PAPER CUP HOLDER

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates a paper cup holder more particularly, to a paper cup holder in which folding lines are formed at circumference surfaces and both end portions thereof are bonded to each other, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process, loading easily, reducing the manufacturing cost, and implementing the large production.

Background Art

[2] Generally, a paper cup is a kind of a disposable paper container which can contain a water or a drinking water and so on.

[3] The paper cup has an inside diameter increasing gradually as it extend from a lower part thereof to an upper part thereof for easy grip in a structure of human body. Also, the upper opening portion thereof is rolled toward outside for easy drink. Furthermore, the paper cup has an improving endurance and has a lower peripheral, which is lower than a bottom surface thereof, for safe receiving.

[4] The usage of the paper cup as the disposable paper container has been increased on account of the convenience for use. Especially, the usage of the paper cup shows a tendency to tremendously increase, owing to an increase of takeout stores in number.

[5] The paper cup can contain a normal temperature or a cold water or drinking water

(named as 'drinking water' herein below). To the contrary, it can contain a hot drinking water.

[6] Actually in the use of the paper cup, where a user grips an outer circumference of the paper cup containing the hot drinking water, since the outer circumferenceof the paper cup is hot, it is undesirable to grip the paper cup or the user gets burned in the hand according to circumstances.

[7] In order to solve the problems, there has been proposed techniques in that a grip portion is integrally formed at the outer circumference of the paper cup or a paper cup holder. However, because the production cost of the paper cup or the paper cup holder having the grip portion has been suddenly increased, it does not apply to actual life. Also, the paper cup holder having the grip portion should be lower in production cost than the paper cup and have a good loading capacity for large distribution.

[8] In order to solve this problem and requirement, there has been variously proposed a paper holder type, which is not provided with the grip portion.

[9] For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-105603 (April 8, 2004) proposes a paper holder cup (named as 'first prior art' herein below). In the first prior art, the opposite cutting portions are formed at both end portions, which cuts a paper base in an arc belt type, so that the opposite cutting portions are inserted into each other and both end portions are bonded to each other during forming of the paper cup holder.

[10] Also, in the first prior art, a plurality of through holes having small inside diameter is formed along a folding line by means of a punching blade and so forth for easy loading.

[11] However, since the paper cup holder manufactured by the first prior art is complicated in terms of manufacturing process, it cannot be manufactured in bulk and the manufacturing cost is high.

[12] Also, Japanese Patent No. 9154697 (June 17, 1997) proposes another paper cup holder (named as 'second prior art' herein below) having cutting portions formed at both end portions and inserted into each other. In the second prior art, the loading of the paper cup holder is easy and the manufacturing process is simple, so that it can be manufactured in bulk and the manufacturing cost becomes lower. However, since the cutting portions are inserted into each other by user, it is troublesome in use.

[13] Also, USA Patent No. 5,425,497 (June 20, 1995) proposes further another paper cup holder (named as 'third prior art' herein below) having cutting portions formed at both end portions. In the third prior art, it can be manufactured in bulk and the manufacturing cost becomes lower, like the second prior art. However, there is problem in that it is troublesome in use. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[14] Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above^nentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a paper cup holder in which folding lines are formed at circumference surfaces and both end portions thereof are bonded to each other, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process, loading easily, reducing the manufacturing cost, and implementing the large production.

Technical Solution

[15] To accomplish this object, the present invention provides a paper cup holder comprising: a body of a cylindrical shape; top and bottom portions open to outside; and at least one folding line compression-formed to a circumference surface thereof.

[16] According to the paper cup holder of the present invention, the folding line is formed along a width of the circumference surface. [17] According to the paper cup holder of the present invention, the folding line is vertically formed. [18] According to the paper cup holder of the present invention, two folding lines of at least one set are opposite to each other on a basis of a center of the paper cup holder. [19] According to the paper cup holder of the present invention, the folding lines are formed at both edges of the circumference surface on the basis of a bonding part between both end portions thereof in a case that folding lines are folded. [20] According to the paper cup holder of the present invention, the folding line has double lines. [21] According to the paper cup holder of the present invention, the folding line is formed at inner or outer circumference surfaces thereof . [22] According to the paper cup holder of the present invention, the folding line is compression-formed by means of a press. [23] According to the paper cup holder of the present invention, an inside diameter of an upper portion of the circumference surface is larger than that of a lower portion of the circumference surface and the circumference surface is in the form of a circular arc during unfolding. [24] According to the paper cup holder of the present invention, an inner circumference surface located at one side of the paper cup holder is bonded to an outer circumference surface located at the other side of the paper cup holder in order to constitute the cylindrical shape. [25] According to the paper cup holder of the present invention, both end portions thereof are vertically formed.

