The present invention relates to a stackable cup for cold or hot beverages or other foodstuffs.

The invention relates more specifically to the type of cups with a handle, of which the cup and the handle are stackable in each other.

Such drinking cups are stackable for efficient storage, transport and filling. Moreover, via the stackable handles it is very handy to hold several cups stacked and fan-wise in your hand without spilling.

A known problem of such stackable cups is that the individual cups are difficult to take out of the stack. The cups/handles easily get stuck in each other and in this way one often ends up taking out several cups from the stack at the same time. That is an even greater problem when the cups contain beverages because this causes spilling when the cups are suddenly separated from each other when lifting up. EP2344394 describes a stackable drinking cup holder whereby the handle has a plurality of horizontal notches that provide gliding clearance between two stacked handles. Consequently, the cups are easier to separate. A disadvantage is that a large stack of such cups will lean over to one side because the clearance between the stacked cups is not the same as between the stacked handles. EP0668834 describes a stackable mug with two projections partly on the bottom and the rim of the cup against which the bottom of an overlying mug leans. The projections are positioned thus to be largely opposite the handle. At the transition from the mug to the handle, the mug also contains a lug which leans on the underlying rim of the mug when stacking.

A disadvantage here is that the contact point between the lug and the rim of the mug is very small. Consequently, the stack will again lean over to one side.

It is therefore necessary to stack as many cups as possible at the smallest possible height and also to keep the stack perfectly straight. It is also necessary for the cups to be easily separated from each other.

Cups with internal stacking lugs are known of FR3005248 Al and US5219419. Another problem is to make stacking in one hand as easy and balanced as possible, regardless of the number of cups one wants to stack. Thus, the stacking of six cups will be less evident than the stacking of two cups .

It is known to make the handles in the form of a hexagon and to stack the cups as such. A disadvantage with this is that the cups can only be stacked in certain positions, which in some cases are not the most balanced.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a solution to at least one of the aforementioned and other disadvantages .

To this end, the invention relates to a stackable cup comprising a cup with a conical handle which is open at the top and comprises space to receive the handle of an overlying cup, characterised in that the handle is provided with at least one set of complementary stacking elements which stack two cups in a certain discrete position. The stacking of the cups in certain discrete balanced positions is done via the principle of two complementary elements which fit into each other, e.g. tongue and groove, or complementary notches, albeit in such a way that the cups can be turned using little force in another position (e.g. other tongue and groove) without having to lift the cup. The advantage is twofold: a balanced position of the cup in a stack of several cups and simple shifting to another position. The advantage of the invention is a stacking of cups in one hand whereby the weight is distributed over the central axis. In this way a stack of a large number of filled cups can be held upright in one hand. To this end the set of stacking elements comprises a first stacking element (on the outside of the cup) and a second stacking element (on the inside of the cup) which are complementary when stacking. Each cup is made with the two complementary stacking elements. Evidently, a cup will contain several stacking elements to be able to create several positions.

The handle is provided with one or more first stacking elements on the outside. In a preferred embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention the handle is provided with a supporting edge with notches. Preferably these notches are located on the outside of the handle. In a first specific embodiment of such a stackable cup, the first stacking element consists of one or more notches which are provided at the bottom of the handle, preferably on the outer contour. In a second specific embodiment of such a stackable cup, whereby the handle is provided with a widened collar, the first stacking element consists of one or more notches provided at the bottom of the widened collar which rests on the collar of the underlying cup when stacked.

In an even more specific embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention, both embodiments are provided with first stacking elements, so both at the bottom of the handle and at the bottom of the widened collar.

The handle is located on the side of the cup. Preferably the handle is conical. One or more stackable handles may be provided .

The second stacking element, which is complementary to the first stacking element during stacking, may have several embodiments .

In a preferred embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention the handle comprises one or more complementary notches. Preferably, these notches are located on the inner contour of the handle.

In a first specific embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention, a stacking lug is provided on the inner contour of the handle. The stacking lug is an inward projection located at the bottom against the sidewall of the handle. The stacking lug is dimensioned such that the top provides support to a notch. In a second specific embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention the widened collar is provided on the inner contour with at least one complementary second stacking element, preferably in the form of a lug. Preferably, the lug is located over the entire height of the collar, like an inward projection that can support a notch. Preferably, the lug is located on the inner contour closest to the cup.

In an even more specific embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention, both embodiments are provided with the second stacking elements, i.e. both at the inner contour of the handle and at the inner contour of the widened collar.

One stacking lug per stacking element is sufficient to realise a discrete position. Preferably, two stacking lugs per stacking element are provided over 180° to realise a perfect balance.

