US20010050283A1 - Condiment cup - Google Patents
Condiment cup Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010050283A1 US20010050283A1 US09/896,714 US89671401A US2001050283A1 US 20010050283 A1 US20010050283 A1 US 20010050283A1 US 89671401 A US89671401 A US 89671401A US 2001050283 A1 US2001050283 A1 US 2001050283A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- condiment
- attachment arm
- sidewall
- grip
- cup
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D67/00—Kinds or types of packaging elements not otherwise provided for
- B65D67/02—Clips or clamps for holding articles together for convenience of storage or transport
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/02—Plates, dishes or the like
- A47G19/04—Plates with detachable waste receptacles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/20—External fittings
- B65D25/22—External fittings for facilitating lifting or suspending of containers
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to condiment cups, and more particularly to a condiment cup having a sealed lid.
- the condiment cup be securely attachable to the storage container so as to prevent spillage; and it is also desirable that the containers be inexpensive to manufacture, store, ship, and use.
- the container must have an attachment arm or arms for attaching the condiment cup to the storage container. It is highly desirable that the condiment cup be constructed so that the attachment arm securely locks onto the storage container.
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,597,468, teaches a supplementary container for holding cream on the rim of a coffee cup.
- the supplementary container includes a hook-shaped member for mounting the container on the coffee cup, and a positioning rib that is positioned beneath the hook-shaped member for clamping the coffee cup.
- the prior art teaches various supplementary containers that can be mounted upon another container or cup. However, the prior art does not teach a container that includes the features described below.
- the present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.
- the present invention provides a condiment cup for containing a condiment and for attachment to a storage container sidewall of a storage container.
- the condiment cup includes a condiment container for storing the condiment, an attachment arm for attaching the condiment container to the storage container, and a sealing lid for sealing the opening of the condiment container.
- the condiment container is typically filled with the condiment, such as ketchup, sealed with a sealing lip, and then distributed to a consumer. The consumer then peels off the sealing lid and hangs the condiment container on the storage container using the attachment arm.
- a primary objective of the present invention is to provide a condiment cup having advantages not taught by the prior art.
- Another objective is to provide a condiment cup that is adapted to be filled with a condiment, sealed with a sealing lid, distributed to a consumer, and then unsealed and hung on a storage container by an attachment arm, thereby facilitating consumption of the condiment by the consumer.
- a further objective is to distribute the condiment to consumers in an condiment cup that is economical to produce and easy to use.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof
- FIG. 3 is a rear side elevational view thereof
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view thereof
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof
- FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating how a sealing lid is peeled off of a condiment container
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating how the condiment container is attached to a storage container with an attachment arm
- FIG. 9 is a is a sectional view thereof taken along line 9 - 9 in FIG. 8;
- FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment having a second attachment arm adjacent a grip enhancer opposite the attachment arm;
- FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment in which the condiment cup is mounted inside the storage container;
- FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment in which the attachment arm includes a curved spring portion
- FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment that includes a divider sidewall that separates the condiment container into first and second compartments;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a locking button of the attachment arm and a plurality of locking ribs of the grip enhancer
- FIG. 15 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 15 - 15 in FIG. 14;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment illustrating a condiment cup having a perimeter lip in the shape of a half-circle;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment illustrating a condiment cup having a perimeter lip in the shape of a triangle.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment illustrating a condiment cup having a perimeter lip in the shape of a half-trapezoid
- the above described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a condiment cup 10 for containing a condiment and for attachment to a storage container sidewall 14 of a storage container 12 .
- the condiment cup 10 includes a condiment container 20 for storing the condiment, an attachment arm 30 for attaching the condiment container 20 to the storage container 12 , and a sealing lid 40 for sealing the condiment container 20 .
- the condiment container 20 is typically filled with the condiment, such as ketchup, sealed with a sealing lid 40 , and then distributed to patrons of fast food restaurants. The patrons then peel off the sealing lid 40 and hang the condiment container 20 on the storage container 12 , such as a container of French fries.
- the condiment container 20 has a base 22 and an upwardly extending sidewall 24 that together define a storage space 26 .
- the upwardly extending sidewall 24 terminates in a perimeter lip 28 that defines an opening 29 for accessing the storage space 26 .
- the perimeter lip 28 extends outwardly for bonding the sealing lid 40 onto the condiment container 20 , as described below.
- the opening 29 is shaped and sized to enable the patron to easily access the condiment in the condiment container 20 , typically by dipping a food product such as French fries into the condiment such as ketchup.
- the condiment container 20 is preferably constructed of molded plastic, although alternative embodiments might be constructed of paperboard or similar material.
