Inverted container holding system

Abstract

A cost-effective and efficient system for the stable support of one or more objects on an essentially flat surface, in a position normally unstable for such objects. More specifically, a system for holding one or more inverted containers containing a food, soap or similar material in a viscous state in order to move the viscous material to the container opening, thereby storing the viscous material nearer the container opening for easier and quicker access. The system comprises a unitary body formed into a structural arch. One or more cloverleaf-shaped apertures are provided within the upper portion of the unitary body to receive the container cap and support the container. The unitary body comprises several small frictional support points.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is related to and claims priority from Applicant's prior U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/396,440, filed Jul. 17, 2002, entitled “INVERTED CONTAINER HOLDING SYSTEM”, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by their mention in this cross-reference section.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This invention relates to a cost-effective, aesthetically-pleasing and efficient system for the stable support of one or more objects, on an essentially flat surface, in a position normally unstable for such objects. More specifically, this invention provides a system for holding one or more inverted containers containing a food, soap or other material in a viscous state in order to move the viscous material to the container opening, thereby storing the viscous material nearer the container opening for easier and quicker access.

[0003] Typically, household items, such as ketchup, mustard, shampoo and conditioner are stored in plastic or glass containers. These items are often kept in the upright position. When the contents of the containers start running low, especially when the containers are not very full, it is increasingly time-consuming and difficult to get the viscous material to move to the container opening. Most of the containers are inherently unstable in an inverted position, therefore preventing the user from storing the container in a position other than upright or on one side. Typically, a user must resort to shaking and squeezing the container multiple times in order to expel the container contents. This tedious process seldom yields the entire remaining amount of material within the container within a reasonable time for the user. Frequently, the user discards the container along with a significant amount of remaining material, thereby incurring the cost of wasted material.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system for holding and supporting an object in a position normally unstable for the object.

[0005] An additional object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system for holding an inverted container in an essentially upright position.

[0006] It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system which is light in weight, is structurally sound, is aesthetically-pleasing, and may be used efficiently for the purposes indicated.

[0007] It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that may be manufactured in families of sizes, colors and coordinating patterns.

[0008] A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a holder system for holding at least one inverted container, having at least one container cap, for holding viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination: unitary body means for supporting the at least one inverted container in a stable position on a substantially horizontal surface, having at least one upper body portion, and at least one lower body portion; wherein such unitary body means comprises at least one arcuate surface having at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches, and at least one second single arch, substantially at the intersections of such first symmetrical single arches and such at least one second single arch, bottom supports for supporting such unitary body means, and in such at least one upper body portion, aperture means for loosely receiving the at least one container cap of the at least one inverted container; and wherein such holder system is structured and arranged to hold and maintain the at least one inverted container in about an upright position. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein: at least one bottom portion of such unitary body means comprises such bottom supports; such at least one upper portion of such unitary body means is narrower in length than such at least one bottom portion. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such aperture means is adapted to support at least one shoulder portion of the at least one inverted container when the at least one container cap is in such aperture means. Also, it provides such a system wherein such aperture means is substantially shamrock-shaped. In addition, it provides such a system wherein: such unitary body means comprises three such bottom supports; such at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and such at least one second single arch comprises one arched side. And, it provides such a system wherein: such unitary body means comprises four bottom supports; such at least two opposing second symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and such at least one second single arch comprises two same-shaped end arches. Further, it provides such a system wherein such unitary body means comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches.

[0010] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a holder system for holding at least one inverted container, having at least one container cap, for holding viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination: at least one unitary body adapted to support the at least one inverted container in a stable position on a substantially horizontal surface, having at least one upper body portion, and at least one lower body portion; wherein such at least one unitary body comprises at least one arcuate surface having at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches, and at least one second single arch; substantially at the intersections of such first symmetrical single arches and such at least one second single arch, bottom supports for supporting such at least one unitary body, and in such at least one upper body portion, at least one aperture for loosely receiving the at least one container cap of the at least one inverted container; and wherein such holder system is structured and arranged to hold and maintain the at least one inverted container in about an upright position. Even further, it provides such a system wherein: at least one bottom portion of such at least one unitary body comprises such bottom supports; such at least one upper portion of such at least one unitary body is narrower in length than such at least one bottom portion. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such aperture means is substantially shaped to support at least one shoulder portion of the at least one inverted container when the at least one container cap is in such at least one aperture. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one aperture is substantially shamrock-shaped.

