Absorbent coaster usable as insert for drink holders

Abstract

An absorbent insert for drink holders such as coasters and cup holders in vehicles has a size and shape to be retained within the drink holder. Most often, the insert will be a circle having a 2 ¾ inch diameter. The insert is placed within the drink holder. The insert is made of absorbent cellulose material, such as sold by 3M under the name Cellulose Sponge F11, F12, F13. The cellulose absorbs condensation and any additional liquid, such as from spills. Initially, the insert is {fraction (1/16)}th of an inch but expands upon absorbing fluids. When fully saturated, the insert expands to ½ inch thickness. The increase in thickness is an indicator that the insert should be replaced. The insert is an inexpensive, effective method of absorbing spills and maintaining a clean drink holder.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/499,344, filed Sep. 3, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Almost all cars come with a plurality of drink holders for use by occupants. Drivers, on their way to work, and children on long trips, often drink beverages in the car. The beverages, either in a cup or can, are stored in drink holders molded into the vehicle interior. The combination of condensation on the drink container and spills cause the drink holder to accumulate liquid. The accumulation of the liquid in the drink holder is undesirable as it requires the drink holder to be cleaned.

Whenever beverages are consumed, condensation and spills will contribute to the accumulation of liquid on the surface of which the drink is placed. The accumulated liquid can cause stains and damages on the surface and, at the very least, must be removed at some point in time. To combat the problem of accumulated liquid from beverages, coasters are often employed to collect the liquid and prevent it from reaching the surface on which the drink rests.

The prior art discloses coasters, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,352 (Kvalvog) having an absorbent bottom layer.

There is a need in the prior art for a coaster which can be used as an insert for a vehicle cup holder reducing the need for the cup holder to be cleaned.

It is an object of the invention to provide a coaster made of absorbent material, having a visual indication when the coaster has reached the end of its useful life.

It is another object of the invention to provide a coaster that increases in thickness upon absorbing liquid.

It is another object of the invention to provide a coaster sized to fit within the bottom of a vehicle cup holder.

It is another object of the invention to provide an absorbent insert that is removable from a vehicle cup holder.

It is another object of the invention to provide an absorbent coaster that is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading the disclosure of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An absorbent insert for drink holders such as coasters and cup holders in vehicles has a size and shape to be retained within the drink holder. Most often, the insert will be a circle having a 2¾ inch diameter.

The insert is placed within the drink holder. The insert is made of absorbent cellulose material, such as sold by 3M under the name Cellulose Sponge F11, F12, F13. The cellulose absorbs condensation and any additional liquid. Initially, the insert is {fraction (1/16)}th of an inch but expands upon absorbing fluids. When fully saturated, the insert expands to {fraction (1/2)} inch thickness. This increase in thickness is an indicator that the insert should be replaced. The insert is an inexpensive, effective method of absorbing spills and maintaining a clean drink holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the coaster.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a coaster 10 made of absorbent material that increases in thickness upon absorbing liquid. The coaster could be made of any size and shape. When used as an insert for a vehicle cup holder, it is preferable that the coaster be circular and have a diameter of 2¾ inches. Cup holders in vehicles today have a standard size and shape and it has been found that these dimensions are suitable for using the insert in a vehicle cup holder.

The coaster is made of any material which increases in thickness upon absorbing liquid. A cellulose sponge, commercially available from a company, such as 3M, is a suitable material. Initially, the insert is {fraction (1/16)}th of an inch but expands upon absorbing fluids. When fully saturated, the insert expands to {fraction (1/2)} inch thickness, giving a visual indication that the insert needs to be replaced.

The sponge is able to receive graphics so that the insert may be provided with any kind of decoration, advertisement, or any indicia, desired by the manufacturer or end user. Whether in use as a coaster, or as an insert in a vehicle cup holder, the coaster will absorb condensation and spills from a drink placed on it. When absorbing liquid, the thickness of the coaster increases, giving a visual indication that the coaster has become fully saturated. This visual indication serves as a signal to the end user that the insert should be removed and replaced with a new coaster. The coaster is easily replaced, even when placed at the bottom of a vehicle cup holder.

The coaster is an absorbent material giving visual indication when the limit of its water absorption has been reached. The cellulose sponge, used as the material for the coaster, is easily formed into any shape and size, to fit any particular need. In addition, the ability to accept graphics increases its commercial appeal.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, variations and modifications would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The invention encompasses such variations and modifications which do not depart from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for protecting cup holders, comprising

placing an absorbent insert at the bottom of the cup holder,

retaining a container in said cup holder, and

replacing said absorbent insert when said insert provides visual indication of being fully saturated.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein

said visual indication is an increase in thickness of said insert.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said cup holder is in a vehicle.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming said insert from cellulose sponge.