- the condiment container 20 is preferably generally rectangular in shape; however, as shown in FIGS. 16 - 18 , the condiment container 20 can be constructed of almost any shape, including but not limited to a half-circle, triangular, half-hexagonal, or any other shape, including round or elliptical.
- the condiment container 20 20 can also be conical in shape, as the base 22 does not necessarily have to be formed as a flat surface.
- the condiment cup 10 further includes an attachment arm 30 extending downwardly from the perimeter lip 28 .
- the attachment arm 30 preferably includes an outwardly extending portion 32 , a downwardly extending portion 34 , and ends at a terminal end 38 .
- the outwardly extending portion 32 and the downwardly extending portion 34 are at least semi-rigid to support the condiment cup 20 as described.
- the outwardly extending portion 32 functions to outwardly space the downwardly extending portion 34 from the upwardly extending sidewall 24 .
- the attachment arm 30 is preferably integrally molded with the condiment container 20 and extends far enough downward to provide a secure anchor point for the condiment cup 10 , but not so far as to interfere with shipping and handling of the condiment cup 10 .
- the attachment arm 30 preferably extends approximately half of the height of the upwardly extending sidewall 24 .
- the sealing lid 40 is attached to the condiment container 20 .
- the sealing lid 40 has a lid perimeter 42 that is shaped and adapted to be bonded to the perimeter lip 28 such that the sealing lid 40 seals the opening 29 of the condiment container 20 .
- the sealing lid 40 preferably includes a pull tab 44 that extends outwardly from the lid perimeter 42 for facilitating the peel-removal of the sealing lid 40 from the condiment container 20 .
- the sealing lid 40 is preferably constructed of a thin material such as foil or plastic.
- the patron when the patron is ready to consume the meal, he or she simply peels the sealing lid 40 from the condiment container 20 to expose the condiment 16 .
- the patron then can hang the condiment container 20 on the storage container sidewall 14 of the storage container 12 , as shown in FIG. 8, and dip the food through the opening 29 of the condiment container 20 and into the condiment 16 .
- the condiment cup 10 provides a handy method of dispensing the condiment 16 while the patron eats his or her meal.
- the condiment cup 10 preferably includes at least one grip enhancer 50 extending outwardly from the upwardly extending sidewall 24 adjacent the attachment arm 30 .
- the at least one grip enhancer 50 provides an outwardly extending sidewall 52 that supports a grip surface 54 .
- the outwardly extending sidewall 52 is preferably integral with the upwardly extending sidewall 24 and extends outwardly from the upwardly extending sidewall 24 approximately the same distance as the outwardly extending portion 32 of the attachment arm 30 .
- the outwardly extending sidewall 52 extends outwardly from the upwardly extending sidewall 24 approximately the same distance as the outwardly extending portion 32 of the attachment arm 30 , this is intended to include the situation when the outwardly extending sidewall 52 extends outwardly from the upwardly extending sidewall 24 a distance that is slightly less than the outwardly extending portion 32 of the attachment arm 30 —as long as the relationship between the outwardly extending sidewall 52 and the attachment arm 30 is functional to grip the storage container sidewall 14 .
- the grip surface 54 is preferably an elongate surface that is generally parallel to the attachment arm 30 .
- the grip surface 54 is vertically aligned with and horizontally spaced from the attachment arm 30 .
- vertically aligned means that at least a portion of the grip surface 54 is the same distance from the base 22 as at least a portion of the attachment arm 30 ; and specifically, that a top edge 56 of the grip surface 54 is higher than a terminal end 38 of the attachment arm 30 .
- the grip surface 54 is positioned between the outwardly extending portion 32 of the attachment arm 30 and the terminal end 38 .
- the grip surface 54 is adapted to cooperate with the attachment arm 30 to clamp the storage container sidewall 14 and thereby support the condiment cup 10 on the storage container sidewall 14 .
- the at least one grip enhancer 50 includes two grip enhancers 50 , each of the two grip enhancers 50 being horizontally spaced on either side of the attachment arm 30 .
- the grip surface 54 of the grip enhancers 50 are adapted to cooperate with the attachment arm 30 to clamp the storage container sidewall 14 and thereby support the condiment cup 10 on the storage container sidewall 14 .
- the condiment cup 10 includes a second attachment arm 60 and a single grip enhancer 50 .
- the grip enhancer 50 is positioned between the attachment arm 30 and the second attachment arm 60 .
- the grip surface 54 of the grip enhancer 50 is adapted to cooperate with the attachment arm 30 and the second attachment arm 60 to clamp the storage container sidewall 14 and thereby support the condiment cup 10 on the storage container sidewall 14 .
- the attachment arm 30 includes a curved spring portion 36 extending to the terminal end 38 that is outturned away from the upwardly extending sidewall 24 .