Description of Drawings [26] The above as well as the other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [27] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paper cup holder according to one embodiment of the present invention; [28] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a state in which the paper cup holder of FIG. 1 is folded;

[29] FIG. 3 is a developed view of the paper cup holder of FIG. 1 ;

[30] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state of using the paper cup holder of

FIG. 1;

[31] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the method for manufacturing the paper cup holder of FIG. 1;

[32] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are perspective views illustrating an important part of a paper cup holder according to two and three embodiments of the present invention respectively;

[33] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a paper cup holder according to four embodiment of the present invention;

[34] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a paper cup holder according to five embodiment of the present invention; and

[35] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a paper cup holder according to six embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode

[36] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[37] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paper cup holder according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a state in which the paper cup holder of FIG. 1 is folded; and FIG. 3 is a developed view of the paper cup holder of FIG. 1.

[38] Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, the paper cup holder 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is in the form of a cylindrical shape and has top and bottom portions open to outside, in order that it is inserted into the outer circumference of the paper cup (not shown).

[39] Conventionally, The material of the paper cup holder 10 is a corrugated cardboard.

However, the present invention is not limited to the corrugated cardboard and a variety of paper may be used.

[40] The paper cup holder 10 includes inner and outer circumference surfaces 12 and

11. The inner circumference surface 12 located at one side of the paper cup holder 10 is bonded to the outer circumference surface 11 located at the other side of the paper cup holder 10 in order to constitute the cylindrical shape. At this time, both end portions 16 and 17 thereof are vertically formed.

[41] The paper cup holder 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention also, includes folding lines 15, which are compression-formed to the inner circumference surface 12 so as to manufacture the paper cup holder 10 for an easy loading and a low cost in bulk. Here, two folding lines of one set are opposite to each

other on the basis of the center of the paper cup holder 10.

[42] Also, the folding line 15 is vertically formed between an upper rim 13 and a lower rim (not shown) along the width of the inner circumference surface 12.

[43] Moreover, the folding line 15 includes a depression portion, which is vertically formed between the upper and lower rims as stated above. Also, as seen in a partial enlarged sectional view, the folding line 15 is in the form of a half circular arcfrom a plan point of view thereof.

[44] Furthermore, in the paper cup holder 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the circumference surface is foldable along the folding lines 15.

[45] As shown in FIG. 2, the folding lines 15 are formed at both edges of the folded inner circumference surface 12 on the basis of the bonding part between the inner and outer circumference surfaces 12 and 11.

[46] The circumference of the paper cup holder 10 is in the form of a half circular arc during unfolding. Also, an adhesive 19 is applied to one side portion of the inner circumference surface 12.

[47] Also, each folding line 15 is symmetrically formed at the inner circumference surface 12 of the paper cup holder 10.

[48] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state of using the paper cup holder of

FIG. 1.

[49] Referring to FIG. 4, the paper cup holder 10 according to the present invention is unfolded from the folded state as shown in FIG. 2 and the unfolded paper cup holder 10 is fixed to the circumference of the paper cup 100 while the opened upper portion of the paper cup holder 10 passes through the lower portion of the paper cup 100.

[50] Accordingly, in the paper cup holder 10 according to the present invention, folding lines 15 are symmetrically formed at both edges of the folded inner circumference surface 12 on the basis of the bonding part between the inner and outer circumference surfaces 12 and 11, so that it is easy to be folded or unfolded. If the folding line is formed at the bonding part, the thickness of the circumference surface having the folding line is thicker than that of the present invention, it is difficulty to be folded or unfolded in comparison with the present invention. Also, where folding line 15 is adjacent to the bonding part, since the paper cup holder 10 is not symmetrically formed as a whole, it is not easy to be folded or unfolded as described above.

[51] The folding line 15 according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed between the upper and lower rims of the inner circumference surface 12 in a straight line. However, the present invention is not limited to it and the folding line 15

may be separated into individual folding lines at the straight line.

