Upcycling cup holder utilizing socks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a manufacturing technology for household goods and upcycling products, and more specifically, to an eco-friendly cup holder using socks that can simultaneously ensure quality consistency and eco-friendliness. The cup holder according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a sock holder body (120) having a tubular structure that is fixed in close contact with the outer surface of a cup (10) to block temperature, a finishing part (122) that secures durability by rolling or folding and stitching the cut surface or end of the sock holder body (120) inwardly or outwardly, and a connecting member (130) including a handle (134) and a ring (132) selected from an O-ring, a D-ring, or an eyelet that is fixed by sewing to the side of the sock holder body (120). In particular, the sock holder body (120) is formed by directly knitting using yarn with high tensile strength to maximize the tightening strength that wraps around the cup (10), or by cutting off the ankle / thigh portions of discarded socks or socks with poor marketability to utilize the elasticity unique to the sock material and to have a unique pattern. Through this, discarded socks and sock scraps (134A) that are discarded during sock manufacturing can be recycled to reduce waste and contribute to reducing carbon emissions.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an upcycling cup holder using socks, and more specifically, to an eco-friendly upcycling cup holder using socks that can be usefully utilized as a cup holder while simultaneously ensuring eco-friendliness by adopting a method of utilizing waste socks to form a cup holder. Background Technology

[0003] Due to the recent development of fast fashion, a massive amount of socks is being produced and discarded every year, causing serious environmental and economic problems.

[0004] Most socks are made from various blended fibers such as cotton, polyester, nylon, and spandex (elastane) for elasticity and durability. These composite materials are very difficult to separate into single fibers, making them difficult to apply to existing clothing recycling systems.

[0005] Most socks that are discarded due to losing their pairs or having holes are not recycled and are instead placed in pay-as-you-throw bags to be incinerated or landfilled. Incineration generates carbon emissions and toxic gases from the combustion of synthetic fibers, while landfilling pollutes the soil and water with microplastics and takes hundreds of years to naturally decompose.

[0006] Socks are often discarded entirely due to damage to localized areas such as the ankle band or heel. It is a serious waste of resources that intact fabric parts (such as the instep and ankle support) are thrown away without their inherent properties (warmth, elasticity, and absorbency) being utilized.

[0007] Recently, with the growing interest in environmental protection, the demand for upcycling products that recycle discarded resources is increasing. Accordingly, there is a need to develop eco-friendly cup holders that can reduce waste and contribute to carbon emission reduction by recycling discarded socks. Prior art literature

[0009] Patent Registration No. 10-1972779 (Registered April 22, 2019) Patent Publication No. 10-2026-0019232 (Published February 10, 2026) The problem to be solved

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to provide an eco-friendly upcycled cup holder using socks that can simultaneously ensure consistency in quality and eco-friendliness as a cup holder by adopting a method of efficiently utilizing discarded socks and forming it into a cup holder that attaches to a cup so that the cup can be carried.

[0011] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] To solve the aforementioned problem, the present invention proposes an eco-friendly cup holder that simultaneously ensures consistency in quality and eco-friendliness by effectively utilizing discarded waste socks. The cup holder according to the present invention comprises a sock holder body with a cylindrical structure that is tightly fixed to the outer surface of a cup to block temperature, a finishing part that ensures the durability of the sock holder body, and a connecting member that provides portability.

[0014] The sock holder body according to the present embodiment is formed by cutting off the ankle or toe portion of discarded socks or socks with poor marketability. The inherent elasticity of the cut sock material is utilized as is, and the finishing portion is formed by rolling or folding the cut surface or end of the sock holder body inwardly or outwardly and stitching it to prevent the sock from unraveling and to ensure durability.

[0015] In addition, the present invention can enhance design elements by adding aesthetic stitch lines through hand sewing, etc. Effects of the invention

[0017] According to the present invention, recycling socks to be discarded can reduce waste and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions.

[0018] By actively recycling discarded socks and sock scraps from sock manufacturing into the sock holder body and handle of the cup holder, there is an eco-friendly effect that significantly reduces industrial waste and contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions.

