Reusable Handle for Disposable Cups

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to restoration.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a reusable handle for disposable cups or the likes.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Disposable cups are used by coffee shops, restaurants and the likes to offer coffee or any kind of beverage for customers on the go.

[0004] Because disposable cups are by their nature usually made of a non durable material such as paper, they are poor isolator, which results in the cup being uncomfortable to handle and even being capable of causing burns.

[0005] A solution to this problem has been to provide a sleeve which is inserted around the cup, producing an additional layer of insulation between the hand and the hot beverage.

[0006] Because these sleeves are conventionally made of paper, a drawback of their use is the additional environmental footprints they bring to the one already caused by the use of a paper cup. [0007] The reuse of the sleeves is rendered unpractical, even for environmental-friendly user, considering that they are both cumbersome and fragile.

SUMMARY

[0008] The problem of wasting hand protector for disposable cups is solved by providing a quick mount reusable handle.

[0009] More specifically, in accordance with the described embodiments, there is provided a reusable handle for a disposable cup, the handle comprising:

[0010] a handle portion; and

[0011] a quick-mount mechanism mounted to the handle portion and being adapted for removable attachment to the disposable cup;

[0012] wherein each of the handle portion and quick-mount mechanism is made of a durable material.

[0013] The expression "durable material" should be construed in the description and in the claims as to include polymeric materials, metals, composite materials, woods or any other material sufficiently rigid to keep a given form, even following repetitive handlings and after being wet. Any material that acquires the above-mentioned characteristics after treatment should also be considered to become durable. [0014] The reusable handle is adapted to be removably mounted directly to a disposable cup, which is made for example of plastic or paper and provided for example with a protruding lip, or to such a cup via a removable cover, for example of the snap type. Examples of such cups are, without limitations, those conventionally used to serve coffee in coffee shops or the likes.

[0015] Of course, the configuration and use of the reusable handle is not limited by the content of the cup, which can be for example any liquid, solid or granular product, or can be attached to cups of various geometry such as frustoconical, cylindrical, rectangular, irregular, or else.

[0016] According to some embodiment, the quick-mount mechanism does not require opening or removing of the cover to be mounted onto the cup. Also, a single hand can be used to attach the handle while the other holds the cup.

[0017] It is believed that the ease of use of the reusable handle according to embodiments of the present invention contributes to promoting its use and therefore minimizing the environmental footprint of the coffee on the go market.

[0018] Other objects, advantages and features of the illustrated embodiment will become more apparent upon reading the following non restrictive description thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] In the appended drawings: [0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a reusable handle for a disposable cup according to an illustrative embodiment, showing the handle mounted to a cup;

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the reusable handle from

Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figures 3 and 4 are side sectional views of the reusable handle and cup from Figure 1 , illustrating steps in attaching the handle to the cup; and

[0023] Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 are side elevation views of reusable handles according respectively to second, third, fourth and fifth illustrative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals, and in order not to weigh down the figures, some elements are not referred to in some figures if they were already identified in a precedent figure.

[0025] The use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one", but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more", "at least one", and "one or more than one". Similarly, the word "another" may mean at least a second or more. [0026] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words

"comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "include" and "includes") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contain" and "contains"), are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements.

[0027] A reusable handle 10 for a disposable cup 12 according to a first illustrative embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1-4.

[0028] The reusable handle 10 is illustrated in Figurel attached to the cup 12. The cup 12 is provided with a cover 14 which is conventionally snap-fitted onto the rim 16 of the cup 12. As will be described furtherin, the handle 10 is adapted to be mounted to the peripheral rim 17 of the cover 14 or directly onto the rim 16 of the cup 12 which includes a protruding lip 19.

[0029] The reusable handle 10 is a one-piece plastic body comprising a handle portion 18, a support portion 20 that extends from the handle portion 18, and a quick-mount mechanism 22, extending from both the handle and support portions 18 and 20 therebetween. All portions 18-22 are generally strip-shaped.

[0030] In order to allow the handle 10 to keep its shape under repetitive uses under normal condition, it is made of one or more durable materials.