- the attachment arm 30 is preferably constructed of a resilient material that enables the curved spring portion 36 to bend and accommodate the storage container sidewall 14 when the terminal end 38 captures the storage container sidewall 14 , the curved spring portion 36 then functioning to bias the attachment arm 30 against the storage container sidewall 14 , thereby further enhancing the grip of the attachment arm 30 against the storage container sidewall 14 .
- the condiment cup 10 further includes a divider sidewall 62 that is integral with the base 22 and the upwardly extending sidewall 24 and positioned to separate the storage space 26 into a first compartment 64 and a second compartment 66 .
- the divider sidewall 62 includes a divider lip 68 that is adapted to be bonded to the sealing lid 40 , thereby sealing the divider sidewall 62 and separating the first compartment 64 from the second compartment 66 .
- This enables the storage of both the condiment 16 and a second condiment 18 within the condiment cup 10 .
- the condiment cup 10 could be used to store ketchup and barbeque sauce, cheese and salsa, chocolate and sprinkles, or any number of combinations of condiments.
- the condiment cup 10 further includes a locking button 70 or buttons extending from an inner surface of the attachment arm 30 .
- the locking button 70 functions to increase the strength of the connection between the condiment cup 10 and the storage container sidewall 14 .
- the connection can be especially strong if the storage container sidewall 14 includes a dimple that matches the locking button 70 .
- the condiment cup 10 further includes a plurality of locking ribs 74 extending from the grip surface 54 of the at least one grip enhancer 50 .
- the plurality of locking ribs 74 further function to increase the strength of the grip of the at least one grip enhancer 50 upon the storage container sidewall 14 .
- the condiment container 20 preferably has a base 22 that is angled, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 15, to facilitate dipping the food into the condiment 16 .
- the condiment cup 10 further includes at least one support leg 76 extending downwardly from the base 22 of the condiment container 20 .
- the at least one support leg 76 is adapted to cooperate with the base 22 to support the condiment container 20 in an upright orientation when the condiment container 20 is placed upon a surface.
- the base 22 is planar and adapted to support the condiment cup 10 on a surface such as a table, in addition to attaching the condiment cup 10 onto the storage container sidewall 14 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Table Devices Or Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
A condiment cup for containing a condiment and for attachment to a storage container sidewall of a storage container has a condiment container for storing the condiment, an attachment arm for attaching the condiment container to the storage container, and a sealing lid for sealing the opening of the condiment container. The condiment container is typically filled with the condiment, such as ketchup, sealed with a sealing lip, and then distributed to a consumer. The consumer then peels off the sealing lid and hangs the condiment container on the storage container using the attachment arm.
Description
- This application for a utility patent is a continuation-in-part of the following previously filed, and still pending, patent applications: application Ser. No. 09/590,607, filed Jun. 9, 2000; application Ser. No. 29/124,653, filed Jun. 9, 2000; application Ser. No. 29/139,331, filed Mar. 27, 2001; and application Ser. No. 29/142,468, filed May. 25, 2001. This application for a utility patent claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/138,704, filed Jun.11, 1999.
- Not Applicable
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates generally to condiment cups, and more particularly to a condiment cup having a sealed lid.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- There is a need in the marketplace for a secondary container that can be readily attached to a storage container. An example of a market for such a product is in the fast food industry. In the sale of fast food, it is desirable to be able to dispense condiments such as ketchup in a condiment cup that can be readily carried with their associated foods, such as french-fries.
- It is highly desirable that the condiment cup be securely attachable to the storage container so as to prevent spillage; and it is also desirable that the containers be inexpensive to manufacture, store, ship, and use. To meet this goal, the container must have an attachment arm or arms for attaching the condiment cup to the storage container. It is highly desirable that the condiment cup be constructed so that the attachment arm securely locks onto the storage container.
- Garrett, U.S. Pat. No. 2,597,468, teaches a supplementary container for holding cream on the rim of a coffee cup. The supplementary container includes a hook-shaped member for mounting the container on the coffee cup, and a positioning rib that is positioned beneath the hook-shaped member for clamping the coffee cup.
- Waterston et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,975, teaches a recyclable materials caddy that can be attached to a waste receptacle. The caddy is constructed of a linear blank of corrugated plastic and includes a metal hangar member that allows the caddy to be mounted on the rim of a wastebasket.
- The prior art teaches various supplementary containers that can be mounted upon another container or cup. However, the prior art does not teach a container that includes the features described below. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.
- The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.
- The present invention provides a condiment cup for containing a condiment and for attachment to a storage container sidewall of a storage container. The condiment cup includes a condiment container for storing the condiment, an attachment arm for attaching the condiment container to the storage container, and a sealing lid for sealing the opening of the condiment container. The condiment container is typically filled with the condiment, such as ketchup, sealed with a sealing lip, and then distributed to a consumer. The consumer then peels off the sealing lid and hangs the condiment container on the storage container using the attachment arm.
