Cup carrier
US7762396B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65D1/36
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cup carrier for holding beverage cups within a range of shapes and sizes is provided. The carrier has a cup-holding socket that has stabilizing shoulders and stabilizing walls extending inwardly and downwardly therefrom. The stabilizing walls include an upper portion having a relatively shallow angle and lower portions having a steeper angle. This extends the stabilizing wall further into an upper region of the socket, thereby enabling the stabilizing wall to contact smaller diameter cups at a higher point in order to increase stability. The upper portion contacts larger cups inserted into the socket. Because the upper portion initially has a relatively shallow angle, it exerts a desirable gripping force on the cups when it is deflected outwardly by the cup's sidewall. The carrier also includes a stepped center cavity for increased strength and rigidity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.