[0019] Structural stability and thermal / cold retention effect: The cylindrical sock material is securely fixed to the outer surface of the cup, effectively maintaining the temperature of the contents while safely protecting the user's hands from heat or cold.

[0020] Meanwhile, the sock holder body of the present invention can be manufactured by directly knitting using yarn with high tensile strength to maximize the tightening strength that wraps around the cup. By applying this direct knitting method, patterns and colors can be identically realized according to the manufacturer's intention, and the tightening strength can be maximized. Furthermore, when upcycling discarded socks, the elasticity inherent to the sock material can be utilized, while providing rarity with unique patterns appearing in each resulting product.

[0021] The effects according to the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included within the present invention. That is, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and various effects may be included within the scope obvious to a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is a photograph showing the structure of an upcycled cup holder using a sock according to one embodiment of the present invention from one side. FIG. 2 is a photograph showing the structure of an upcycled cup holder using socks illustrated in FIG. 1 from one side, and is a drawing showing a schematic enlarged view of the structure of the finishing part and the stitch line. FIG. 3 is a photograph showing, from one side, the state in which an upcycled cup holder using a sock according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to a cup. FIG. 4 is a photograph showing the handle in an upward position when the upcycled cup holder using a sock according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to a cup and carried. FIG. 5 is a front view photograph showing the structure of an upcycling cup holder using a sock according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of an upcycling cup holder using a sock according to another embodiment of the present invention combined with a cup, with parts of the handle and the loop omitted. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the reinforcing patch portion, which is the main part of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the structure of an upcycling cup holder using a sock according to another embodiment of the present invention combined with a cup, with parts of the handle and the hook omitted. FIG. 9 is a front view showing the structure of an upcycling cup holder using a sock according to another embodiment of the present invention combined with a cup, with part of the handle and the hook omitted. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of an upcycling cup holder using a sock according to another embodiment of the present invention combined with a cup, with a part of the handle and the hook omitted. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of an upcycling cup holder using socks according to another embodiment of the present invention combined with a cup, with parts of the handle and the loop omitted, and a drawing showing enlarged views of the main parts, including the upper end portion, the lower end portion, the upper elastic yarn, and the lower elastic yarn portion. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a partially enlarged view of the lower support strap portion in a state where the structure of an upcycling cup holder using a sock according to another embodiment of the present invention is combined with a cup. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an upcycling cup holder using a sock according to another embodiment of the present invention combined with a cup. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more easily understood by referring to the attached drawings and the following detailed description. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0025] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the present invention. These terms are intended only to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by the terms. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "connected" between each component.

[0026] Furthermore, specific structural or functional descriptions in the present invention are illustrative of embodiments according to the concept of the present invention merely for the purpose of explaining embodiments according to the concept of the present invention, and embodiments according to the concept of the present invention may be implemented in various forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described in this specification or application.

[0028] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention proposes an eco-friendly cup holder that simultaneously ensures quality consistency and eco-friendliness by providing two independent embodiments according to the manufacturing method. The cup holder according to the present invention is configured to include a sock holder body (120) having a tubular structure that is fixed in close contact with the outer surface of a cup (10) to block temperature, a finishing part (122) that ensures the durability of the sock holder body (120), and a connecting member (130) that provides portability.

[0030] <Example 1>

[0032] Example 1 is a cup holder made by upcycling waste socks. The sock holder body (120) according to Example 1 is formed by cutting off the ankle or toe portion of waste socks or socks with poor marketability. The elasticity unique to the cut sock material is utilized as is, and the finishing portion (122) prevents unraveling and ensures durability by rolling or folding and sewing the cut surface or end of the sock holder body (120) inwardly or outwardly. Additionally, design elements can be enhanced by adding an aesthetic stitch line (123) through hand sewing, etc. At this time, rolling is a method of joining by folding the cut surface or end of the sock holder body (120) inwardly or outwardly and melting and curing the folded part at a certain temperature using hot bonding.

[0034] <Example 2>

[0036] Example 2 is a cup holder made by a direct knitting method. The sock holder body (120) according to Example 2 is manufactured by direct knitting so that the pattern and color can be identically realized according to the manufacturer's intention. In particular, it is characterized by using yarn with high tensile strength, such as the yarn used for the toe part of a sock, to maximize the tightening strength and firmness that wraps around the cup (10). At this time, the finishing part (122) forms a finishing line integrally during the knitting process to simplify the process and increase durability.

