Drinking vessel holder

Abstract

A drinking vessel holder ( 1 ) includes a band ( 4 ) provided with a tab ( 10 ) adapted for registration with the lid ( 3 ) and being formable into a handle for a coffee cup ( 2 ).

1 . A drinking vessel holder ( 1 ,  100 ) including a collapsible hollow band ( 4 ,  104 ) suitable for engagement with the side of a drinking vessel ( 2 ) characterised by an elongate tab ( 10 ,  110 ) located on the band ( 4 ,  104 ) and having a holding region ( 12 ,  112 ) on the band ( 4 ,  104 ) remote from the point of location of the tab ( 10 ,  110 ) on the band ( 4 ,  104 ).  
     
     
         2 . A holder according to  claim 1  characterised in that the tab ( 4 ) has a means ( 16 ) for registering the band ( 4 ) with the drinking vessel ( 2 ) or a lid ( 3 ) therefor when provided.  
     
     
         3 . A holder according to  claim 1  characterised in that the holding region on the tab is in the form of a finger hold ( 12 ) or grip.  
     
     
         4 . A holder according to  claim 1  characterised in that the means for registering with the drinking vessel ( 2 ) or a lid ( 3 ) therefor is in the form of a slot ( 16 ) adapted for the registration of a detent ( 18 ) provided either on the vessel itself or on the lid thereof.  
     
     
         5 . A holder according to  claim 1  characterised in that the tab ( 4 ,  104 ) is capable of being shaped into a handle.  
     
     
         6 . A holder according to  claim 5  characterised in that the tab ( 10 ,  110 ) is engageable with the band ( 4 ,  104 ) in a locking manner.  
     
     
         7 . A holder according to  claim 6  characterised in that the band ( 4 ,  104 ) is provided with a recess or slot ( 30 ,  124 ) with which the free end of the tab ( 10 ,  110 ) is adapted to register.  
     
     
         8 . A holder according to  claim 5  characterized in that the tab ( 10 ,  110 ) is provided with points of weakness ( 14 ,  110 ′,  110 ″) along its length to facilitate it being formed into the shape of a handle ( 132 ).  
     
     
         9 . A holder according to  claim 5  characterized in that the tab ( 110 ) includes a central portion ( 103 ) integral with the band ( 104 ) along a line of weakness ( 110 ′) and is provided with side wings ( 109 ) integral therewith along lines of weakness ( 113 ) and disengageably connected to the band ( 104 ).  
     
     
         10 . A holder according to  claim 9  characterized in that the disengageable connection is formed by perforations ( 111 ).  
     
     
         11 . A holder according to  claim 9  characterized in that the distal end ( 105 ) of the tab provided with a finger hole ( 112 ) or grip has a line of weakness ( 107 ) enabling the said end to be bent over.  
     
     
         12 . A holder according to  claim 11  characterized in that the band ( 104 ) is provided with a detent ( 122 ) on its lower edge for locking engagement with the finger hole ( 112 ) or grip when the tab ( 110 ) is in its folded handle ( 132 ) forming position.  
     
     
         13 . A holder according to claim characterized in that the wings ( 109 ) are foldable against the central portion ( 103 ) of the tab ( 110 ) prior for strengthening the tab in its handle forming position.  
     
     
         14 . A combination of a drinking vessel holder ( 1 ,  100 ) according to  claim 1  and a drinking vessel.  
     
     
         15 . A combination of a drinking vessel holder according to  claim 1  and a drinking vessel ( 2 ) and a releasable lid ( 3 ) therefor.