Container sling assembly and method of use

Abstract

An inexpensive, thermally formed, two-piece “Hands Free” sling assembly designed for frusto-conical containers, such as coffee cups. The sling assembly can allow a consumer to suspend the container from a wrist or arm without spilling the contents of the container, thereby freeing up the consumer's hands for other activities. In one embodiment, the sling assembly includes an annular retaining ring which is sized to receive the container and which includes two orthogonal, integrally formed female connector sockets. The female connector sockets are configured to receive a male connector pin which is provided on each end of a carrying strap. The carrying strap can be self-contained within the annular ring and may be pivoted and stowed forward/backward when using the container.

1 . An apparatus ( 10 ) for holding a container ( 13 ) comprising: an annular retaining ring ( 12 ) to slide around the container ( 13 ) and having affixed to same, a semi-rigid strap-type handle ( 11 ) extendable above the container ( 13 ). 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the strap-type handle ( 11 ) is orthogonally attached to the annular retaining ring ( 12 ) through pivot pins ( 11   a ) molded within the extremities of the strap. 
     
     
         3 . The strap-type handle ( 11 ) according to  claim 2 , whether injection molded or thermally formed, provides for a semi-rigid handle which facilitates the ease of handling and use of the “Hands Free” apparatus ( 10 ). 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus ( 10 ) according to  claim 1 , wherein the annular retaining ring ( 12 ) is thermally formed with two sockets ( 12   b ) connected with the retaining ring ( 12 ) by a living hinge ( 12   c ) which, when pivoted about the living hinge ( 12   c ) into a corresponding recess ( 12   a ) provided in the retaining ring ( 12 ), provides an orthogonal axis by which the strap-type handle ( 11 ) can be mounted to the retaining ring ( 12 ). 
     
     
         5 . The sockets ( 12   b ) as defined in  claim 4  may be alternatively configured to have a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape to provide reduced frictional area for the strap pivot pins ( 11   a ) to rotate against, which can allow for higher clamping loads when rotating and securing the “Living Hinge” elements as described in claim # 3 . 
     
     
         6 . A sling assembly for use by a consumer in carrying a beverage cup, the sling assembly comprising:
 a retaining ring configured to receive a body of the cup therein, the retaining ring having an interior element defining an inner diameter that is smaller than a maximum outer diameter of the cup body;   a first pair of retaining elements provided in an exterior wall of the retaining ring; and   a strap having a second pair of retaining elements provided on opposing ends of the strap, the second pair of retaining elements configured to engage the first pair of retaining elements to connect the strap with the retaining ring,   wherein when a cup is inserted into the retaining ring, the consumer can use the strap to carry the cup.   
     
     
         7 . The sling assembly of  claim 6  wherein the first and second pair of retaining elements are connected through at least one of an interference fit, a snap fit, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The sling assembly of  claim 6  wherein the first pair of retaining elements are hingedly connected with the exterior wall of the retaining ring. 
     
     
         9 . The sling assembly of  claim 8  wherein the first pair of retaining elements is connected to the exterior wall by a living hinge. 
     
     
         10 . The sling assembly of  claim 6  wherein at least one of the retaining ring, the first pair of retaining elements, the second pair of retaining elements, the strap, or a combination thereof is made of a thermoformed material. 
     
     
         11 . The sling assembly of  claim 6  wherein one of the first pair of retaining elements or the second pair of retaining elements comprises a male connector and the other of the first or second pair of retaining elements comprises a female connector. 
     
     
         12 . The sling assembly of  claim 11  wherein at least one of the first or second pair of retaining elements have a generally circular cross-section. 
     
     
         13 . The sling assembly of  claim 11  wherein the female connector comprises a first opening that receives the male connector and a second opening, opposite the first opening, and wherein the male connector comprises a projection at an end thereof configured to pass through the second opening and engage a portion of the female connector defining the second opening. 
     
     
         14 . The sling assembly of  claim 11  wherein one of the first or second pair of retaining elements comprises at least one projection that is configured to engage at least one corresponding recess provided on the other of the first or second pair of retaining elements. 
     
     
         15 . The sling assembly of  claim 6  wherein the strap can be rotated relative to the retaining ring through the connection between the first and second pair of retaining elements.