[52] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the method for manufacturing the paper cup holder of FIG. 1.

[53] A manufacturing process of the paper cup holder according to the present invention will be briefly described herein below.

[54] A paper base supplying process (210 ^s )

[55] The paper base for cup holder is cut in a roll type or in a predetermined size and is supplied by a paper feeder.

[56] A cutting process (220 ^s )

[57] The supplied paper base is cut in the form of a suitable type for manufacturing the paper by means of a cutting machine of a pressing type. Here, the cut paper base is transferred through a conveyor system having a fixing means or an auto clamping feeder and so on.

[58] A forming process (230 ^s )

[59] The transferred paper base is pressed or compressed by a pressing or a compressing roller having a compressing blade in order to form the folding line at one side surface thereof.

[60] An adhesive applying process (240 ^s ) and a bonding process (250 ^s )

[61] An adhesive is applied to one side end portion of the paper base and then, the opposed both end portions are bonded to each other the adhesive.

[62] Here, both end portions of the paper base may be bonded to each other by means of the adhesive in a state in which the paper base is wound on a mold similar to the circumference of the paper cup, or in a state in which the paper base is folded on the basis of the folding line.

[63] Also, where the paper base is boned through the adhesive while being wound on the mold, it should be folded along the folding line

[64] Packing and shipment process (260 ^s )

[65] A plurality of the paper cup holder, in which the bonding process 250 is completed, is loaded and packed to ship finished goods.

[66] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are perspective views illustrating an important part of a paper cup holder according to two and three embodiments of the present invention respectively.

[67] Referring to both FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the paper cup holder according to two and three embodiments of the present invention is similar to the paper cup holder 10 of FIG. 1, except the shapes of folding lines 25 and 35 formed at inner circumference

surfaces 22 and 32. Accordingly, further description and drawings of the similar parts are omitted here. [68] The folding lines 25 and 35 according to two and three embodiments of the present invention are in the form of notch and rectangular shapes from a plan point of view thereof respectively.

[69] The reference numerals 23 and 33 denote upper rims.

[70] The shapes of the folding lines 25 and 35 according to two and three embodiments of the present invention are notch and square, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to any shape of the folding line. [71] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a paper cup holder according to four embodiment of the present invention. [72] Referring to FIG. 8, the paper cup holder 40 according to four embodiment of the present invention is in the form of a cylindrical shape and has top and bottom portions open to outside, in order that it is inserted into the outer circumference of the paper cup

(not shown). [73] Conventionally, The material of the paper cup holder 40 is a corrugated cardboard.

However, the present invention is not limited to the corrugated cardboard and a variety of paper may be used. [74] The paper cup holder 40 includes inner and outer circumference surfaces 42 and

41. The inner circumference surface 42 located at one side of the paper cup holder 40 is bonded to the outer circumference surface 41 located at the other side of the paper cup holder 40 in order to constitute the cylindrical shape. At this time, both end portions 46 and 47 thereof are vertically formed. [75] The paper cup holder 40 according to four embodiment of the present invention also, includes a plurality of folding lines 45, for example three sets, which are compression-formed to the inner circumference surface 42 so as to manufacture the paper cup holder 40 for an easy loading and a low cost in bulk. Here, two folding lines

45 of three sets are opposite to each other on the basis of the center C of the paper cup holder 40. [76] Also, the folding line 45 is vertically formed between an upper rim 43 and a lower rim (not shown) along the width of the inner circumference surface 42. [77] Moreover, the folding line 45 includes a depression portion, which is vertically formed between the upper and lower rims as stated above. Also, as seen in a partial enlarged sectional view, the folding line 45 is in the form of a half circular arcfrom a plan point of view thereof.

[78] The paper cup holder 40 according to four embodiment of the present invention includes folding lines 45 having a plurality of sets. Accordingly, the paper cup holder can be folded or unfolded in various directions, thereby providing the convenience for use.

[79] The folding line 45 according to four embodiment of the present invention is formed between the upper and lower rims of the inner circumference surface 42 in a straight line. However, the present invention is not limited to it and the folding line 45 may be separated into individual folding lines at the straight line.

[80] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a paper cup holder according to five embodiment of the present invention.

[81] Referring to FIG. 9, the paper cup holder 50 according to five embodiment of the present invention is in the form of a cylindrical shape and has top and bottom portions open to outside, in order that it is inserted into the outer circumference of the paper cup (not shown).