[0011] Also, it provides such a system wherein: such at least one unitary body comprises three such bottom supports; such at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and such at least one second single arch comprises one arched side. In addition, it provides such a system wherein: such at least one unitary body comprises four bottom supports; such at least two opposing second symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and such at least one second single arch comprises two same-shaped end arches. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one unitary body comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches. Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one aperture is substantially shamrock-shaped.

[0012] Even further, it provides such a system wherein: such at least one unitary body comprises three such bottom supports; such at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and such at least one second single arch comprises one arched side. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one unitary body comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches. Even further, it provides such a system wherein: such at least one unitary body comprises four bottom supports; such at least two opposing second symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and such at least one second single arch comprises two same-shaped end arches. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one unitary body comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches.

[0013] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a holder system for simultaneously holding a plurality of inverted containers, each such plurality of inverted containers having at least one container cap, for holding viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination: at least one unitary body adapted to support the plurality of inverted containers in a stable position on a substantially horizontal surface, having at least one upper body portion, and at least one lower body portion; wherein such at least one unitary body comprises at least one arcuate surface having at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches, and at least one second single arch, substantially at the intersections of such first symmetrical single arches and such at least one second single arch, bottom supports for supporting such at least one unitary body, and in such at least one upper body portion, at least one aperture for loosely receiving the at least one container cap of the plurality of inverted containers; and wherein such holder system is structured and arranged to simultaneously hold and maintain the plurality of inverted containers in about an upright position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the inverted container holding system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the inverted container holding system according to FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of the inverted container holding system according to FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of the inverted container holding system according to FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a sectional view through the section 5-5 of FIG. 3.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred tripod embodiment of the inverted container holding system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a side view of the inverted container holding system according to FIG. 6.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a top view of the inverted container holding system according to FIG. 6.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a sectional view through the section 9-9 of FIG. 8.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a side view of the inverted container holding system according to FIG. 6 (from the left).

[0024] FIG. 11 is another side view of the inverted container holding system according to FIG. 6 (from the right).

[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an additional preferred embodiment of the inverted container holding system capable of simultaneously supporting two inverted containers according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 12 supporting in an inverted position, two inverted containers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In the design of supporting structures the inherent strength of the arch-shape is well-known. Curved structural spans may be designed to efficiently hold applied loads of nearly any weight. It is also well-known that the pressure applied to a support surface by a resting object of a given weight increases as the contact area of support is reduced. Aspects of the present invention efficiently combine and utilize, in a new and useful manner, the above-mentioned properties, as will be apparent upon reading the teachings of this specification.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the inverted container holding system 50, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Embodiment 80 preferably comprises a unitary body 82, adapted to stably support inverted container 104′ on a horizontal surface 600 (see FIG. 2), such as a table (herein embodying unitary body means for supporting the at least one inverted container in a stable position on a substantially horizontal surface), as shown. Preferably, unitary body 82 comprises a smoothly-arched member (herein embodying at least one arcuate surface), comprising an essentially parabolic structural section having multiple arcuate edges 84, 86, 88 and 90, as shown. Preferably, arcuate edges 84 and 86 each define end arch(es) 92 and 92′, and arcuate edges 88 and 90 each define shorter side arch(es) 94 and 94′, as shown. Preferably, the opposing end arch(es) 92 and 92′ are essentially parabolic and symmetrical, as are side arch(es) 94 and 94′ (herein embodying wherein such unitary body means comprises at least one arcuate surface having at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches, and at least one second single arch, and further herein embodying such at least two opposing second symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and such at least one second single arch comprises two same-shaped end arches, and further herein embodying wherein such unitary body means comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches), as shown. Preferably, the lower portion 57 (herein embodying at least one lower body portion) of unitary body 82 is supported along four base point(s) 95, 97, 99 and 101, as shown (herein embodying wherein such unitary body means comprises four bottom supports). Preferably, a base point (for example, as base point 97) is positioned at the intersections of an end arch (such as end arch 92) and a side arch (for example, side arch 94), as shown (herein embodying substantially at the intersections of such first symmetrical single arches and such at least one second single arch, bottom supports for supporting such unitary body means, and herein embodying wherein at least one bottom portion of such unitary body means comprises such bottom supports). The upper portion of embodiment 80, between end arch apex point 102 and end arch apex point 102′, further comprises a top portion 96 (herein embodying at least one upper body portion), as shown. Preferably, embodiment 80 comprises a single opening 100. Preferably, the single opening 100 is centered between end arch apex point 102 and end arch apex point 102′, as shown. Preferably, the single opening 100 is sized to permit a container cap 104 of about 1.25 inch diameter to loosely pass through it (herein embodying in such at least one upper body portion, aperture means for loosely receiving the at least one container cap of the at least one inverted container).

