Container Holder Patents (Class 220/737)
  • Publication number: 20130020339
    Abstract: This invention is related to a wine transport and storage box which transports and stores wine in a favorable state while putrefaction thereof is suppressed. The wine transport and storage box comprises a housing for accommodating one or a plurality of wine bottles, sealing means for accommodating and sealing the wine bottle therein while suppressing intrusion of putrefactive bacteria, a buffer material for protecting the wine bottle accommodated in the housing, and a cave environment enclosed space enclosing an environment in a cave in which the wine is stored. The buffer material creates an environment in which yeasts and microorganisms specific to a cave where the wine to be transported is stored can easily live and more faithfully reproduces the environment in the cave in the cave environment enclosed space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: IL PLEUT SUR LA SEINE KIKAKU, CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toru YUMITA
  • Publication number: 20130020223
    Abstract: A thermally insulating beverage holder that is easily customizable to include graphics, text, and/or photographs. The beverage holder comprises a lid, a base, a spine piece, and sleeve. The lid and base elements may be removably joined by the spine piece which holds the two elements in place and provides the proper spacing. The ends of the sleeve may be inserted into slots on either side of the spine piece with the lid and base fitting over the top and bottom edges of the sleeve, respectively. When the lid, base, spine piece, and sleeve are assembled, they define an interior cavity where a beverage container may be inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Russell James White
  • Publication number: 20130012358
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which combines a beverage holder (e.g. a mug) with a compressible device (i.e. a gripper or handgrip) that is usable as an exercise apparatus for a users hands, wrists or forearms. This dual purpose apparatus can function not only as a mug or insulator but also a squeezable exercise device where by flexing and relaxing a user's hand the user conditions their hands, wrists or forearms. The device may also include lights or audio. In some embodiments the handgrip may be detachably attached to the beverage container to allow the independent use of the holder and handgrip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: John Morris Lynn
  • Patent number: 8348091
    Abstract: Provided are plate designs that enable a user to hold a plate in one hand, together with a drinking cup in the same hand. The subject designs find use in various situations in which a user desires to hold a plate and a drinking cup simultaneously. The subject designs also find use in various situations in which a user desires to hold a plate securely, in the presence or absence of a drinking cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: John Zox
  • Publication number: 20130004636
    Abstract: The invention relates to an underlay device (1) for a transportation and presentation container (12) for food, such as fruits and/or vegetables, wherein the transportation and presentation container (12) comprises a bottom part (13) and four side wall parts (14, 14?, 14?, 14??), and the underlay device (1) has four sides walls (3, 3?, 3?, 3??) arranged in a frame shape as an underlay frame (2) of the transportation and presentation container (12) and/or at least three side walls (17, 17?, 17?) having dimensions as an underlay apparatus (16) so that the bottom part (13) of the transportation container (12) can be placed on the underlay frame (2) or the underlay apparatus (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: LEISCH BERATUNGS- UND BETEILIGUNGS-GMBH
    Inventor: Franz Leisch
  • Patent number: 8336841
    Abstract: A cup holder (1) for receiving a vessel (6) includes a drawer (2) capable of sliding inside a body (3) so as to move identically between a closed position and an open position. The drawer (2) locally includes an outer outline (9) in the shape of an open arc of a circle that engages a partial perimeter (C1) of the vessel (6). The cup holder further includes a stowable front (4) that is flush with a side of the drawer (2) when the drawer (2) is in the closed position, and that is in an inclined position relative to the drawer (2) when the drawer (2) is in the open position in order to hold the base of the vessel (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventor: Tony Ercolano
  • Publication number: 20120312829
    Abstract: A fuel container holding structure for detachably holding a fuel container 40 including a nozzle 44 in its front end portion is provided with a front end holding portion 22 for holding the front end portion of the fuel container 40 and a rear end holding portion 28 for holding a rear end portion of the fuel container 40. The front end holding portion 22 includes a connecting portion 23 to which the nozzle 44 is connected and a buffer mechanism 25, 42 disposed between the connecting portion 23 and fuel container 40. The fuel container 40 is supported by the buffer mechanism 25, 42.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki YAMAMOTO, Yasushi Yokochi
  • Publication number: 20120312830
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a cardboard bottle holder able to be supplied flat and easily configured into a secure shape able to hold a variety of different bottles and cans. The bottle holder comprises a single piece of cardboard shaped to form a generally rectangular body part having: a first slot in a first side adjacent a first end, to define a tab extending along part of the first end; and a second slot in a second side opposite the first side, adjacent a second end opposite the first end, to define a tab extending along part of the second end in the opposite direction to the first tab. The lengths of the first and second slots are designed so that they can be engaged with each other to hold the generally rectangular part in a generally cylindrical form with the ends brought together to overlap each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew P. Berry-Smith