[0031] The handle portion 18 is generally C-shaped and includes top and bottom portions 24 and 26 that are bridged by a side portion 28 which is substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom portions 24 and 26. The bottom portion 26 is arcuate and allows economically receiving the side of a user's finger (not shown) when the handle portion 18 is, for example, conventionally held with the thumb (not shown) on the top portion 24 and the index finger (not shown) inserted in the loop defined by handle portion 18.

[0032] The intersection of the bottom and side portions 26 and 28 includes reinforcement in the form of a bulge 27 that spans the width of the intersection. The bulge 27 improves the rigidity and minimizes the possibility of breakage of the handle portion 18 during operation of the handle 10 as will be described hereinbelow in more detail.

[0033] According to the first illustrative embodiment, the quick-mount mechanism is in the form of a clip 22 that extends from both the handle and support portions 18 and 20 therebetween. The clip 22 comprises a locking mechanism including two opposite upper and lower interlocking elements 30 and 32. The interlocking elements 30-32 are in the form of hook-shaped tabs. The upper hook-shaped tab 30 extends from the top portion 24 of the handle portion 18 and is generally oriented towards the intersection of the bottom and side portions 26 and 28 thereof. The lower tab 32 extends upwardly from a stem portion 34 generally parallel the upper-hook shaped tab 30. The distal end 35 of the stem portion 34 is integrally connected to the end of the bottom portion 26 that is positioned opposite the side portion 18.

[0034] The upper and lower tabs 30 and 32 are further so shaped and relatively positioned for selective interconnection as illustrated in Figure 4. More specifically, the top and bottom tabs 30 and 32 includes respective hooks 36 and 38 that allow the attachment of the upper and lower tabs 30 and 32 when they are interleaved. This is achieved by moving the top and bottom portions 24 and 26 of the handle portion towards each other. Such movement is promoted by the resiliency of the handle 10 and by the strip-shape of the portions thereof.

[0035] The clip 22 further includes a contact element in the form of rim hook 40 extending downwardly from the top portion 24 and that is distanced from the upper tab 30 so as to define a rim-receiving gap 42 therebetween.

[0036] As will now become more apparent to a person skilled in the art, the quick-mount mechanism 22 is mounted to the handle portion 18 which further acts as a trigger for snapping the mechanism 22 once the handle 10 is hooked to the rim 16 of the cup 12.

[0037] The locking mechanism defined by the tabs 30 and 32 defines a snap mechanism that is movable between an opened configuration, wherein the tabs 30 and 32 are distanced, and a closed configuration wherein the tabs 30 and 32 are interleaved. In the closed configuration of the snap mechanism, the contact element is secured onto the rim 17, as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0038] According to another embodiment (not shown), the snap mechanism and contact element are configured and assembled so that the contact element is secured onto the rim 17 when the snap mechanism is opened and detached from the rim 17 when the snap mechanism is closed.

[0039] The support portion 20 is defined by a flat elongated portion that extends from the distal end 35 of the stem portion 34 in a direction opposite therefrom. The support portion 20 allows adding surface contact between the handle 10 and the cup 12, thereby bringing additional stability to the handle 10 when it is mounted to the cup 12. In addition to this feature of the support portion 20, it can be used to display information 41 thereon, including without limitation, instructions, one or more logos, trademarks, names, pictures, drawings, etc. or any combination thereof. The information can be included in molding and/or using etching, painting, or by attaching or adhering a small printed piece of paper or the like. It is to be noted that any portion of the handle 10 can be used for such a display.

[0040] Other characteristics and features of the reusable handle 10 will become more apparent upon reading the following description of the use thereof with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0041] As can be seen in Figure 3, the reusable handle 10 is mounted to the cup 12 by hanging the rim hook 40 onto the peripheral rim 17 of the cover 14 (see arrow 44). While the gap 43 between the upper edge of the lower tab 32 of the clip 22 and the edge of the rim hook 40 is shown exaggerated in Figures 2 and 3, the gap 43 is sufficient to receive the rim 17 therein. It is to be noted that the resiliency of the bottom portion 26 with regards to the side portion 28 of the handle portion 18 allows forcing a wider gap 43 to accommodate the rim 17.

