COLLAPSIBLE CUP
Collapsible containers are presented including: a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, where the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and where the cylindrical wall includes a number of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip; a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, where the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, where the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket.
A claim for priority is hereby made under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §119 for the present application based upon U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/621,545 filed on Apr. 8, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUNDCarrying a clean cup for beverages or other food items is not always convenient. Conventional cups are bulky and difficult to keep clean. Plastic bottles, while ubiquitous in modern society, are difficult to fill and even more difficult to clean than conventional cups. Conventional collapsible cups, on the other hand, may provide convenience and a smaller form factor than conventional cups. However, man conventional solutions leak or are not securely extendable. As such, collapsible cups are presented herein.
SUMMARYThe following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.
Collapsible containers are presented including: a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, where the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and where the cylindrical wall includes a number of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip; a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, where the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, where the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the middle sleeve and the bottom cup, and where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide tabs formed along the middle sleeve upper edge; and a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup and the middle sleeve, where the top sleeve includes a number of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the middle sleeve guide tabs, where the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeve and the middle sleeve.
In some embodiments, bottom cup guide tabs each further include a bottom outer tab groove for releasably engaging a middle sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the middle sleeve guide channels, and where the middle sleeve guide tabs each further include a middle sleeve outer tab groove for releasably engaging a top sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the top sleeve guide channels. In some embodiments, containers further include a lid configured for removeably engaging the top sleeve upper edge. In some embodiments, the middle sleeve guide channels and the top sleeve guide channels form a path selected from the group consisting of: a diagonal path and an L-shaped path.
In some embodiments, the middle sleeve guide channels each further include a middle sleeve path ridge configured to releasably engaging the bottom cup guide tabs middle sleeve path ridge disposed along a distal end of the middle sleeve guide channel, and where the top sleeve guide channels each further include a top sleeve path ridge configured to releasably engaging the middle sleeve guide tabs, the top sleeve path ridge disposed along a distal end of the top sleeve guide channel. In some embodiments, the circular base further includes: a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, where each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity. In some embodiments, containers further include an insert removeably attached with the top sleeve upper edge and extending to the circular base, where the insert forms a cavity, and where the insert is configured to extend and collapse in accordion fashion with the collapsible cup.
In other embodiments, collapsible containers are presented including: a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, where the cylindrical wall includes a bottom cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, where the cylindrical wall includes a number of bottom cup guide tabs formed along, the bottom cup lip and where the bottom cup guide tabs each further include a bottom outer tab groove for releasably engaging a top sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the top sleeve guide channels; and a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, where the top sleeve includes a number of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, where the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeve and the bottom cup. In some embodiments, containers further include a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, where each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity.
In other embodiments, methods for utilizing collapsible cups are presented including: receiving the collapsible cup, the collapsible cup including, a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, where the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and where the cylindrical wall includes a number of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip, a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, where the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, where the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the middle sleeve and the bottom cup, and where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide tabs formed along the middle sleeve upper edge, and a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup and the middle sleeve, where the top sleeve includes a number of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the middle sleeve guide tabs, where the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeve and the middle sleeve; expanding the collapsible cup to an extended position; and filling the collapsible cup. In some embodiments, methods further include collapsing the collapsible cup to a collapsed position. In some embodiments, expanding the collapsible cup further includes: grasping a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along, the circular base, where each cavity includes as flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity.
The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
In some embodiments, bottom cup guide tab 242 further includes bottom outer tab groove 252 for releasably engaging middle sleeve ridge 224 disposed along a top portion of middle sleeve guide channel 214. It may be appreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridge may provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully collapsed. In some embodiments, circular base 212 may be configured with finger pull 262. Finger pulls will be discussed in further detail below for
Further illustrated, middle sleeve 204 may include a middle sleeve upper edge 234 and a middle sleeve lower edge 264. As illustrated, middle sleeve 204 may form a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting bottom cup 202 as may be seen in collapsed position 240. Middle sleeve 204 may further include, middle sleeve guide tab 244 formed along middle sleeve upper edge 234. In embodiments middle sleeve guide tab 244 is configured for slidingly engaging top sleeve guide channel 216 of top sleeve 206. In the illustrated embodiment, top sleeve guide channel 216 forms an L-shaped path. Other paths will be discussed in further detail below for
Further illustrated, middle sleeve 204 includes middle sleeve gasket channel 274 formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of middle sleeve 204. In embodiments, middle sleeve gasket channel 274 is configured for receiving middle sleeve gasket 284 that forms a seal between middle sleeve 204 and bottom cup 202. In some embodiments, middle sleeve gaskets may include without limitation, an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. In other embodiments, middle sleeve gaskets may be co-molded with middle sleeve gasket channels.
