Abstract:
The invention is directed to a clip that enhances the function of a beverage cup sleeve, such that the clip affords additional protection from hot liquids, diminishes spillage, reduces slipping, is compact, light-weight, and reusable or disposable. Briefly, the invention is directed to a cup sleeve clip for use with a cup sleeve. The clip is formed from an elongated structure. Hooks are formed at opposite ends of the structure, along the length on one side with the open side of each hook directed to the opposite end of the elongated structure, to form a shape similar to a compacted “C” shape. The hooks engage with the upper and lower edges of the sleeve. At least one cantilevered handle is attached to the upper end on the opposite side of the structure. The cantilevered tab engages with the user&#39;s hand or an object to assist in supporting the cup.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention relates to handles for drinking vessels. More specifically, the present invention relates to clips used in conjunction with cup sleeves mated with cups. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    While consuming a beverage from a drinking vessel, such as a cup, glass, mug, open beverage can, and the like, holding the vessel can occasionally be uncomfortable or otherwise problematic. If the beverage is too hot or cold, the vessel can become uncomfortably warm or cold to the touch. In addition, a hot disposable cup can cause the cup to be difficult to hold when filled with fresh hot drink, thereby increasing the likelihood of spilling the beverage. Handles, supports, and insulators directly mounted or engaged with cups, to stabilize the cups, while preventing thermal shock to consumers are attempts to aid the user in handling the cup. These accessories are used by the food and beverage industries, specifically fast-food restaurants or coffee shops, to avoid thermal injury to consumers who may be driving or otherwise engaged. For example, single-use disposable cup sleeves, collapsible or hinged removable handles or foam insulating collars are attempts to thermally protect a cup user&#39;s hands and lap from overly-hot beverages. 
         [0003]    Cup sleeves are generally made from paperboard, a material slightly thicker than paper that slidably receives a cup. The user contacts the exterior facing surface of the sleeve instead of directly contacting the side of the cup. While the cup sleeves provide insulation to the cup and the user&#39;s hand, the sleeves do not assist the user in gripping or holding the cup. This is of particularly important when the user is wearing gloves or mittens. 
         [0004]    Removable handles engage with the lip and a lower portion of the cup to assist the user in holding a cup of a hot beverage. The removable handles are typically hinged to permit the handle to expand and contract to accommodate different cup heights. While the removable handles assist in holding the cup, the flexible design permits the handle to expand, thereby releasing the cup thus permitting the contents to spill. Further, depending on the design of the removable handle, the handle does not provide full control of the cup when rotating or moving the cup. 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, there are many drawbacks to these accessories. Both cup sleeves and temporary handles are designed for single-use or limited reuse purposes and provide no incentives for consumers to save these accessories for future use. Furthermore, these accessories do not help in stabilizing the cup when use in combination with a cup holder. 
         [0006]    Other accessories used to stabilize and insulate containers of liquid or solid contents have been developed; however they suffer from many disadvantages. Most beverage accessories, such as cup foam insulators and automotive seat cup holders are large or require using a variety of different materials. As such, they would not be suitable or economical for single-use purposes. Furthermore, previously developed accessories interface with the surface of the container directly as opposed to a container&#39;s accessory. 
         [0007]    A need exists in the art for an accessory to maximize thermal protection of the hands and laps of coffee drinkers and other hot beverage drinkers. The accessory should be light weight, small, and allow liquid consumption while simultaneously stabilizing the cup for the user. Further, the accessory should provide for control of cup movement when in use. The accessory should also facilitate stabilization of the cup in a vehicle, or within a cup holder or similar niche. The accessory should provide a means for transporting/stowing itself with the user for easy access. Further, the accessory should also be easily cleanable and reusable. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Briefly described, in an exemplary embodiment, the cup sleeve clip of the present disclosure overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such an accessory. 
         [0009]    An object of the invention is to provide a device to protect consumers from hot beverages in a cup. A feature of the device is that it slidably engages with a cup sleeve. An advantage of the invention is that the clip provides an extra layer of heat insulation material between the cup containing the hot liquid and the consumer&#39;s hand. 
         [0010]    Another object of the invention is to provide a device which allows consumers to drink from a cup while stabilizing it or stabilizing the cup while in transit. A feature of the invention is that a cantilever portion of the device is adapted to engage with the user&#39;s hand, an already existing cup holder, or some other structure. An advantage of the invention is that the device enables consumers to simultaneously drink from the cup, insulate themselves from thermal shock from the hot liquid in the cup, and stabilize the cup to prevent spillage. 
         [0011]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device which allows easy removal from cup holders, specifically deep vehicle cup holders. A feature of the device is a cantilevered member adapted to rest on the edge of a cup holder. An advantage of the invention is that when the cup is not as tall as the height of the cup holder, the cantilever member helps suspend the cup above the floor of the cup holder to facilitate its easy removal from the holder. 