[0029] A preferred range of accommodated container cap 104 diameters is typically about 0.75 to 1.25 inches. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as specific product application, other sizes of opening 100, such as to fit a larger or smaller container, may suffice. A majority of viscous liquid product containers are designed with a stable base portion and an upper dispensing portion (typically a snap, screw or twist cap) generally located opposite the stable base. The structure of the upper dispensing portion is seldom designed to perform as a stable support for the container. Inverted container holding system 50 is preferably adapted to hold and stably support a container in what is normally an unstable position for the container (herein embodying wherein such holder system is structured and arranged to hold and maintain the at least one inverted container in about an upright position). In the example of FIG. 1, container cap 104 is passed through opening 100 until an upper portion (now inverted) of inverted container 104′ rests against top portion 96 of unitary base 82, as shown. The preferred arrangement of inverted container holding system 50 engages container cap 104 to prevent overturning of inverted container 104′, thereby permitting inverted container 104′ to be maintained in an essentially upright position.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a side view of embodiment 80 of the inverted container holding system 50, according to FIG. 1. Preferably, the arching form of unitary base 82 comprises a shape closely approaching that of a parabola, as shown. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as structural integrity and weight of supported load, other generally curving shapes, such as circular segments, elliptical segments or multifaceted polygons, may suffice for the design of unitary base 82. Preferably, unitary base 82 is essentially symmetrical about an axis 106, preferably passing through end arch 92 at end arch apex point 102, as shown. Although embodiment 80 may comprise a number of preferred heights, embodiment 80 most preferably comprises a height A of about 2.93 inches, as shown.

[0031] Under a container load (indicated by load 500) an outward thrust (indicated by arrows 502 and 502′) is generated within the arched form of unitary body 82. This thrust is resisted, in part, by the structural rigidity of the system's material of construction. It is noted that the highly-preferred arrangement of three or four splayed support points, having relatively small areas of contact (thereby developing highly concentrated points of friction), assists substantially in resisting the outward thrust imposed on unitary body 82 under load. This thrust-resisting feature permits the use of structurally lighter materials, thereby reducing the overall material cost and weight of inverted container holding system 50.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a top view of embodiment 80 of the inverted container holding system 50, according to FIG. 1. Single opening 100 most preferably comprises a cloverleaf shape, although, those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as diverse container shapes and aesthetic preferences, other shapes for single opening 100, such as round or elliptical, may suffice. The preferred size of opening 100 is as described in FIG. 8, below. Preferably, the primary area of container support is at shoulder portions 105 (see inverted container 104′ of FIG. 1). Preferably, opening 100 comprises an arrangement of convex edges 134, 136, 138 and 140, providing stable support points to both shoulder portions 105 and portions of container cap 104, as shown (herein embodying wherein such aperture means is adapted to support at least one shoulder portion of the at least one inverted container when the at least one container cap is in such aperture means). In has been found that the symmetrical array (forming the highly-preferred cloverleaf shape) of convex edges 134, 136, 138 and 140 provides an unexpectedly stable support for inverted container 104′.

