US20050269474A1

US20050269474A1 - Beverage container holder

Info

Publication number: US20050269474A1
Application number: US11/205,044
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephen Kazyaka
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-03-29
Filing date: 2005-08-17
Publication date: 2005-12-08

Abstract

A beverage cup holder to contain drinking fluids, collect condensation and spilled fluids, and direct them to a self contained reservoir. The holder has an upper rim that is taller than the container being held, ribs to support the entire height of the held container utilizing an upper funnel, and a device which stores spilled fluids and condensation within a self contained reservoir for spilled fluids formed by the holder from a centered vertical support column as well as creating an area to add attachments including weights, a magnet, or lighting to its open bottom end.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of my prior application Ser. No. 10/811,594, filed Mar. 29, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to beverage cup containers or holders. In particular, the invention relates to both portable and fixed containers for holding beverage cups that reduce spillage of the beverage cup contents and collects within the container of the invention any beverage spillage that occurs.
2. Description of the Related Art
The need for an improved cup holder has been magnified by the recent increase in the average number of cup holders per vehicle, golf cart, shopping cart, movie theater chair, wheelchair, etc. Current cup holders do not provide a means for effectively capturing spilled fluids or condensation from beverage cups and storing these fluids apart for cleaning at a later time. The most widely known cup holders are those found standard in vehicle dashboards or consoles; but they do not have a separate area that contains the spills or condensation once they are created. This typically leaves the container sitting in the fluids, or fluids can get trapped between the cup and the container and spill onto the dash, console or driver. Most cup holders do not fit into existing cup holders, do not address the problem of the beverage container sitting in its own spilled fluids, do not assist in capturing spilled fluids and are insufficient to handle the different sized beverage cups that are now typical.
Thus, a beverage container holder solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary achievement of the invention is the production of a beverage cup or container holder with an upper rim that is taller than the container being held whereby spills from the cup or container are held within the holder.
Another achievement of the invention is a holder that has a centered vertical upright column within it that supports the held container and allows the captured fluids to be stored around its base away from the held container while also providing a means to insert a weight or magnet into its open bottom end for more stability or floatation. Additionally, this area can be used to house lighting or a receiver for attaching a number of different attachments. For example, by using it on a desktop, spills on paper work can be avoided. The holder can sit on the desk top with another attachment to hold the assembly steady.
Another achievement of the invention is a holder that reduces spills by containing the entire height of the held container utilizing the holder's upper funnel and support fins to support the top of the cup.
A further achievement of the invention is a holder that has a reservoir within it that stores the captured fluids of the held container separate from the held container.
Yet another achievement of the invention is a holder that purposely collects dripping condensation from the held container and stores it separate from the held container in its self-contained reservoir.
Still another achievement of the invention is a better holder by making it portable for easy removal, transfer, and cleaning.
Another achievement of the invention is an easily cleaned holder that is portable and dishwasher safe.
Another achievement of the invention is a holder that holds a large variety of container sizes and still performs its primary function.
A further achievement of the invention is a holder that reduces spills in the interior of a vehicle by trapping spilling fluids with its upper rim and directing them to the holder's self-contained reservoir.
Yet another achievement of the invention is a holder that can fit in most existing cup holders and improve their function.
Another achievement of the invention is a holder that has all the above stated benefits and can be manufactured in one piece for ease in manufacturing and reduced cost.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a holder that holds a container of drinking fluids, collects the condensation and spilled fluids from the container and directs them to the holder's self-contained reservoir. The instant invention includes a holder with an upper rim that is taller than the container being held which collects spilled fluids; a holder that contains the entire height of the held container utilizing the holder's upper funnel and support ribs, creating more stability and more room to access the held container, while further allowing the spilled fluids to pass into the reservoir; a holder which stores spilled fluids and condensation within the holder's self-contained reservoir created from a centered vertical support column to provide support to the held container and create an area to add weight, a magnet, or lighting to its bottom open end; a holder that directs spilled fluids and condensation into the holder's self contained reservoir utilizing the holder's upper and lower funnel system; a holder that can fit into existing cup holders and improve their function; a holder that is portable and machine washable; and a holder that can provide the above stated benefits and can be manufactured in one piece.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a cup or container holder which utilizes an upper rim that is taller than the container being held to capture condensation and spilled fluids.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a cup or container holder which provides support to a held containers entire height utilizing its upper funnel and support rib combination thus creating more stability and more room to access the held container while further allowing the spilled fluids to pass below,