         [0012]    Briefly, the invention is directed to a cup sleeve clip for use with a cup sleeve or cup wherein the cup sleeve clip is formed from an elongated structure having a fixed length, formed from a thin strip of material having a substantially consistent cross section. In one embodiment, the thin strip has a rectangular cross section. Hooks are formed at opposite ends, along the length on one side of the strip of material with the open side of each hook directed to the opposite end of the elongated structure, to form a shaped similar to a compacted “C” shape. At least one cantilevered handle or member is attached adjacent to the upper end on the second side. In an embodiment of the invention, the hooks, on the first side, engage with the cup sleeve at the upper and lower edge of the sleeve. The sleeve is adapted to frictionally engage the exterior of a cup and a clip adapted to receive the horizontal extending edges of the sleeve so as to support the weight of the sleeve and the cup. The ends of the hooks extend over the upper and lower edges of the sleeve and partially along the inner surface of the sleeve, between the sleeve and the cup, to anchor the clip to the sleeve and oppose rotational motion about the axis through the middle of the cup sleeve, substantially parallel to the user&#39;s hand. The clip is normally used with a cup sleeve, a paper or cardboard ring that wraps around a disposable cup to insulate the cup or hot or cold liquid from the user&#39;s hand. The combination of the cup sleeve and clip comprising a cup sleeve adapted to frictionally contact the exterior sides of a cup and a clip adapted to removably attach to the sleeve with hooks attached on one side of the clip that extend around the upper and lower boundaries of the sleeve so as to support the weight of the sleeve and the cup when the sleeve engages with a cup. In one embodiment, the clip may also be used directly on the cup, engaging the top lip of the cup and the lower rim. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment of the invention, the cantilevered handle or member is integrally molded to the second surface of the elongate structure. In an embodiment of the invention the elongated structure is of a fixed length and formed from a semi-rigid material with limited flexibility to permit slight bending of the clip. In an embodiment of the invention the cantilevered handle or member extends generally in an outward direction from the cup attached to the second surface of the elongated structure. The cantilevered handle is attached adjacent to the second end. The cantilevered handle or member is adapted to receive and engage an edge, such as the ledge of a cup holder, ledge of a chamber and a user&#39;s hand. In an embodiment of the invention the cantilevered handle or member is in the shape of a semicircle with the open end directed toward the second end or bottom end of the elongated structure. In an embodiment of the invention the cup sleeve clip is formed from material selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum and a polymeric material. In an embodiment of the invention the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of a styrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene and polypropylene. In an embodiment, the cup sleeve clip supports the sleeve and cup in an upright configuration. Also provided is a combination of a cup sleeve and clip comprising, a cup sleeve and a sleeve adapted to frictionally engage the exterior sides of a cup and a clip adapted to receive horizontal edges of the sleeve so as to support the weight of the sleeve and the cup when the sleeve engages the cup. 
         [0014]    In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the cup sleeve clip comprises an elongate structure having a first end terminating in a reverse back loop such that the end of the loop extends substantially along the length of the elongated structure towards a second end of the structure forming a slot. A cantilever handle or member extending from clip on the side opposite to the reverse back loop. In an embodiment of the alternate embodiment the cantilever member is integrally molded to the first and second surfaces extends laterally and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said clip. In an embodiment of the invention, cantilevered handle or member is adapted to receive and engage an edge. In an embodiment of the invention, the edge is selected from the group consisting of a ledge of a cup holder, ledge of a chamber and a user&#39;s hand. 
         [0015]    These and other features and advantages of the cup sleeve clip of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reading the following Detailed Description of the Invention and Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    Accordingly, the present disclosure will be understood best through consideration of, and with reference to, the following drawings, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Invention referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various drawings designate like structure, and in which: 
           [0017]      FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b ,  1   c  and  1   d  are a side (a), bottom (b) and end (c) plan views of an embodiment of the cup sleeve and a side plan view of another embodiment (d) according to the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 2  is a front view and  2   b  is a top view illustrating the sleeve clip used in combination with a sleeve and disposable cup; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  are a side, bottom and end plan views of an alternate embodiment of the cup sleeve clip according to the present disclosure; and 
           [0020]      FIGS. 4  is a front view and  4   b  is a top view illustrating the sleeve clip used in combination with a sleeve and disposable cup 
       
    
    
       [0021]    It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    In describing exemplary embodiments of the cup sleeve clip of the present disclosure illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The claimed invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0023]    Specifically, one of the possible embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d , typically used with a disposable cup and sleeve as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 2   b .  FIGS. 1   a - 1   c  illustrates a one embodiment of the cup sleeve clip, shown generally at  10  with an elongated central section  12  with an upper  14  and lower end  16  having an upper hook  18  and a lower hook  20  formed from a first side  22  of the elongated central section  12 . The upper hook  18  terminates with upper end  24  and the lower hook  20  terminates with lower end  26 . The ends  24  and  26  of the upper hook  18  and lower hook  20  are directed toward the opposite end of the elongated structure, to form a shaped similar to a compacted “C” shape. A cantilevered handle or member  28  is attached adjacent to the upper end  14  of the elongated central section  12  extending from the second side  30 . The cantilevered handle provides a surface to engage a user&#39;s fingers or hand. An extension  29  (Number not inserted in drawing) may be formed on the on the curve of the upper hook  18  extending beyond the cantilevered handle or member to improve the gripping action of the upper hook  18 . 