[0033] Preferably, unitary base 82 of embodiment 80 is essentially symmetrical about axis 106, as well as about axis 106′, as shown. Although embodiment 80 may comprise a diverse range of preferred widths and lengths, embodiment 80 most preferably comprises a width B of about 3.34 inches, and a preferred length C of about 3.98 inches, as shown.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a side view of embodiment 80 of the inverted container holding system 50, according to FIG. 1. To provide a high degree of stability to the system during support, the width C between base point(s) 97 and 99 is wider than top portion 96 between end arch apex point(s) 102, 102′, as shown (herein embodying such at least one upper portion of such unitary body means is narrower in length than such at least one bottom portion). Preferably, top portion 96 between end arch apex point(s) 102, 102′ comprises width F of about 2.53 inches, as shown.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a sectional view through the section 5-5 of FIG. 3, illustrating the preferred arrangement of embodiment 80 of the inverted container holding system 50. Inverted container holding system 50 is preferably constructed from a substantially rigid material capable of sustaining the compressive weight of the supported container, while simultaneously resisting the outward thrust generated within the arch. Inverted container holding system 50 is preferably constructed from a rigid thermoplastic, preferably an injection-moldable grade of polypropylene, having a preferred thickness of between about 3.5 mm to about 2 mm. Other highly-preferred materials include formed acrylic, preferably having a grip-assisting, sand-blasted finish. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as cost and intended use, other materials, such as metals, including aluminum, plastics such as polyethylene, PVC, ABS, hard and semi-hard rubbers and urethanes, may suffice for use in producing inverted container holding system 50.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred tripod embodiment 380 of the inverted container holding system 50, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Embodiment 380 preferably comprises a unitary body 382 adapted to stably support inverted container 104′ on a horizontal surface 600, such as a table or countertop (herein embodying unitary body means and, for supporting the at least one inverted container in a stable position on a substantially horizontal surface), as shown, referably, unitary body 382 comprises a smoothly-arched member (comprising an essentially parabolic section) having multiple arcuate edges 384, 386, and 388, as shown. Preferably, arcuate edges 384 and 386 each define end arch(es) 392 and 392′, and arcuate edge 388 and 90 defines a shorter side arch 394, as shown (herein embodying such at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and such at least one second single arch comprises one arched side). Preferably, the opposing end arch(es) 392 and 392′ are essentially symmetrical, as shown. Preferably, the unitary body 382 is supported along three base point(s) 395, 397, and 399, as shown (herein embodying substantially at the intersections of such first symmetrical single arches and such at least one second single arch, bottom supports for supporting such at least one unitary body, and further herein embodying wherein such unitary body means comprises three such bottom supports). The preferred use of three support points permits the system to achieve the highest degree of stability on any planar support surface. Preferably, two base points 397 and 399 are formed at the intersections of end arch(es) 392 and 392′, and the single side arch 394, as shown. Preferably, the third base point 395 is formed at the intersection of end arch(es) 392 and 392′, as shown. The upper portion of embodiment 380, between end arch apex point 302 and end arch apex point 302′, further comprises a top portion 396, as shown. Preferably, embodiment 80 comprises a single opening 100. Preferably, the single opening 300 is centered between end arch apex point 302 and end arch apex point 302′, as shown. Preferably, the single opening 300 permits a container cap 104 (see FIG. 1) of about 1.25 inch diameter to pass through it. As in the prior embodiments, the preferred range of accommodated container cap 104 diameter is typically about 0.75 to 1.25 inches. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as specific product application, other opening 300 sizes, such as to fit a larger or smaller container, may suffice.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a side view of embodiment 380 of the inverted container holding system 50, according to FIG. 6. Preferably, the side profile of unitary base 382 comprises a shape closely approaching that of a parabola, as shown. Those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as structural integrity and supported load, other generally curving structural shapes, such as circular segments, elliptical segments or multifaceted polygons may suffice for the design of unitary base 382. Although embodiment 380 may comprise a number of preferred heights, embodiment 380 most preferably comprises a height G of about 2.93 inches, as shown.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a top view of embodiment 380 of the inverted container holding system 50, according to FIG. 6. Single opening 300 most preferably comprises a cloverleaf shape, although, those skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings of this specification, will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as diverse container shapes and aesthetic preferences, other shapes for single opening 300, such as round or elliptical, may suffice. Preferably, the primary area of container support is at shoulder portions 105 (with continued reference to the inverted container 104′ of FIG. 1). Preferably, opening 300 comprises an arrangement of convex edges 334, 336, 338 and 340, providing stable support points to both shoulder portions 105 (see FIG. 1), and portions of container cap 104, as shown (herein embodying wherein such aperture means is adapted to support at least one shoulder portion of the at least one inverted container when the at least one container cap is in such aperture means). As previously described, it has been found that the highly-preferred cloverleaf shape formed by the array of convex edges 334, 336, 338 and 340 provides an unexpectedly stable support for inverted container 104′ (herein embodying wherein such holder system is structured and arranged to hold and maintain the at least one inverted container in about an upright position). Although opening 300 may comprise a diverse range of preferred widths and lengths, opening 300 most preferably comprises a width K of about 1.35 inches, and a preferred length J of about 1.65 inches, as shown.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a sectional view through the section 9-9 of FIG. 8. To provide a high measure of stability to the system during support, the lower portion 357 between base point(s) 397 and 399 is wider than top portion 396 between end arch apex point(s) 302, 302′, as shown (herein embodying such at least one upper portion of such unitary body means is narrower in length than such at least one bottom portion). Preferably, top portion 396 between end arch apex point(s) 302, 302′ comprises width L of about 2.50 inches, and the lower portion 357 between base point(s) 397 and 399 comprises a preferred width M of about 3.86 inches, as shown.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a side view of embodiment 380 of the inverted container holding system, according to FIG. 6.