[82] Conventionally, The material of the paper cup holder 50 is a corrugated cardboard.

However, the present invention is not limited to the corrugated cardboard and a variety of paper may be used.

[83] The paper cup holder 50 includes inner and outer circumference surfaces 52 and

51. The inner circumference surface 52 located at one side of the paper cup holder 50 is bonded to the outer circumference surface 51 located at the other side of the paper cup holder 40 in order to constitute the cylindrical shape. At this time, both end portions 56 and 57 thereof are vertically formed.

[84] The paper cup holder 50 according to five embodiment of the present invention also, includes two neighboring folding lines 55a and 55b which are compression- formed to the inner circumference surface 52 so as to manufacture the paper cup holder 50 for an easy loading and a low cost in bulk. Here, two folding lines 55a and 55b of one set are opposite to each other on the basis of the center of the paper cup holder 50.

[85] Also, the folding line 55 is vertically formed between an upper rim 53 and a lower rim (not shown) along the width of the inner circumference surface 52.

[86] Moreover, the folding line 55 includes a depression portion, which is vertically formed between the upper and lower rims as stated above. Also, as seen in a partial enlarged sectional view, the folding line 55 is in the form of a half circular arcfrom a plan point of view thereof.

[87] The paper cup holder 50 according to five embodiment of the present invention

includes double folding lines 55. Accordingly, the paper cup holder can be easily folded or unfolded in comparison with the single folding line, thereby providing the convenience for use.

[88] The folding line 55 according to five embodiment of the present invention is formed between the upper and lower rims of the inner circumference surface 52 in a straight line. However, the present invention is not limited to it and the folding line 55 may be separated into individual folding lines at the straight line.

[89] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a paper cup holder according to six embodiment of the present invention.

[90] Referring to FIG. 10, the paper cup holder 60 according to six embodiment of the present invention is in the form of a cylindrical shape and has top and bottom portions open to outside, in order that it is inserted into the outer circumference of the paper cup (not shown).

[91] Conventionally, The material of the paper cup holder 60 is a corrugated cardboard.

However, the present invention is not limited to the corrugated cardboard and a variety of paper may be used.

[92] The paper cup holder 60 includes inner and outer circumference surfaces 62 and

61. The inner circumference surface 62 located at one side of the paper cup holder 60 is bonded to the outer circumference surface 61 located at the other side of the paper cup holder 60 in order to constitute the cylindrical shape. At this time, both end portions 66 and 67 thereof are vertically formed.

[93] The paper cup holder 60 according to six embodiment of the present invention also, includes two folding lines 65 which are compression-formed to the inner and outer circumference surfaces 62 and 61 so as to manufacture the paper cup holder 60 for an easy loading and a low cost in bulk. Here, the folding lines include first and second folding lines 65a and 65b formed at the inner and outer circumference surfaces 62 and 61 respectively. Also, the folding lines 65 of one set are opposite to each other on the basis of the center of the paper cup holder 60.

[94] Also, the folding line 65 is vertically formed between an upper rim 63 and a lower rim (not shown) along the width of the circumference surface.

[95] Moreover, the folding lines 65 include a depression portion, which is vertically formed between the upper and lower rims as stated above. Also, as seen in a partial enlarged sectional view, the folding lines 65 are in the form of a half circular arcfrom a plan point of view thereof.

[96] The paper cup holder 60 according to six embodiment of the present invention

includes double folding lines 65. Accordingly, the paper cup holder can be easily folded or unfolded in comparison with the single folding line, thereby providing the convenience for use.

[97] The folding lines 65 according to six embodiment of the present invention are formed between the upper and lower rims of the inner and outer circumference surfaces 62 and 61 in a straight line. However, the present invention is not limited to it and the folding lines 65 may be separated into individual folding lines at the straight line.

[98] Here, the first and second folding lines 65a and 65b are on a same line.

Industrial Applicability

[99] As can be seen from the foregoing, in the paper cup holder according to the present invention, folding lines are formed at circumference surfaces and both end portions thereof are bonded to each other. Accordingly, the paper cup holder according to the present invention can simplify the manufacturing process, load easily, reduce the manufacturing cost, and implement the large production.

[100] While this invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and the drawings, but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.