NL2024305B1

NL2024305B1 - Portable cup holder

Info

Publication number: NL2024305B1
Application number: NL2024305A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Ronaldus Kalfsvel Glen
Original assignee: Pim Van Der Eng; Ronaldus Kalfsvel Glen
Priority date: 2019-11-22
Filing date: 2019-11-25
Publication date: 2021-08-26

Abstract

Portable cup holder, comprising: a main body, a first leg connected to the main body at a first side thereof by means of a first bridge part, a second leg connected to the main body at a second side thereof by means of a second bridge part, a first gap between the first leg and the main body, arranged to receive a portion of a first cup or carrying object, and to clamp said portion between the first leg and the main body, and a second gap between the second leg and the main body, arranged to receive a portion of a second cup or carrying object and to clamp said portion between the second leg and the main body.

Description

P34332NLOO/WHA/MBA Title: Portable cup holder Background of the invention The present invention relates to a holder for carrying a beverage container such as a cup, which can be reliably attached to a carrier object, such as a belt. With increasing attention to sustainability, event organisers are paying increasing attention to the amount of waste that is created during an event and left behind after the event. For this purpose, drinks are often dispensed using a deposit system, such as a token. When a drink is dispensed in a drink holder, such as a glass, a deposit is required, which may be refunded when an empty glass is handed in. As such, the respective glass has to be stored by a user throughout the event. For this purpose, reusable drink containers are regularly used, for example reusable cups having a relatively large wall thickness, or cups made of a rigid plastic material. These reusable cups are considerably more expensive than disposable cups, emphasizing the need for event organisers to retain such reusable cups for a longer time. Additionally, the environmental impact of the production of a reusable cup may be significantly higher than the impact of producing a disposable alternative, for example through the usage of resources or due to emissions during production. In order to ensure to use a reusable cup as a sustainable alternative for a disposable cup during an event, it may be necessary to reuse the reusable cup at least several times.

Disposable drink containers may be used as an alternative to a reusable drink container.

However, disposable containers, such as disposable cups, have the disadvantage of generating a larger amount of waste, which may ideally be recycled in order to reduce their environmental impact. For proper recycling, however, the disposed cups should be collected, for example collected without any other materials, so that a relatively uniform type of waste obtained, free of contaminants or other types of plastic that may hamper recycling. For this reason, it is often necessary to dispose of the cup at a specific collection point during an event, which also requires the user to keep the cup for a significant time during an event. Furthermore, sometimes it may be necessary to store a drink container, such as a cup or a bottle, for a longer period of time. For example, if a cup has to be returned to a specific collection point, or if a deposit has been paid to receive the drinks holder. Sometimes it may be useful to keep a drink holder for a longer period of time, for example if it still contains drinks, or if the user intends to use it later, to give it away or to refill it. However, this requires

2. a specific action on the part of the user, e.g. by continuously holding the beverage container by hand. Continuous maintenance of such a beverage container can therefore be very unpleasant and inconvenient for the user, particularly during sports, outdoor activities or when attending an event. Such activities are often undertaken for the pleasure or well-being of the user, which aspects may be reduced by holding the beverage container in hand. US4708273A discloses a cup holder for attachment to a person's belt. The cup holder comprises a ring-shaped retaining portion for the reception of a cup. The ring-shaped retaining portion is substantially rigid and has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of a cup that may be received therein. The ring is connected to two curved arms by means of a stem portion, wherein the arms are aligned between the ring, such that the arms are pushed outwardly when a cup is inserted in the holder, whereby the arms press inwardly against the walls of the cup, to fix the cup. The holder further comprises a tab aligned with the stem, which extends rearwardly and downwardly from the ring to define a downwardly opening slot for reception of a belt.