[0041] FIG. 11 is another side view of embodiment 380 of the inverted container holding system, according to FIG. 6.

[0042] In reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, with continued reference to the prior figures, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an additional preferred embodiment 160 of the inverted container holding system 50, capable of simultaneously supporting two inverted containers, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment 160 of FIG. 12 supporting in an inverted position, two inverted containers. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 illustrate embodiment 160. Preferably, embodiment 160 comprises a unitary body 162 adapted to permit a plurality of containers to be supported on a horizontal surface 600, such as a table (herein embodying at least one unitary body adapted to support the plurality of inverted containers in a stable position on a substantially horizontal surface). As in previous embodiments, unitary body 162 preferably comprises multiple arcuate edges 164, 166, 168 and 170, as shown. Preferably, arcuate edges 166 and 170 each define end arch(es) 172 and 172′, and arcuate edges 164 and 168 each define shorter side arch(es) 174 and 174′, as shown. Preferably, the opposing end arch(es) 172 and 172′ are essentially symmetrical, as are side arch(es) 174 and 174′, as shown. The unitary body 162 further preferably comprises an upper portion having two openings 178 and 180, as shown (herein embodying in such at least one upper body portion, at least one aperture for loosely receiving the at least one container cap of the plurality of inverted containers).

[0043] The openings 178 and 180 are illustrated as round openings; however, under appropriate circumstances, such as to accommodate a specific container, they may be elliptical, or most preferably, cloverleaf-shaped, as illustrated in the previous embodiments of the inverted container holding system 50. Under appropriate circumstances, additional openings other than opening(s) 178 and 180, shapes and arrangements may also suffice. Further illustrated in FIG. 13 are container(s) 182 and 184 held in the preferred inverted and substantially upright position (herein embodying wherein such holder system is structured and arranged to simultaneously hold and maintain the plurality of inverted containers in about an upright position). Preferably, containers 182 and 184 sit in the openings 178 and 180, as shown, and are supported by the unitary body 162, as shown.

[0044] In a preferred method of design and manufacture, the arches, contours and curves of the above embodiments are created utilizing 3-dimensional modeling, preferably, Adobe Illustrator® Version 9, preferably utilizing, in combination, Rational-B splines manipulated in a plane view and converted to generate 3-dimensional images in Pro Engineer Software® Version 2001. Preferably, the 3-dimensional images are then used to prototype the product and eventually to “burn” steel for injection-molding tooling. These processes include using Acrylic sheet laser cutting, router cutting, and bending after heating, and bending the shapes during cooling of the acrylic, while using a wooden plug tool.

[0045] Preferably, all of the above-described embodiments may comprise an optional non-skid coating, preferably, Urethane or Santoprene, or Alcryn material. Preferably, coverage is from the base support points upward to about one-half inch. Under appropriate circumstances, other material or non-skid arrangements may suffice. Preferably, the non-skid material is part of the material injection-molding process.

[0046] Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.