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a cup or container holder which provides a self contained reservoir created from a centered vertical support column which provides support to the held container separate from the containers spilled fluids furthermore creating an area to add weight, a magnet, or lighting by insertion in its open bottom end.
These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 1-1 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 is a plan view looking at the top of the holder.
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 1-1 of FIG. 2 and shown with a container held in position.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view from a top side advantage.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the holder from a bottom side advantage.
FIG. 6 is an environmental perspective view of the holder with a single pole mount.
FIG. 7 is an environmental perspective view of the holder with a twin holder on a pole mount.
FIG. 8 is an environmental perspective view of the holder with a clamp adaptor.
FIG. 9 is an alternate embodiment of the holder with a flip-top cover.
FIG. 10 is a top view perspective of the bottom of the holder.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the holder showing the bottom of the holder.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment showing the inside bottom of the holder.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a holder containing a top adjustable adapter for wide diameter and taller cup applications.
FIG. 14 is an environmental perspective view of the invention with the beverage cup holder connected to a stable platform.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the beverage cup holder in position to be connected to a nipple fixed on the stabilizing platform.
FIG. 16 is an environmental view perspective view of cylindrical a beverage cup holder of the invention comprising a single section with ribs and centered column.
FIG. 17 is an overhead perspective view of the beverage cup holder attached to a platform.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention comprises a holder for containing a beverage cup. The holder is a generally cylindrical container having preferably three or four progressively narrower sections although the holder may contain one, two or five sections. The selection of a three or four section cup holder is determined by the size of the beverage cup to be contained. The novel features of the invention described herein apply to both three and four section cup holders. The cup holder includes a first open top section, a narrower second middle section and a narrower third or fourth closed bottom section, wherein the rim of the top section is wider and higher than the rim of the cup contained in the holder. The holder includes a means for supporting the bottom of the beverage cup above the bottom of the holder. In one embodiment, a centered portion of the bottom of the third or fourth section is elevated to form a vertical support column for the beverage cup bottom, a reservoir for spilled fluids and a recessed open pocket corresponding to the wall of the raised column.
Other means for supporting the bottom of the beverage cup in the holder while maintaining a reservoir for spilled fluids include at least one vertical wall partitioning rib members in the bottom of the third or fourth bottom section. Another means for supporting the bottom of the beverage cup in the holder while maintaining a reservoir for spilled fluids includes forming multiple indents around the interior circumference of the third or fourth bottom section. Yet another means for supporting the bottom of the beverage cup in the holder while maintaining a reservoir for spilled fluids includes multiple short, vertical studs connected to the bottom of the third or fourth bottom section.
The cup holder also includes a means for laterally supporting the beverage cup arrayed about the interior wall of the first section of the cup holder. The cup support means may comprise ribs arrayed about the interior wall of the first section of the cup holder. The ribs preferably comprise at least three vertical, narrow, flat, horizontally opposed ribs circumferentially disposed about the interior wall of the first section.
Preferably, the reservoir of the cup holder includes a circular self-contained reservoir formed of the column interior wall, the third or fourth bottom section interior wall and a portion of the interior bottom wall.
The holder of the invention contains means for connecting fixtures to the recessed pocket formed within the column of the cup holder contained in the third or fourth bottom section. A preferred means includes a metal or wood post or pipe such as PVC pipe or coupling having one end connected to the cup holder within the recessed pocket. The pipe may be connected by press fitting, adhesives, threads or any means known in the art. A single post appropriately connected to the cup holder exterior pocket can serve as a single garden stand for the cup holder. Using the appropriate pipefitting elbows, tees, nipples and couplings, a single post can serve a variety of applications such as a stand for two or more cup holders. In another embodiment, a pipe nipple can be connected into the recessed pocket of the cup holder and then connected to a clamp to convert the cup holder to a secure, readily portable cup holder.
In another embodiment of the invention, a flip lid is affixed to the cup holder first section. Although the cup holder is largely self-protected from fluid spills, the flip lid protects the liquid beverage from outside adulteration, including rain, and protects the user from splashing. The lid is connected to the cup holder rim, preferably by a snap spring-loaded hinge. The primary function of the flip lid is to deflect spills from splashing during movement of the vehicle down the street.
In yet another embodiment, the cup holder is manufactured in two sections by dividing the holder laterally through different sections and forming the divided wall of the second section into complementary male and female parts. The sections are joined by connecting portions of the different sections together, allowing the container to be adjusted to hold smaller and larger cups properly. By disassembling the cup holder, cleaning of the holder is made especially easy and the portability of the apparatus is enhanced.