- A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a condiment cup having advantages not taught by the prior art.
- Another objective is to provide a condiment cup that is adapted to be filled with a condiment, sealed with a sealing lid, distributed to a consumer, and then unsealed and hung on a storage container by an attachment arm, thereby facilitating consumption of the condiment by the consumer.
- A further objective is to distribute the condiment to consumers in an condiment cup that is economical to produce and easy to use.
- Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
- The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof;
- FIG. 3 is a rear side elevational view thereof;
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view thereof;
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof;
- FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating how a sealing lid is peeled off of a condiment container;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating how the condiment container is attached to a storage container with an attachment arm;
- FIG. 9 is a is a sectional view thereof taken along line9-9 in FIG. 8;
- FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment having a second attachment arm adjacent a grip enhancer opposite the attachment arm;
- FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment in which the condiment cup is mounted inside the storage container;
- FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment in which the attachment arm includes a curved spring portion;
- FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment that includes a divider sidewall that separates the condiment container into first and second compartments;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a locking button of the attachment arm and a plurality of locking ribs of the grip enhancer;
- FIG. 15 is a sectional view thereof taken along line15-15 in FIG. 14;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment illustrating a condiment cup having a perimeter lip in the shape of a half-circle;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment illustrating a condiment cup having a perimeter lip in the shape of a triangle; and
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment illustrating a condiment cup having a perimeter lip in the shape of a half-trapezoid;
- The above described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a
condiment cup 10 for containing a condiment and for attachment to astorage container sidewall 14 of astorage container 12. Thecondiment cup 10 includes acondiment container 20 for storing the condiment, anattachment arm 30 for attaching thecondiment container 20 to thestorage container 12, and asealing lid 40 for sealing thecondiment container 20. Thecondiment container 20 is typically filled with the condiment, such as ketchup, sealed with a sealinglid 40, and then distributed to patrons of fast food restaurants. The patrons then peel off the sealinglid 40 and hang thecondiment container 20 on thestorage container 12, such as a container of French fries. - As shown in FIGS.1-18, the
condiment container 20 has abase 22 and an upwardly extendingsidewall 24 that together define astorage space 26. The upwardly extendingsidewall 24 terminates in aperimeter lip 28 that defines anopening 29 for accessing thestorage space 26. Theperimeter lip 28 extends outwardly for bonding the sealinglid 40 onto thecondiment container 20, as described below. Theopening 29 is shaped and sized to enable the patron to easily access the condiment in thecondiment container 20, typically by dipping a food product such as French fries into the condiment such as ketchup. Thecondiment container 20 is preferably constructed of molded plastic, although alternative embodiments might be constructed of paperboard or similar material. Thecondiment container 20 is preferably generally rectangular in shape; however, as shown in FIGS. 16-18, thecondiment container 20 can be constructed of almost any shape, including but not limited to a half-circle, triangular, half-hexagonal, or any other shape, including round or elliptical. Thecondiment container 20 20 can also be conical in shape, as thebase 22 does not necessarily have to be formed as a flat surface. - As shown in FIGS.1-18, the
condiment cup 10 further includes anattachment arm 30 extending downwardly from theperimeter lip 28. Theattachment arm 30 preferably includes an outwardly extendingportion 32, a downwardly extendingportion 34, and ends at aterminal end 38. The outwardly extendingportion 32 and the downwardly extendingportion 34 are at least semi-rigid to support thecondiment cup 20 as described. The outwardly extendingportion 32 functions to outwardly space the downwardly extendingportion 34 from the upwardly extendingsidewall 24. Theattachment arm 30 is preferably integrally molded with thecondiment container 20 and extends far enough downward to provide a secure anchor point for thecondiment cup 10, but not so far as to interfere with shipping and handling of thecondiment cup 10. Theattachment arm 30 preferably extends approximately half of the height of the upwardly extendingsidewall 24. - Once the
condiment container 20 has been filled with the condiment, the sealinglid 40 is attached to thecondiment container 20. The sealinglid 40 has alid perimeter 42 that is shaped and adapted to be bonded to theperimeter lip 28 such that the sealinglid 40 seals theopening 29 of thecondiment container 20. The sealinglid 40 preferably includes apull tab 44 that extends outwardly from thelid perimeter 42 for facilitating the peel-removal of the sealinglid 40 from thecondiment container 20. The sealinglid 40 is preferably constructed of a thin material such as foil or plastic. Thelid perimeter 42 of the sealinglid 40 is preferably bonded to theperimeter lip 28, either with an adhesive or a heat welding, although those skilled in the art may devise other equivalent mechanisms for bonding the two surfaces, and these alternatives should be considered within the scope of the claimed invention. - In use, the patron of a fast food restaurant is given the
