Cup Resistant to Both Slipping and Tipping

Abstract

A cup or glass design that prevents both slipping and tipping. The cup is shaped so that its bottom has both a region of high friction and a region of low friction. The region of high friction can be a set of small rubber feet or the like. The region of low friction can be the smooth cup surface. The two regions are juxtapositioned so that when the cup is sitting flat in its normal resting position, the region of high friction makes contact with the surface; however, if the cup is tipped, the region of high friction lifts off the surface allowing the region of low friction to contact the surface. This then causes the partially-tipped cup to slide rather than tip over. As it slides away from the source of the tipping force, the cup will then right itself by gravity and return to the normal resting position.

Description

BACKGROUNDField of the Invention[0001]The present invention relates generally to the field of slipping / tipping prevention and more particularly to a cup design that prevents both slipping and tipping over.Description of the Problem[0002]Cups have a tendency to slip on a smooth surface such as a tray or table. This effect is particularly acute on boats and ships where surfaces tilt as the vessel rolls. The effect also makes carrying several cups on a tray difficult.[0003]Cups and glasses are also prone to tipping over when a relatively small force is applied to an upper surface. Our previous invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,756,970 solved the problem of a coffee-style cup tipping over by providing three or more legs extending from the cup. These legs also served as handles. However, this previous invention does not alone solve the slipping problem.[0004]It would be advantageous to have a cup (or glass or any other container) that would not slip on a smooth surface and was resis...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a cup design that prevents both slipping and tipping. The cup has two regions of friction: high and low. The high friction region is made of small rubber feet, while the low friction region is the smooth cup surface. When the cup is flat, the high friction region makes contact with the surface to prevent slipping. However, if the cup is tilted, the high friction region lifts off the surface, allowing the low friction region to make contact. This causes the cup to slide rather than tip over. As it slides away from the tipping force, the cup then rights itself by gravity and returns to its normal resting position. The goal of this invention is to provide a cup design that can selectively grip and slide to avoid spilling in various situations.

Problems solved by technology

Cups have a tendency to slip on a smooth surface such as a tray or table.

The effect also makes carrying several cups on a tray difficult.

Cups and glasses are also prone to tipping over when a relatively small force is applied to an upper surface.

However, this previous invention does not alone solve the slipping problem.

Images