         [0024]    The coffee sleeve clip  10  may be used in conjunction with a cup sleeve  32  and disposable cup  34 , as shown generally in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b . During normal use the exterior surface of cup  34  is frictionally engaged with the inside surface of sleeve  32  The clip  10  can be inserted onto the sleeve  32  by inserting the upper end  24  of upper hook  18  over upper edge  36  of sleeve  32 , followed by inserting lower end  26  of lower hook  20  under lower edge  38  of sleeve  32 . The cup sleeve clip  10  design permits installation of the clip  10  onto the sleeve  32 , by inserting the upper hook  18  and lower hook  20  between the cup  34  and sleeve  32 , when the sleeve  32  is on the outside of the cup  34 . Alternatively, the clip  10  can be inserted over the sleeve  32  prior to inserting cup  34  into the sleeve  32 . 
         [0025]    In one embodiment of the clip  10 , the upper end  24  of the upper hook  18  extends approximately one-third to one-half of the length of the elongated central section  12 , while the lower end  26  of the lower hook  20  extends a short distance, sufficient to engage the lower edge  38  of sleeve  32 . Typically, the lower hook extends ⅛ inch (about 3 mm) to ½ inch (12.7 mm) between the sleeve  32  and cup  34 . 
         [0026]    When mounted to the sleeve, the cup sleeve clip  10  and sleeve  32  combination defines a space  40  which provides a means for insulating the hand-engaging portion of the clip from the cup engaging portion of the clip. This allows for raising, lowering, tilting or otherwise manipulating of the cup no matter what the temperature of the liquid in the cup may be. 
         [0027]    The cantilevered handle or member  28  attached to the upper end  1  of the elongated central section  12  provides a surface to engage the user&#39;s hand or fingers permitting the cup to be stabilized while in use. The cantilevered handle or member  28  can be in the form of flat piece of material extending substantially perpendicular to the second side  30  of elongated central section  12 . 
         [0028]    In an embodiment of the invention, the cantilevered handle or member  28  is in the form of an arc having a semicircular cross-section, with a radius R, when viewed from side, as shown in  FIG. 1   a . A semicircular cantilevered tab  28  as shown in  FIG. 1   a  provides support for the cup  34  and sleeve  32  in the vertical direction, while permitting support and control horizontal to the cup&#39;s surface. This may provide better control and stabilization of the cup by the user. The semicircular cantilevered tab  28  may provide additional control when the user is drinking from the cup. As shown in  FIG. 1   d , multiple cantilever tabs,  28   a  and  28   b  may be attached to the elongated center section to provide additional support when larger cups are used with the clip. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the clip comprises of a plurality of cantilever members parallel and equidistance to each other. The cantilever members are adapted to receive one or more of a consumer&#39;s fingers. For example, a consumer using a clip comprising of two cantilever members may choose to have their index and middle intermediate phalanges of the user&#39;s finger receive the cantilever members. 
         [0029]    In an embodiment of the invention, the cantilevered handle or member  28  may be the same width as the width of the elongated central section  12 . In another embodiment of the invention, the width of the cantilevered handle or member  28  may gradually increase compared to the width of the elongated central section  12  to provide a wider gripping surface to engage with the user&#39;s fingers, ledge or platform as shown in  FIG. 1   a . The width of the elongated central section  12  may be adjusted to optimize the use of material while maintaining strength of the clip. In an alternate embodiment, the elongated central section may be formed with a curved cross section (“C” shaped) to increase strength while reducing the amount of material used in the fabrication of the elongated central section  12 . 