[0038] Meanwhile, Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention include a connecting member (130) as a common configuration.

[0039] The above connecting member (130) includes a ring (132) and a handle (134) connected to the ring (132). The ring (132) is composed of a small ring (132A) connected to the sock holder body (120) and a large ring (132B) connected to the small ring (132A) and to which the handle (134) is connected.

[0040] On the side of the sock holder body (120), one of the selected rings (132), such as an O-ring or a D-ring, is firmly fixed by sewing. In other words, the rings (132) constituting the connecting member (130) are firmly fixed to the sock holder body (120). The rings (132) are attached one each to the left and right sides of the sock holder body (120), so that two rings (132) are fixed to the sock holder body (120).

[0041] The handle (134) is attached to the connecting member (130) in the form of a detachable strap and is made by recycling sock scraps (134A) or separate strings that are discarded during sock manufacturing. Meanwhile, the handle (134) is made using sock scraps (134A) or separate strings that are discarded during sock manufacturing, and the handle (134) is connected to the loop (132), and the handle (134) is formed by connecting multiple sock scraps (134A) or strings with knots.

[0042] Therefore, the upcycling cup holder using socks according to the present invention can be expected to have the following multifaceted effects.

[0043] Contribution to environmental protection and resource circulation: By actively recycling discarded socks and sock scraps (134A) that are discarded during sock manufacturing into the sock holder body (120) and handle (134) of the cup holder, there is an eco-friendly effect that significantly reduces industrial waste and contributes to reducing carbon emissions.

[0044] Structural stability and thermal / cold insulation effect: As the cylindrical sock material is fixed in close contact with the outer surface of the cup (10), the temperature of the contents is effectively maintained, while the user's hand is safely protected from heat or cold.

[0045] Securing customized quality according to purpose: In the case of the first embodiment applying a direct knitting method, a yarn with high tensile strength is used to provide excellent gripping power that firmly holds the cup (10), and during mass production, high-quality products with uniform patterns and colors can be consistently produced.

[0046] Increased rarity and aesthetic appeal: In the case of the second embodiment utilizing discarded socks, uniqueness is provided to consumers, as each resulting product features a unique pattern depending on the design of the raw material socks. Additionally, handmade stitch lines (123) added during the process of finishing the cut edges further enhance the emotional value and aesthetic appeal of the product.

[0047] Meanwhile, the present invention is characterized in that a connecting member (130) (D-ring or O-ring) to which an external handle (134) is attached is coupled to one side of the outer surface of the sock holder body (120), and a reinforcing patch (142) made of a non-stretchable material is attached to the inner or outer surface of the sock holder body (120) to which the connecting member (130) is coupled, and is sewn integrally to prevent local stretching and tearing of the sock holder body (120) due to the load of a beverage.

[0048] The ring (132) constituting the above connecting member (130) may be joined to the sock holder body (120) by sewing with the reinforcing patch (142) attached to the sock holder body (120), or joined by being inserted into the ring coupling hole formed in the sock holder body (120) and the reinforcing patch (142).

[0049] Due to the nature of the knitted sock, the cup holder of the present invention may be prone to the fabric stretching abnormally or being damaged if a strong load is concentrated in one place. To solve this, a reinforcing patch (142) made of a non-stretchable material may be attached to the part of the sock holder body (120) where a connecting member (130) (such as a D-ring or O-ring) for hanging a handle (134) is sewn. The reinforcing patch (142) can be made by upcycling materials such as PET fabric recycled from waste plastic, leather scraps, or thick canvas material, thereby dramatically improving the structural durability of the product without compromising the eco-friendly intent of the invention.

[0050] In addition, the present invention is characterized in that a non-slip pattern layer (152) is formed on the inner surface of the sock holder body (120) that contacts the outer surface of the cup (10) to prevent slipping caused by condensation and to increase friction with the cup (10).