It has, however, been found that such a holder imposes specific requirements on the type of drink container, as the diameter of the ring limits the maximum container size. Therefore, the holder may not be suitable for certain containers, such as water bottles. Additionally, the holder is retained by means of a clamping force generated by the carrier object, such as a tension in the belt, and may therefore come loose relatively easily, for example when detachment is not desired. Additionally, a rigid ring shaped portion extends from the carrier object even when no cup is present. This increases the volume required to carry or store the holder, which may limit freedom of movement and imposes needs on a storage space.

Therefore, the carrier cannot easily be taken along and may be uncomfortable to carry. Given the rigidity of the ring section, the holder could even be unsafe for third persons. As a result, such cup holders are rarely used in practice, and may even be prohibited at certain events. Object of the invention Itis an object of the invention to provide a portable cup holder which improves carrying comfort, requires less storage volume, or at least to provide an alternative holder for beverage containers, for example a holder that is suitable for more types of beverage containers.

Summary of the invention The invention provides a portable cup holder, comprising: - a main body,

-3- - a first leg connected to the main body at a first side thereof by means of a first bridge part, - a second leg connected to the main body at a second side thereof by means of a second bridge part, - a first gap between the first leg and the main body, arranged to receive a portion of a first cup or carrying object and to clamp said portion between the first leg and the main body, - a second gap between the second leg and the main body, arranged to receive a portion of a second cup or carrying object and to clamp said portion between the second leg and the main body.

The portable cup holder comprises a first leg which is connected to the main body by means of a first bridge part and a second leg which is connected to the main body by means of a second bridge part. The portable cup holder further comprises a first gap and a second gap that are arranged to receive a portion of a first cup or carrying object and/or a second cup or carrying object. This partion will generally be a wall of the cup, glass or bottle. A first gap is arranged between a first leg and a first side of the main body, such that a first gap width is defined by the distance between the outer walls of the first leg and the first side of the main body. The second gap is arranged between a second leg and a second side of the main body, such that a second gap width is defined by the distance between the outer walls of the second leg and the second side of the main body.

By placing at least a portion of a cup in one of the first gap and the second gap, such that the main body of the portable cup holder extends along a portion of one side of the cup, and one of the first leg and the second leg extends along a portion of an opposing side of the cup, a force is exerted on the cup, causing the cup to be held by the portable cup holder. In addition to cups, the portable cup holder may receive other portable beverage containers or food containers, such as bottles, glasses, dishes or bowls. The cup or container may be arranged in only a portion of one of the first gap and the second gap. Alternatively, the cup or container may be arranged further in one of the first gap and the second gap, such that the bridge part adjacent to the respective gap may come into contact with the cup or container. As such, the gap may be substantially obstructed by the cup or container.

By providing a cup or other container in one of the first gap and/or second gap, the respective other gap is free to receive a carrying object. By placing at least a portion of a carrying object in the other gap, such that the main body of the portable cup holder can extend along a portion of the carrying object, and the one of the first leg and second leg adjacent to the free gap, can extend along a portion of an opposing side of the carrying object, the portable cup holder may be attached detachably to the carrier object. As such, the cup or container held by

-4- the portable cup holder may be carried by the carrying object. The carrying object may be any surface or object that can be arranged within the respective gap, for example a portion of a bag or a piece of clothing, for example a piece of a trouser pocket or a belt. The carrying object could also be another cup or container. The carrying object may be arranged in only a portion of one of the first gap and the second gap. Alternatively, the carrying object may be arranged further in one of the first gap and the second gap, such that the bride part adjacent to the respective gap may come into contact with the carrying object. As such, the gap may be substantially obstructed by the carrying object.

As two gaps are provided, the cup or container may be held in either of the gaps, and the portable cup holder may also be attached to the carrying object trough either of the gaps. The gaps may have a substantially elongated shape.

The cup or carrying object may be relatively flexible with respect to the portable cup holder.