condiment cup 10 with their meal. For example, when the patron orders French fries, he or she is given acondiment cup 10 that contains ketchup. This of course will vary depending upon the restaurant. A Mexican restaurant might serve nachos, in which case thecondiment cup 10 might be filled with salsa or cheese. A chicken restaurant might serve chicken with acondiment cup 10 full of barbeque sauce. Since thecondiment cup 10 can hold a large amount ofcondiment 16, a single container is all that is required, rather than a large number of small packets of the condiment. Thecondiment cup 10 reduces waste of the condiment by including the condiment in a single container, rather than dispensing large numbers of small packets - As shown in FIG. 7, when the patron is ready to consume the meal, he or she simply peels the sealing
lid 40 from thecondiment container 20 to expose thecondiment 16. The patron then can hang thecondiment container 20 on thestorage container sidewall 14 of thestorage container 12, as shown in FIG. 8, and dip the food through theopening 29 of thecondiment container 20 and into thecondiment 16. Thecondiment cup 10 provides a handy method of dispensing thecondiment 16 while the patron eats his or her meal. - As shown in FIGS. 1, 2,4, 6-10, the
condiment cup 10 preferably includes at least onegrip enhancer 50 extending outwardly from the upwardly extendingsidewall 24 adjacent theattachment arm 30. The at least onegrip enhancer 50 provides an outwardly extendingsidewall 52 that supports agrip surface 54. The outwardly extendingsidewall 52 is preferably integral with the upwardly extendingsidewall 24 and extends outwardly from the upwardly extendingsidewall 24 approximately the same distance as the outwardly extendingportion 32 of theattachment arm 30. For purposes of this application, when we say that the outwardly extendingsidewall 52 extends outwardly from the upwardly extendingsidewall 24 approximately the same distance as the outwardly extendingportion 32 of theattachment arm 30, this is intended to include the situation when the outwardly extendingsidewall 52 extends outwardly from the upwardly extending sidewall 24 a distance that is slightly less than the outwardly extendingportion 32 of theattachment arm 30—as long as the relationship between the outwardly extendingsidewall 52 and theattachment arm 30 is functional to grip thestorage container sidewall 14. - The
grip surface 54 is preferably an elongate surface that is generally parallel to theattachment arm 30. Thegrip surface 54 is vertically aligned with and horizontally spaced from theattachment arm 30. For purposes of this application, vertically aligned means that at least a portion of thegrip surface 54 is the same distance from the base 22 as at least a portion of theattachment arm 30; and specifically, that atop edge 56 of thegrip surface 54 is higher than aterminal end 38 of theattachment arm 30. In the preferred embodiment, thegrip surface 54 is positioned between the outwardly extendingportion 32 of theattachment arm 30 and theterminal end 38. As shown in FIG. 9, thegrip surface 54 is adapted to cooperate with theattachment arm 30 to clamp thestorage container sidewall 14 and thereby support thecondiment cup 10 on thestorage container sidewall 14. - In a first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the at least one
grip enhancer 50 includes twogrip enhancers 50, each of the twogrip enhancers 50 being horizontally spaced on either side of theattachment arm 30. Thegrip surface 54 of thegrip enhancers 50 are adapted to cooperate with theattachment arm 30 to clamp thestorage container sidewall 14 and thereby support thecondiment cup 10 on thestorage container sidewall 14. - In a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the
condiment cup 10 includes asecond attachment arm 60 and asingle grip enhancer 50. Thegrip enhancer 50 is positioned between theattachment arm 30 and thesecond attachment arm 60. Thegrip surface 54 of thegrip enhancer 50 is adapted to cooperate with theattachment arm 30 and thesecond attachment arm 60 to clamp thestorage container sidewall 14 and thereby support thecondiment cup 10 on thestorage container sidewall 14. - In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the
attachment arm 30 includes acurved spring portion 36 extending to theterminal end 38 that is outturned away from the upwardly extendingsidewall 24. Theattachment arm 30 is preferably constructed of a resilient material that enables thecurved spring portion 36 to bend and accommodate thestorage container sidewall 14 when theterminal end 38 captures thestorage container sidewall 14, thecurved spring portion 36 then functioning to bias theattachment arm 30 against thestorage container sidewall 14, thereby further enhancing the grip of theattachment arm 30 against thestorage container sidewall 14. - In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the
condiment cup 10 further includes adivider sidewall 62 that is integral with thebase 22 and the upwardly extendingsidewall 24 and positioned to separate thestorage space 26 into a first compartment 64 and a second compartment 66. Thedivider sidewall 62 includes adivider lip 68 that is adapted to be bonded to the sealinglid 40, thereby sealing thedivider sidewall 62 and separating the first compartment 64 from the second compartment 66. This enables the storage of both thecondiment 16 and asecond condiment 18 within thecondiment cup 10. For example, thecondiment cup 10 could be used to store ketchup and barbeque sauce, cheese and salsa, chocolate and sprinkles, or any number of combinations of condiments. - In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the