[0042] With reference now to Figure 4, the hook portion 36 of the upper tab 30 is forced under the hook portion 38 of the lower tab 32 causing the attachment of the upper and lower tabs 30 and 32 together in a snap-fit arrangement. This can be achieved by biasing towards each other the upper and lower portions 24 and 26 of the handle portion 18 (see arrows 46).

[0043] As can be seen in Figure 4, the attachment of the tabs 30 and 32 together causes the tip 49 of the lower tab 30 to squeeze the protruding lip 19 of the cup 12 into the rim hook 40, thereby firmly attaching the handle 0 to the cup 12. The attachment together of the tabs 30 and 32 prevents the handle 10 to be removed from the rim 14 and from the cup 12 should an upward force being applied onto the handle 10 relative to the cup 12. Also, the hook 40 prevents any detachment of the handle should a downward force be applied to the handle 10 relative to the cup 12.

[0044] The position and angle of the support portion 20 relative to the clip 22 causes the support portion 20 to contact the peripheral wall 48 of the cup 12 when the clip 22 is attached onto the rim 44 of the cover 14 or onto the cup 12.

[0045] The reusable handle 10 is removed from the cup 12 by unclipping the upper and lower hook-shaped tabs 30 and 32. This can be achieved by biasing towards each other the upper portion 24 of the handle portion 18 and the upper tab 30. Once removed, the handle 10 can be reused or recycled.

[0046] The quick-mount mechanism 22 according to the first illustrative embodiment is so configured that it produces a "click" sound when it is closed. This has been found to bring assurance to the user, which then knows that the handle 10 is securely attached to the cup 12.

[0047] According to the first illustrative embodiment, the reusable handle 10 is a made of a polymeric material such as without restrictions polypropylene, acetal, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (pvc), ABS, high and low density polyethylene, and polystyrene and results from any well-known moulding processes.

[0048] The handle 10 is not limited to being in the form of a one- piece body and can be assembled from many parts. Such parts can be assembled using an adhesive, soldering, fasteners, brackets, etc, or any combination thereof.

[0049] It is believed to be within the reach of a person skilled in the art to modify the shape and size of the handle for removable attachment to a different cup than the illustrated cup 12. However, the skilled reader will appreciate that the configuration of the handle 10 allows its removable attachment to cups of different sizes.

[0050] Since the mounting of the handle 10 directly to the cup 12 is very similar to its mounting to the cup 12 via a cover 14, such a direct mounting onto the cup 12 will not be described herein for concision purposes.

[0051] It is to be noted that many other modifications could be made to the reusable handle 10 described hereinabove and illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. For example:

[0052] - the width of the different portions of the handle may differ to those illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. As a person skilled in the art would now appreciate the rigidity and flexibility of the handle is determined by its shape and configuration;

[0053] - the support portion can be mounted to any one or both of the clip and handle portions or be defined by an extension thereof. According to still another embodiment (not shown), the support portion is omitted;

[0054] - the biasing effect that causes the upper and lower tabs 30 and 32 to be separated in a neutral position, and/or the resiliency that allows the tabs 30 and 32 to be forced together can be achieved by modifying the configuration of the handle and clips or their relative positioning;

[0055] - the clip 22 and more specifically the hook-shaped tabs 30 and 32 are not limited to the illustrative embodiment. According to another embodiment (not shown), the clip includes a hook which is configured for abutment with the inner wall of the cup. A tab is provided for applying a force onto the hook on both sides the wall of the cup, thereby securing the reusable handle onto the cup 12. According to still another embodiment (not shown), the snap mechanism is configured for connection through the wall and a sealing member is provided that allows preventing leakage of the containment of the cup. According to this same embodiment, the handle is configured to be attached to the cup near the rim so as to prevent leakage during drinking;

[0056] - the handle portion is also not limited to the illustrated embodiment and may have any shape and size. For example the handle portion can be circular in shape. Also, any one of the upper, lower and side portions can be omitted. According to another embodiment, the handle portion is in the form of a portion of the quick-mount mechanism that extends in a direction away from the cup when the quick-mount mechanism is attached thereto;

[0057] - the stem portion 34 can be shaped and sized differently than the illustrated embodiment. The stem portion 34 can also be omitted depending on the configuration of the quick-mount mechanism;

[0058] - even though the clip 22 is illustrated as being directly connected onto both the handle portion 18 and support portion 20, other connecting arrangements of these components are allowed; [0059] - the clip is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Any other mechanism that grips onto the cup and/or holds the handle portion and cup together can also be used.

