Patent Application
20250024970
The present invention relates generally to the field of cups. More specifically, the present invention relates to a lipped cup device that can hold an edible substance around the rim of the device to prevent the substance from falling off while drinking. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
When ordering a specialty beverage from a bar or restaurant, they are often served with a variety of edible substances, adhered to the rim of the glass to enhance the beverage experience. These edible substances often drip down the glass over time or even fall off the glass creating sticky hands and fingers for the individual or a messy environment while the individual is trying to enjoy the specialty beverage. As a result, an individual may want a unique drinking cup to provide them with a mess-free experience while enjoying specialty beverages. With a unique drinking cup that provides enough support for the edible substances, individuals can enjoy specialty beverages without the mess.
Moreover, the consequences of a messy drink experience cannot be ignored. Over time, individuals may stop ordering specialty beverages from a bar or restaurant to prevent a sticky environment. More alarmingly, this may lead to various stains on individuals clothing that cannot be removed, lead to an expensive dry cleaner bill, or the clothing being replaced. Further, individuals may not order these desirable beverages to avoid these stains due to the high cost of replacing or cleaning clothing. By providing consumers with a specialty drinking glass, messy experiences, and ruined clothing can be prevented leading to continuous purchases of specialty beverages.
Furthermore, the lipped cup device allows users to provide additional edible materials that otherwise would not be successful. Traditionally, edible materials were limited to crushed, lightweight substances like salt or sugar. The lipped cup device provides support that allows users to create specialty beverages with various candies or foods that would not have originally stuck to the glassware.
However, existing glassware known in the art does not provide additional means for a clean drink experience. This is undesirable, as when individuals order a specialty beverage, cleanliness is desired. In addition, glassware may also be used for private celebrations provided by individuals.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved drink cup. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a lipped cup device that provides an area to secure beverage rim toppings, wherein the area prevents rim toppings from falling from the cup while the beverage is consumed. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a lipped cup device that prevents sticky surfaces or hands along with damaged clothing for a more enjoyable experience.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a lipped cup device. The device is comprised of a body comprised of a top edge, a bottom surface, a rim, and a channel. The channel can be filled with an edible substance such as, but not limited to, syrup, candy, salt, etc., such that the substance does not fall from the body when liquid is drank from the body. The bottom surface comprises of an element to prevent the cup from tipping over or spilling onto a surface. Further, the body comprises a grip area which allows individuals to maintain a firm grasp on the cup providing additional support.
In this manner, the lipped cup device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a device that prevents edible materials from falling off the rim of a specialty beverage. More specifically, the lipped cup device can eliminate messy surfaces or hands from edible material falling off the device. Furthermore, the device can prevent stained clothing that can be caused by the loose edible material that have fallen from the rim of the cup. The device can be universally used with a variety of edible materials and substances used to attach the edible materials to the rim of the class.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a lipped cup device comprised of a body, a bottom surface, a top edge, a rim, and a channel. The device is designed to prevent edible materials from falling off the rim of the body while users are drinking a specialty beverage.
The body is preferably made from a plastic or glass material that provides durability and sturdiness for continuous usage. Further, the body comprises an interior space that provides a hollow area in which a liquid can be poured and held. The top edge of the body prevents unwanted edible materials from entering the interior space. Moreover, the top edge connects to the channel that provides an area for the edible materials such as, but not limited to, salt, sugar, candy, syrup, etc., to be placed when creating the beverage.
Further, the channel is recessed to receive said edible materials. By providing a channel, this allows a variety of edible substances to be placed in the channel and not spill from the body while the user drinks from the device.
The rim of the body further prevents edible substances from falling into the direction of the user. Further, the rim prevents the user from damaging clothing while consuming the beverage as a result of spilling of the edible substance. Moreover, the body comprises a grip area to prevent the lipped cup device from slipping out of the user's hand.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body, a bottom surface, a top edge, a rim, and a channel. Then, a user can fill the body with a liquid. Next, a user can insert edible materials in the channel. Finally, a user can drink from the device such that the liquid flows over the edible material in the channel and into the mouth of the user.
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device in a different embodiment. First, a device is provided comprised of a body, a bottom surface, a top edge, a rim, and a channel. Then, a user can fill the body with a liquid. Next, a user can fill the channel with an adhesive substance such as, but not limited to, syrup. A user can then insert edible materials in the channel on top of the adhesive substance. Finally, a user can drink from the device such that the liquid flows over the edible material in the channel and into the mouth of the user.
Accordingly, the lipped cup device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it prevents edible materials from falling off the rim of a specialty beverage. More specifically, the lipped cup device can eliminate messy surfaces or hands. Furthermore, the device can prevent stained clothing that can be caused by the loose materials that have fallen from the rim of the cup. Lastly, the device enables users to create specialty beverages with various candies or foods that would not have originally stuck to the glassware due to the weight of the substance. In this manner, the lipped cup device overcomes the limitations of existing cups and methods of drinking/using cups known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved drink cup. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a lipped cup device that provides an area to secure beverage rim toppings, wherein the area prevents rim toppings from falling from the cup while the beverage is consumed. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a lipped cup device that prevents sticky surfaces or hands along with damaged clothing for a more enjoyable experience.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a lipped cup device. The device is comprised of a body, a bottom surface, a top edge, a rim, and a channel. The device is designed to prevent edible materials from falling off the rim of the body while users are drinking a specialty beverage.
