Patent disputes are heating up in McCarter v. Milkmen Design, LLC and Innovative Inventologies, Inc. v. Milkmen Design, LLC, both involving US10604054B1. This patent, at the center of litigation, is being challenged by two separate plaintiffs, each claiming that Milkmen Design’s accused product infringes on their rights. But could existing patents undermine its validity?
At its core, US10604054B1 pertains to a hanging condiment container holder. The invention provides a clip mechanism that attaches to the upper portion of a food container, allowing users to conveniently hold condiments without occupying additional space. Companies like McCarter and Innovative Inventologies believe Milkmen Design’s product violates this patent, leading to legal action.
However, the strength of this patent depends on whether similar technologies existed before its filing. Related patents or publications with overlapping features could be key in these lawsuits. If strong related patents emerge, it might challenge the patent’s validity, affecting the outcome of the cases.
This article dives into related patents that could impact US10604054B1. Using Global Patent Search (GPS), we can uncover earlier technologies that may challenge this patent’s novelty. Let’s explore the key features and prior art references that could shape these legal battles.
Understanding Patent US10604054B1
Patent US10604054B1 relates to a portable condiment holder system and device for use in a vehicle. The invention provides a stable, hands-free solution for holding condiment containers inside a car, reducing spills and improving convenience while eating on the go. The holder attaches to the vehicle’s interior door, ensuring easy access for drivers and passengers.
Source: US10604054B1
Its four key features are:
#1. Adjustable holder arm for secure attachment: The system includes a holder arm with a bent outer part, designed to fit securely into the gap between the inner door casing and windowpane of a vehicle. This ensures stability while the car is in motion.
#2. Custom-fit container holder: A specially designed basket-style container holder accommodates standard-sized condiment containers, such as those used for sauces or dips at fast-food restaurants. This design minimizes movement and prevents spills.
#3. Portable & removable design: Unlike built-in cup holders, this device is removable and can be used in different vehicles. It provides a space-saving alternative for food storage inside cars, where traditional cup holders are often occupied by drinks.
#4. Optional accessories for added functionality: The system allows for additional attachments, such as a hinged lid to prevent spills or a small shelf for storing other small items like napkins or utensils. Some versions include an adjustable length mechanism for compatibility with different car door designs.
Patent US10604054B1 is currently the subject of litigation in two separate cases. In both cases, Milkmen Design, LLC is accused of infringing on this patent by selling a similar condiment holder system. If related patents can be identified with similar features, it may weaken the validity of US10604054B1 in court. The next section explores related patent references that could impact these legal disputes.
Related Patent Reference for US10604054B1
#1. US11220199B1
This patent, filed on September 19, 2019, describes a container system for holding sauces or syrups in a vehicle. The invention is designed to fit into a vehicle’s cup holder, providing a stable location for condiment containers while driving. The design includes a rectangular recessed area accommodating different sauce packet shapes and sizes.
Source: US11220199B1
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Custom-fit condiment container holder – The reference explicitly describes a cavity shaped to match the external shape of a condiment container, ensuring a secure fit.
- Holder arm with adjustable attachment – The reference does not describe a holder arm or a method for attaching the container to the inner side of a car door.
- Attachment to a door casing – Unlike US10604054B1, this reference does not mention a holder arm that inserts into a windowpane gap.
- Portable & removable design – The reference describes a removable container system, similar to US10604054B1, though with a different placement.
Which features of US10604054B1 are disclosed by US11220199B1?
| Key feature of claim 1 | Disclosure status |
| The container holder is shaped to match the external shape of a condiment container | Fully Disclosed |
| The device is attachable to an inner side of the door with the condiment container being removably positionable | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US11220199B1:
“The present invention relates to a container for holding sauces or syrups for food toppings in an automobile or motor vehicle. The container is designed to fit into the automobile’s or motor vehicle’s cup holder. The container has a rectangular recessed area that accommodates different sauce packet shapes and sizes, providing a stable holding mechanism for the sauce container.”
#2. US9199584B2
This patent, filed on October 31, 2012, describes a condiment packet holder designed for attachment to a vehicle’s cup holder or air vent. The invention provides a secure way to hold disposable condiment packets, preventing spills while eating in a car. The design includes a cavity specifically shaped to hold condiment packets, ensuring they remain stable during use.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Custom-fit condiment container holder – The reference explicitly describes an aperture designed to match the external shape of a condiment packet, ensuring a stable fit.
- Holder arm with adjustable attachment – The reference does not describe a holder arm or any mechanism for attaching the device to a windowpane gap.
- Attachment to a door casing – Unlike US10604054B1, this reference does not mention a holder arm that secures the container to the inner door casing.
- Portable & removable design – The reference describes a removable holder system that can be attached to a cup holder or air vent, similar to US10604054B1, but with a different attachment method.
Which features of US10604054B1 are disclosed by US9199584B2?
| Key feature of claim 1 | Disclosure status |
| The container holder is shaped to match the external shape of a condiment container | Fully Disclosed |
| The device is attachable to an inner side of the door with the condiment container being removably positionable | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US9199584B2:
“The present application relates generally to a holder for disposable condiment packets and, more specifically, to a condiment packet holder adapted for mounting within an automobile cup-holder or air vent. The device ensures a stable fit for sauce packets and reduces spillage while driving.”
#3. US20100065563A1
This patent, filed on September 12, 2008, describes an integrated food and condiment holder designed to accommodate both food items and condiments in a single unit. The invention allows for various container shapes, such as french fry cups or popcorn containers, with a dedicated condiment compartment to improve convenience during food consumption.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Condiment holder integrated with food container – The reference describes a combined food and condiment holder, though it does not focus on vehicle-specific attachment.