Claims

1) A holder system for holding at least one inverted container, having at least one container cap, for holding viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination:

a) unitary body means for supporting the at least one inverted container in a stable position on a substantially horizontal surface, having at least one upper body portion, and at least one lower body portion;

b) wherein said unitary body means comprises

i) at least one arcuate surface having at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches, and at least one second single arch,

ii) substantially at the intersections of said first symmetrical single arches and said at least one second single arch, bottom supports for supporting said unitary body means, and

iii) in said at least one upper body portion, aperture means for loosely receiving the at least one container cap of the at least one inverted container; and

c) wherein said holder system is structured and arranged to hold and maintain the at least one inverted container in about an upright position.

2) The system according to claim 1 wherein:

a) at least one bottom portion of said unitary body means comprises said bottom supports;

b) said at least one upper portion of said unitary body means is narrower in length than said at least one bottom portion.

3) The system according to claim 1 wherein said aperture means is adapted to support at least one shoulder portion of the at least one inverted container when the at least one container cap is in said aperture means.

4) The system according to claim 3 wherein said aperture means is substantially shamrock-shaped.

5) The system according to claim 1 wherein:

a) said unitary body means comprises three said bottom supports;

b) said at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and

c) said at least one second single arch comprises one arched side.

6) The system according to claim 1 wherein:

a) said unitary body means comprises four bottom supports;

b) said at least two opposing second symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and

c) said at least one second single arch comprises two same-shaped end arches.

7) The system according to claim 1 wherein said unitary body means comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches.

8) A holder system for holding at least one inverted container, having at least one container cap, for holding viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination:

a) at least one unitary body adapted to support the at least one inverted container in a stable position on a substantially horizontal surface, having at least one upper body portion, and at least one lower body portion;

b) wherein said at least one unitary body comprises

i) at least one arcuate surface having at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches, and at least one second single arch.

ii) substantially at the intersections of said first symmetrical single arches and said at least one second single arch, bottom supports for supporting said at least one unitary body, and

iii) in said at least one upper body portion, at least one aperture for loosely receiving the at least one container cap of the at least one inverted container; and

iv) wherein said holder system is structured and arranged to hold and maintain the at least one inverted container in about an upright position.

9) The system according to claim 8 wherein:

a) at least one bottom portion of said at least one unitary body comprises said bottom supports;

b) said at least one upper portion of said at least one unitary body is narrower in length than said at least one bottom portion.

10) The system according to claim 8 wherein said aperture means is substantially shaped to support at least one shoulder portion of the at least one inverted container when the at least one container cap is in said at least one aperture.

11) The system according to claim 10 wherein said at least one aperture is substantially shamrock-shaped.

12) The system according to claim 8 wherein:

a) said at least one unitary body comprises three said bottom supports;

b) said at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and

c) said at least one second single arch comprises one arched side.

13) The system according to claim 8 wherein:

a) said at least one unitary body comprises four bottom supports;

b) said at least two opposing second symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and

c) said at least one second single arch comprises two same-shaped end arches.

14) The system according to claim 8 wherein said at least one unitary body comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches.

15) The system according to claim 9 wherein said at least one aperture is substantially shamrock-shaped.

16) The system according to claim 15 wherein:

a) said at least one unitary body comprises three said bottom supports;

b) said at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and

c) said at least one second single arch comprises one arched side.

17) The system according to claim 16 wherein said at least one unitary body comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches.

18) The system according to claim 15 wherein:

a) said at least one unitary body comprises four bottom supports;

b) said at least two opposing second symmetrical single arches comprise two same-shaped end arches; and

c) said at least one second single arch comprises two same-shaped end arches.

19) The system according to claim 18 wherein said at least one unitary body comprises at least two essentially parabolic arches.

20) A holder system for simultaneously holding a plurality of inverted containers, each such plurality of inverted containers having at least one container cap, for holding viscous substances in an inverted position between uses, comprising, in combination:

a) at least one unitary body adapted to support the plurality of inverted containers in a stable position on a substantially horizontal surface, having at least one upper body portion, and at least one lower body portion;

b) wherein said at least one unitary body comprises

i) at least one arcuate surface having at least two opposing first symmetrical single arches, and at least one second single arch.

ii) substantially at the intersections of said first symmetrical single arches and said at least one second single arch, bottom supports for supporting said at least one unitary body, and

iii) in said at least one upper body portion, at least one aperture for loosely receiving the at least one container cap of the plurality of inverted containers; and

iv) wherein said holder system is structured and arranged to simultaneously hold and maintain the plurality of inverted containers in about an upright position.