The body is preferably made from a plastic or glass material that provides durability and sturdiness for continuous usage. Further, the body comprises an interior space that provides a hollow area in which a liquid can be poured and held. The top edge of the body prevents unwanted edible materials from entering the interior space and connects to the channel that provides an area for the edible materials such as, but not limited to, salt, sugar, candy, syrup, etc., to be placed when creating the beverage.
Further, the channel is recessed to receive said edible materials. By providing a channel, this allows a variety of edible substances to be placed in the channel and not spill from the body while the user drinks from the device.
The rim of the body further prevents edible substances from falling into the direction of the user. Further, the rim prevents the user from damaging clothing while consuming the beverage as a result of spilling of the edible substance. Moreover, the body comprises a grip area to prevent the lipped cup device from slipping out of the user's hand.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body, a bottom surface, a top edge, a rim, and a channel. Then, a user can fill the body with a liquid. Next, a user can insert edible materials in the channel. Finally, a user can drink from the device such that the liquid flows over the edible material in the channel and into the mouth of the user.
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device in a different embodiment. First, a device is provided comprised of a body, a bottom surface, a top edge, a rim, and a channel. Then, a user can fill the body with a liquid. Next, a user can fill the channel with an adhesive substance such as, but not limited to, syrup. A user can then insert edible materials in the channel on top of the adhesive substance. Finally, a user can drink from the device such that the liquid flows over the edible material in the channel and into the mouth of the user.
Accordingly, the lipped cup device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it prevents edible materials from falling off the rim of a specialty beverage. More specifically, the lipped cup device can eliminate messy surfaces or hands. Furthermore, the device can prevent stained clothing that can be caused by the loose materials that have fallen from the rim of the cup. Lastly, the device enables users to create specialty beverages with various candies or foods that would not have originally stuck to the glassware due to the weight of the substance. In this manner, the lipped cup device overcomes the limitations of existing cups and methods of drinking/using cups known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The body 110 is preferably made from a plastic or glass material that provides durability and sturdiness for continuous usage. The body 110 may be any style, shape, and size of a cup, mug, glass, bottle, etc. The body 110 preferably has at least one grip area 114 that allows the user to maintain a firm grasp on the device 100. In one embodiment, the grip area 114 is made from a rubber or foam material that is adhered to the body of the device. In another embodiment, the grip area 114 is embossed into the body 110 of the device 100. Moreover, at least one grip area 114 will prevent the device 100 from slipping out of the user's hand while in use. The grip area 114 may be comprised of a raised or recessed texture to further excuse grip. Additionally, the body 110 comprises a bottom surface 120 to support the lipped cup device 100.
The body 110 preferably has a flat bottom surface 120 shaped to support the lipped cup device 100. The bottom surface 120 allows the device 100 to be placed on another surface. Moreover, the bottom surface 120 comprises at least one element 122 that prevents the device 100 from tipping over when placed on a surface. In one embodiment, the element 122 can be weighted to prevent the device 100 from tipping over when placed on a surface. In another embodiment, the element 122 is preferably made from a rubber material that prevents the device 100 from slipping off the surface. Moreover, at least one element 122 prevents the device 100 from sliding on the surface.
The interior space 112 provides a hollow area in which a liquid can be stored. The top edge 130 is a continuation of the interior space 112. In one embodiment, the top edge 130 may be raised above the channel 150 to prevent unwanted edible materials 12 and syrup 10 from the channel 150 from entering into the interior space 112 when not drinking from the body 110.
The channel 150 connects to the top edge 130 and is preferably circumferentially positioned around the interior space 112. The channel 150 is comprised of at least one recessed channel that allows edible materials 12 such as, but not limited to, sugar, salt, candy, etc., and adhesive edible material 10, such as, but not limited to, syrup, to rest. As a result, a user can drink from the body 110 such that liquid flows from the interior space 112, over the substances 10, 12, and into the mouth of the user.
The rim 140 is raised above the channel 150 and prevents edible substances 10, 12 from falling onto the user or a nearby surface. The recessed rim 140 extends circumferentially around the interior space 112. Additionally, the rim 140 prevents the edible materials 12 from sliding down the side of the body 110 or onto the surface or users' hands creating a sticky environment.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110, an interior space 112, a top edge 130, a rim 140, and a channel 150 [Step 202]. Then, a user can fill the interior space 112 with a liquid [Step 204]. Next, a user can place edible materials 12 in the channel 150 [Step 206]. Finally, a user can drink from the body 110 such that liquid within the body 110 flows over the channel 150 and edible materials 12 and into the mouth of the user [Step 208].
The present invention is also comprised of another method of using 300 the device 100 in a different embodiment. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110, a bottom surface 120, an interior space 112, a top edge 130, a rim 140, and a channel 150 [Step 302]. Then, a user can fill the interior space 112 with a liquid [304]. Next, a user can place an adhesive edible material 10 such as, but not limited to, syrup in the channel 150 [Step 306]. A user can insert edible materials 12 in the channel 150 on top of the syrup 10 [Step 308]. Finally, a user can drink from the body 110 such that liquid within the body 110 flows over the channel 150, over the syrup 10 and edible materials 12, and into the mouth of the user [Step 310].
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “lipped cup device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the lipped cup device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the lipped cup device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the lipped cup device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the lipped cup device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the lipped cup device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the lipped cup device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/527,227, which was filed on Jul. 17, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63527227 | Jul 2023 | US |