In a special preferred embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention several sets of stacking elements are provided for several discrete positions of the cup in a stack.

It is possible to "engage" with one second stacking element in any notch or any first stacking element. Preferably, for a perfect balance, two second stacking elements are provided at 180° in relation to each other.

Preferably, the handle is conical.

In a specific preferred embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention several first stacking elements or notches are provided for every discrete position of the cup in a stack.

Several notches 18 (first stacking elements) in a particular location ensure various particular discrete balanced positions of the stacked cups. In a preferred embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention first stacking elements are provided at an angle of each 60, 72, 90, 120 and/or 180 degrees. The stacking elements allow for a stacking of 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 cups in discrete positions. By using the 60° positions six cups can be stacked in perfect balance, in a kind of spiral. The positions at 72° stack five cups in perfect balance, 90° four cups, 120° three cups, and 180° 2 cups.

One cup can always be freely stacked at any desired and appropriate position.

In a preferred embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention the stacking elements are dimensioned such that a stacked cup can be turned with little force without lifting .

The notch is, for example, 1 mm wide and 0.2 mm deep and preferably has bevelled edges.

The invention also relates to a stacking of two or several stackable cups as described above, whereby the respective cups are stacked on top of each other in discrete positions which in relation to each other can form an angle of 60°, 72°, 90°, 120° or 180°.

In a preferred embodiment of a stacking according to the invention a balanced basic stacking consists of six cups at 60° from each other, five cups at 72°, four cups at 90°, three cups at 120° or two cups at 180°. This concerns an ideal stacking for a perfect balance. The cups can also be stacked differently if desired and the position allows it. For example, two cups can be stacked at an angle of 72°, or five cups at an angle of 60°.

In a certain preferred embodiment of a stacking according to the invention several basic stacks can be stacked on each other.

The perfect stacking is done in the form of a spiral whereby cups are stacked on top of each other via the handles in the concerning discrete positions. Another stacking can for instance have the form of a zigzag-stacking, whereby every time on the left and right of the cup another cup is stacked. However, this stacking is less balanced in your hand. In an alternative embodiment, marks are provided on the cup indicating the position of the notch. For example, "60°" or "6" or a line next to the notch which allows a 60° stacking of 6 cups, and another distinguishing mark next to the other position or angle positions.

For the storage of the stackable cups, the cups and the handles are stacked on top of each other. Here too, it is important to obtain a balanced stacking. To this end, in a preferred embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention the cup is provided on the inner contour with stacking lugs to receive the bottom of an overlying cup, whereby the cup is preferably provided with three stacking lugs at an angle of 120° in relation to each other, whereby one stacking lug opposite the handle is provided on the furthest inner side of the cup.

Moreover, the handles of the cups are stacked such that a clearance is located between the handles and the handles can be separated effortlessly.

In another preferred embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention the handle on the inner contour is provided with stacking lugs to receive the bottom of an overlying handle, dimensioned such that there is clearance between the handles when stacking.

The stacking lugs are located on the inner contour of the cup and possibly also on the inner contour of the handle. The stacking lugs prevent that two stacked cups are stacked too deeply into each other and thus cannot be easily separated due to friction between the walls.

The stacking lugs are located as deeply as possible in the bottom part of the cup and the handle. Consequently, more cups can be stacked over a certain height and the stacking still remains stable.

Preferably, the stacking lugs consist of inward projections with an top surface made such that the bottom of a cup or handle stacked on top can be received such that a clearance is provided between the walls of the stacked cup or handle respectively .

The height of the stacking lugs of the handle and the cup is located at such a level that the cup and the handle are stacked horizontally.

Preferably the cup and the handle have a smooth inner and outer surface. Preferably, the bottom of the handle is provided on the same level as the bottom of the cup, such that both the cup and the handle rest on, for example a table surface.

Preferably, clearance is provided between the walls of two stacked cups, two stacked handles respectively, such that the stacked cups and handles are easy to separate.

Preferably, the cup and the handle are conical. Preferably, the bottom of the cup and the handle have a smaller diameter than the top rim.

In another embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention the cup and possibly the handle are provided with a lid .

The advantage is that the cup can be pre-filled with, for example soup or ice cream.

The advantage hereby is that in the handle extras such as sauces, nuts, etc. can be provided to eat with the beverage/the food provided in the cup. The handle can also be used to hold a spoon or the like in a hygienic way.

Such cup with a lid on the handle is the top cup of the stack. When the space in the handle is freed, for example after removing the lid and eating the food or removing the spoon to eat soup or ice cream, other cups can be stacked on this cup. Preferably, the lid is sealed on the rim of the cup with a breakaway seal.

The lid is sealed for hygienic reasons such that the packaging cannot be opened for use.

