You can freely build on How the Modern Disposable Paper Cup Was Invented

What this patent covers

The patent describes a drinking cup formed from a single piece of paper, folded into a conical or tapered shape. It uses a specific method of overlapping the edges and securing them to create a watertight seal without the need for adhesive that might taint the water. By creating a cheap, disposable vessel, it addressed the public health crisis of the early 20th century where shared metal cups at water coolers were spreading tuberculosis and other diseases.

What is now free to use

All 0 claims of US 1032557 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover cups made from materials other than paper or paper-based pulp.

• Does not cover reusable drinking vessels made of glass, metal, or ceramic.

• Does not cover the process of coating the paper with wax, which was a later improvement.

Who is building on this today

Companies like Georgia-Pacific, which owns the Dixie brand, and various global packaging manufacturers continue to iterate on the material science of these cups, such as making them compostable or plastic-free.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Individual. US Patent 1032557. Cup.. Granted 1912, expired 1929. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.