  • Patent number: 8328152
    Abstract: A coaster or trivet includes a liquid impervious base and a liquid absorbent gel disposed on the base. The gel may comprise a hydrogel including a plurality of gel layers. Each gel layer is a different adhesive property with a first gel layer having a relatively high peel strength for contacting the base and a second gel layer having a relatively low peel strength for removably contacting a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Axelgaard Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Doug R. Jeffery
  • Patent number: 8322672
    Abstract: A container holder includes a cylindrical opening, having a side wall with a movable section which extends between a raised position, completing a cylindrical support for a container, and a lowered position providing a notch for receiving a handle of a cup. In one embodiment, a pair of adjacent cup holders are provided with a movable section extending between them. In a preferred embodiment, the movable section includes a push-push latch such that it can be pressed downwardly and remain in a retracted position for use with a handle-including container and, upon pushing a second time, is raised to accommodate a cylindrical container. In another embodiment, a damper mechanism is provided to control the motion of the movable section. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a peripheral seal near the movable section is provided to reduce or eliminate the effect of any fluid spilled on the control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Mclaughlin, Steve Norman Bazinski
  • Publication number: 20120292332
    Abstract: A serving assembly comprises a plurality of serving bowls, and an associated bowl holder for releasably retaining the serving bowls, so that the serving bowls and bowl holder can be conveniently handled as an integrated unit. The bowl holder includes a central handle portion, and a plurality of support portions extending outwardly from the handle portion, with the support portions configured to respectively receive the plurality of serving bowls. The bowl holder is provided with a plurality of retention elements which respectively engage the serving bowls so that each bowl is securely, yet releasably, retained by the bowl holder. Convenient, simultaneous serving of different food items or the like is thus facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: David Maas, Robert Kleckauskas, John P. Coursey, Bruce Ronner, Rita Sifuentes, Valorie Boldrey Langille, Charles A. Brewer, Jeffrey M. Fish
  • Publication number: 20120292334
    Abstract: A lockable glovebox cover unit is configured for mating engagement with a frame mounted on a motorcycle. The unit includes a rigid cover element presenting a front and back. Portions of the back extend outward. A locking apparatus is received through the cover and includes a rotatable latch on the back of the cover element. When the latch is placed in the locked position access to the interior of the glovebox is not possible. A keyhole is formed on the front of the cover element for access to the interior of the glovebox. Additionally, the cover unit may also be removed from the frame when unlocked. The cover element is preferably made of a synthetic resin. In particularly preferred embodiments the cover unit includes a metal flange affixed to lower portions on the back of the cover. The flange is adapted for mating, gripping engagement to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: James R. CARPENTER
  • Publication number: 20120292333
    Abstract: Several embodiments of a beverage carrier are disclosed. In one embodiment, four side walls and a bottom are joined together to form an open box-type structure. The open box-type structure comprises an opening sized and shaped to allow a disposable drink carrier to be placed inside. The beverage carrier additionally comprises an insert for placing and retrieving the disposable drink carrier inside the box-type structure, the insert comprising a frame for receiving the disposable drink carrier and placement handles connected to the frame for raising and lowering the disposable drink carrier into and out of the box-type structure. Further, the beverage carrier comprises means for removably securing the box-type structure to a portion of a vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Brett Stokes, Harry Lubin
  • Publication number: 20120286009
    Abstract: A storage and transport carrier is configured to securely hold a selected one or more of a plurality of differently-shaped fuel containers therein. The carrier includes a unitary molded body with first and second pairs of opposite side walls. The body also includes a bottom wall that extends generally between the side walls, such that surfaces of the side walls and the bottom wall cooperatively define an interior chamber of the body. The body also includes a pair of opposite elongated protrusions. Each protrusion projects upwardly from the bottom wall and is spaced laterally inwardly from a respective one of the second pair of side walls. Each of the elongated protrusions extends between opposite end margins and presents an inner container-engaging surface. The inner container-engaging surfaces are configured to engage at least a portion of one or more of the fuel containers, and thereby securely retain the same, when the containers are selectively disposed within the interior chamber of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: BLITZ U.S.A., INC.