         [0030]    In an alternate embodiment of the clip is shown in  FIGS. 3   a  to  3   d , the alternate clip, shown generally at  42 , in  FIG. 3   a  comprises an elongate structure  44  having a first end  46  forming a cantilevered handle or member  48 , a level or straight section  50  transitioning into a reverse back loop  52  and a tab/terminus member  54  that extends substantially along the length of the structure back toward the first end  46  of the structure to form the slot  56  in conjunction with the level or straight section  50 . Typically the clip  42  is formed from one continuous piece of material that is bent into shape, cast or injected molded as a continuous piece. The elongated structure  44  having a first surface  58  and an oppositely facing second surface  60 . The slot  56  is defined by the reverse back loop and the second surface  60  or the level or straight section  50  being brought into close proximity to the second surface of the tab/terminus member  54 . In one embodiment of the invention, substantially the entire longitudinally extending length of that second surface  60  of the slot  56  come into close proximity to an inside facing surface of the cup sleeve  32  when the clip is positioned in place. 
         [0031]    The cantilever handle or member  48  defines the first end  46  of the structure. In one embodiment, the cantilever member is integrally molded to the first end  46  of the structure extending laterally and is substantially perpendicular to the level or straight section  50 . The cantilever member  48  extends generally in the same direction which the first surface  58  is facing. A downwardly facing surface  62  of the cantilever member is adapted to receive a user&#39;s hand ridge defined by the metacarpal and phalanges of the first finger, a cup holder periphery, a protuberance, a ledge, a boss, or other similarly shaped surface. 
         [0032]    The elongate structure  44  begins at first end  46  and its width, designated as β in the drawing, decreases as it extends to its second/terminus end  54 , in one embodiment of the invention. Also, the cantilever tab  48  narrows as it terminates at the end of the elongated structure, such that the cantilever can comfortably rest in a user&#39;s hand. 
         [0033]    Specifically, one of the possible embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b .  FIG. 4   a  shows the interaction between a cup  34 , a cup sleeve  32  of the invention, the cup sleeve clip  42 . An embodiment of the device comprises an integrally formed, homogeneously constructed substrate. The clip  42  is designed to primarily stabilize the cup  34  in addition to preventing the cup  34  from slipping from a consumer&#39;s grip. The alternated cup sleeve clip  42  reversibly and slidably receives a sleeve  32 , whereby the sleeve  32  nests within a slot  56 . 
         [0034]    When mounted to the sleeve, the clip and sleeve combination defines a space  62  which provides a means for insulating the hand-engaging portion of the clip from the cup engaging portion of the clip. This allows for raising, lowering, tilting or otherwise manipulating of the cup no matter what the temperature of the liquid in the cup may be. 
         [0035]    In another embodiment of the invention, the clip comprises a plurality of notches extending laterally, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clip, from either of the surfaces that define the slot. As such, creating a platform for the sleeve to allow consumers to rest and secure the base of the sleeve at a desired depth within the clip&#39;s slot. 
         [0036]    In another embodiment of the invention, the cap may also provide a means to personalize the cup accessory. In one embodiment, appropriate color pigments or dyes may be blended with the material from which the clip is formed, such as, but not limited to pearlescent, metallic, fluorescent and phosphorescent pigments; fluorescent dyes and thermochromic and photochromic colorants. In another embodiment of the intention, the clip may by formed from a clear polymer, such as, but not limited to, clear or translucent ABS, styrene, polyethylene, polypropylene acrylics and polyvinyl chloride. For example, the cap can be any color or contain any mark. As such, consumers can attach their favorite color to the cantilever for aesthetic purposes or retailers can attach caps with their mark affixed, for marketing purposes. 
         [0037]    The cap may also provide a means to personalize the cup accessory. For example, the cap can be any color or contain any mark. As such, consumers can attach their favorite color to the cantilever for aesthetic purposes or retailers can attach caps with their mark affixed, for example for marketing purposes in the form of a colored polymer or ABS. 
         [0038]    In another embodiment of the invention, a thermal indicator, such as leuco dyes or liquid crystal, may be blended with the material from which the clip is formed or may be coated on the surface. In another embodiment, a thermal indicator may be attached to the surface of the clip in the form of a label, decal or film. For example, organic leuco dyes are typically available for temperature ranges between about −5.degree. C. and 60.degree. C., in wide range of colors. The color change usually happens in a 3 degree Celsius interval. Preferably, the temperature-indicating arrangement(s) according to the present invention as specified in more detail hereinafter, are outfitted with reversible thermochromic inks and the like so that temperature increase may result in a translucent state and a temperature decrease may result in an opaque state in a reversible manner. Bearing the foregoing principles in mind, the present invention was conceived. 
         [0039]    The coffee sleeve clip of the invention may be fabricated with standard means for forming plastic or metal components. The clip may be formed by bending a strip of material into the desired shape. Alternatively, the clip may be formed by injection molding with a suitable material and mold. Multiple cavity molds may be used to reduce the number of cycle needed to fabricate a large number of units. 
         [0040]    It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting, but are instead exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.