Cup with levels and identifiers
The container with deformable bulges and customizable identifiers addresses the need for precise content measurement and user differentiation, preventing contamination by offering interactive and tactile level indicators.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SOTO VELASCO SERVANDO
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing containers lack effective mechanical and tactile means to accurately measure and identify contents, leading to potential cross-contamination, especially in commercial settings and during pandemics.
A container with visible and tactile deformable bulges that change shape from convex to concave, providing clear level indicators and user differentiation, featuring customizable identifiers like Braille, text, and shapes, ensuring precise content control and preventing confusion.
Enables accurate measurement and identification of contents, preventing cross-contamination by allowing users to interactively and intuitively control quantities, enhancing user experience and safety in various environments.
Abstract
Description
[0001] BEAKER WITH LEVELS AND IDENTIFIERS
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of measuring and storage containers, providing means of identifying their contents or the user of the container, either for hygienic purposes or to prevent cross-contamination, preferably in a truncated conical shape, such as cups, but not exclusively limited to this shape or type of container. This invention is designed for use in any type of container where it is necessary to measure and control the volume of contents. Because the operation of the invention is mechanical, it is considered an invention of this type.
[0004] The main focus of this invention lies in a container that incorporates visible and / or tactile pre-established levels, which allow the quantity of contents to be measured. These levels are defined by visible ridges, bulges, and divisions that sometimes encircle the body of the container or are visible from its exterior surface.
[0005] Additionally, the cup features multiple deformable bulges that serve various mechanical functions. These bulges allow the user to identify the fill level, distinguish one cup from another, or remove items adhering to the inner walls, such as frosted ice or spices (a combination of these may be present in the same cup or container). The bulges are pressed to change from convex to concave and vice versa, allowing the user to mark the desired fill level both mechanically and visually. Furthermore, these identifiers prevent users from confusing their drinks or containers, thus avoiding the spread of disease among users, as occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in previous years.Therefore, the invention is considered to be predominantly mechanical in nature, with practical applications in commercial environments, events, and any situation that requires precise control of content volumes.
[0006] BACKGROUND
[0007] In the state of the art, we find some cup-type containers that have identifiers that sometimes represent prints without regard to technical aspects such as industrial designs, such as the following:
[0008] The design patent US D507,720 S refers to a container that primarily highlights the legend "my name is" and then has a hatched area where the user writes with some means to write the name of the person that relates to the container; however, the aesthetic elements provided by this design patent are completely different from those found in the design proposed for registration.
[0009] Publication 003516798-0001 refers to a paper for designing cup-type containers, which only involves technical aspects related to the specific material used to manufacture the cup and not its aesthetics; as this type of invention impacts materials, there are also other publications such as FR20170770-001, and publications of this type are based mainly on the material for handling hot liquids, elements that are not intended to be impacted in this case.
[0010] Some identification cups feature grooves and surface areas for identification, relying solely on the user's perception of the cup or container. There is no justification for using these aesthetically pleasing elements to address a more significant technical problem, such as the one being addressed. Regarding levels, patent USD939896S1 describes a cup design with a graduated level engraved on its structure. To utilize this level, the material must be transparent, or alternatively, the cup must be viewed against the light to determine the liquid level inside and thus verify its accuracy.
[0011] Finally, there are industrial designs that only show striated areas, predefined as parabolic structures arranged from the bottom of the base to allow for anti-slip zones on the surface when the user holds it in their hand.
[0012] DESCRIPTION
[0013] The characteristic details of this novel cup with levels and identifiers are illustrated in the following description, figures and examples that accompany it to merely illustrate the conception and some realizations thereof; these should not be considered as a limitation for the scope of said invention.
[0014] Brief description of the figures
[0015] Figure 1 is a front view of the vessel with levels and identifiers, showing bulges that can be used both to indicate a specific level and to identify the vessel.
[0016] Figure 2 is a conventional perspective view of the vessel with levels and identifiers from Figure 1.