condiment cup 10 further includes alocking button 70 or buttons extending from an inner surface of theattachment arm 30. Thelocking button 70 functions to increase the strength of the connection between thecondiment cup 10 and thestorage container sidewall 14. The connection can be especially strong if thestorage container sidewall 14 includes a dimple that matches thelocking button 70. - In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10, 14, and15, the
condiment cup 10 further includes a plurality of lockingribs 74 extending from thegrip surface 54 of the at least onegrip enhancer 50. The plurality of lockingribs 74 further function to increase the strength of the grip of the at least onegrip enhancer 50 upon thestorage container sidewall 14. - The
condiment container 20 preferably has a base 22 that is angled, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 15, to facilitate dipping the food into thecondiment 16. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, thecondiment cup 10 further includes at least onesupport leg 76 extending downwardly from thebase 22 of thecondiment container 20. The at least onesupport leg 76 is adapted to cooperate with the base 22 to support thecondiment container 20 in an upright orientation when thecondiment container 20 is placed upon a surface. - In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the
base 22 is planar and adapted to support thecondiment cup 10 on a surface such as a table, in addition to attaching thecondiment cup 10 onto thestorage container sidewall 14. - While the invention has been described with reference to at least one preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A condiment cup for containing a condiment and for attachment to a storage container sidewall of a storage container, the condiment cup comprising:
a condiment container having a base and an upwardly extending sidewall that together define a storage space, the upwardly extending sidewall terminating in a perimeter lip that defines an opening for accessing the storage space;
an attachment arm extending downwardly from the perimeter lip to a terminal end; and
a sealing lid having a lid perimeter, the lid perimeter being adapted to be bonded to the perimeter lip such that the sealing lid seals the opening of the condiment container.
2. The condiment cup of further comprising at least one grip enhancer extending outwardly from the upwardly extending sidewall adjacent the attachment arm, the at least one grip enhancer providing an outwardly extending sidewall that is integral with the upwardly extending sidewall and supports a grip surface, the grip surface being an elongate surface that is vertically aligned with and horizontally spaced from the attachment arm, a top edge of the grip surface being located further from the base than the terminal end of the attachment arm such that the grip surface is adapted to cooperate with the attachment arm to clamp the storage container sidewall and thereby support the condiment cup on the storage container sidewall.
claim 1
3. The condiment cup of wherein the at least one grip enhancer includes two grip enhancers, one of the two grip enhancers being horizontally spaced on either side of the attachment arm.
claim 2
4. The condiment cup of further comprising a second attachment arm and a grip enhancer, the grip enhancer extending outwardly from the upwardly extending sidewall to support a grip surface that is positioned between and vertically aligned with the attachment arm and the second attachment arm, the grip surface being adapted to cooperate with the attachment arm and the second attachment arm to clamp the storage container sidewall and thereby support the condiment cup on the storage container sidewall.
claim 1
5. The condiment cup of wherein the attachment arm includes a curved spring portion extending to a terminal end that is outturned away from the upwardly extending sidewall.
claim 1
6. The condiment cup of further comprising a divider sidewall that is integral with the base and the upwardly extending sidewall and positioned to separate the storage space into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment containing the condiment, the second compartment containing a second condiment, and the divider sidewall having a divider lip that is adapted to be bonded to the sealing lid.
claim 1
7. The condiment cup of further comprising a locking button extending from an inner surface of the attachment arm.
claim 1
8. The condiment cup of further comprising a plurality of locking ribs extending from the grip surface of the at least one grip enhancer.
claim 2
9. The condiment cup of further comprising at least one support leg extending downwardly from the base of the condiment container, the at least one support leg being adapted to cooperate with the base to support the condiment container in an upright orientation when the condiment container is placed upon a surface.
claim 1
10. A condiment cup for attachment to a storage container sidewall of a storage container, the condiment cup comprising:
a condiment container having a base and an upwardly extending sidewall that together define a storage space, the upwardly extending sidewall terminating in a perimeter lip that defines an opening for accessing the storage space;
a condiment positioned within the storage space;
an attachment arm extending downwardly from the perimeter lip; and
a sealing lid having a lid perimeter, the lid perimeter being bonded to the perimeter lip such that the sealing lid covers the opening of the condiment container, thereby sealing the condiment inside the storage space.