During insertion of the cup or carrying object in one of the first gap and the second gap, a force is exerted on said cup or carrying object, which may cause the shape of the relatively flexible cup or carrying object to change temporarily. As such, the shape of the cup or carrying object may be temporarily altered allowing insertion into the first gap or the second gap, for example by compression or bending of a portion of the cup or carrying object. The flexibility of the cup or the carrying object may cause the respective cup or carrying object to return to its shape before insertion, for example after insertion of the cup or the carrying object into the respective gap. As such, a contact force between the cup or carrying object may be exerted on the portable cup holder, causing a friction force between the surfaces of the cup or carrying object and the portable cup holder that are in contact with each other. For example, a friction force between an outer side of the cup and a surface of the main body or a friction force between an inner side of the cup and an outer surface of one of the first or second arm.

The cup or carrying object may be relatively rigid with respect to the portable cup holder. As such, during insertion of the cup or carrying object in one of the first gap and the second gap, a force exerted on the cup or carrying object may cause the respective first or second leg to move with respect to the main body.

In an embodiment, the first and/or second bridge part may be dimensioned such, with respect to the first and/or second leg and the main body part, to facilitate bending of the first and/or second leg around the first and/or second bridge part, respectively. For example, a cross section of at least a portion of at least one of the first bridge part and the second bridge part

-5- may be equal to, or smaller than a cross section of the arm adjacent to the respective bridge part. As such, bending of the respective arm around the respective portion of the respective bridge part, when a force is applied to the respective arm, is facilitated. In an embodiment, the flexibility of the bridge part may cause the bridge part to have a tendency return to its original shape when a cup or carrying object is inserted in the gap adjacent to the respective bridge part. As such, this tendency may cause a contact force between the cup or carrying object and the leg adjacent to the respective bridge part and/or a contact force between the cup or carrying object and the main body surface adjacent to the respective bridge part, causing a friction force between the surfaces of the cup or carrying object and the portable cup holder that are in contact with each other. As such, the cup or carrying object may be clamped in the respective gap. In an embodiment, the first bridge forms an integral connection between the main body and the first leg. In a further or alternative embodiment, the second bridge forms an integral connection between the main body and the second leg. By providing a bridge that forms an integral connection, the portable cup holder may be formed out of one piece, such that the portable cup holder does not comprise any moving parts. As such, wear between the parts may be avoided, which may be advantageous for the maintenance requirements and durability of the portable cup holder.

In an embodiment, the first side and the second side are two opposite sides of the main body, wherein the main body, the first leg and the second leg extend substantially parallel to the main body along a single plane. This plane could, for example be arranged around a longitudinal axis through the centre of the main body. Having the main body, the first leg and the second leg extending along a plane may be beneficial for the compactness of the device. Additionally, as the main body, the first leg and the second leg are arranged along the same plane, any outward protrusions are avoided. This may thereby reduce the required storage volume and may further present unpleasant puncturing of garments or other objects. As such, the portable cup holder may be placed in a pocket, bag or other storage means conveniently.

Additionally, as outward protrusions may potentially be painful, for example when a user or third person bumps against a protrusion, carrying comfort may be further improved. In an embodiment, the first leg and/or first gap are geometrically different from the second leg and/or the second gap, respectively. As such, the first and second gap may be adapted specific types of cups and/or objects. At least one of the first gap and the second gap may have a specific shape adapted to a certain type of cup. At least one of the first gap and the second gap may, for example, comprise a partially circular shape that corresponds to the

-6- partially circular shape of a beer glass, lemonade glass, shot glass, wine glass, or drink bottle. Additionally or alternatively, the shape of at least one of the first gap and the second gap may be adapted to accommodate for different material types. For example, cups or object or a material having a smooth surface area, may generate less friction between their surfaces and the surfaces of the portable cup holder, compared to materials having a rough surface area. By adapting the geometry of the legs and/or the gaps, the amount of friction between the surfaces of the portable cup holder and a cup or object may be adapted to specific materials and objects.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first bridge part and the second bridge part has a curved shape. As a curved shape allows for an increased bridge length between the main body part and the respective arm, the bending of an arm may be facilitated compared to a shorter straight section having the same material and/or elasticity modulus. Additionally, a curved shape avoids the introduction of any sharp corners or edges around the portable cup holder. Sharp corners or edges may cause discomfort when the portable cup holder is held close to a body, for example close to the body of a user when the portable cup holder is attached to a garment of the user. As such, a round corner may result in a portable cup holder that is more safe.

