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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus concerning receptacles for holding foods and drinks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

FIG. 1A shows a top perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

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;

FIG. 2A shows a bottom perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

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;

FIG. 3A shows a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

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;

FIG. 4A shows a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

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;

FIG. 5A shows a right side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

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;

FIG. 6A shows a left side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

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;

FIG. 7A shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

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;

FIG. 8A shows a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

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;

FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of a cup of the prior art;

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;

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;

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;

FIG. 13A shows a top perspective view of another apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

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;

FIG. 14A shows a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 13A;

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;

FIG. 15A shows a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 13A;

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;

FIG. 16A shows a left side view of the apparatus of FIG. 13A;

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;

FIG. 17A shows a right side view of the apparatus of FIG. 13A;

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;

FIG. 18A shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 13A;

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;

FIG. 19A shows a bottom view of the apparatus of FIG. 13A;

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Instead of two indentations 2a and 2b, one indentation or opening may be provided for insertion of a straw.

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.

FIG. 13A shows a top perspective view of another apparatus, apparatus 400, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.