[0017] Figure 3 is a view of the vessel with levels and identifiers, showing some of the different preset level options. Figure 4 is a conventional perspective view of the vessel with levels and identifiers, showing a range of the bulge locations, which are observed to be situated between the preset levels.
[0018] Figure 5 is a conventional perspective view of the vessel with levels and identifiers, showing a second option of the bulges that can be used both to indicate a specific level and to identify the vessel, in addition to patterns of dotted lines on the body of the vessel that indicate the level of each bulge.
[0019] Figure 6 is a side view of the vessel with levels and identifiers shown in Figure 5, where the bulges are located in a lateral position, highlighting their morphology.
[0020] Figure 7 is a conventional perspective view of the vessel with levels and identifiers, in which some bulges are pressed to demonstrate their functionality.
[0021] Figure 8 is a side view of the vessel with levels and identifiers shown in Figure 7.
[0022] Figure 9 is an enlarged front view of the vessel with levels and identifiers, in which the bulges comprise an identifier that could be in different reading formats, such as Braille, text, numbers, letters, figures, signs, symbols, drawings, among others. The signs shown are merely illustrative and not exhaustive.
[0023] Figure 10 is an enlarged front view of the vessel with levels and identifiers, where the bulges have an identifier placed next to them, which could be in different reading formats, such as text or Braille. The symbols shown are merely illustrative and not exhaustive. In addition, the identifiers could also be located on the mouth of the container.
[0024] Figure 11 is a conventional perspective view of the glass with levels and identifiers, showing an identifier at the mouth of the glass and other identifiers that distinguish the different preset level options. Figure 12 is a conventional perspective view of the glass with levels and identifiers, showing a variation in the shape and arrangement of the bulges located between the preset levels. These bulges, shaped like a glass, can be used both to indicate a specific level and to identify the glass. In this variation, the number of bulges can also indicate the content level.
[0025] Figure 13 is a conventional perspective view of the vessel with levels and identifiers, showing the bulges arranged at the same horizontal level along the body of the vessel. In this configuration, each pressed bulge indicates a specific level of contents.
[0026] Figure 14 is a conventional perspective view of the vessel with levels and identifiers, highlighting a tab with bulges. In this configuration, each bulge, when pressed, indicates a specific level of contents.
[0027] Figure 15 is a side view of the vessel with levels and identifiers shown in Figure 14.
[0028] Figure 16 is a conventional perspective view of the vessel with levels and identifiers, highlighting a structural reinforcement in the walls where the bulges are located.
[0029] Figure 17 is a conventional perspective view of the vessel with levels and markers, highlighting structural reinforcement in the walls where the bulges are located, as well as pre-established levels with markers shaped like a vessel. Figure 18 is a conventional perspective view of the vessel with levels and markers, highlighting a flattened section of the vessel's mouth, upon which a marker is placed.
[0030] Figure 19 is a conventional perspective view of the vessel with levels and identifiers, showing the bulges with a flat, circular shape. The third bulge is distinguished from the others by two pressure marks forming a cross. NOTE: The examples presented in the following description are intended to provide a tangible representation of the described element. They are not meant to be restrictive in their measurements; rather, their function is merely illustrative.
[0031] The present invention relates to a cup (1) with levels and identifiers, designed to measure and indicate pre-established quantities of content; it also has on its walls a plurality of deformable bulges (2), which fulfill various functions: they not only indicate predefined levels of content (N), but also allow the user to visually and tactilely differentiate the cup, interact with it, and additionally serve to detach residues adhered to its internal walls.The cup can be used in a variety of situations, from commercial settings to personal use, providing a more interactive and functional experience. Furthermore, these identifiers prevent users from confusing their drinks or cups (1), thus avoiding contamination from disease among users, as occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in previous years. It also has a truncated conical body, closed at its base, with side walls designed to hold various types of contents. On the side walls of the cup body (1) are arranged a plurality of deformable mechanical bulges (2), which, when pressed, preferentially change shape from convex to concave, and vice versa.This action of the bulges (2) allows for interactive functionality that not only provides information about the level of the contents, but also facilitates sensory differentiation of the glass, allowing the user to quickly identify it in an environment where there are multiple similar glasses.