11. The condiment cup of further comprising at least one grip enhancer extending outwardly from the upwardly extending sidewall adjacent the attachment arm, the at least one grip enhancer providing an outwardly extending sidewall that is integral with the upwardly extending sidewall and supports a grip surface, the grip surface being an elongate surface that is vertically aligned with and horizontally spaced from the attachment arm, a top edge of the grip surface being located further from the base than the terminal end of the attachment arm such that the grip surface is adapted to cooperate with the attachment arm to clamp the storage container sidewall and thereby support the condiment cup on the storage container sidewall.
claim 10
12. The condiment cup of wherein the at least one grip enhancer includes two grip enhancers that are vertically aligned with the attachment arm, one of the two grip enhancers being horizontally spaced on either side of the attachment arm.
claim 11
13. The condiment cup of further comprising a second attachment arm and a grip enhancer, the grip enhancer having an outwardly extending sidewall that is integral with extends outwardly from the upwardly extending sidewall to support a grip surface that is vertically aligned with and positioned between the attachment arm and the second attachment arm, the grip surface being adapted to cooperate with the attachment arm and the second attachment arm to clamp the storage container sidewall and thereby support the condiment cup on the storage container sidewall.
claim 10
14. The condiment cup of wherein the attachment arm includes a curved spring portion extending to a terminal end that is outturned away from the upwardly extending sidewall.
claim 10
15. The condiment cup of further comprising a divider sidewall that is integral with the base and the upwardly extending sidewall and positioned to separate the storage space into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment containing the condiment, the second compartment containing a second condiment, and the divider sidewall having a divider lip that is adapted to be bonded to the sealing lid.
claim 10
16. The condiment cup of further comprising a locking button extending from an inner surface of the attachment arm.
claim 10
17. A condiment cup for containing a condiment and for attachment to a storage container sidewall of a storage container, the condiment cup comprising:
a condiment container having a base and an upwardly extending sidewall that together define a storage space, the upwardly extending sidewall terminating in a perimeter lip that defines an opening for accessing the storage space;
a condiment positioned within the storage space;
an attachment arm extending downwardly from the perimeter lip;
a sealing lid having a lid perimeter, the lid perimeter being bonded to the perimeter lip such that the sealing lid seals the opening of the condiment container; and
at least one grip enhancer extending outwardly from the upwardly extending sidewall adjacent the attachment arm, the at least one grip enhancer providing an outwardly extending sidewall that supports a grip surface, the grip surface being vertically aligned with and horizontally spaced from the attachment arm such that the grip surface is adapted to cooperate with the attachment arm to clamp the storage container sidewall and thereby support the condiment cup on the storage container sidewall.
18. The condiment cup of wherein the at least one grip enhancer includes two grip enhancers, each of the two grip enhancers being horizontally spaced on either side of the attachment arm.
claim 17
19. The condiment cup of further comprising a second attachment arm, the at least one grip enhancer being positioned between the attachment arm and the second attachment arm such that the grip surface cooperates with the attachment arm and the second attachment arm to clamp the storage container sidewall therebetween and support the condiment cup on the storage container sidewall.
claim 17
20. The condiment cup of wherein the attachment arm includes a curved spring portion extending to an outturned tip.
claim 17
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/896,714 US20010050283A1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2001-06-30 | Condiment cup |
US09/969,233 US20020007902A1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2001-10-01 | Method of manufacturing a condiment cup |
PCT/US2002/020001 WO2003004366A1 (en) | 2001-06-30 | 2002-06-24 | Condiment cup |
US10/253,784 US6755305B2 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2002-09-24 | Condiment cup |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13870499P | 1999-06-11 | 1999-06-11 | |
US09/590,607 US6394297B1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2000-06-09 | Container attachment device and method of use |
US09/896,714 US20010050283A1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2001-06-30 | Condiment cup |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/590,607 Continuation-In-Part US6394297B1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2000-06-09 | Container attachment device and method of use |
Related Child Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/969,233 Continuation-In-Part US20020007902A1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2001-10-01 | Method of manufacturing a condiment cup |