[0060] Other characteristics and features of the reusable handle will become more apparent upon reading the following description of further illustrative embodiments thereof.

[0061] A reusable handle 50 for disposable cups according to a second illustrative embodiment is shown in Figure 5. Since the handle 50 is similar to the handle 10, only the differences between these two handles 50 and 10 will be described herein for concision purposes.

[0062] The handle portion 18 of the handle 50 further includes an arcuate wall 52 that integrally joins the side portion 28 to the support portion 20 longitudinally near the center thereof, defining a close loop 54 that allows receiving a finger, and that further increases the size of the handle portion. The bulge 27 is omitted between the bottom and side portions 26 and 28.

[0063] Figure 6 shows a reusable handle 60 according to a third illustrative embodiment. Since the handle 60 is similar to the handle 10, only the differences between these two handles 60 and 10 will be described herein for concision purposes.

[0064] The main differences between the handle 60 and the handle 10 reside in the configuration of the handle portion 62. Here are these differences: [0065] - the bottom portion 64 of the handle portion 62 is flat with the exception of the intersection with both the support 66 and stem portions 68, which defines an acute angle with this latter;

[0066] - the bulge 27 is omitted;

[0067] - the arc defined by the upper and side portions 70 and 72 of the handle portion 62 is less pronounced, yielding a wider opening therebetween and also between the two tabs 30 and 32, when no force is exerted onto the handle portion 62.

[0068] The hook 40' is also longer compared with the hook 40.

[0069] Figure 7 shows a reusable handle 80 according to a fourth illustrative embodiment. Since the handle 80 is similar to the handle 50 from Figure 5, only the differences between these two handles 80 and 50 will be described herein for concision purposes.

[0070] In comparison to the handle 50, the handle 80 has two main differences:

[0071] - the hook 40' is identical to the hook 40' from Figure 6; and

[0072] - the handle portion of the handle 80 further includes a

C-shaped wall 82 that is integrally mounted on one side to the side portion 28 so as to extend therefrom, and to the longitudinal end of the support portion 20 so as to define a close loop 84 which is greater than the loop 54 and which as a generally oval section. [0073] Figure 8 shows a reusable handle 90 according to a fifth illustrative embodiment. Since the handle 90 is similar to the handle 10, only the differences between these two handles 90 and 10 will be described herein for concision purposes.

[0074] The main differences between the handle 90 and the handle 10 are in the configuration of the quick-mount mechanism 92 which is in the form of a snap-type connector. The connector 92 includes a male portion 94 extending generally perpendicular from the top portion 24 of the handle portion 18, and a female portion 96 extending from the stem portion 34 for receiving the male portion 94 when the top portion 24 is moved towards the bottom portion 26 (see arrow 98). It is to be noted that the stem portion 34 longitudinally extends beyond the female portion 96 in a direction towards the hook 40 so as to squeeze the lip 19 of the cup 12 within the hook 40, when the handle 90 is mounted thereto, thereby firmly attaching the handle 90 onto the cup 12.

[0075] According to the fifth illustrative embodiment, the male connector portion 94 is in the form of a tab having a rounded bulge 97 at its free end and the female connector portion 96 is in the form of an arcuate portion adapted to complementary received the male portion in a snap-fitted way. More specifically, the arcuate portion defines an opening 99 along its width which is smaller than the bulge 97.

[0076] According to another embodiment (not shown), the female connector portion extends from the top portion 24 of the handle portion 18 and the male portion extends from the bottom portion 26 thereof.

[0077] It is believed to be within the reach of a person skilled in the art to provide the reusable handle with other different complementary female and male connector portions so configured, sized an positioned relative the handle portion so as to cause the bottom tab to squeeze and lock the lip of a cup into the rim hook of the handle.

[0078] It is to be understood that the reusable handle is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The reusable handle is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of illustrative embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit, scope and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.