    Inventors: Charlie L. Forbis, Harvey A. Moyer
  • Patent number: 8307966
    Abstract: A beverage holder for use with luggage having a pair of upwardly extending spaced-apart rails with a handle extending therebetween includes a beverage support member, a pair of spaced-apart elongated arms, and a pair of clips. The beverage support member has an open top and a bottom with an outer wall extending therebetween. The beverage support member is configured to receive a beverage container through the open top and hold the received beverage container. The arms extend upwardly away from the open top. A proximal end of each arm attached to the beverage support member. Each clip is at a distal end of each respective arm. The clips are configured to removably attach to the luggage handle. When attached, the clips are pivotable about the handle to maintain the beverage container in a substantially level position regardless of whether the luggage is in a tilted or a non-tilted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew B. Cummins
  • Publication number: 20120273509
    Abstract: A cup sleeve with a container has a sleeve body and a container. The container is attached securely to an outside wall of the sleeve body, and the container has an inner cavity and a top opening. With the container attached to the sleeve body, the customers can put the packed seasonings like sugar, coffee cream or even cookies in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Li-Ho YAO
  • Patent number: 8297469
    Abstract: A protective sleeve system featuring a housing having an inner cavity adapted to hold a vial. The top of the housing is at an angle with respect to the side wall forming a crater. An aperture is disposed at the narrowest part of the crater providing access to the inner cavity of the housing. Two windows are disposed in the side wall of the housing and positioned opposite each other. A drainage hole is disposed in the bottom surface of the housing and is fluidly connected to the inner cavity of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: Sharla M. Alford, Brandon Cates
  • Publication number: 20120261408
    Abstract: A thermally insulating beverage holder that is easily customizable to include graphics, text, and/or photographs. The beverage holder comprises a lid, a base, a spine piece, and sleeve. The lid and base elements may be removably joined by the spine piece which holds the two elements in place and provides the proper spacing. The ends of the sleeve may be inserted into slots on either side of the spine piece with the lid and base fitting over the top and bottom edges of the sleeve, respectively. When the lid, base, spine piece, and sleeve are assembled, they define an interior cavity where a beverage container may be inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Russell James White
  • Publication number: 20120255963
    Abstract: A extension device is a long flexible rod that is attached to a plastic cup holder and is designed to assist a disabled users who is able to drink a cold beverage from a small cup without using their hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Valerie Johneeda Rountree, Peter Helmut Meyer
  • Publication number: 20120248117
    Abstract: An environmentally efficient packaging/delivery system that is cost effective, carbon effective and readily recyclable while being very usable for dispensing liquids (primarily dairy and juice) is disclosed. The system leverages light-weight flexible refill pouches with re-sealable closures that are securely installed in re-usable carafes in the home. Single-use packaging is reduced since light-weight flexibles are used as distribution and retail packaging, and a durable carafe is used repeatedly in the home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: ECOLOGIC
    Inventors: Julie Corbett, Romeo Graham, Robert Watters, Michael Sirois
  • Patent number: 8272506
    Abstract: A novelty device for securing two or more drinking vessels to an elongated body member to facilitate simultaneous beverage consumption by two or more participants is provided, the device including threaded knob or socket means for securing the drinking vessels to the body member, and a means for securing two or more of such holding devices together so as to increase the number of potential participants, plus the device also serving as a novel medium for placement of advertising indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Neil M. Flannery, Thomas A. Flannery
  • Patent number: 8272523
    Abstract: A holder for circular containers of polish, waxes, pastes and liquids comprising a generally circular base having an underside surface cupped downward and a hollowed circular aperture having an aperture bottom and at least one vertical aperture wall adapted to frictionally accept a container. The holder includes an adapter ring having an outer diameter corresponding to the at least one vertical aperture wall and an inside diameter adapted to frictionally support the container. The downward cupped underside surface is adapted to create a vacuum adhesion to a support surface upon which it is placed when a downward pressure is applied to the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Shine Mate LLC
    Inventor: Richard P. DeMusis, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8272512