- Holder arm with adjustable attachment – The reference does not describe a holder arm or any mechanism for securing the container to a vehicle’s windowpane gap.
- Attachment to a door casing – Unlike US10604054B1, this reference does not mention a holder arm designed to fit within a car’s door frame.
- Flexible container design – The reference allows for different container configurations, including semi-circular or box-like condiment holders, making it adaptable for multiple food packaging applications.
This is how feature mapping from the tool looks like:
Source: GPS
Which features of US10604054B1 are disclosed by US20100065563A1?
| Key feature of claim 1 | Disclosure status |
| A portable condiment holder device comprises a basket-like container holder with apertures in its sides | Partially Disclosed |
| The container holder is shaped to match the external shape of a condiment container | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US20100065563A1:
“Integrated food and condiment holder 10 is any conventional food container, e.g., french fry cups, popcorn containers, etc. Integrated food and condiment holder 10 may be formed in any configuration appropriate to the type of food being held, including semi-circular or box-like shapes. The condiment holder 20 is designed to store a sauce packet within the food container itself.”
#4. WO2008001351A2
This patent, filed on June 24, 2007, describes a disposable fast-food holder with integrated compartments for condiments. The invention includes a main food container with attached smaller compartments designed to hold condiments, sauces, or solid food items. The holder is meant for temporary use, providing a convenient way to serve fast food with built-in condiment storage.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Integrated condiment compartments – The reference describes smaller containers attached to a main holder for holding condiments or sauces.
- Holder arm with adjustable attachment – The reference does not describe a holder arm or any mechanism for attaching the holder to a vehicle.
- Attachment to a door casing – Unlike US10604054B1, this reference does not mention a holder arm that secures the device to a car door.
- Disposable and temporary use – The reference focuses on single-use fast food packaging, whereas US10604054B1 is a durable, reusable design.
Which features of US10604054B1 are disclosed by WO2008001351A2?
| Key feature of claim 1 | Disclosure status |
| The container holder is shaped to match the external shape of a condiment container | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from WO2008001351A2:
“The outline 12 includes the four main walls 18, 20, 22, 24 of the main holder and also two smaller containers 26, 28 integrally attached thereto. The smaller containers 26, 28 are suitable for holding liquid or solid condiments, providing a convenient and disposable food packaging solution.”
#5. US6364112B1
This patent, filed on November 3, 1999, describes a portable condiment container that can be adhesively attached to the interior of a vehicle. The invention is designed to hold condiments in a disposable or reusable container, making it easier to consume food while driving. The container includes an attaching arm that allows it to adhere to various surfaces inside a car.
Key Features of this Related Patent:
- Portable and attachable condiment container – The reference describes a small container that can be attached inside a vehicle, making it accessible while driving.
- Holder arm with adjustable attachment – The reference does not describe a holder arm that bends downward or fits into a windowpane gap. Instead, it features an attaching arm with an adhesive surface.
- Attachment to a door casing – Unlike US10604054B1, this reference does not mention a holder arm designed to secure the container to a car door.
- Adhesive-based mounting system – The reference describes a rotatable attaching arm that allows users to place the condiment holder on different interior surfaces of a vehicle.
Which features of US10604054B1 are disclosed by US6364112B1?
| Key feature of claim 1 | Disclosure status |
| The device is attachable to an inner side of the door with the condiment container being removably positionable | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US6364112B1:
“In one embodiment of the invention, the condiment container is a portable and disposable container that adhesively attaches to the interior of a vehicle. This embodiment facilitates the eating of food and snacks while driving by keeping condiments accessible.”
Feature Comparison Table
| Key feature of Claim 1 | US11220199B1 | US9199584B2 | US20100065563A1 | WO2008001351A2 | US6364112B1 |
| A portable condiment holder device comprises a basket-like container holder with apertures in its sides | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| A holder arm has an outer part connected to an inner part, with the outer part bent downward relative to the inner part | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The inner part of the holder arm connects to the container holder and extends to its outer side | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The container holder is shaped to match the external shape of a condiment container | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The outer part of the holder arm is insertable in a gap between an inner door casing and windowpane of a vehicle door | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The inner part of the holder arm positions over the inner door casing and in front of the windowpane | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The device is attachable to an inner side of the door with the condiment container being removably positionable | Partially Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
How to find related patents using Global Patent Search
Identifying related patents is crucial when evaluating a patent’s validity and potential challenges in litigation. Here’s how the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool streamlines this process by offering a comprehensive database of patents with advanced search capabilities:
Search by patent number or description – Enter a specific patent number (e.g., US10604054B1) or use relevant keywords (e.g., “portable condiment holder for vehicles”) to retrieve similar patents.
Source: GPS
Leverage feature mapping – GPS enables detailed claim analysis, allowing users to compare specific features across multiple patents.
Review matching results – The tool generates a curated list of related patents, highlighting those with overlapping claims and technological similarities.
Analyze detailed reports – Each patent is mapped against the key claims of the target patent, providing insights into potential disclosures and gaps.
Make informed legal decisions – By reviewing related patents, users can assess novelty, potential infringement risks, and litigation strategies effectively.
With GPS, attorneys, inventors, and businesses can quickly and accurately identify related patents, ensuring they have the best possible data for legal analysis and patent disputes.
Take the Guesswork out of Related Patent Research
Patent disputes can be complex, but finding related patents doesn’t have to be. The Global Patent Search tool provides:
- Instant results – No more time-consuming manual searches; quickly locate relevant patents.
- Accurate feature mapping – Compare key patent claims with high-precision feature analysis.
- Data-driven insights – Strengthen your legal strategy with verified related patent references.
Ensure you have the strongest related patent data to defend or challenge a patent effectively. Unlock powerful insights with Global Patent Search. Start your search today!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The related patent references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive related patent analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