In an embodiment, at least one of the sidewalls that are adjacent to at least one of the first gap and the second gap, is provided with a structured surface to increase the friction with a first and/or second cup or carrying object. This structured surface, may, for example, comprise at least one ar multiple protrusions, extending from the surface. The protrusions may locally decrease the width of the gap, and may thereby increase the friction force between a cup or object arranged in the respective gap, and the outer surfaces of the portable cup holder. Additionally or alternatively, the structured surface may comprise structures at a smaller scale, such as an increased surface roughness. An increased surface roughness increases the contact area between the cup or object and the cup holder device, and may thereby increase the friction force between the cup or object and the cup holder device.

In an embodiment, the structured surface comprises a material selected to increase the friction force between the cup or object and the cup holder device. The structured surface may, for example, comprise a material having a high friction coefficient.

In an embodiment, the second gap has a gap width which is uniform or substantially uniform. As such, the contact area between a cup or object arranged in the second gap and the cup

-7- holder device may be increased, when the cup or object arranged in the second gap comprises a wall with a substantially uniform thickness.

In an embodiment, the first gap comprises a first narrow section and a second narrow section, and an intermediate section arranged between the first narrow section and the second narrow section, wherein the intermediate section has a gap width which is larger than a gap width of the first narrow section and the second narrow section. The first narrow section and the second narrow section may locally deform the surface of the cup or object that is arranged in the first gap. A local deformation may increase the contact area between the cup or object and the cup holder device, and may thereby increase the friction force between the cup or object and the cup holder device.

In an embodiment, the first gap is arranged to receive a portion of a first thin-walled cup or carrying object, and wherein the second gap is arranged to receive a portion of a second thin- walled cup or carrying object, wherein a wall thickness of the second thin-walled cup or carrying object is larger than a wall thickness of the first thin-walled cup or carrying object. As such, multiple types of cups or objects can be held within the portable cup holder, by arranging the cup or object in the appropriate gap.

In an embodiment, the first gap comprises an upper first wide section, and wherein the second gap comprises an upper second wide section, wherein the first wide section and the second wide section are wider than a narrowest part of the respective first and second gap. Having wider section may increase the length of the bridge part, which may advantageously improve the flexibility of the bridge part, compared to a shorter bridge part out of a material with a similar elasticity modulus. Additionally, a wide section may provide room for any protrusions extending outwardly from an upper section of the object, such as an upper edge extending around the upper circumference of a cup.

In an embodiment, the portable cup holder has an outer shape corresponding to a pair of split pens arranged back to back and connected to one another.

In an embodiment, the portable cup holder comprises a rigid core, in particular metal, and a flexible outer shell. A rigid core allows for a relatively strong portable cup holder, limiting any unwanted bending of the portable cup holder, which may impede the friction force between the cup or object and the cup holder device. As such, heavier objects, such as cups containing a drink, or water bottles may be carried by the portable cup holder.

-8- In an embodiment, the outer shell is made of plastic. Using a plastic material, such as pvc or tpu, as an outer shell may be beneficial, as plastic may provide a relatively smooth outer surface area. Additionally, a flexible plastic type may be provided, which may further increase the friction force between the cup or object and the cup holder device.

In an embodiment, the first leg and the second leg comprise tip sections, arranged at respective outer ends of the first leg and the second leg, which project at an acute angle away from the main body. By providing tip sections that project at an acute angle away from the main body, insertion of a cup, container or object in the first and/or second gap may be facilitated, by guiding the cup, container or object towards the first and/or second gap during insertion of the cup, container or object into the respective gap.