[0032] The bulges (2) can take on different shapes and / or geometric or irregular configurations, which not only improves their functionality but also allows for visual and tactile customization of the cup. Some of the shapes they can take include:
[0033] • Figures of objects, such as a glass (See figure 12).
[0034] • Animal figures, such as a horse.
[0035] • Geometric shapes, such as circular (See figures 13, 14 and 15), paraboloids, squares, rectangles, polygons, ovals, and other irregularly shaped forms and / or any combination of these shapes.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the vessel (1) with levels and identifiers, the bulges (2) are configured to deform when pressure is applied to them, so that, when deformed after pressure has been applied to them, their surface is distinguished from that of other bulges (2) by deformations comprising: pressure marks, notches, perforations, concave sections, indentations, cavities, openings, scratches, grooves, and / or any combination of these elements.
[0037] For example, by applying pressure with one of their fingernails to a bulge (2) on the glass (1), a person can create visible cross-shaped marks (S) by applying two perpendicular pressures. This method allows visual differentiation of that bulge (2) from the others, facilitating the identification of content levels in the glass (1), as shown in Figure 19.
[0038] The bulges (2) can be distributed in various configurations, such as on the side walls of the cup body (1), arranged at different heights to indicate preset levels of contents. These bulges (2) provide a clear visual and tactile indication of the contents levels within the cup. For example, a user can press a bulge (2) located at a specific height to indicate the desired contents level, thus allowing them to control how full the cup is filled with a particular beverage. This interaction facilitates precise and personalized content control, adapting to each user's needs. Each bulge (2), when located at a specific height on the side walls of the cup body (1), is designed to indicate a preset content level in the cup (1) (See Figures 7 and 8).
[0039] The cup (1) is designed to measure predefined quantities of contents, functioning similarly to a measuring device with an external measuring device.
[0040] A primary feature of the cup (1) is that it comprises preset levels (N) on the walls of the cup body (1). These levels are ring-shaped, visible from the outside of the cup (1), and are preferably arranged from the bottom of the cup body (1) (see Figures 3 to 15 and 17), allowing the user to accurately identify the amount of contents within the cup, with measurements comprising selected values within a range, for example: from 0.5 ounces to 17 ounces and / or from 5 ml to 500 ml. Some specific examples of the quantities that can be measured include: 1 ounce, 1.5 ounces, 2 ounces, 3 ounces, 10 ml, 15 ml, 20 ml, 25 ml, 30 ml, 35 ml, 40 ml, 45 ml, and 50 ml.
[0041] The levels (N) are organized so that the lowest division corresponds to the first level (N1) and provides a preset quantity. The next division corresponds to the second level (N2) with another preset quantity, and so on, each additional division indicating consecutive levels (N3, N4, etc.), each with its respective preset quantity. This allows the user to measure the contents quickly and accurately, which is especially useful in contexts where accuracy is essential, such as at events or bars (See Figure 3).
[0042] A second vahante of the vessel (1) comprises bulges (2) located between the pre-established measurement levels (N), acting as identifiers of said levels (See figure 4).
[0043] A third feature of the cup (1) comprises bulges (2) arranged horizontally along the body of the cup (1). In this configuration, each pressed bulge (2) indicates or refers to a specific level (N) of contents. For example, the first pressed bulge indicates the first level (N1), the second pressed bulge indicates the second level (N2), and so on, each additional bulge indicates consecutive levels of contents (N3, N4, etc.). Figure 13 shows that the second bulge has been pressed, indicating that Level 2 (N2) has been selected, providing a visual and tactile cue of the desired contents level. This arrangement allows the user precise control over the amount of contents in the cup, ensuring an intuitive and personalized experience.
[0044] A fourth feature of the vessel (1) consists of a tab (4) that is an integral part of the vessel's mouth (T) where the bulges (2) are located. These bulges serve a similar function to the bulges (2) arranged on the same horizontal level mentioned earlier, allowing visual and tactile identification of the content level when pressed. Figures 14 and 15 show that the third bulge has been pressed, indicating that Level 3 (N3) has been selected.