    Abstract: Food and drink trays have flat surfaces and peripheral edges with openings adapted for receiving and securely carrying a plurality of beverage and food containers. A bearing member attachable to a tray has an arched configuration and fits over the forearm of a user, while a gripping member attachable to the tray is adapted for gripping by a user's hand. A second embodiment has a pair of large circular openings on the upper surface that will hold full plates of food. The food and drink carrying tray may be made from wood, or from a lightweight material, such as plastic, and is useful for holding a plurality of beverages and plates of food when dining buffet-style in a restaurant or a home dinner party. Additional embodiments have removable grips and removable bearing members, as well as large food trays capable of receiving a variety of container-holding adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Silfred Joseph
  • Publication number: 20120234845
    Abstract: An inverted bottle holder is described for holding a bottle with a neck upside down inside a container having an exterior wall. The bottle holder includes a clip having an inner wall and an outer wall spaced to accept the exterior wall of the container in between, wherein the clip is formed having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the container, and a deck connected to the clip and extending into the container, the deck including an aperture sized to accept the neck of the bottle, such that the bottle is held upside down in the container when inserted into the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Alexander K. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120228317
    Abstract: A system and method for delivering liquid medicine from a bulk storage supply into an integral array of single dosage liquid medicine containers with control of the relative position of a dispensing point and a platform supporting the array of single dosages containers, and racking the array of containers in a storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Chris Clarke
  • Publication number: 20120228318
    Abstract: A family of reusable insulating cup handles featuring an interesting haptic “click” characteristic and a grip-enhancing resilient, tacky surface, which may be made from a variety of materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Jason P. MARTIN, Andrew G. V. OLDKNOW
  • Patent number: 8235190
    Abstract: Beverage holders adapted to attach to the upwardly extending arms of the handle assembly of a wheeled piece of luggage are described herein. The holders are adapted to twist and pivot when holding a cup with a beverage contained therein to maintain the axis of the beverage cup in a position generally orthogonal with a flat ground surface. The mechanism permitting the pivoting typically comprises a pair of opposing suspension arms that are fabricated of an elastomeric polymer that has sufficient tensile strength to support a beverage cup filled with a beverage but also has a sufficiently low flexural modulus to permit the cup to pivot when the angle of the handle assembly relative to the ground is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: FLI, LLC
    Inventors: Karen Porte, Douglas P Collins, Kenneth W House
  • Publication number: 20120196016
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the storage and/or maturation of an oxygen sensitive liquid beverage including: a vessel or tank adapted to hold a quantity of the liquid therein, said vessel having a low oxygen transfer rate from the atmosphere facilitating the reductive storage of said liquid; and a means of accommodating a gas permeable membrane, said gas permeable membrane having a high oxygen transfer rate relative to the vessel; wherein said membrane is in contact with said liquid thereby increasing the exposure of said liquid to oxygen in result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Neal PALMER
  • Publication number: 20120187136
    Abstract: Refreshment holders having a multiple element, segmented support pole that can be configured to hold accessories such as an inverted-plunger shaped beverage holder, trays, ice chests, buckets, and support stands. The refreshment holders holds beverages in an insulated beverage holder, small items such as nuts, dip, and chips, and ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Larry Smith
  • Patent number: 8220628
    Abstract: A storage assembly houses a defibrillator and enables would-be users to quickly (1) identify the defibrillator location and (2) carry the housed defibrillator to a user site. The storage assembly comprises a cover structure, a mounting assembly, and a defibrillator-restraining assembly. The cover structure comprises an open back, a closed front, a cover wall extending from the front to the back, a heart-shaped transverse cross-section. The cover wall spaces the front from the back and has a transverse periphery thereby defining a space sufficient to receive and house the defibrillator. The mounting assembly removably mounts the cover structure to a support wall, and the defibrillator-restraining assembly removably restrains the defibrillator as received within the cover structure. The cover structure may be nested with at least one additional cover structure for reducing space necessary for storage and the like. An optional alarm may be outfitted with the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: Keith W. Hochhalter, Michael T. Seiler