In an embodiment, the first leg and the second leg have a substantially circular cross-section. A circular cross-section may be beneficial, as it offers a relatively high strength, while any sharp edges on the outer circumference of the first leg and the second leg are avoided. In an embodiment, the main body has a substantially rectangular cross-section. In an embodiment, the main body has a cross-section area which is larger than a cross- section area of the first leg and the second leg. As such, the strength of the main body may be larger than the strength of the first leg and the second leg, which may help to properly accommodate for all forces exerted on the portable cup holder.

In an embodiment, a length of the main body is longer a length of the first leg and a length of the second leg. As such, handling comfort of the portable cup holder, when held in a hand may be increased.

In an embodiment, at least one surface of main body has a substantially front surface. A substantially flat surface may allow to provide embossments or protruding sections on the surface, for example sections corresponding to a letter or logo. As such, advertisements, texts or logos may be provided on the portable cup holder. The substantially front surface may, for example, be provided on a front or rear surface of the portable cup holder. Additionally, a substantially flat surface may improve carrying and storage comfort, for example for carrying or storage in a flat compartment, such as a side pocket of a bag or a trouser pocket.

The present invention further provides a portable cup holder assembly, comprising:

-9- - a portable beverage container, and - a portable cup holder to hold the portable beverage container.

The skilled person will understand that the present invention, although defined as a portable cup holder, may also hold a bottle.

The cups may be hard plastic cups or soft plastic cups.

The bottles may be plastic bottles.

The skilled person will understand that in use the portable cup holder will generally not be used to hold two cups simultaneously.

Generally, one cup will be held between one of the legs and the main body, and the other leg will be used to attach the portable cup holder to a belt, a pocket of jeans or other pants, a necklace, other piece of clothing, or something else.

In other words, the carrying object can be any of these.

List of figures Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will now be elucidated by a description of the embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a portable cup holder according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 schematically depicts a front side view of a portable cup holder according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 schematically depicts a perspective view of a portable cup holder according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the first leg is clamped around a first beverage container;

Figure 4 schematically depicts a perspective view of a portable cup holder according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the second leg is clamped around a second beverage container,

Figure 5 schematically depicts a front side view of a portable cup holder according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 schematically depicts a top view of lateral cross section A-A of the portable cup holder according to the embodiment of the invention of Figure 5;

Figure 7 schematically depicts a side view of the portable cup holder according to the embodiment of the invention of Figure 5;

Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding components or to components, which have a corresponding function.

-10- Detailed description of the figures Turning to figures 1 through 7, an embodiment of the portable cup holder 1 is shown. The portable cup holder comprises a main body 2, a first leg 3 connected to the main body 2 at a first side 25 thereof, by means of a first bridge part 32, a second leg 4 connected to the main body 2 at a second side 26 thereof by means of a second bridge part 42. Furthermore, the cup holder 1 comprises a first gap 31 between the first leg 3 and the main body 2, arranged to receive a portion of a first cup 51 or carrying object, and a second gap 41 between the second leg 4 and the main body 2, arranged to receive a portion of a second cup 52 or carrying object.

The first bridge 32 forms an integral connection between the main body 2 and the first leg 3.

The second bridge 42 forms an integral connection between the main body 2 and the second leg 4. The first bridge 32 and the second bridge 42 comprise a curved shape. The first side 25 and the second side 26 are two apposite sides of the main body 2. The main body 2, the first leg 3 and the second leg 4 extend substantially parallel to the main body 2 and extend in a single plane. The main body is elongate. The lower tip of the main body extends to below the lower tips of the left and right leg.

The portable cup holder is flat, i.e. the height H and width W of the portable cup holder 1 are considerably greater than the depth T.

The smallest distance between the first side 25 and the sidewall 36 of the first leg 3 defines the first gap 31 having a width G1. The smallest distance between the second side 26 and the sidewall 46 of the second leg 4 defines the second gap 41 in the current embodiment. The second gap 41 has a gap width G2 which is uniform or substantially uniform, at least over a length which is greater than the width of the main body.