[0045] A fifth feature of the cup (1) comprises a plurality of bulges (2) distributed in different areas of the cup (1), which may be present at the preset measuring levels (N), on the side walls of the cup body (1), or on the tab (4) located at the mouth of the cup (T). These bulges function interchangeably as level indicators and / or content quantity indicators, depending on their arrangement and purpose on the cup (1). This flexible configuration allows the bulges to be adapted to various positions on the cup (1), providing greater versatility in the use and functionality of the product.
[0046] A sixth feature of the vessel (1) is that the bulges (2) act as indicators of the amount of contents. In this configuration, each pressed bulge (2) not only indicates a specific level of contents, but the number of pressed bulges (2) directly corresponds to the amount of contents inside the vessel (1). For example, if three bulges (2) have been pressed, this indicates that the vessel contains an amount corresponding to three predetermined units of measurement (See Figures 7 and 8).
[0047] A seventh variant of the cup (1) comprises an additional representation of the preset levels (N) by means of a plurality of bulges (2). In this configuration, the measuring levels are represented by visible divisions and by the bulges (2), which, when pressed, visually indicate the level and quantity of contents within the cup (1). This arrangement offers dual functionality, as the bulges serve both to identify the content level and to measure the exact quantity, providing a practical and visually intuitive solution for the user. This approach ensures that the user can quickly and accurately control the quantity of contents, as shown in Figure 12 by the three pressed bulges (2'), which clearly indicate that the third level (N3) has been selected.
[0048] An eighth variant of the cup (1) consists of the bulges (2) being positioned within a surrounding protruding area (3). This area acts as a structural reinforcement, allowing the pressure applied to the bulges (2) not to compromise the rigidity of the cup (1). This feature ensures that the cup (1) maintains its stability and strength during use, even when the bulges are repeatedly pressed, thus ensuring greater durability of the cup (See Figures 16 and 17).
[0049] A ninth vahante of the vessel (1) consists of including identifiers (A) that can be presented in different formats, both visual and tactile.
[0050] The identifiers (A) comprise:
[0051] • Braille system, to allow people with visual disabilities to identify levels, flavors, type of content, among others,
[0052] • Text, numbers, letters, figures, symbols, signs, marks, patterns, or drawings, among others, allowing for extensive visual and tactile customization of relevant information on the cup, according to the user's needs. The identifiers (A) can be located in various parts of the cup, such as:
[0053] • Regarding the bulges (2) (See figure 9),
[0054] • At the mouth of the vessel (T) (See figures 10, 11 and 18),
[0055] • In the body of the vessel (1) (See figures 5, 10 and 11),
[0056] • On the tab (4) of the mouth of the cup (T) or the base of the cup.
[0057] The identifiers (A) can be applied using different techniques, such as printing, embossing, engraving, painting, stamping, highlighting, debossing or other equivalent methods that ensure the durability and visibility of the identifier.
[0058] One-tenth of the cup (1) incorporates additional functionality in the bulges (2), which provide an additional visual indication when pressed. By changing from their convex to concave shape, the bulges deform the material, causing a color change on the cup's surface. This color change allows users to clearly identify the level of contents within the cup simply by observing the deformed area. This color change may result from the selection of a material that reacts to pressure or deformation, providing a richer and more functional interactive experience for the user.
[0059] An eleventh variant of the cup (1) consists of a section of the cup mouth (1') being flattened (see Figure 18), compressed, stretched, or pinched, creating a surface on which an identifier (A) can be placed. This modification of the cup mouth (1') facilitates the application of identifiers (A).
[0060] When the glass (1) cools, the cold is transferred to its walls, causing any liquids or moisture in the air in contact with these walls to solidify and adhere to its surface. When the bulges (2) are pressed, the solids formed break or detach from the walls of the glass (1) due to the external pressure exerted.