US29/153,981 Continuation-In-Part USD466407S1 (en) | 2001-06-30 | 2002-01-15 | Condiment cup |
US10/253,784 Continuation-In-Part US6755305B2 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2002-09-24 | Condiment cup |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010050283A1 true US20010050283A1 (en) | 2001-12-13 |
Family
ID=25406707
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/896,714 Abandoned US20010050283A1 (en) | 1999-06-11 | 2001-06-30 | Condiment cup |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20010050283A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003004366A1 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6386443B1 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2002-05-14 | Jeff P. Szczerbinski | Combination food and condiment dispenser |
US20030189073A1 (en) * | 2002-04-05 | 2003-10-09 | Chen Timothy Tianyi | Container and containment stabilization system and method |
US20080099351A1 (en) * | 2006-10-25 | 2008-05-01 | Yo! Brands, Llc | Liquid dispenser having interior liquid containment space and mounting structure for drinking container |
US20090090710A1 (en) * | 2006-04-17 | 2009-04-09 | Charlotte Nielsen | Attachable Condiment Cup Assembly |
US20110272546A1 (en) * | 2009-01-02 | 2011-11-10 | Charlotte Nielsen | Condiment container attachment device |
US20140374424A1 (en) * | 2012-04-24 | 2014-12-25 | Mary Hickox | Apparatus and method for providing foods in adjacent portable containers |
US20150028026A1 (en) * | 2013-07-29 | 2015-01-29 | Sears Brands, L.L.C. | Slidable bin within a refrigerator drawer |
US9725214B2 (en) | 2012-05-30 | 2017-08-08 | Crosby Unlimited, L.L.C. | Container lid with integral lid holder |
US20190099022A1 (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2019-04-04 | Hanging Ip Llc | Glassware |
US10604054B1 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2020-03-31 | Zevon McCarter | Portable condiment holder system and device for use in a vehicle |
KR200491579Y1 (en) * | 2018-10-23 | 2020-04-29 | 최채환 | Food container combined with pet bottle |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2161577A (en) * | 1936-06-29 | 1939-06-06 | Arlene R Howlett | Mop wringer |
US2597468A (en) * | 1949-06-28 | 1952-05-20 | Garrett Goldie Ruth | Supplementary container adapted for support on the upper edges of principal container |
US4183444A (en) * | 1978-07-31 | 1980-01-15 | English Irene F | Lid having integral hanger |
US4854466A (en) * | 1988-02-12 | 1989-08-08 | Lane Jr William A | Hanging packaging cup |
US5429262A (en) * | 1992-10-02 | 1995-07-04 | Sharkey; Edgar R. | Auxiliary condiment container |
US6152362A (en) * | 1999-02-16 | 2000-11-28 | Rosenfeld; Julie H. | Food server and condiment holder |
-
2001
- 2001-06-30 US US09/896,714 patent/US20010050283A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2002
- 2002-06-24 WO PCT/US2002/020001 patent/WO2003004366A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Cited By (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6386443B1 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2002-05-14 | Jeff P. Szczerbinski | Combination food and condiment dispenser |
US20030189073A1 (en) * | 2002-04-05 | 2003-10-09 | Chen Timothy Tianyi | Container and containment stabilization system and method |
US20090090710A1 (en) * | 2006-04-17 | 2009-04-09 | Charlotte Nielsen | Attachable Condiment Cup Assembly |
US20080099351A1 (en) * | 2006-10-25 | 2008-05-01 | Yo! Brands, Llc | Liquid dispenser having interior liquid containment space and mounting structure for drinking container |
US20080102174A1 (en) * | 2006-10-25 | 2008-05-01 | Yo! Brands, Llc | Liquid dispenser with mounting structure for drinking container |
US20080099506A1 (en) * | 2006-10-25 | 2008-05-01 | Yo! Brands, Llc | Liquid dispenser having multi-chamber interior liquid containment space |
US20080099352A1 (en) * | 2006-10-25 | 2008-05-01 | Yo! Brands, Llc | Drinking container with liquid dispenser mounted thereon |
US20080102173A1 (en) * | 2006-10-25 | 2008-05-01 | Yo! Brands, Llc | Method for dispensing liquid into drinking container with liquid dispenser mountable to drinking container |
US20110272546A1 (en) * | 2009-01-02 | 2011-11-10 | Charlotte Nielsen | Condiment container attachment device |
US9493282B2 (en) * | 2009-01-02 | 2016-11-15 | Charlotte Nielsen | Condiment container attachment device |
US20140374424A1 (en) * | 2012-04-24 | 2014-12-25 | Mary Hickox | Apparatus and method for providing foods in adjacent portable containers |
US9725214B2 (en) | 2012-05-30 | 2017-08-08 | Crosby Unlimited, L.L.C. | Container lid with integral lid holder |
US20150028026A1 (en) * | 2013-07-29 | 2015-01-29 | Sears Brands, L.L.C. | Slidable bin within a refrigerator drawer |
US10365032B2 (en) * | 2013-07-29 | 2019-07-30 | Transform Sr Brands Llc | Slidable bin within a refrigerator drawer |
US20190099022A1 (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2019-04-04 | Hanging Ip Llc | Glassware |
US11033131B2 (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2021-06-15 | Hanging Ip Llc | Glassware |
KR200491579Y1 (en) * | 2018-10-23 | 2020-04-29 | 최채환 | Food container combined with pet bottle |
US10604054B1 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2020-03-31 | Zevon McCarter | Portable condiment holder system and device for use in a vehicle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2003004366A1 (en) | 2003-01-16 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |