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United States Patent Application	20010050283
Kind Code	A1
Nance, Gary	December 13, 2001

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Claims

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What is claimed is:

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 claim 1 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.

3. The condiment cup of claim 2 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.

4. The condiment cup of claim 1 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.

5. The condiment cup of claim 1 wherein the attachment arm includes a curved spring portion extending to a terminal end that is outturned away from the upwardly extending sidewall.

6. The condiment cup of claim 1 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.

7. The condiment cup of claim 1 further comprising a locking button extending from an inner surface of the attachment arm.

8. The condiment cup of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of locking ribs extending from the grip surface of the at least one grip enhancer.

9. The condiment cup of claim 1 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.

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 claim 10 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.

12. The condiment cup of claim 11 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.

13. The condiment cup of claim 10 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.

14. The condiment cup of claim 10 wherein the attachment arm includes a curved spring portion extending to a terminal end that is outturned away from the upwardly extending sidewall.

15. The condiment cup of claim 10 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.

16. The condiment cup of claim 10 further comprising a locking button extending from an inner surface of the attachment arm.

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 claim 17 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.

19. The condiment cup of claim 17 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.

20. The condiment cup of claim 17 wherein the attachment arm includes a curved spring portion extending to an outturned tip.

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Description

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] 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.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates generally to condiment cups, and more particularly to a condiment cup having a sealed lid.

[0005] 2. Description of Related Art

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.

[0012] 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.

[0013] A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a condiment cup having advantages not taught by the prior art.

[0014] 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.

[0015] A further objective is to distribute the condiment to consumers in an condiment cup that is economical to produce and easy to use.

[0016] 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a rear side elevational view thereof;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view thereof;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating how a sealing lid is peeled off of a condiment container;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating how the condiment container is attached to a storage container with an attachment arm;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a is a sectional view thereof taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8;

[0027] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of an alternative embodiment having a second attachment arm adjacent a grip enhancer opposite the attachment arm;

[0028] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment in which the condiment cup is mounted inside the storage container;

[0029] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment in which the attachment arm includes a curved spring portion;

[0030] 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;

[0031] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a locking button of the attachment arm and a plurality of locking ribs of the grip enhancer;

[0032] FIG. 15 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 14;

[0033] 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;

[0034] 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

[0035] 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;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] 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.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1-18, 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.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1-18, 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.

[0039] Once the condiment container 20 has been filled with the condiment, 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 lid perimeter 42 of the sealing lid 40 is preferably bonded to the perimeter 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.

[0040] 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 a condiment cup 10 that contains ketchup. This of course will vary depending upon the restaurant. A Mexican restaurant might serve nachos, in which case the condiment cup 10 might be filled with salsa or cheese. A chicken restaurant might serve chicken with a condiment cup 10 full of barbeque sauce. Since the condiment cup 10 can hold a large amount of condiment 16, a single container is all that is required, rather than a large number of small packets of the condiment. The condiment cup 10 reduces waste of the condiment by including the condiment in a single container, rather than dispensing large numbers of small packets

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, 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.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6-10, 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. For purposes of this application, when we say that 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.

[0043] 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. For purposes of this application, 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. In the preferred embodiment, the grip surface 54 is positioned between the outwardly extending portion 32 of the attachment arm 30 and the terminal end 38. As shown in FIG. 9, 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.

[0044] In a first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, 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.

[0045] In a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, 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.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, 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.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, 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. For example, 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.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, 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.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10, 14, and 15, 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.

[0050] 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. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, 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.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, 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.

[0052] 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.

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