  • Patent number: 8220652
    Abstract: An external power supply support system includes an enclosure with indentations spanning its top and side surfaces in a substantially horizontal fashion, and a caddy with a shell-like body configured to engage at least a portion of the indented power supply enclosure. The shell-like caddy body is provided with mounting apertures spaced according to standard rack rail aperture spacing. The mounting apertures emanate from a series of integral structures bulging from the bottom surface of the shell-like caddy body. The bulging aperture structures in combination with several integral structural ribs are configured collectively to provide a substantially flat and elevated interface suitable for secure mounting of the caddy to a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Pincek, Carlo Espiritu, Jeff Hatley, Nerio Perez, Stanley S. Coe
  • Patent number: 8220655
    Abstract: A suspended tray apparatus for avoiding spillage while carrying a single open container of liquid such as a mug of coffee or a cup of tea. The apparatus of the present invention is comprised of a tray on which the beverage is placed and a rigid element extending from the side of the tray and curved such that the outer end is centered above the tray and container; a hole or other method of attaching a cord or chain to the upper end of the rigid element, allowing the tray to hang from a loop or handle, held by a person, at the upper end of the chord or chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Joshua Millstein
  • Publication number: 20120168452
    Abstract: A cup wrap made of plastics in a conical tubular shape by injection molding, having a corrugated light transmissive body wall and a bottom rim radially inwardly protruded from the bottom edge of the body wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Lien-Chuan CHEN
  • Patent number: 8210392
    Abstract: A beverage cup sleeve configured to provide multiple grip handles and additional layering for thermal buffering through reconfigurable handles. The sleeve includes a first and a second web portion corresponding to a first and a second cavity portion provided at the outer side, respectively, and a first and a second notch provided next the first and the second cavity portions, respectively, thereby providing the additional layering when either the first or the second notch fastens the corresponding web portion selected to fold out. Additionally, the strip includes a third and a fourth web portion corresponding to a third and a fourth cavity portion provided at the outer side, respectively, and a third and a fourth notch provided next to the third and the fourth cavity portions, respectively, thereby providing additional layering when either the third or the fourth notch fastens the corresponding web portion selected to fold out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventors: Ryan Kang, Daniel Kang
  • Publication number: 20120160859
    Abstract: A cup holder comprises a collar (2) and a handle (4), the collar (2) comprising a continuous loop of flexible sheet material, preferably card or cardboard, in which two opposed holes (6) are formed and which, in use, extends around and engages the outer surface of a cup. The handle (4) comprises an elongate strip of flexible sheet material, preferably card or cardboard, integral with each end of which are two elongate lugs (10) which extend divergently, the maximum distance between the outer edges of the lugs (10) being greater than the maximum dimension of the holes (6) in the direction of the length of the collar and the width of each lug (10) being less than the said maximum dimension of the holes (6), the two ends of the handle (4) being pivotally received in respective holes (6) with the two lugs (10) on one side of the collar and the adjacent portion of the handle being on the other side of the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Alison Bateman
  • Patent number: 8205767
    Abstract: An adjustable beverage container includes an outer case having a case axis. An actuator ring, is rotatably coupled to the case. The actuator ring includes an arm extension push member and an arm retraction structure. A cover ring is fixedly attached to the case. An arm having an engagement structure including a slot or tab slidingly is engaged with the arm retraction structure of the actuator ring. The arm is also rotatably attached to the case and cover ring. The arm moves into and away from said case axis when the actuator ring is rotated relative to the case about the case axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Lawlor, Jeffrey Sadao Miki
  • Publication number: 20120145731
    Abstract: An improved thermal protective sleeve is disclosed. The inventive sleeve is for use with drink cups including disposable drink cups for holding hot liquids. The inventive sleeve may be used in the conventional manner of thermal sleeves or it may be manipulated into a handle. The handle allows a user to hold a cup containing hot liquid in a manner that protects the user's hand in a situation where the liquid is so hot that holding the cup normally would be uncomfortable or dangerous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Kyung Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 8191847