Claims
CLAIMS Having clearly described my invention, which I consider novel, and therefore claim as my exclusive property the contents of the following claims:
1. A vessel (1) with levels and identifiers, characterized in that it comprises: i) a body in the shape of a truncated cone, closed at its smaller base, which presents, i) a plurality of deformable mechanical bulges (2), iii) wherein said bulges (2) are arranged on the side walls of the vessel body (1) and / or on a tab (4) located at the mouth of the vessel (T), and wherein said bulges (2) when deformed indicate predetermined levels of content inside the vessel.
2. The vessel with levels and identifiers of claim 1, characterized in that the bulges (2) are convex.
3. The glass with levels and identifiers of claim 2, characterized in that when at least one of the bulges (2) is pressed, it deforms, changing from a convex shape to a concave shape and vice versa.
4. The vessel with levels and identifiers of claim 1, characterized in that the bulges (2) are configured to deform when pressure is applied to them, so that, when deformed, their surface is distinguished from that of other bulges (2) by deformations comprising: pressure marks, notches, perforations, concave sections, indentations, cavities, openings, scratches, grooves, and / or any combination of these elements.
5. The vessel with levels and identifiers of claim 1, characterized in that the bulges (2) are arranged in positions at different heights along the body of the vessel (1), where each bulge (2) at a certain height corresponds to a pre-established level of content.
6. The cup with levels and identifiers of claim 1, characterized in that the body of the cup (1) has a plurality of divisions or levels (N) visible from the outside, where each division or level (N) indicates a predetermined amount of content.
7. The cup with levels and identifiers of claim 6, characterized in that the pre-established quantities of measurable content in the cup comprise values selected within a range from 0.5 ounces to 17 ounces and / or from 5 ml to 500 ml.
8. The glass with levels and identifiers of claim 6, characterized in that the quantities of content representing divisions (N) are arranged from the bottom of the glass (1).
9. The vessel with levels and identifiers according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the bulges (2) are located between the pre-established measurement levels (N), acting as identifiers of said levels.
10. The cup with levels and identifiers of claims 1 and 6, characterized in that the bulges (2) are arranged on the same horizontal level on the body of the cup (1), wherein each bulge (2) corresponds to a specific level (N) of content.
11. The cup with levels and identifiers of claims 1 and 6, characterized in that the bulges (2) are located on a tab (4) that forms an integral part of the mouth of the cup (T), wherein each bulge (2) corresponds to a specific level (N) of content.
12. The vessel with levels and identifiers of claim 1, characterized in that the bulges (2) adopt various geometric or irregular shapes and / or configurations, such as figures of objects like a vessel, animals like a horse, circular shapes, paraboloids, squares, rectangles, polygons, ovals, irregular outlines, convex shapes and / or any combination of these shapes.
13. The cup with levels and identifiers of claim 1 characterized in that when the bulges (2) are pressed to change from convex to concave, they allow visual identification of the level of the contents, with a change of color due to the deformation of the material.
14. The glass with levels and identifiers of claim 1, characterized in that the bulges (2) act as indicators of the amount of content inside the glass, indicated by the number of bulges pressed.
15. The cup with levels and identifiers of claim 1, characterized in that the bulges (2) are marked with identifiers (A), which are presented in visual or tactile formats, such as Braille, text, numbers, letters, figures, symbols, signs, marks, patterns, drawings, or any combination thereof.
16. The cup with levels and identifiers of claim 15, characterized in that the identifiers (A) are located in different parts of the cup, including on the bulges (2), on the mouth (1'), on the body, on the tab (4) and / or on the base of the cup (1).
17. The cup with levels and identifiers according to claims 1 and 16, characterized in that a section of the mouth of the cup (1') is flattened, compressed, stretched or pinched, creating a surface on which an identifier (A) is placed.
18. The vessel with levels and identifiers according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the bulges (2) are positioned within a protruding area (3) that surrounds them, acting as a structural reinforcement for the body of the vessel (1), so that the pressure applied to the bulges (2) does not compromise the rigidity of the body of the vessel (1).
19. The vessel with levels and identifiers according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the bulges (2) allow that, when the walls of the vessel (1) cool and the liquids or moisture in contact with said walls solidify, said solids can be broken or detached from the surface of the vessel by means of external pressure applied to the bulges (2).