Referring to the figures, in one embodiment of the invention (FIG. 1) there is provided three section holder (10) that holds a drinking container. The holder is portable and machine washable and comprises of upper rim (12) taller that the container being held, several support ribs (14) arrayed about its upper funnel (16) and connected to the lower funnel (18) by means of a generally cylindrical wall (20). The lower section (22) has an open first end (24) and an opposite second end (26) and is formed by means of a generally cylindrical wall (28). Contained within the lower section (22) rising from the bottom end (26) of the holder (10) is a centered vertical support column (30) standing approximately 1 inch tall thus creating the self contained reservoir (32) about its base.
As seen in FIG. 3 there is a held beverage container (34) that is placed in a holder (10) resting its lower end (36) on the centered vertical support column (30) as its upper end (44) comes to rest upon the support rib (14) restraining the held container (34) from any movements while still allowing fluids to pass to the said holders (10) self contained reservoir (32) which stores spilled fluids and condensation for later easy cleaning.
To accomplish an important function of the invention there is shown in FIG. 3 the upper rim (12) describing generally a cylindrical surface that extends above the held container (34). Below this, in accordance with an important feature of this invention is the upper funnel (16) in combination with the support ribs (14) which provide support to the full height of the container while also providing passage to condensation and spilled fluids from the held container (34) to the self contained reservoir (32) in the base of the lower section (22).
Upon further inspection of FIG. 1 it will be seen that the upper rim (12) has an open end with a diameter of approximately 5.4 inches leading down to the upper funnel (16) with a top diameter of approximately 5.1 inches and a bottom diameter of approximately 3.6 inches. The upper funnel (16) contains several support ribs (14) arrayed evenly around the entire circumference of the said upper funnel (16). This allows better access to the held container while allowing fluids to pass. These support ribs are approximately 0.125 inch's thick extending out from the upper funnel, thus providing support to the held container (34) while also allowing fluids to readily move to the lower section (22) and collect in the holder's (10) self contained reservoir (32) separate from the held container (34).
In a preferred embodiment the fluids traveling inside the apparatus cylindrical inner surface (20), which has a diameter of approximately 3.5 inches directs fluids to the bottom funnel comprising of an upper open end with a diameter of approximately 3.5 inches and a lower open end with a diameter of approximately 3 inches leading to what will be considered the lower section (22). The lower section (22) comprising of a generally cylindrical surface approximately 2 inches in height and 3 inches in diameter houses a vertical support column (30) extending upwardly from the bottom end (26) of the holder (10) standing approximately 1 inch tall and approximately 1.4 inches in diameter thus creating a platform (38) to support a held container (34) and creating a reservoir (32) about its base, while further creating a open hollow area inside (40) with a closed top end (38) and an open bottom end (42) which can be used to house a weight, magnet, lighting, or any number of other attachments.
Referring to FIG. 6, a four section cup holder (11) embodiment of the invention is shown comprising sections (13), (15), (17) and (19). A pole (21) is attached into the recessed open bottom end (23) to provide a stand-alone beverage cup holder, typically for outdoor applications.
Referring to FIG. 7, twin four section cup holder (11) embodiments of the invention are shown. Nipples (25) have been attached in the recessed open bottom end (23) and connected through elbows (27) and tee (29) to pole (21) to provide a twin stand-alone beverage cup holder.
Referring to FIG. 8, a four-section cup holder (11) embodiment is shown connected from recess (23) to clamp (33) at clamp-head (31). This embodiment illustrates the flexibility of the cup holder invention which, when connected to a clamp, can be moved from place to place with ease.
Referring to FIG. 9, a four-section cup holder (11) embodiment is shown with flip top (35) attached to the first section of the cup holder by a snap spring-loaded hinge (37).
Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 alternative means are presented to support the cup bottom in the bottom section, i.e. (22) for third section and (19) for fourth section, of the cup holder. In FIG. 10 shows at least one vertical wall or strut (39) in the bottom center of the bottom section (22). The strut may extend from wall to wall or be positioned in the center. In FIG. 11, multiple indents (41) are produced in the bottom wall to support the cup bottom. In FIG. 12, multiple short vertical studs (43) are connected to the interior bottom of the holder to support the cup bottom.
Referring to FIG. 13, a multiple piece cup holder (13) is shown. The sections (15) and section (17) are separable. Each section is capable of fitting together (9). Fitting the multiple pieces together to form a complete Beverage cup holder combines these sections.
Referring to FIG. 14, the beverage cup holder (11) is shown attached to a portable platform (45) that prevents the holder from being accidentally upset and spilling liquid onto a table or desk. The attachment is made by using the recessed pocket (40) at the holder bottom to connect with a nipple or other means inserted into the pocket. FIG. 15 presents another perspective view of the combination of the holder (11) being combined with a nipple (47) on a platform (45) to form a very stable structure.
FIG. 16 illustrates the application of the discoveries of the invention as applied to a beverage cup holder consisting of only one section (49). Ribs (51) are fixed inside the single section to support the beverage laterally and an elevated section in the bottom portion of the holder (40) support the bottom of the beverage cup while forming a reservoir portion (53) in the bottom of the holder.
Referring to FIG. 17, the overhead perspective view of the holder (11) shown the ribs (14) of the holder used to support the beverage cup laterally while the holder is fixed to a platform at the recessed cup (40) attach ment.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents such as a holder that can hold multiple containers, a holder with a lid, or a holder that can be adjustable.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A holder for containing a beverage cup comprising:

