Convertible cup holder

Abstract

The convertible cup holder presents a novel solution to a problem experienced by all beverage drinkers—an entire hand is required to hold a beverage container. The convertible cup holder is a convertible, disposable or reusable insulator, holder and cup-carrier that surrounds a beverage container. In its initial condition, the holder provides thermal insulation against the hot or cold temperature of the beverage. The cup holder can be used to improve the grip on the beverage or to make the beverage more comfortable to hold. If a user requires the use of the hand holding the beverage, the user is able to pull handles disposed within the holder into a deployed position, such that the user can now easily grip the beverage by using only one's finger. With handles deployed, the convertible cup holder allows the average beverage to be suspended and held by a single finger, thereby freeing up the majority of one's hand for other tasks. The beverage could also be suspended by a hook or other nearby object until the user is ready to resume consuming the beverage. The present invention enables a single individual to carry multiple beverages at the same time using only a single hand or finger.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claim priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60 / 842,260 filed on Sep. 2, 2006 and 60 / 777,034 filed on Feb. 27, 2006 each by the same inventor and each bearing the same title.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatuses for holding containers of liquids or other materials, and more particularly to method and apparatus for holding a container of a liquid or other material that is hot, such as a coffee cup, which holder is disposable, inexpensive, easy to store, and safe for all users. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an apparatus for holding containers of liquids or other materials, such as coffee.BACKGROUND[0003]Americans consume an estimated 300 million cups of hot coffee each winter day. When a consumer purchases a beverage at a fast food outlet, deli or coffee house, they are usually handed the beverage in a disposable cup of some type. Holding...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The present invention solves these and other problems by providing a cup holder that serves both as an insulating layer between the outer wall of the cup and the user's fingers, which cup holder can be easily carried with ones' finger.

[0013]In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two simple pulls of string handles deploys the handles and allows the user to drape the string handles over a single finger, hook or edge to maintain a beverage or beverage holder upright while using the other fingers or hand as desired, for example, to grasp other objects. In this fashion, multiple beverages can be safely carried simultaneously by grasping all of the handles in one hand. This can be accomplished without much effort to maintain the cups upright and balanced.

[0014]The present invention comprises a novel, inventive technique for providing a consumer of hot beverages with a layer of protection from the hot surface of the cup while providing a rapidly available, simple means of carrying the beverage with a single finger. More importantly, the cup holder can be inexpensively produced and easily utilized, thereby increasing its ability to be placed into commerce.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, this monopolizes the use of an entire hand, thereby making it difficult to carry the beverage and other things.

If the consumer has something else to carry beyond what they can carry in their other hand, they often struggle to find a means to keep from spilling the beverage.

Furthermore, if the consumer wishes to purchase more than two or three of the beverages at a time it is nearly impossible to carry them all at one time without some type of separate carrying device or tray.

Additionally, if the beverage is hot, the user's fingers will often become uncomfortable holding the beverage unless there is some type of insulation available around the beverage or the beverage has some type of handles to separate the cup wall from the user's fingers.

Currently, there are several different types of cup-holder insulators or cups with handles to attempt to solve the insulation problem; however, each of these fails from the problems set forth above.

Still further, sometimes the user has a beverage and cannot find a flat or stable surface upon which to set his or her cup.

Of course, these are not helpful if you are not located in them.

Finally, in certain social settings such as cocktail parties, guests may be faced with the difficult problem of trying to balance their hors d'oeuvres plate and a drink while still having a free hand to eat, socialize and shake hands with others.

While each of these may suffice for holding beverages, none of the above cited references solves the above mentioned problems related to carrying hot beverages.

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