5 is positioned under the lateral ergonomic wall 6 but positioned opposite to the first cup surface 4. The lateral ergonomic wall 6 allows a user to easily grip or handle the single-use ergonomic chalice by fitting to the user's hand. This should prevent any awkwardness in handling the single-use ergonomic chalice, further decreasing any strain upon the user. The second cup surface 5 should serve as the bottom or base of the ergonomic cup 1 and should allow the single-use ergonomic chalice to remain balanced and upright when placed atop a surface. An example of the first embodiment of the ergonomic cup 1 is shown in FIG. 6. The recessed tray groove 8 is positioned concentrically atop the first cup surface 4 in which the recessed tray groove 8 delineates the cup opening 7. The cup opening 7 should allow the fluid that is stored within the ergonomic cup 1 to be dispensed; in particular, if a liquid is contained within the ergonomic cup 1, then it should be dispensed through the cup opening 7. The recessed tray groove 8 is essentially a depression into the first cup surface 4, which is used to partially embody the cup lid 2. Therefore, the cup lid 2 can be secured in position by being fitted into the recessed tray groove 8. The cup seal receiving surface 9 is positioned concentrically on the first cup surface 4 and should delineate the recessed tray groove 8.

An example of the cup lid 2 is shown in FIG. 3. The cup lid 2 comprises a lid surface 10, a tray surface 11 and a tray wall 12 in which the lid surface 10 further comprises a tray opening 13. The lid surface 10 is positioned atop the tray wall 12, while the tray surface 11 is positioned under the tray wall 12, opposite to the lid surface 10. The tray opening 13 is concentrically positioned on the lid surface 10 and should be delineated by the tray wall 12. Essentially, the cup lid 2 is a supplemental compartment that can be contained within the ergonomic cup 1 so that a wafer can be stored without contamination with the liquid in the ergonomic cup 1 or the surrounding air. The lid surface 10 should insert into the recessed tray groove 8 when the cup lid 2 is attached to the ergonomic cup 1. By inserting the lid surface 10 into the recessed groove, the cup opening 7 should become sealed or enclosed. In turn, the tray wall 12 should transversely slide into the housing of the ergonomic cup 1. Therefore, the tray surface 11 should be positioned below the receiving cup seal surface 14 when the cup lid 2 is attached to the ergonomic cup 1. The cup lid 2 should be oriented in this position when being attached to the ergonomic cup 1 because this ensures that the wafer will not exit the cup lid 2, further preventing contamination. When the cup lid 2 is attached to the ergonomic cup 1, the first cup surface 4 should be flush with the lid surface 10. It is assumed that the cup lid 2 can be easily removed from the ergonomic cup 1 and that the retention that holds the lid surface 10 in the recessed tray groove 8 does not hinder its removal. Also, it is assumed that the cup lid 2 should be able to contain any shape that the wafer could be.

An example of the cup seal 3 is shown in FIG. 4. The cup seal 3 comprises a cup seal surface 14, a cup adhesive surface 15, a cup seal edge 17 and a cup seal tab 16. The cup seal surface 14 is positioned opposite to the cup adhesive surface 15 and the cup seal tab 16 is connected to a portion of the cup seal edge 17. The cup seal 3 is used to hermetically seal the cup lid 2 and the ergonomic cup 1. This is done by adhering the cup adhesive surface 15 to both the lid surface 10 and the cup seal receiving surface 9; effectively, sealing both the cup lid 2 and the ergonomic cup 1 with a single seal.

As is shown in FIG. 9-FIG. 13, the second embodiment of the present invention comprises an ergonomic cup 1, a cup seal 3, a cup lid 2 and a lid seal 26. The second embodiment is dissimilar to the first embodiment in that two seals are used as opposed to the single seal of the first embodiment. The cup seal 3 should hermetically attach to the ergonomic cup 1, while the lid seal 26 hermetically should attach to the cup lid 2.