    Abstract: A container holder includes a cylindrical opening, having a side wall with a movable section which extends between a raised position, completing a cylindrical support for a container, and a lowered position providing a notch for receiving a handle of a cup. In one embodiment, a pair of adjacent cup holders are provided with a movable section extending between them. In a preferred embodiment, the movable section includes a push-push latch such that it can be pressed downwardly and remain in a retracted position for use with a handle-including container and, upon pushing a second time, is raised to accommodate a cylindrical container. In another embodiment, a damper mechanism is provided to control the motion of the movable section. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a peripheral seal near the movable section is provided to reduce or eliminate the effect of any fluid spilled on the control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Mclaughlin, Steve Norman Bazinski
  • Patent number: 8191844
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a container holder for a bicycle that has a mounting member and a mating member. The mounting member facilitates mounting the container holder to a portion of the bicycle. The mating member is operatively coupled to the mounting member and is interdependently configured to inter-engage a corresponding reciprocal mating member of a container upon receipt of the container by the container holder to facilitate retention of the container by the container holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: William Pennino
  • Publication number: 20120132652
    Abstract: A cover for a food holder includes a body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the body having at least one aperture provided therein, the at least one aperture providing communication between the inner surface and the outer surface; and a serving implement having a first portion extending through the aperture along one of the inner and outer surfaces, and a second portion extending along the other of the inner and outer surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas BARBER
  • Patent number: 8186538
    Abstract: An aid is provided for dining in situations where a food holding receptacle (such as a plate) and a beverage container must be simultaneously supported by a single hand. The food holding receptacle is stably mountable on an upright beverage container. The user holds a lower portion of the beverage container in one hand and uses the other hand to take food items from the receptacle that is supported on the beverage container. In order to drink from the beverage container the user removes the receptacle from the beverage container and drinks from the beverage container. The food holding receptacle is stably mounted on the beverage container in loose-fitting relationship so the receptacle can be repeatedly mounted on and demounted from the beverage container in a facile manner. The food holding receptacle may also be used to stably support a beverage container following inversion of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Patrick MacCarthy
  • Publication number: 20120118902
    Abstract: A keg cup holder has a plurality of cup holder openings, each encircling a recessed cup support, for securely holding cups in place on top of a beer keg. A through opening in the center is provided to allow the keg pump and dispenser tube/handle to extend vertically above the keg cup holder, so as to allow for its free operation. A side wall is sized to allow the keg cup holder to fit atop standard barrel kegs. Support members extend downward from the side wall to prevent the keg cup holder from shifting and to provide added stability. To facilitate portability, the keg cup holder is preferably constructed of an inexpensive and lightweight yet robust material. In one embodiment, it may be folded into a compact position for moving and storage. A handle may be attached to the center support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Beltrante
  • Patent number: 8177123
    Abstract: A system for use in storing biopharmaceutical materials includes a holder and a container for holding biopharmaceutical materials therein. The container includes a storage portion and a sampling portion connected to each other by a connecting portion. The holder has a storage cavity receiving the storage portion and a sampling cavity receiving the sampling portion. The holder includes a first portion and second portion. The container is received between the first portion and the second portion to connect the container to the holder. The holder includes an interior storage cradle bounding the storage cavity of the holder. The holder includes an interior sampling cradle bounding the sampling cavity. The sampling cradle is separated from the storage cradle and connected to the storage cradle by a passage receiving the connecting portion connecting the storage portion to the sampling portion. An outer rim of the holder is connected to the cradle and separated from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim North America Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Voute, Jonathan Cutting, Isabelle Gay
  • Publication number: 20120111880