Preferably, the breakaway seal is a multiple point closure. The point closure consists of locks at a certain distance from each other. The advantage of point closures is that the rim of the closure is practically flat and thus is suitable to move to the mouth and drink from, such as for example soup.

The seal is of the breakaway type over at least half the contour of the lid such that one can drink from the cup.

By providing the seal over the entire contour of the rim of the cup the whole rim can be used as drinking rim.

The handle can also be provided with a lid. One lid can be provided over both the cup and the handle. Hereby, the lid has the integrated form of the top of the cup, the top of the handle and the flat part between cup and handle.

The advantage here is that in the handle extras such as sauces, nuts, etc. can be provided to eat with the drink/food provided in the cup. The breakaway rim of the lid is smooth at the top of the cup, apart from a couple of point closures.

Preferably, the lid of the stackable cup is resealable. Preferably, the stackable cup and the lid are disposable.

The stackable cup can also be reusable.

The cup and/or handle can be insulated.

The invention also relates to the use of such a stackable cup as an ice cream cup or beer mug.

With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, a preferred embodiment of a stackable cup is described hereinafter, by way of an example without any limiting nature, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a stackable cup according to the invention; figure 2 shows a top view of a stackable cup of figure 1; figure 3 shows a side view of a stackable cup of figure 1 ; figure 4 shows a side view of a stack of two cups according to the invention; figure 5 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a cup with lid; figure 6 shows a cup of figure 5 with breakaway lid;

Figure 7 shows a side view, cross-sectional view and a top view of a first embodiment of a stackable cup;

Figure 8 shows a detail of the notches on the bottom of the handle;

Figure 9A shows a view of the different notches with indication of their angular position in relation to each other;

Figures 9B-F show the notches for a stacking of a number of cups;

Figure 10 shows a side view, cross-sectional view and a top view of a second embodiment of a stackable cup; Figure 11 shows a detail of the notches at the bottom of the widened collar of the handle;

Figure 12 shows a stacking of five cups; and

Figure 13A shows a top view of the stacking of five cups according to figure 12, and analogously figures 13B-E show a top view of a stack of two, three, four and six cups.

Figure 1 shows a stackable cup 1 according to a preferred embodiment. The stackable cup 1 consists of a conical cup 2 and a conical handle 3 which are connected via a flat part 4. The horizontal connecting piece is strengthened via vertical ribs 5.

The conical cup 2 and handle 3 have a smaller diameter towards the bottom. The cup 2 is provided with a widened top rim or collar 6, but this is not a requirement.

The top rim of the cup has a rim 7 over the entire contour, which may partly protrude or not.

The oblong handle 3 has an open top 9 such that a handle 3 stacked on top fits in the opening 9 and slides down. At the same time an overlying cup 2 slides down into the opening 8 of an underlying cup 2. When put down on a surface the cup 2 and the handle 3 both rest on the surface in this embodiment. Preferably, the bottom 10 of the cup 2 and the bottom 11 of the handle 3 have the same height. That strengthens the firmness of the stackable cup 1 as a whole when put down on a surface and it ensures a more uniform stacking.

The bottom 10 of the cup 2, respectively the bottom 11 of the handle 3, has a smaller diameter than the top 7, 8 of the cup, respectively the top 9 of the handle. Normally the overlying cup and handle slide to the bottom of the cup and the handle. Consequently, the cup and handle would be difficult to separate due to a lack of clearance between the stacked cups and handles. This is prevented by the stacking lugs 12, 13 in the cup and the handle.

As you can see in figure 2, on the inner contour in the bottom part the cup 2 comprises three stacking lugs 12 separated 120° from each other. On the inner contour in the bottom part the handle 3 comprises three stacking lugs 13 separated 120° from each other.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the stackable cup 1 and the stacking lugs 12, 13. The stacking lugs 12 project inwards from the inner contour of the cup 2. At the top the stacking lugs 12 have a wider surface such that they can receive the bottom of the overlying cup and stop it from sliding further to the bottom. The handle 3 also comprises three stacking lugs 13 the top 13' of which is at the same height as the top 12' of the stacking lugs of the cup. Consequently, the handle 3 of an overlying handle 3 slides to the same depth/height as the cup 2. Preferably, the stacking lugs 12 in the cup 2 are conical, the bottom of which is smaller. The stacking lugs 13 in the handle 3 have a straight shape and are as wide at the top as the bottom. The stacking lugs 13 can also be made conical or any other form which permits a stacked handle 3 to rest on the stacking lugs 13.