[0051] The above non-slip pattern layer (152) is made of a non-slip sheet and can be attached to the inner surface of the sock holder body (120) via an attachment means such as an adhesive or a Velcro fastener. The above non-slip pattern is a pattern that increases internal friction to prevent condensation and the cup (10) from coming off.

[0052] When a cold beverage is contained, the sock fabric becomes wet due to condensation (water droplets) occurring on the surface of the cup (10), which can cause the cup holder to slip (slip down) due to reduced friction. The present invention forms a recycled silicone coating layer or a non-slip dot pattern over the upper part or the entire surface of the inner circumference (the surface in contact with the cup (10)) of the sock holder body (120). This allows the fabric to firmly grip the tapered outer circumference of the cup (10) even when it has absorbed moisture, thereby completely preventing the cup (10) from unexpectedly slipping out of the holder during use (in other words, slipping down and slipping out of the sock holder body (120).

[0053] Additionally, the upper end portion (122) that finishes the upper cut surface of the sock holder body (120) and the lower end portion (122) that finishes the lower cut surface are included, and the lower elastic yarn (164) inserted into the lower end portion (122) is set to be relatively stronger than the upper elastic yarn (162) inserted into the upper end portion (122) so as to be in close contact with a tapered cup (10) with a diameter that narrows toward the bottom.

[0054] The upper end portion (122) is formed by folding a portion of the upper part of the sock holder body (120) outward to create an upper elastic yarn (162) coupling space fixed by a seam, and the upper elastic yarn (162) can be embedded in the upper elastic yarn (162) coupling space of the upper end portion (122), and the lower end portion (122) is formed by folding a portion of the upper part of the sock holder body (120) outward to create a lower elastic yarn (164) coupling space fixed by a seam, and the lower elastic yarn (164) can be embedded in the lower elastic yarn (164) coupling space of the lower end portion (122).

[0055] In the present invention, the upper elastic yarn (162) and lower elastic yarn (164) internal structure is an upper / lower heterogeneous finishing structure corresponding to various cup (10) taper angles. Of course, the upper elastic yarn (162) and lower elastic yarn (164) can be configured in the shape of an elastic ring that can be stretched and contracted, such as a closed-loop elastic rubber ring.

[0056] A standard takeout cup (10) (Tall, Grande, Venti, etc.) has a taper angle in which the diameter narrows from top to bottom. In order for a uniform cylindrical sock fabric to adhere perfectly to these various cups (10), the present invention configures the elastic tension applied to the upper and lower ends of the sock holder body (120) differently. Specifically, by setting the contraction force (tension) of the lower end (122) supporting the bottom to be stronger than that of the upper end (122), the phenomenon of the narrow lower end becoming loose or lifting is prevented, and a universal custom-fit structure for cups (10) of various sizes is provided. As a result, the effect of increasing user convenience can be expected.

[0057] In addition, the present invention is characterized by further providing a lower support strap (172) that is coupled across the bottom surface (10BP) of the cup (10) to physically support the load of the received cup (10) and prevent the cup (10) from moving downward, on the lower cut surface side of the sock holder body (120).

[0058] In order to physically prevent a cup (10) containing a heavy beverage from falling to the bottom of the sock holder body (120) due to gravity, a lower support strap (172) that crosses the bottom surface (10BP) of the cup (10) can be integrally connected to the bottom of the sock holder body (120) in a cross (+) or straight (-) shape. The lower support strap (172) can also be made using the neck portion of a discarded sock, the sock neck (132A), or other surplus elastic fabric, thereby securing structural stability that is clearly differentiated from the conventional sock holder technology by a simple cylindrical sleeve structure.

[0060] Terms such as "include," "compose," or "have" as described above, unless specifically stated otherwise, mean that the relevant component may be inherent; therefore, they should be interpreted as allowing for the inclusion of additional components rather than excluding them. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as those defined in advance, should be interpreted in accordance with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and, unless explicitly defined in the present invention, should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0061] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention.