    Abstract: A container-supporting apparatus includes a housing, a holder, a cup-supporting body, a flap, an elastic member for urging the flap in a direction of an insertion hole, a shaft part provided on either (for example, the flap) of the holder or the flap, and a shaft-bearing part provided on the other (for example, the holder) and provided with a shaft-bearing part capable of receiving the shaft part. When the holder is stored in the housing, the cup-supporting body contacts the flap whereby the shaft part moves inside the shaft-bearing hole of the shaft-bearing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Tomoharu Izume
  • Publication number: 20120104010
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to container holders configured to provide a stable support for containers held therein in order to efficiently cool the containers after a hot-fill or elevated temperature operation. The container holders can allow a fluid to pass from an inner volume of the container holder to outside the container holder through side apertures and/or an open bottom end of the container holder. Groups of containers and container holders also may be cooled. Groups of containers in container holders can be processed through the cooling operation at a speed different from a speed for holderless containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Paul V. Kelley
  • Publication number: 20120097673
    Abstract: A modular container assembly is provided for packaging a plurality of products. The modular container assembly includes a frame and a portable container. The frame includes a plurality of edge portions that define a plurality of openings. The container includes a sidewall that defines a cavity. The container is sealable at a rim portion of the sidewall to retain a product within the cavity. The container is configured to fit within a first opening of the plurality of openings such that the rim portion is removably coupled to a first edge portion of the plurality of edge portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Spartech Corporation
    Inventors: Sandy McDonald, Nicholas Harry Zompolas
  • Publication number: 20120097691
    Abstract: Arrangeable systems and methods that provide capabilities of utilizing a single husbandry container in multiple dispositions. The systems and methods are practiced in varying combinations by differing embodiments, with many of the embodiments' husbandry containers, for example, being well suited for both alterable suspension on a repositionable member as well as stable placement as tableware. Among the parts utilized in many of embodiments are base, arrangeable member, and container portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Lesli Ott
  • Publication number: 20120097692
    Abstract: A support device includes at least one fixture and at least one support member connected with the fixture. The fixture includes an intermediate layer, an adhesive layer mounted on a first surface of the intermediate layer, a printing layer mounted on the adhesive layer, an outer layer mounted on the printing layer, a bonding layer mounted on a second surface of the intermediate layer, and a releasing layer mounted on the bonding layer. Thus, the bonding layer of the fixture is directly bonded onto a smooth surface to attach the fixture to the smooth surface without having to nail or drill the smooth surface so as to prevent from producing holes on the smooth surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Man-Chu Wang
  • Publication number: 20120091156
    Abstract: Reusable beverage sleeves and methods of use are disclosed herein. The inventive reusable beverage sleeves can be removably coupled or operatively engaged with a beverage container. The reusable beverage sleeve typically comprises a first section and a second section. The first section includes a pocket with which to store and secure various items. The second section and the first section form a generally tubular sleeve having an upper edge and a lower edge which creates an opening to receive the beverage container of a user's appendage (e.g., a wrist, forearm, ankle, or calf). The first and second sections are typically substantially comprised of a flexible fabric, such as elastic or similar elastomer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Jae Sang Lee
  • Publication number: 20120091157
    Abstract: A drinking vessel holder includes a drinking vessel receptacle arranged in a housing and a height-adjustable bottom element. The bottom element is arranged in the drinking vessel receptacle and can be displaced between an upper rest position and a lower set-down position, wherein a drinking vessel can be set down on the bottom element in the drinking vessel receptacle. A positionally adjustable supporting element prevents the drinking vessel from toppling over, and wherein the bottom element in the drinking vessel receptacle forms a first piston or else is connected to a first piston and the supporting element forms an annular piston between the housing and the drinking vessel receptacle or else is connected to at least one second piston, wherein movement of at least one of the first piston, the second piston, and the annular piston causes fluid overpressure and fluid underpressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Hans Henke, Roman Funk, Walter Mehling