Container sling assembly and method of use

Abstract

An inexpensive, thermally formed, two-piece “Hands Free” sling assembly designed for frusto-conical containers, such as coffee cups. The sling assembly can allow a consumer to suspend the container from a wrist or arm without spilling the contents of the container, thereby freeing up the consumer's hands for other activities. In one embodiment, the sling assembly includes an annular retaining ring which is sized to receive the container and which includes two orthogonal, integrally formed female connector sockets. The female connector sockets are configured to receive a male connector pin which is provided on each end of a carrying strap. The carrying strap can be self-contained within the annular ring and may be pivoted and stowed forward/backward when using the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION DESCRIPTION[0001]The embodiments of the invention relate generally to a method and apparatus for holding containers of liquids or other materials, and particularly to a method and apparatus for holding a container of material that is hot, such as a coffee cup.BACKGROUND[0002]Americans consume an estimated 300 to 400 million cups of coffee a day on a seasonal basis.[0003]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. Holding any type of such beverage requires that the cup be maintained upright to avoid spilling the beverage. Thus the consumer must use either or both hands to support the cup and maintain it in an upright position. Unfortunately, this monopolizes the use of the consumer's hand(s), thereby making it difficult to carry the beverage as well as other objects. For example, many consumers often purchase coffee and pastries on their way to work, school, or when...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The embodiments of the invention address these and other problems by providing a sling assembly that suspends the container from the consumer's wrist and/or arm. The sling assembly can act as an extended insulator by further distancing the container from the consumer's body. The sling assembly described herein also provides the consumer with more

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, this monopolizes the use of the consumer's hand(s), thereby making it difficult to carry the beverage as well as other objects.

In these situations the consumer is often burdened with carrying the coffee in addition to other objects.

If the consumer has something else to carry beyond th

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