Further illustrated, top sleeve 206 may include a top sleeve upper edge 236 and a top sleeve lower edge 266. As illustrated, top sleeve 206 may form a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting middle sleeve 204 and bottom cup 202 as may be seen in collapsed position 240. Further illustrated, top sleeve 206 includes top sleeve gasket channel 276 formed along the top sleeve lower edge 266 and along a top sleeve inner surface of top sleeve 204. In embodiments, top sleeve gasket channel 276 is configured for receiving top sleeve gasket 286 that forms a seal between top sleeve 206 and middle sleeve 204. In some embodiments, top sleeve gaskets may include without limitation, an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. In other embodiments, top sleeve gaskets may be co-molded with top sleeve gasket channels.
In some embodiments, bottom cup guide tab 342 further includes bottom outer tab groove 352 for releasably engaging middle sleeve ridge 324 disposed along a top sleeve portion of middle sleeve guide channel 314. It may be appreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridge may provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully collapsed. In some embodiments, circular base 312 may be smooth as contrasted with embodiments utilizing a finger pull. Finger pulls will be discussed in further detail below for
Further illustrated, middle sleeve 304 may include a middle sleeve upper edge 334 and a middle sleeve lower edge 364. As illustrated, middle sleeve 304 may form a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting bottom cup 302 as may be seen in collapsed position 340. Middle sleeve 304 may further include, middle sleeve guide tab 344 formed along middle sleeve upper edge 334. In embodiments middle sleeve guide tab 344 is configured for slidingly engaging top sleeve guide channel 316 of top sleeve 306. In the illustrated embodiment, top sleeve guide channel 316 forms a diagonal path. It may be appreciated that any path may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein. In some embodiments, middle sleeve guide tab 344 further includes middle sleeve outer tab groove 354 for releasably engaging middle sleeve ridge 326 disposed along a top portion of top sleeve guide channel 316. It may be appreciated that embodiments having a groove and ridge may provide a tactile indicator that collapsible cup embodiments are fully collapsed
Further illustrated, middle sleeve 304 includes middle sleeve gasket channel 374 formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of middle sleeve 304. In embodiments, middle sleeve gasket channel 374 is configured for receiving middle sleeve gasket 384 that forms a seal between middle sleeve 304 and bottom cup 302. In some embodiments, middle sleeve gaskets may include without limitation, an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. In other embodiments, middle sleeve gaskets may be co-molded with middle sleeve gasket channels.
Further illustrated, top sleeve 306 may include a to sleeve upper edge 336 and a top sleeve lower edge 366. As illustrated, top sleeve 306 may form a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting middle sleeve 304 and bottom cup 302 as may be seen in collapsed position 340. Further illustrated, top sleeve 306 includes top sleeve gasket channel 376 formed along the top sleeve lower edge 366 and along a top sleeve inner surface of top sleeve 304. In embodiments, top sleeve gasket channel 376 is configured for receiving top sleeve gasket 386 that forms a seal between top sleeve 306 and middle sleeve 304. In some embodiments, top sleeve gaskets may include without limitation, an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material. In other embodiments, top sleeve gaskets may be co-molded with top sleeve gasket channels.
It may be appreciated that while a three-section collapsible cup embodiment is illustrated, other configurations are possible without departing from embodiments provided herein. For example, a two-section collapsible cup may be utilized having only a bottom cup and a top sleeve. Likewise, a four-section (or more) cup may be utilized having more than one middle sleeve. Thus, various shapes and sizes may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein.
Methods of Use
Methods for utilizing collapsible cup embodiments include: receiving the collapsible cup; expanding the collapsible cup to an extended position; and filling the collapsible cup. In some embodiments, methods further include: collapsing the collapsible cup to a collapsed position. In some embodiments, methods further include: expanding the collapsible cup may include grasping a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, wherein each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity.
While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, any method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A collapsible container comprising:
- a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, wherein the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and wherein the cylindrical wall includes a plurality of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip;
- a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, wherein the middle sleeve includes a plurality of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality of bottom cup guide tabs, wherein the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, wherein the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the middle sleeve and the bottom cup, and wherein the middle sleeve includes a plurality of middle sleeve guide tabs formed along the middle sleeve upper edge; and
- a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup and the middle sleeve, wherein the top sleeve includes a plurality of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality of middle sleeve guide tabs, wherein the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeve and the middle sleeve.
2. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bottom cup guide tabs each further comprise a bottom outer tab groove for releasably engaging a middle sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the plurality of middle sleeve guide channels, and wherein the plurality of middle sleeve guide tabs each further comprise a middle sleeve outer tab groove for releasably engaging a top sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the plurality of top sleeve guide channels.
3. The collapsible container of claim 1, further comprising:
- a lid configured for removeably engaging the top sleeve upper edge.
4. The collapsible container of claim 3, wherein the lid further comprises:
- a hatch configured for sipping or for receiving a straw.
5. The collapsible container of claim 3, wherein the lid further comprises:
- a push-top dispensing feature.
6. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the middle sleeve gasket and the top sleeve gasket are selected from the group consisting of: an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material.
7. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the middle sleeve gasket is co-molded with the middle sleeve gasket channel, and wherein the top sleeve gasket is co-molded with the top sleeve gasket channel.
8. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of middle sleeve guide channels and the plurality of top sleeve guide channels form a path selected from the group consisting of a diagonal path and an L-shaped path.
9. The collapsible container of claim 8, wherein the plurality of middle sleeve guide channels each further comprise a middle sleeve path ridge configured to releasably engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, the middle sleeve path ridge disposed along a distal end of the middle sleeve guide channel, and wherein the plurality of top sleeve guide channels each further comprise a top sleeve path ridge configured to releasably engaging the middle sleeve guide tabs, the top sleeve path ridge disposed along a distal end of the top sleeve guide channel.
10. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the circular base further comprises:
- a finger pull thrilled by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, wherein each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity.
11. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising:
- an insert removeably attached with the top sleeve upper edge and extending to the circular base, wherein the insert forms a cavity, and wherein the insert is configured to extend and collapse in accordion fashion with the collapsible cup.
12. A collapsible container comprising:
- a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, wherein the cylindrical wall includes a bottom cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, wherein the cylindrical wall includes a plurality of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the bottom cup lip and wherein the plurality of bottom cup guide tabs each further comprise a bottom outer tab groove for releasably engaging as top sleeve ridge disposed along a top portion of each of the plurality of top sleeve guide channels; and
- a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, wherein the top sleeve includes a plurality of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality of bottom cup guide tabs, wherein the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms as seal between the top sleeve and the bottom cup.
13. The collapsible container of claim 12, further comprising:
- a lid configured for removeably engaging the top sleeve upper edge.
14. The collapsible container of claim 13, wherein the lid further comprises:
- a push-top dispensing feature.
15. The collapsible container of claim 12, wherein the top sleeve gasket is selected from the group consisting of: an o-ring, a rubber washer, a polymeric washer, and a packing material.
16. The collapsible container of claim 12, wherein the plurality of top sleeve guide channels form as path selected from the group consisting of: as diagonal path and an L-shaped path.
17. The collapsible container of claim 12, wherein the circular base further comprises:
- a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, wherein each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity.
18. A method for utilizing a collapsible cup comprising:
- receiving the collapsible cup, the collapsible cup including, a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, wherein the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and wherein the cylindrical wall includes a plurality of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip, a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, wherein the middle sleeve includes a plurality of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality of bottom cup guide tabs, wherein the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, wherein the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the middle sleeve and the bottom cup, and wherein the middle sleeve includes a plurality of middle sleeve guide tabs formed along the middle sleeve upper edge, and a top sleeve having an top sleeve upper edge and a top sleeve lower edge, the top sleeve forming a top sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup and the middle sleeve, wherein the top sleeve includes a plurality of top sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the plurality of middle sleeve guide tabs, wherein the top sleeve lower edge includes a top sleeve gasket channel formed along the top sleeve lower edge and along a top sleeve inner surface of the top sleeve, the top sleeve gasket channel configured for receiving a top sleeve gasket that forms a seal between the top sleeve and the middle sleeve;
- expanding the collapsible cup to an extended position; and
- filling the collapsible cup.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising:
- collapsing the collapsible cup to a collapsed position.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the expanding, the collapsible cup further comprises:
- grasping a finger pull formed by at least two cavities formed along the circular base, wherein each cavity includes a flared portion along an inner edge of each cavity.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 7, 2013
Publication Date: Oct 10, 2013
Inventor: Karla M. ZENS (San Francisco, CA)
Application Number: 13/858,067
International Classification: B65D 21/08 (20060101); B65B 1/02 (20060101);