The first gap 31 comprises a first narrow section 33 and a second narrow section 34, and an intermediate section 35 arranged between the first narrow section 33 and the second narrow section 34, wherein the intermediate section 35 has a width which is larger than a gap width G2 of the first narrow section 33 and the second narrow section 34. The gaps are configured to clamp a wall of a cup, glass or bottle between the leg and the main body.

The gaps are different in order to hold different kinds of cups. The first gap 31 is configured to hold soft cups. The second gap 41 is configured to hold hard cups. Hard cups generally (but not always) have a greater wall thickness than soft cups.

-11- The first gap 31 is arranged to receive a portion of a first thin-walled cup 51 or carrying object, and the second gap 41 is arranged to receive a portion of a second thin-walled cup 52 or carrying object, wherein a wall thickness of the second thin-walled cup 52 or carrying object is larger than a wall thickness of the first thin-walled cup 51 or carrying object. The first gap 31 comprises an upper first wide section 39, and the second gap 41 comprises an upper second wide section 49. The first wide section 39 and the second wide section 49 are wider than the width G1, G2 of the narrowest part of the respective first gap 31 and second gap 41. The first and second leg are both configured to be used as an attachment member to attach the portable cup holder to a belt, a necklace, a waistline of trousers, a neckline of a shirt or other piece of clothing of a user. In other words, the carrying object can be any of these. The sidewall 26 of the main body 2 that is adjacent to the second gap 41, is provided with a structured surface 43 in the current embodiment, to increase friction with a first and/or second cup or carrying object that may be arranged in the second gap 41. The structured surface 43 comprises multiple projections 44 with intermediate sections 45, arranged in between the multiple projections 44. Additionally or alternatively, the sidewall 46 of the second leg 4 may be provided with a structured surface, or the corresponding sidewalls 25, 36 that are adjacent the first gap 31 may be provided with a structured surface. It was found that this feature improves the holding of hard cups. The first leg 3 and the first gap 31 of the current embodiment of the portable cup holder are geometrically different from the second leg 4 and the second 41 gap, respectively. The first leg 3 and the second leg 4 have a substantially circular cross-section, having a diameter D.

The first leg 3 and the second leg 4 comprise tip sections 38, 48, arranged at the respective outer ends of the first leg 3 and the second leg 4. The tip sections 38, 48 project at an acute angle away from the main body 2. As such, the portable cup holder 1 has an outer shape corresponding to a pair of split pens arranged back to back and connected to one another.

The main body 2 of the current embodiment of the portable cup holder 1 has a substantially rectangular cross-section, having a depth T. The semi-circular bridge sections 32, 42 may project outwardly of the main body 2. Additionally, the portable cup holder 1 has width W, which is larger than the width B of the main body 2. The main body 2 comprises a cross- section area T*B which is larger than a cross-section area of the first leg 3 and the second leg

4. The length of the main body H is larger than a length of the first leg L1 and a length of the second leg L2. Additionally, the front surface 23 and the back surface 21 of the main body 2

-12- is substantially flat. Both the front surface 23 and the back surface 21 of the main body 2 are provided with projections 24, 22, respectively, which have a thickness E and protrude outwardly with respect to their adjacent surfaces 23, 21.

Figures 3 and 4 schematically depict a portable cup holder assembly 50, comprising a portable beverage container 51, 52, and the portable cup holder 1 to hold the portable beverage container 51, 52. In Figure 3, a relatively thin-walled disposable cup 51 (typically a soft cup) is arranged in the first gap 31, such that the second gap 41 is free to arrange a carrying object, such as a belt therein. In this way, the user can have both hands free without losing the cup. The portable cup holder 1 is safely attached to his belt and the cup 51 is firmly held in the first gap 31. In Figure 4, a reusable cup 52 is arranged in the second gap 41, such that the first gap 31 is free to arrange a carrying object, such as a belt therein. This will typically be a hard cup.

The portable cup holder 1 according to the present invention is free of any annular member configured to extend around a cup.

