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US 5,203,531 AGranted
Paper cup stack holder
AssigneeNone recorded
InventorEdward Gracon
Life of this patent
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AssigneeNone recorded
InventorEdward Gracon
Estimating the term…
This invention relates to improved devices for holding a stack of light tapered paper cups such that the stack is not easily knocked down by wind, accidentally or otherwise. A series of embodiments are disclosed for fixed size of cups as well as adjustable types such that small as well as large cups can be stacked and short and tall stacks can be accommodated. The stationary fixed model comprises a conical base unit with a low center of gravity and a larger diameter at the bottom. An embodiment of the adjustable type comprises a base unit and plurality of adjustable prongs such that cups of different sizes can snugly fit.
A paper cup stack holder and dispenser comprising:
A paper cup stack holder and dispenser comprising:
A paper cup stack holder and dispenser comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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Dispensing from top: for nested articles, e.g. cups, cones
Glass or bottle holders: for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like
Special furniture, fittings, or accessories for shops, storehouses, bars, restaurants or the
Household or table equipment
Term ended 28 Feb 2012 (estimated)
USPTO file history isn’t available for this patent, so only indexed dates are shown.
the problem with prior art paper cup holding and dispensing devices is that they are cumbersome, expensive and not practical for use in home or by a small business establishment. A formal prior art search was conducted but the inventor is aware of the following U S patents.
a) Utility U.S. Pat. No. 3,435,988 for paper cup dispenser.
b) Design U.S. Pat. No. 307,842 also for a paper cup dispenser.
a) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fixed size stationary paper cup stack holder of this invention shown with a plurality of paper cups.
b) FIG. 2 is perspective view of the fixed size stationary paper cup stack holder of this invention without the stack of cups.
c) FIG. 3 is a mid sectional plan view of the fixed size
As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 an embodiment of this invention comprises a conical base unit 20 with a low center of gravity and a larger diameter at the bottom. The low center of gravity is obtained by making the base heavier or by making the top lighter which is done most economically by incorporating a cavity 22 of reverse taper on the top portion of said conical base unit 20. In the center along the vertical axis is provided a hole 24 to facilitate anchoring the base unit to a counter top or the like surface where a stack of cups is desired. Such an embodiment is suitable for cups of same fixed uniform same size only.
This deficiency is overcome in another embodiment of this invention shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 which comprises a circular disk base unit 30 and plurality of adjustable prongs 40 such that cups of different sizes can snugly fit. FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of one of the prongs 40. The base unit 30 also has plurality of radial slots 32. In the preferred embodiment the inventor used 3 symmetrical radial slots each displaced 120 degrees from the other two.
As shown in FIG. 4 since the prongs are in slots which are themselves 120 degrees apart, the prongs also retain the 120 degree orientation at every symmetrical position in the slot. 120 degrees orientation is maintained throughout the slots because 360 degrees of a circle are divided equally by three prongs one each in three slots.