By providing the stacking lugs, enough air is provided between the cups in relation to each other and the handles in relation to each other. Both between the stacked cups 2 and between the stacked handles 3, a clearance 14 is provided between the walls, as is shown in figure 4. Consequently, it is possible without any problems to separate the stacked cups 1. The bottom of the stacked cup/handle reaches against the top of the stacking lugs 12, 13 of the underlying cup/handle. Consequently, there is a clearance between the walls of both cups/handles respectively. Figures 5 and 6 show a stackable cup 1 with lid 15 according to a preferred embodiment. The stackable cup 1 has the form and characteristics of a stackable cup described above. The cup 2 with lid 15 can be used for soup . The top rim 7 of the soup cup is made with a lid 15. To this end, the top rim 7 possibly is shaped such that it can receive a lid 15. The lid 15 is secured via a system of a break-away closure 16, 17. Such closure is known whereby a breakable or snappable part 17 is secured via point connections 16 that can be broken off to open the closure and remove the breakable part. On the rim of the cup 2 only the point connections 16 remain, but they are not a problem when drinking .

Preferably, the soup cup has a closure which is detachable over the entire contour of the top rim. In this way the cup can also be used to drink soup.

Figure 7 shows a side view, a cross-sectional view and a top view of a stackable cup 1 according to a first embodiment with notches 18 at the bottom 11 of the handle 3.

The cup 2 has three stacking lugs 12. The handle 3 has two stacking lugs 13 which act as a second stacking element. In an alternative embodiment the handle 3 only has one stacking lug 13.

The stacking lugs 13 in the handle 3 act as a complementary stacking element with the notches 18 in the handle 3. The engaging of the stacking lugs 13 with certain notches 18 means the stackable cup 1 will take a certain discrete position in a stacking. The function of the stacking lugs 13 in the handle is also to balance a stacking of cups for storage, this is when both the cup 2 and the handle 3 are stacked into each other. In this case the bottom 11 of a stacked handle 3 supports on the stacking lug 13 of the handle 3 below.

Figure 8 shows a detail of the notches 18 on the bottom 11 of the handle 3. The notches 18 have a bevelled edge. The notches 18 in this example have a width of 1 mm and a depth of 0.2 mm. Consequently, it is possible with little force to click the stacking lug 13 "in or out" of a notch 18. Lifting the cup 1 is no longer necessary because of the limited depth of the notch 18.

Figure 9A shows a top view of the different notches 18 with indication of their angular position in relation to each other. Figures 9B-F show the notches 18 that are used when 6 (60°), 5 (72°), 4 (90°), 3 (120°) or 2 (180°) cups are stacked in a balanced stacking. Consequently, the discrete positions of the cups in the stacking are determined.

The notches 18 can also be used to stack the cups 1 in a random position.

In analogy with the figures 9, the notches 19 at the bottom of the collar of the second embodiment are positioned in a same way. Figure 10 shows a side view, a cross-sectional view and a top view of a stackable cup 1 according to a second embodiment with notches 19 at the bottom 20 of the widened collar 6. This is an example of a beer mug.

The cup 2 has three stacking lugs. The handle 3 has no stacking lugs in this example.

The complementary second stacking element is provided as a lug 22 in the inner contour of the collar 6 of the handle 3. The lug "engages with" one of the notches 19 of the collar of a stacked cup.

Alternatively, there may also be two lugs 22 in the collar, e.g. at 180° in relation to each other, or at a different relative angle.

In an alternative embodiment the handle 3 has one or more stacking lugs 13 aimed at the balanced storage of a stack of cups 1. Figure 11 shows a detail of the notches 19 at the bottom 20 of the widened collar of the handle 19. The notches 19 have a bevelled edge. The notches 19 in this example have a width of 1 mm and a depth of 0.2 mm. Consequently, it is possible with little turning force to click the stacking lug 13 or lug 22 "in or out" of a notch 19. Lifting the cup is no longer necessary because of the limited depth of the notch .

In case a stacking lug 13 is used as second stacking element in this embodiment, the stacking lug 13 will be higher up in the handle 3, such that a complementary interaction with the notches 19 at the bottom 20 of the collar 6 is possible.

Figure 12 is an example of a stacking of five cups, stacked in a tower. The advantage of the (positioning of the) notches 18, 19 is that the cups can be stacked in such a way that they always remain in balance and that the weight is uniformly distributed around the axis of the handle. Consequently it is always perfectly possible to keep stacking and to safely hold the tower of cups in one hand.

Figure 13A shows a top view of the stacking of five cups at an angle of 72° in relation to each other according to figure 12.

Analogously, figures 13B-E show a top view of a stacking of two, three, four and six cups at respective angles of 180°, 120°, 90° and 60°. The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described as an example and shown in the drawings, but a stackable cup according to the invention as defined by the claims can be realised in all kinds of variants without departing from the scope of the invention.