The ergonomic cup 1 comprises a first cup surface 4, a second cup surface 5 and a lateral ergonomic wall 6 in which the first cup surface 4 further comprises a cup opening 7 and a cup edge 18. An example of the second embodiment of the ergonomic cup 1 is shown in FIG. 14. Similar to the first embodiment, the first cup surface 4 is positioned atop the lateral ergonomic wall 6 and the second cup surface 5 is positioned under the lateral ergonomic wall 6, opposite to the first cup surface 4. The lateral ergonomic wall 6 should delineate the cup opening 7 that is positioned concentrically on the first cup surface 4. The second cup surface 5 should serve as the base of the single-use ergonomic chalice. By serving as the base, the single-use ergonomic chalice should remain upright and balanced. The lateral ergonomic wall 6 allows a user to easily grip or handle the single-use ergonomic chalice by easily fitting within the user's hand. This should prevent any awkwardness in handling the single-use ergonomic chalice, and should also decrease any strain upon the user. The embodiment of the ergonomic cup 1 should be able to contain a liquid that is served during Communion. Such a liquid is dispensed out of the ergonomic cup 1 through the cup opening 7.

The primary function of the cup lid 2 of the second embodiment is to withhold the wafer; yet, the cup lid 2 can also function as a secondary seal to the ergonomic cup 1 and also as a base support to the ergonomic cup 1. An example of the cup lid 2 is shown in FIG. 15-FIG. 16. The cup lid 2 comprises a lid surface 10, a pocket wall 23 and a retention ring 24 in which the lid surface 10 further comprises a surface protrusion 22 and a cup groove 21 and the retention ring 24 further comprises a lid groove 25. The pocket wall 23 is concentrically positioned atop the lid surface 10 and is the housing for the wafer. The housing of the pocket wall 23 should be enclosed and sealed with the lid seal 26. Within the housing of the pocket wall 23 should be the surface protrusion 22, which is an elevated portion of the lid surface 10. When the wafer is placed within the pocket wall 23, it should rest atop the surface protrusion 22. The retention ring 24 is concentrically connected under the lid surface 10, and should be positioned opposite to the pocket wall 23. Also, the lid groove 25 should be positioned transversely along the inner wall retention ring 24. The retention ring 24 provides mechanical retention so that it can be securely attached onto the ergonomic cup 1. FIG. 13 shows the cup lid 2 attached to the ergonomic cup 1 in a cross sectional view for further detail of this configuration. The cup lid 2 can be attached to the ergonomic cup 1 by pressing the cup lid 2 onto the first cup surface 4 causing the lid groove 25 to enwrap the cup edge 18. Once the first cup surface 4 is enwrapped by the lid groove 25, mechanical retention should secure the cup lid 2 to the ergonomic cup 1. Under the lid surface 10, opposite of the pocket wall 23 and surface protrusion 22 is the cup groove 21. The cup groove 21 is concentrically positioned on the lid surface 10, wherein it resides within the retention ring 24. The cup groove 21 is a recessed portion of the lid surface 10 which should be able to embody the second cup surface 5 and a portion of the lateral ergonomic wall 6.

As aforementioned, the cup lid 2 can function as a supplemental base support for the ergonomic cup 1, which can be performed by using the cup groove 21. An example of this configuration is shown in FIG. 19. In order to function as a supplemental base support, the cup lid 2 should be detached from the first cup surface 4 and its orientation should be reversed and placed onto a ground surface so that the pocket wall 23 is in contact with and enclosed by the ground surface, assuming the lid seal 26 and the Communion wafer have been removed from the cup lid 2. From this positioning, the ergonomic cup 1 should be placed onto the cup lid 2, such that the second cup surface 5 is fitted into the cup groove 21—a portion of the lateral ergonomic wall 6 may also reside within the cup groove 21. Since the ergonomic cup 1 is fitted into the cup groove 21, the base of the ergonomic cup 1 should have widened, enhancing the rigidity and the stability of the ergonomic cup 1. This decreases the chances of spillage due to vibrations and impacts from being knocked, bumped or obstructed accidentally in any manner.

The cup seal 3 should enclose and seal the cup opening 7 and the lid seal 26 should enclose and seal the pocket wall 23. An example of the cup seal 3 is shown in FIG. 17 and an example of the lid seal 26 is shown in FIG. 18. The cup seal 3 comprises a cup seal surface 14, a cup adhesive surface 15, a cup seal edge 17 and a cup seal tab 16.