a generally cylindrical container having at least three progressively narrower sections including a first open top section, a narrower second middle section and a narrower third closed bottom section, wherein the rim of said top section is wider and higher than the rim of said cup; and a centered portion of the bottom of said third section is elevated to comprise a vertical support column for the beverage cup bottom, a reservoir for spilled fluids and an exterior recessed pocket below the raised column.

2. The cup holder of claim 1, further having means for supporting said cup arrayed about the interior wall of said first section of the cup holder.

3. The cup holder of claim 2, wherein said support means comprises ribs arrayed about the interior wall of said first section of the cup holder.

4. The cup holder of claim 3, wherein said ribs comprise at least three vertical, narrow, flat, horizontally opposed ribs circumferentially edge disposed about the interior wall of said first section.

5. The cup holder of claim 1, wherein said reservoir comprises a circular self contained reservoir formed by the column interior wall, the third section interior vertical wall and a portion of the interior bottom wall.

6. A holder for containing a beverage cup, comprising:

a generally cylindrical container having progressively narrower sections including an open top section and a narrower closed bottom section, wherein the rim of said top section is wider and higher than the rim of said cup; said top section having means for supporting said cup arrayed about the interior wall of said top section; and means for supporting the bottom of the cup in the bottom section.

7. The holder of claim 6, wherein said means for supporting the bottom of the cup comprises a centered portion of the bottom of said bottom section having a vertical support column for the beverage cup bottom wherein a reservoir for spilled fluids surrounds the column, said column comprising an exterior recessed pocket within the closed bottom section.

8. The holder of claim 7, further having means for connecting fixtures to said exterior recessed pocket within the column of the cup holder.

9. The holder of claim 7, wherein said means includes a pipe having one end connected to the cup holder within the exterior recessed pocket.

10. The holder of claim 6, wherein the means for supporting the cup comprises wall partitioning rib members in the top section.

11. The holder of claim 6, wherein the means for supporting the cup comprises multiple short vertical studs connected to the interior bottom of the holder to support the cup bottom.

12. The holder of claim 6, wherein the means for supporting the cup comprises multiple interior indentations around the bottom section of the cup holder.

13. The holder of claim 6, further having a flip top lid attached to said rim.

14. The holder of claim 6, wherein said means for supporting said cup within the interior wall of said first section comprise ribs arrayed about the interior wall of said top section of the cup holder.

15. The holder of claim 6, wherein the means for supporting the cup includes a strut installed lengthwise across the bottom section of the holder.

16. The holder of claim 6, wherein the exterior recessed pocket is connected to a portable platform.

17. The holder of claim 16, wherein the recessed pocket is connected to the portable platform by a nipple attached to the platform and inserted in the pocket.

18. A holder for containing a beverage cup, comprising a generally upright cylindrical container wherein the rim of said container is wider and higher than the rim of said cup; a centered portion of the bottom of said container is elevated to comprise a vertical support column for the beverage cup bottom; and further having means for supporting said cup arrayed about the interior wall of a top section of the container.

19. The cup holder of claim 18, wherein said support means comprises ribs arrayed about the interior wall of said top section of the cup holder.