Claims

-13- CONCLUSIONS

A portable cup holder (1), comprising: - a main body (2), - a first leg (3), which is connected to the main body (2) on a first side (25) thereof by means of a first bridge part (32 ), - a second leg (4) connected (26) to the main body (2) on a second side (26) thereof by means of a second bridge part (42), - a first gap (31) between the first leg (3) and the main body (2), arranged to receive a part of a first cup or supporting object (51) and to clamp the part between the first leg (3) and the main body (2), - a second gap (41) between the second leg (4) and the main body (2), arranged to receive a part of a second cup or supporting object (52) and to place the part between the second leg (4) and the main body (2) to clamp.

A portable cup holder, wherein the first bridge portion (32) forms an integral connection between the main body (2) and the first leg (3), and wherein the second bridge portion (42) forms an integral connection between the main body (2) and the second leg (4).

The portable cup holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first side (25) and the second side (26) are two opposite sides of the main body (2), the main body (2), the first leg (3) and the second leg (4) extending substantially in a single plane parallel to the main body (2).

A portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg (3) and/or the first slit (31) differ geometrically from the second leg (4) and/or the second slit (41), respectively.

A portable cup holder according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first bridge portion (32) and the second bridge portion (42) has a curved shape.

A portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the side walls (25, 28, 36, 46) adjacent to at least one of the first slit (31) and the second slit (41) is provided. is of a textured surface (43) to increase friction with a first and/or second cup or supporting object.

A portable cup holder according to any preceding claim, wherein the second gap (41) has a gap width (G2) which is uniform or substantially uniform.

-14 -

A portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first gap (31) has a first narrow portion (33), a second narrow portion (34) and an intermediate portion (35) disposed between the first narrow portion (33). ) and the second narrow portion (34), the intermediate portion (35) having a gap width greater than a gap width of the first narrow portion and the second narrow portion (G1).

A portable cup holder according to any preceding claim, wherein the second slit (41) is adapted to hold cups having a greater wall thickness than cups held by the first slit (31).

A portable cup holder according to any preceding claim, wherein the first slit (31) comprises an upper, first wide portion (39), and wherein the second slit (41) comprises an upper, second wide portion (49), wherein the the first wide portion (39) and the second wide portion (49) are wider than a narrowest portion of the respective first and second slits (G1, G2, respectively).

A portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable cup holder (1) has an external shape corresponding to a pair of cotter pins placed back-to-back and connected to each other.

A portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable cup holder (1) comprises a rigid core, in particular metal, and a flexible outer shell.

A portable cup holder according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer shell is made of plastic.

The portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg and the second leg include end portions provided at the respective ends of the first leg and the second leg that point away from the main body at an acute angle.

A portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg (3) and the second leg (4) have a substantially circular cross-section.

A portable cup holder according to any preceding claim, wherein the main body (2) has a substantially rectangular cross section.

-15-

The portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (2) has a cross-sectional area (B*T) that is larger than a cross-sectional area of the first leg and the second leg.

A portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a length of the main body is greater than a length of the first leg (L1) and a length of the second leg (L2).

A portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one surface (21, 23, 25, 26) of the main body (2), in particular the front or the back, has a substantially flat surface.

A portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable cup holder (1) is flat.

A portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portable cup holder (1) is not provided with an annular portion adapted to extend around a cup (51, 52).

A portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first slit (31) is adapted to hold soft cups and the second slit (41) is adapted to hold hard cups.

A portable cup holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg (3) and second leg (4) are both arranged to be used as a fixing element to fix the portable cup holder (1) to a supporting object selected from a group comprising at least a belt, a collar, a waistline of a pants, a neckline of a shirt or other garment of the user.

A portable cup holder assembly (50), comprising: - a portable drink holder (51, 52), and - a portable cup holder (1) for holding the portable drink holder.

Use of a portable cup holder according to any one of claims 1-23 to carry a portable beverage holder.