The cup seal surface 14 is positioned opposite to the cup adhesive surface 15. The cup seal tab 16 is connected to a portion of the cup seal edge 17. In order to enclose the cup opening 7, the cup adhesive surface 15 is adhered to the first cup surface 4. However, the cup seal tab 16 should not be adhered to the ergonomic cup 1. After the cup seal 3 becomes adhered to the first cup surface 4, the cup opening 7 should thereafter be enclosed. To remove the cup seal 3, the cup seal tab 16 is used. Since the cup seal tab 16 is free from the first cup surface 4, the cup seal tab 16 can then be grasped and be used to peel the cup seal 3 from the first cup surface 4. This should break any adhesive bonds that the cup seal 3 has made with the ergonomic cup 1—more particularly, the first cup surface 4. Similar to the cup seal 3, the lid seal 26 comprises a lid seal surface 28, a lid adhesive surface 29, a lid seal edge 27, and a lid seal tab 30. The lid seal surface 28 is positioned opposite to the lid adhesive surface 29. The lid seal tab 30 is connected to a portion of the lid seal edge 27. The lid adhesive surface 29 should be adhered to the pocket wall 23 in order for the pocket wall 23 to be enclosed. However, the lid seal tab 30 should be not be adhered and be easy to grasp. After the lid seal 26 is adhered, the pocket wall 23 should thereafter be enclosed. To remove the lid seal 26, the lid seal tab 30 is used. Since the lid seal tab 30 is not adhered to the pocket wall 23, the lid seal tab 30 can therefore be grasped and be used to peel the lid seal 26 from the pocket wall 23. This should break any adhesive bonds that the cup seal 3 has made with the pocket wall 23. The cup seal 3 and the lid seal 26 can be adhered by a variety of methods such as being heat sealed, ultrasonically sealed, or by any similar adhering methods.

The first embodiment or the second embodiment may have an alternate form such that the cup lid 2 is connected atop the ergonomic cup 1, as opposed to being detachable. This would require the cup lid 2 to comprise an opening that traverses through the lid surface 10, and then through the cup opening 7 into the ergonomic cup 1. The cup seal 3 would then seal this opening rather than the cup opening 7. The wafer would still be contained within the cup lid 2. In order to dispense the liquid that is contained within the ergonomic cup 1, the seals should be removed, along with the wafer. The new opening would dispense the liquid from the ergonomic cup 1.

The lateral ergonomic wall 6 of either the first embodiment or the second embodiment may implement ergonomic finger grips or protrusions that contour to the hand of a user. Also, the preferred embodiments of the ergonomic cup 1 should be shaped such that the first cup surface 4 is wider than the second cup surface 5 and also that the lateral ergonomic wall 6 should become narrower than the second cup surface 5 near the middle. Thus, this facilitates opening of the present invention and the consumption of its contents.

The ergonomic cup 1 and cup lid 2 of the first embodiment and of the second embodiment each can utilize, but not limited to, environmentally friendly plastic materials especially plastics that can be easily recycled and disposed of without releasing carcinogens or harmful chemicals. The present invention may also be applied to other food product, medical industry, sports needs or any other field that may have an application and need for such a product.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. An ergonomic chalice comprises,

an ergonomic cup;

a cup lid;

a cup seal;

the ergonomic cup comprises a first cup surface, a second cup surface and a lateral ergonomic wall;

the cup lid comprises a lid surface, a tray surface, a tray opening and a tray wall;

the cup seal comprises a cup seal surface, a cup adhesive surface, a cup seal edge and a cup seal tab;

the first cup surface comprises a cup opening, a recessed tray groove and a cup seal receiving surface;

the lid surface comprises a tray opening;

the recessed tray groove being positioned atop the first cup surface;

the lid surface being attached to the recessed tray groove; and

the cup adhesive surface being attached to both the lid surface and the cup seal receiving surface.

2. The ergonomic chalice as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

the first cup surface being positioned atop the lateral ergonomic wall;

the second cup surface being positioned under the lateral ergonomic wall, opposite to the first cup surface;

the cup opening being positioned concentrically on the first cup surface;

the cup seal receiving surface being positioned atop the first cup surface, perimetrically about the recessed tray groove; and

the recessed tray groove being delineated by the cup seal receiving surface.

3. The ergonomic chalice as claimed in claim 2 comprises,

the cup opening being delineated by the lateral ergonomic wall.

4. The ergonomic chalice as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

the lid surface being positioned atop the tray wall;

the tray surface being positioned under the tray wall, opposite to the lid surface; and

the tray opening being positioned concentrically on the lid surface.

5. The ergonomic chalice as claimed in claim 4 comprises,

the tray opening being delineated by the tray wall.

6. The ergonomic chalice a claimed in claim 1 comprises,

the cup seal surface being positioned opposite to the cup adhesive surface; and

the cup seal tab being connected to the cup seal edge.

7. An ergonomic chalice comprises,

an ergonomic cup;

a cup seal;

a cup lid;

a lid seal;

the ergonomic cup comprises a first cup surface, a second cup surface and a lateral ergonomic wall;

the cup seal comprises a cup seal surface, a cup adhesive surface, a cup seal edge and a cup seal tab;

the cup lid comprises a lid surface, a pocket wall and a retention ring;

the lid seal comprises a lid seal surface, a lid adhesive surface, a lid seal edge and a lid seal tab;

the first cup surface comprises a cup opening and a cup edge;

the lid surface comprises a cup groove and a surface protrusion;

the retention ring comprises a lid groove;

the cup adhesive surface being attached to the first cup surface;

the retention ring mechanically attaching to the cup edge;

the lid adhesive surface being attached to the pocket wall; and

the lid groove enwrapping the cup edge.

8. The ergonomic chalice as claimed in claim 7 comprises,

the first cup surface being positioned atop the lateral ergonomic wall;

the second cup surface being positioned under the lateral ergonomic wall, opposite to the first cup surface; and

the cup opening being concentrically positioned on the first cup surface.

9. The ergonomic chalice as claimed in claim 8 comprises,

the cup opening being delineated by the lateral ergonomic wall.

10. The ergonomic chalice as claimed in claim 7 comprises,

the cup groove being concentrically positioned under the lid surface;

the surface protrusion being concentrically positioned atop the lid surface;

the pocket wall being connected atop the lid surface, wherein the pocket wall envelops the surface protrusion; and

the retention ring being connected under the lid surface, wherein the retention ring envelops the cup groove.

11. The ergonomic chalice as claimed in claim 7 comprises,

the cup seal surface being positioned opposite to the cup adhesive surface;

the cup seal tab being connected to the cup seal edge;

the lid seal surface being positioned opposite to the lid adhesive surface; and

the lid seal tab being connected to the lid seal edge.

12. The ergonomic chalice as claimed in claim 11 comprises,

the cup seal surface and the cup adhesive surface each being enveloped by the cup seal edge; and

the lid seal surface and the lid adhesive surface each being enveloped by the lid seal edge.

13. An ergonomic chalice comprises,

an ergonomic cup;

a cup seal;

a cup lid;

a lid seal;

the ergonomic cup comprises a first cup surface, a second cup surface and a lateral ergonomic wall;

the cup seal comprises a cup seal surface, a cup adhesive surface, a cup seal edge and a cup seal tab;

the cup lid comprises a lid surface, a pocket wall and a retention ring;

the lid seal comprises a lid seal surface, a lid adhesive surface, a lid seal edge and a lid seal tab;

the first cup surface comprises a cup opening and a cup edge;

the lid surface comprises a cup groove and a surface protrusion;

the retention ring comprises a lid groove;

the cup seal being adhesively attached to the ergonomic cup, hermetically sealing the ergonomic cup;

the cup lid attaching to the ergonomic cup, atop both the cup seal and first cup surface;

the lid seal being adhesively attached to the cup lid, hermetically sealing the pocket wall;

the cup opening being enclosed by the cup seal;

the retention ring mechanically attaching the cup lip to the first cup surface; and

the cup edge being attached to the lid groove.

14. The ergonomic chalice as claimed in claim 13 comprises,

the first cup surface being positioned atop the lateral wall;

the second cup surface being positioned under the lateral wall, opposite to the first cup surface;

the cup opening being concentrically positioned on the first cup surface, delineating the lateral wall;

the pocket wall being positioned atop the lid surface;

the retention ring being connected to the lid surface, opposite to the pocket wall;

the surface protrusion being positioned atop the lid surface, within the pocket wall;

the cup groove being positioned under the lid surface;

the cup groove being positioned within the retention ring, opposite to the surface protrusion;

the cup seal surface being positioned opposite to the adhesive seal surface;

the cup seal tab being connected to the cup seal edge;

the lid seal surface being positioned opposite to the lid adhesive surface; and

the lid seal tab being connected to the lid seal edge.