[0062] Accordingly, the embodiments described above are provided to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention and should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0064] 10. Cup 10BP. Bottom surface 120. Sock Holder Body 122. Closing section 122A. Top finish 122B. Bottom finish 123. Stitch line 130. Connecting member 132. Ring 132A. Sogori 132B. Hook 134. Handle 134A. Sock Neck 142. Reinforcement Patch 152. Non-slip pattern layer 162. Upper elastic yarn 164. Lower elastic yarn

Claims

Claim 1 A sock holder body (120) formed in a tubular shape that blocks temperature and is closely fixed to the outer surface of a cup (10) having a tapered shape in which the diameter narrows from top to bottom; a finishing part (122) including an upper finishing part (122A) that finishes the upper cut surface of the sock holder body (120) and a lower finishing part (122B) that finishes the lower cut surface; and a connecting member (130) including a strap-shaped handle (134) fixed to the side of the sock holder body (120), wherein the upper finishing part (122A) is configured to have an upper elastic yarn (162) embedded within a space formed by folding a portion of the upper part of the sock holder body (120), and the lower finishing part (122B) is configured to have a lower elastic yarn (164) embedded within a space formed by folding a portion of the lower part of the sock holder body (120), and the tension or contraction force of the lower elastic yarn (164) is configured to be closely fixed in correspondence with the tapered shape of the cup (10) so that the upper An upcycling cup holder using a sock, characterized in that the sock holder body (120) is set to be relatively stronger than the tension or contraction force of the elastic yarn (162), and a reinforcing patch (142) made of a non-elastic material is attached and sewn integrally to the part of the sock holder body (120) to which the connecting member (130) is joined to prevent localized stretching and tearing due to the load of the beverage, and a non-slip pattern layer (152) is formed on the inner surface of the sock holder body (120) that contacts the outer surface of the cup (10) to prevent slipping due to condensation and to increase friction with the cup (10), and a lower support strap (172) is further provided at the lower part of the sock holder body (120) to physically support the load of the received cup (10) and to prevent the cup (10) from moving downward, by crossing the bottom surface (10BP) of the cup (10). Claim 2 An upcycling cup holder using socks, characterized in that, in claim 1, the sock holder body (120) is formed by cutting off the ankle or tube portion of a discarded sock or a sock with poor commercial value, thereby having elasticity unique to the sock material. Claim 3 An upcycled cup holder using socks, characterized in that, in paragraph 2, the finishing portion (122) has an aesthetic stitch line (123) added through hand sewing. Claim 4 An upcycling cup holder using socks, characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, the ring (132) constituting the connecting member (130) is sewn to the reinforcing patch (142) and the sock holder body (120), or is inserted into a ring coupling hole formed in the reinforcing patch (142) and the sock holder body (120), and the handle (134) is in the form of a strap composed of a plurality of sock loops (134A) connected by knots. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 An upcycling cup holder using socks comprises a sock holder body (120) formed in a tubular shape that is fixed in close contact with the outer surface of a cup (10) to block temperature, a finishing part (122) formed by rolling or folding and stitching the end of the sock holder body (120) or by forming a finishing line integrally during the knitting process, a connecting member (130) fixed to the side of the sock holder body (120), and a handle (134) coupled to the connecting member (130), wherein the sock holder body (120) is directly knitted using yarn with high tensile strength to maximize the tightening strength that wraps around the cup (10), wherein the finishing part (122) includes an upper finishing part (122A) that finishes the upper end of the sock holder body (120) and a lower finishing part (122B) that finishes the lower end, and the upper elastic yarn (162) in the upper finishing part (122A) The lower end portion (122B) is embedded with a lower elastic yarn (164), and the tension or contraction force of the lower elastic yarn (164) inserted into the lower end portion (122B) is set to be relatively stronger than the tension or contraction force of the upper elastic yarn (162) inserted into the upper end portion (122A) so as to be in close contact with a tapered cup (10) whose diameter narrows toward the bottom; a non-slip pattern layer (152) is formed on the inner surface of the sock holder body (120) to prevent slipping due to condensation and to increase friction with the cup (10); and a lower support strap (172) is further provided on the lower side of the sock holder body (120) to physically support the load of the received cup (10) and to prevent the cup (10) from moving downward, by crossing the bottom surface (10BP) of the cup (10). Upcycled cup holder made from socks.

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